AG67T0S150022-final.docx

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

1 REQUISITION NO.

739877

2. CONTRACT NO.

3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE

4. ORDER NO.

5. SOLICITATION NO.

AG-67T0-S-15-0022

6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

May 14, 2015

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL

a. NAME Brenda Anderson

b. TELEPHONE NO. (No collect calls)

(605) 673-9323

8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIME

June 18, 2015 (1600 MDT)

9. ISSUED BY CODE

USDA Forest Service R2 NT-RMAST Black Hills National Forest 1019 N Fifth St Custer SD 57730-8214

(605) 673-9200 bjanderson@fs.fed.us

|_| UNRESTRICTED

|_| SET ASIDE: 100 % FOR

|_| SMALL BUSINESS

DESTINATION UNLESS BLOCK IS MARKED

|_| SEE SCHEDULE

|_| 13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED ORDER UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

|_| RFP

15. DELIVER TO CODE

67T0

Black Hills National Forests Counties in both South Dakota and Wyoming Brenda Anderson (605) 673-9323

17a. CONTRACTOR/

ADDRESS

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

67T0

TELEPHONE NO. ( ) -

Email: @ .

Administrative Address Block 9 via Dept. Treasure Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) See G.3 for payment information

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

DUNS #:

Cage Code:

See Schedule of Items All Contractors must be actively registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) to be eligible for award under this solicitation. This is a free service. If you are inactive or unregistered at the time of proposal receipt, you may be unresponsive.

Attac

Please annotate the solicitation number on the outside of your envelope and return your quote to the address in Block 9 to the attention of the CO listed in Block 7.

(Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

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

|_| 27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA |X| ARE |_| ARE NOT ATTACHED.

|_| 27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA |_| ARE |_| ARE NOT ATTACHED.

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) 31c. DATE SIGNED

34. VOUCHER NUMBER

35. AMOUNT VERIFIED CORRECT FOR

39. S/R VOUCHER NO.

1. PAID BY

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

AG-67T0-S-15-0022

BKF Botany IDIQ

AG-67T0-S-14-0023

Bighorn and Shoshone Hazardous Fuels IDIQ

SECTION B SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

B.1 SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

The proposed Item prices will be used to determine the maximum price of each item number. Task Orders shall be issued and firms may bid only for line items of work which were awarded as a result of the technical evaluation of the proposal submitted.

The Contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, transportation, materials, and equipment necessary to perform the work as described.

Proposals shall be valid for 60 days after the date of receipt for the solicitation. If additional time is needed, an extension will be requested. Refer to Section L for instructions on preparing your proposal and pricing.

B.2 ESTIMATED QUANTITY

All quantities listed in the contract schedule are estimates only and do not reflect actual quantities to be surveyed over the life of the contract. Actual quantities to be surveyed in any given year are dependent on the needs of the Forest, weather conditions and/or budget. Only certain bid items may be included on a task order in any given year. The number of acres to be surveyed, the maximum dollar limits, or a combination of such will be used to determine maximum survey limits on any given task order.

It is anticipated that more than one contract may result from this solicitation. This is an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract. The bid total will be determined for evaluation by taking the quantity times the maximum unit price. This contract has four options which may be exercised by the Government. Reference FAR 52.216-18, FAR 52.216-19, FAR 52.216-22, and AGAR 452.216-72.

Travel charges include travel, per diem, or other mobilization costs for each round trip to each Forest listed are to be included in the unit prices.

For additional information on location of project sites, see Section C.1.2.

Prices provided are to be the maximum price a contractor can bid for those tasks on a task order. Individual task orders will be competitively issued between contractors awarded under this program in accordance Section G.1. Orders may be issued by fascimile or by electronic commerce methods (email).

Notes:

1. Unit prices prevail.

2. Each successful contractor will be guaranteed the stated minimum amount or an award of a task order equaling or exceeding guaranteed minimum amount during the base year only. Option Year renewals do not carry the guaranteed minimum.

3. All contractors being awarded a contract under this anticipated multiple award IDIQ solicitation will be given a fair opportunity to competitively quote on individual task orders. See section G.1 for information on issuance of task orders.

4. Base and Option year dates are identified on the schedule of items in the title.(Also Reference FAR 52.216-18 ORDERING (OCT 1995)) Each contractor is required to state their estimated maximum capability for performing this type of work subject to the following criteria.

My yearly capacity identified above is broken down into a seasonal capacity to complete:

Acres Botanical Surveys:

Low Probability; Moderate Probability; High Probability;

Acres Survey and floristic inventory of the vascular plants:

Low Probability; Moderate Probability; High Probability;

Acres Inventory of bryophyte species:

Low Probability; Moderate Probability; High Probability;

Acres surveys for lichen species:

Low Probability; Moderate Probability; High Probability;

This estimate addresses the likelihood of Task Orders running concurrently, given that multiple districts may be surveying on similar dates. I understand that my ability to respond to spikes in the demand for service work is an evaluation factor used by the Forest Service for award of the initial contract.

Non Discrimination Statement The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

AG-67T0-S-15-0022

BKF Botany IDIQ

(Award date – 3/31/2016) Option Year 1(Opt1) (4/1/2016 – 3/31/2017) Option Year 2 (Opt2) (4/1/2017 – 3/31/2018)

*Item Number will be referred to by the Item No. followed by year being referenced (IE: 1-Base, 7-Opt4)

(4/1/2018-3/31/2019) Option Year 4 (Opt4) (4/1/2019 – 3/31/2020)

*Item Number will be referred to by the Item No. followed by year being referenced (IE: 1-Base, 7-Opt4)

B.3 Task Orders The following three task orders will be reviewed and evaluated with your proposal. These are three actual task orders that will be awarded at the time we award the master IDIQ contracts. Please remember that the previous prices were your competitive “Maximum” prices you will charge for that type of work. The task order prices should be lower as you have actual locations and a defined statement of work.

GENERAL INFORMATION: (Contractor to complete yellow highlighted areas) Contract Number: AG-67T0-C-15- Contractor:

Task Order Number: 01 – 2015-South Beaver Tail

DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

Task/ Difficulty Level

Special Considerations:

Supplemental Information are included with this package via E-mail. All questions must be directed to the Contracting Officer (CO). Contact the CO if larger maps are needed.

Request for Quotation (EmailRFQ) cover sheet is due to the CO by Thursday June 11, 2015 at 4:00 p.m.

If the contractor cannot meet the “Desired Start Date” and the “Contract Completion Time” identified by number of calendar days referenced on the Task Order, an alternate schedule must accompany your quote (address under “Comments” section below). Contractor may offer only one quote and accompanying schedule per Task Order. The contractor’s ability to meet the “Desired Start Date” and the “Contract Completion Time”, is an evaluation factor considered in the procedures used for deciding upon final award of a task order. (see “G.1 Issuance of Task Orders” of your master contract package).

Comments:

Contractor's Signature/Company: /s/ Date:

Contract Number: AG-67T0-C-15- Contractor:

Task Order Number: 02 – 2015-Odakota

DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

This task order is broken down into base and optional items. Base items are funded. Optional items will be included on this task order depending upon availability of funding.

Base Items Task/ Difficulty Level

Optional Items (To be determined at the time of award of task order.)

Task/ Difficulty Level

Supplemental Information are included with this package via E-mail. All questions must be directed to the Contracting Officer (CO). Contact the CO if larger maps are needed.

Request for Quotation (EmailRFQ) cover sheet is due to the CO by Thursday June 11, 2015 at 4:00 p.m.

If the contractor cannot meet the “Desired Start Date” and the “Contract Completion Time” identified by number of calendar days referenced on the Task Order, an alternate schedule must accompany your quote (address under “Comments” section below). Contractor may offer only one quote and accompanying schedule per Task Order. The contractor’s ability to meet the “Desired Start Date” and the “Contract Completion Time”, is an evaluation factor considered in the procedures used for deciding upon final award of a task order. (see “G.1 Issuance of Task Orders” of your master contract package).

Comments:

Contract Number: AG-67T0-C-15- Contractor:

Task Order Number: 03 – 2015-Little Bear

DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

Task/ Difficulty Level

Supplemental Information are included with this package via E-mail. All questions must be directed to the Contracting Officer (CO). Contact the CO if larger maps are needed.

Request for Quotation (EmailRFQ) cover sheet is due to the CO by Thursday June 11, 2015 at 4:00 p.m.

If the contractor cannot meet the “Desired Start Date” and the “Contract Completion Time” identified by number of calendar days referenced on the Task Order, an alternate schedule must accompany your quote (address under “Comments” section below). Contractor may offer only one quote and accompanying schedule per Task Order. The contractor’s ability to meet the “Desired Start Date” and the “Contract Completion Time”, is an evaluation factor considered in the procedures used for deciding upon final award of a task order. (see “G.1 Issuance of Task Orders” of your master contract package).

Comments:

Section C - Performance Work Statement (PWS)

SECTION 1: GENERAL

1.1. SCOPE OF WORK: The project is identified as an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with optional year renewals covering botanical surveys of areas designated in Task Orders. These Task Orders will cover a variety of projects for each of the next five years, on Ranger Districts across the Black Hills National Forest. Large watershed scale planning units will be surveyed for timber harvesting activities, range management, prescribed fire, and a host of other activities. This Performance Work Statement consists of completing tasks in accordance with Section 5, and performance requirements in Section 7 of this document. Tasks to be completed will be stipulated in each Task Order.

1.1.1. The purpose of this work is to collect information to be used in making management decisions. Information collected will be shared with the Wyoming and South Dakota Heritage Programs.

1.2. LOCATION DESCRIPTION: All contract areas are located on the Black Hills National Forest in Wyoming and South Dakota (Section J; Exhibit 1for a BHNF vicinity map and Exhibit 2, Exhibit 3, Exhibit 4, and Exhibit 5 for District maps). Specific site maps identifying project areas will accompany all Task Orders. The project areas may or may not be marked on the ground.

1.3. ACCESSIBILITY: All work areas may be reached by one or a combination of the following: driving on standard Forest Service roads, driving on four-wheel drive roads, and by walking. Walking distances will vary with each Task Order and will be considered incidental to the work. No additional payment will be made. The Government will not provide special maintenance to keep roads open. Spur roads are not maintained and are frequently blocked by earth barriers.

1.4. CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATIVE: The Contractor shall provide a Contractor Representative for the performance of the work. The name of the Contractor Representative and any alternative(s) who may act for the Contractor when the Contractor is absent shall be designated in writing to the Contracting Officer. The Contractor Representative or alternate(s) shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all matters relating to daily operation of the contract.

1.5. QUALITY CONTROL: The Contractor shall establish and maintain a Quality Control Plan to ensure the requirements of the contract are being met as specified. One copy of the Contractor’s Quality Control Plan shall be provided to the Contracting Officer and updated copies shall be provided to the Contracting Officer as changes occur. The Quality Control Plan shall be a one-time submittal effective for the life of this contract and covering all tasks in this contract. The Quality Control Plan shall be submitted to the CO within 10 working days after the contract award and shall include the following:

1.5.1. An inspection system covering all the tasks in the contract. It must specify how often inspections will be accomplished, and the title of the individual(s) who will perform the inspections.

1.5.2. The methods for identifying and preventing defects in the quality of service performed before performance becomes unacceptable.

1.5.3. On-site records of all inspections conducted by the Contractor and necessary corrective action taken. This documentation shall be made available to the Government during the term of the contract.

1.6. GOVERNMENT REVIEW: The Government will review the Contractor Quality Control Plan to determine if it is adequate. If the plan is adequate, the Government will accept the plan. If the plan is not adequate as submitted, the deficiencies will be identified to the Contractor in writing. The Contractor shall correct all identified deficiencies and submit a corrected Contractor Quality Control Plan within ten working days or contract start date, whichever is sooner. The Government will also periodically review the manner in which the Contractor is conducting the quality control program by either reviewing the Contractor’s records, observing actual performance, or both.

SECTION 2: DEFINITIONS

2. DEFINITIONS

2.1. STANDARD DEFINITIONS:

2.1.1. Biobased Products: A product determined by the Secretary of Agriculture(USDA) to be a commercial or industrial product (other than food or feed) that is composed, in whole or in significant part, of biological products or renewable domestic agricultural materials (including plant, animal, and marine materials) or forestry materials. Information on biobased/biopreferred products can be found at https://sftool.gov/green-products/ In addition to the biobased products designated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the BioPreferred Program, the Contractor is encouraged to use other biobased products.

2.1.2. Contracting Officer Representative (COR): A Government employee appointed by the Contracting Officer to help the Contracting Officer with contract administration and surveillance.

2.1.3. Defective Service: A unit of service, which contains one or more defects, or nonconformance with specified requirements.

2.1.4. Government Inspector: A Government employee responsible for surveillance of Contractor performance.

2.1.5. Performance Requirements Summary (PRS): Identifies the key service outputs of the contract that will be evaluated by the Government to assure contract performance standards are met by the Contractor.

2.1.6. Quality Assurance: Those actions taken by the Government to assure services meet the requirements of the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

2.1.7. Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP): An organized written document used for quality assurance surveillance. The document contains specific methods the Government will use to perform surveillance of the Contractor.

2.1.8. Quality Control: Those actions taken by a Contractor to control the performance of services so that they meet the requirements of the PWS.

2.1.9. Quality Control Plan: A plan established and maintained by the Contractor and acceptable to the Government to ensure the requirements of the contract are provided as specified.

2.2. TECHNICAL DEFINITIONS:

2.2.1. Community Type: Plant community types as identified using the Black Hills Community Inventory (Marriott and Faber-Langendoen 2000) if possible and time permitting. If the Black Hills Community Inventory is not used, the dominant or diagnostic species shall be recorded by looking at physiognomy (form and structure) in the overstory and understory at a minimum.

2.2.2. Floristic Inventory: A comprehensive inventory of all plants within a specified area. The entire project area will be surveyed, not only suitable habitat. Project areas designated for floristic inventory will need to be revisited several times over the growing season (starting in May and continuing through September) to ensure that species are not missed because they were inconspicuous at time of initial survey.

2.2.3. Habitats of Interest: Include but are not limited to: fens, bogs, seeps, springs, sites with a high moss/lichen cover, old growth, rock outcrops, and native grass meadows. Habitats of Interest also include stands of unique plant associations, or communities that are found to be uncommon within the project area.

2.2.4. Herbarium Quality Voucher Specimen: A specimen which is as representative of the population as possible. The voucher should contain an adequate sample of organs. The voucher should be dried and processed such that the preserved organs are visible and identifiable. Vouchers will be decontaminated, preferably using the deep freeze method, prior to submission. The Herbarium Handbook outlines appropriate collection, processing, and storage protocols and should be used as a reference.

Bridson, Diane & Leonard Forman (Eds). 1998. The Herbarium Handbook. Royal Botanic Gardens.

2.2.5. High Probability Plant Habitat: Suitable habitats displaying characteristics associated with the occurrence of Target Plant Species. High probability plant habitat may vary with project area. High probability plant habitat is not a constant throughout the Black Hills National Forest and therefore, shall be determined by the Contractor according to the project location and the existence of habitat for individual Target Plant Species. In some cases, high probability plant habitat may be further defined in the Task Order.

2.2.6. Invasive Species: An alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. In terms of this contract, invasive species are those plant species listed in the Weed Inventory List (Section J; Exhibit 15). These species include those plant species declared invasive and/or noxious by the federal, state, and local governments. Current lists will be included with each Task Order.

2.2.7. Low Probability Plant Habitat: Habitats lacking characteristics associated with the occurrence of Target Plant Species. Low probability plant habitat is fairly constant throughout the Black Hills National Forest and consists of drier sites such as dry pine sites, and dry meadows dominated by non-native plant species.

2.2.8. Mixed Probability Plant Habitat: Areas containing a mix of low, moderate, and high probability plant habitat.

2.2.9. Moderate Probability Plant Habitat: Suitable habitats displaying some characteristics associated with the occurrence of Target Plant Species, but not to the extent of high probability habitat. Moderate probability plant habitat may vary with project area. Moderate probability plant habitat is not a constant throughout the Black Hills National Forest and therefore, shall be determined by the Contractor according to the project location and the existence of habitat for individual Target Plant Species. In some cases, moderate probability plant habitat may be further defined in the Task Order.

2.2.10. Survey Design: The portion of the Work Plan that defines the survey strategy. As a part of the Survey Design the Contractor will propose how to best divide the project area into logical survey units. Survey units should generally be made up of terrain possessing a logical combination of geographic, topographic, geologic, ecologic, habitat, treatment, or access attributes. The Survey Design shall show how areas will be prioritized within the project boundary according to the potential for harboring Target Plant Species and their habitats.

2.2.11. Survey Types:

2.2.11.1. Field Check: The surveyor gives the survey area a quick “once over” but does not walk completely through the survey area. The entire survey area has not been examined; rather, approximately 10% of the area has been examined.

2.2.11.2. Cursory: The surveyor gives the area a quick “once over” by walking through the survey area. Approximately 11-24% of the area has been examined.

2.2.11.3. General: The surveyor gives the area a closer look by walking through the survey area and perimeter or by walking more than once through the area. Approximately 25-49% of the area has been examined.

2.2.11.4. Intuitive Controlled: The surveyor has given the area a closer look by conducting a complete reconnaissance through a specific area of the project after walking through the project area and perimeter or by walking more than once through the area. Approximately 50-74% of the area has been examined.

2.2.11.5. Complete: The surveyor has walked through the survey area until the entire area has been examined (100%).

2.2.12. Target Plant Species: Region 2 Sensitive Plant Species found on the Black Hills National Forest, Forest-designated species of local concern (SOLC), State-listed Plant Species, and other plant species of interest. Current lists will be included with each Task Order (Section J, Exhibit 6).

2.2.13. Work Plan: The Work Plan shall describe how the Contractor plans to perform the project, including methods; personnel, equipment, and a preliminary map showing what areas the Contractor has determined are low, moderate, and/or high probability habitat. It consists of a Survey Design and a proposed Schedule of Work.

SECTION 3: GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY

3. The Government will, when indicated in the Task Order, provide to the Contractor some or all of, but not limited to, the following listed materials, supplies, property, and/or services (hereinafter referred to as "Government-furnished property"). The Contractor will be liable for all loss or damage of such Government-furnished property until completion and final acceptance of all work required under the contract. The Contractor will sign a Transfer of Government Property Receipt upon acceptance of Government-furnished property.

3.1. One copy of the most current applicable database and instructions on how to enter data.

3.2. One set of the most current 7.5 minute Quad maps of the project area, if requested.

3.3. Access to in-office use of aerial photographs of the survey area, as available.

3.4. The most current Global Information Systems (GIS) road map, when available and requested.

3.5. Flagging (if required) for marking plant occurrences locations.

SECTION 4: CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS/SERVICES

4. The Contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, tools, materials, supervision, transportation and other items and services necessary to perform the work to the standard required in this contract.

4.1. Qualifications of Key Personnel.

4.1.1. Principle Investigator: A qualified Principle Investigator (PI) would possess a Master’s Degree in botany, ecology, or closely related field or possess a Bachelor’s Degree in biology with a minimum of 24 college credits in plant related courses as defined by OPM as well as at least ten years of rare plant survey experience with rare plant field experience occurring within the last five years.

4.1.2. Field Technician: A qualified Field Technician would possess at least two years of college education leading to a degree in biology as well as a minimum of two years conducting rare plant surveys.

SECTION 5: SPECIFIC TASKS

5.1. All task orders shall include the following items.

5.1.1. The Contractor shall provide a Work Plan consisting of a Survey Design and a Schedule of Work that will meet the contract requirements for surveying. The work plan will include:

5.1.1.1. The Survey Design will define the survey strategy. As part of the Survey Design, the Contractor shall propose how best to divide the project area into logical survey units, including a map of the general areas where high or moderate probability plant habitat (i.e. complete and intuitive survey coverage) is estimated to be located. The Survey Design shall describe how survey units will be delineated and prioritized within the project boundary according to their potential for harboring Target Plant Species (Section J; Exhibit 6 Target Plant Species list) and their habitats. This does not necessarily mean that survey boundaries need to be delineated, but rather a description of how the boundary of a survey will be determined on the ground. For example, surveys of riparian corridors will include all riparian vegetation and the survey boundary will be placed at the transition to upland vegetation. In addition, the Survey Design shall include a discussion of proposed survey units affected by considerations such as elevation, flowering time of potential Target Plant Species, season of growth, or other site specific conditions. The design will also include the flora(s) that will be used when identifying plant taxa.

5.1.1.2. The Schedule of Work shall be a practical schedule based on the Contractor’s Survey Design. The Schedule of Work shall include the following:

5.1.1.2.1. The proposed order in which the Contractor will perform the work.

5.1.1.2.2. The work plan shall include a list of all employees/personnel working on this contract identifying each by their Occupational Code/ Job Title for work as it applies to this contract under the applicable Service Contract Act wage rate.

5.1.1.2.3. All Subcontractors must also provide a list of all employees/personnel working on this contract identifying each by their Occupational Code/ Job Title as it applies to this contract under the applicable Service Contract Act wage rate.

5.1.1.2.4. Proposed dates that the Contractor expects to start and complete fieldwork in each project area. In addition, the Schedule of Work shall include the proposed timing of survey units affected by considerations such as elevation, flowering time of potential Target Plant Species, season of growth, or other site specific conditions. A proposed date for completion of the fieldwork to ensure completion by the end of the field season is also required. The length of the field season is estimated to be from the beginning of May through the end of September but will vary somewhat from year to year. Each Task Order may or may not include the entire field season.

5.1.1.2.5. A minimum of three proposed dates for the Government Inspector to accompany the Contractor in the field.

5.1.1.2.6. A proposed communication plan regarding findings, progress, information exchange, questions, and concerns of both parties.

5.1.1.3. Quality Standard: The Work Plan shall include a Survey Design and a Schedule of Work. The Work Plan shall be submitted no later than 10 Government working days after the Task Order has been awarded.

5.1.2. The Contractor shall translate data collected in the field to the appropriate electronic form.

5.1.2.1. Enter data collected during survey, monitoring, or inventory into the blank database provided with the Task Order.

5.1.2.2. Quality Standard: Data entry shall conform to the approved Survey Design, Schedule of Work, and methodologies described in the Government approved Work Plan.

5.1.2.2.1. Data entered into the database will be accurate and complete with no more than 10% of the fields containing errors (including typographical or plant code).

5.1.2.2.2. All database fields will contain data. If a field does not apply, N/A will be used.

5.1.2.2.3. Plant species’ name abbreviations shall be used in the database, on maps, and in GIS products. The abbreviations shall follow the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) National Plants Database symbol protocol from the NRCS website (http://plants.usda.gov/).

5.1.3. The Contractor shall submit a final project summary report. Documentation of findings will conform to the approved Survey Design, Schedule of Work, and methodologies described in the Government approved Work Plan.

5.1.3.1. Prepare a summary report of the data collected during the field work. The report should include, but is not limited to:

5.1.3.1.1. Purpose of the survey.

5.1.3.1.2. Geographic location of the project area, including a single project area map showing all surveyed areas and a single project area map showing the general locations of Target Species found. All survey areas shown on the map shall be labeled with the survey ID number and Target Species shall be labeled with NRCS plant codes. The maps shall also contain a legend with the project name.

5.1.3.1.3. General description of the project area including, but not limited to, ecologically relevant information.

5.1.3.1.4. Methods using in conducting the survey (i.e. how areas of high probability habitat were defined, how many people surveyed, quality control used, etc.).

5.1.3.1.5. Taxonomic methods used, including, but not limited to, any deviations in nomenclature from the Flora of North America.

5.1.3.1.6. A summary of findings, including, but not limited to, highlights of interesting data, target plant species located, and descriptions of community types.

5.1.3.1.7. All photos taken during the survey will be provided in *.jpg format.

5.1.3.2. Quality Standard: Report shall conform to the approved Survey Design, Schedule of Work, and methodologies described in the Government approved Work Plan.

5.1.3.2.1. A draft report will be submitted in electronic format by the date specified in the Task Order. The draft report should be proof-read and generally free of grammatical and spelling errors. If the Task Order requires submission of digital components of the report such as GIS, database, and photo components, these shall be submitted with the draft report and if corrections are necessary resubmitted with the final report. The Government has 15 working days to review the draft and submit comments for revision.

5.1.3.2.2. The final report shall include all revisions to the draft provided by the Government and is due on the date stipulated in the Task Order. Final report shall be submitted in electronic format as well as two (2) hardcopies.

5.2. COLLECT BOTANICAL FIELD SURVEY DATA

5.2.1. Task Statement: Conduct botanical surveys for Target Plant Species. Survey habitat for Target Plant Species within the project area.

5.2.1.1. Collect and record all required data stipulated in the Task Order. Habitats of Interest and populations of Invasive Species (Section J; Exhibit 15 Weed Inventory List) that are discovered while conducting botanical surveys will be mapped using GPS and reported in the GIS format specified in Section J; Exhibit 14.

14. Surveys may or may not require flagging of plant occurrences, collection of voucher specimens, and development of a species list.

5.2.1.2. Photos should be taken of habitat and/or target plant species if the photos help describe the ecology of the survey area or the vicinity of target plant species.

5.2.1.3. For each area surveyed, one current General Plant Survey Form (Section J; Exhibit 7) will be completed following the protocol provided (Section J; Exhibit 10), without regard to the presence of Target Plant Species. Survey boundaries shall be mapped using GPS and reported in the GIS format specified in Section J; Exhibit 14.

5.2.1.4. Correctly identify target plant species (Section J; Exhibit 6), find the extent of the population, map using GPS and report in the GIS format specified in Section J; Exhibit 14, collect a herbarium quality voucher specimen, and complete one current Target Plant Species Form (Section J; Exhibit 8). Only collect a voucher if there are enough individuals present that collection would not impact the population. The Task Order may contain more voucher collection specifications.

5.2.1.5. Create shapefiles for 1) survey areas and 2) target plant locations using GPS and reported in the GIS format specified in Section J; Exhibit 14.

5.2.2. Quality Standard: Botanical surveys shall be performed in accordance with the approved Survey Design, Schedule of Work, and methodologies described in the Government approved Work Plan.

5.2.2.1. Habitats identified as high probability will require a complete survey type. Habitats identified as, moderate, or moderate to high probability habitat will require intuitive controlled survey type, and low probability habitat assessed using the field check survey types.

5.2.2.2. All required survey forms shall be fully and accurately completed for each area surveyed and for each Target Plant Occurrence found. All survey information shall be documented on the most current survey forms provided to the Contractor (Section J; Exhibit 7 and Exhibit 8).

5.2.2.3. Vascular plant nomenclature shall follow the Flora of North America (FNA), for those families published (FNA Editorial Committee 1993+). For families not yet published in FNA, or if there are taxa for which more recent accepted nomenclature exists, nomenclature from other recognized sources may be used. When exceptions occur, an explanation of nomenclature used shall be included in the report. Plant species’ name abbreviations shall be used on forms, in the database, on maps, and in GIS and shall follow the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) National Plants Database symbol protocol from the NRCS website (http://plants.usda.gov/).

5.2.2.4. Survey boundaries, Target Plant Species occurrences, Habitats of Interest, Invasive Species and, if included in the Task Order, community types shall be mapped and provided as a shapefile, paper map, and/or portable document format (*.pdf) as required in the Task Order. All maps shall be legibly labeled with township, range, section(s), quad name, survey ID number, occurrence ID number if a Target Species is discovered, and a legend identifying all information required as stipulated in each Task Order. Each plant occurrence shall be clearly labeled with the USDA Code.

5.2.2.5. When required in the Task Order, specified plant occurrences will be flagged in a manner allowing location by Government Inspectors. Populations shall be flagged with 18-inch or longer streamers of Government provided flagging. The site number and species code will be written on the flag with permanent ink.

5.2.2.6. Vouchers shall be labeled with a Black Hills National Forest herbarium label printed on acid free paper, accurately identified to species and, when applicable, subspecies and/or variety. Vouchers will be submitted to the COR as stipulated in the Task Order. Generally vouchers should follow the guidelines outlined in The Herbarium Handbook. If the sample is a Botrychium sp. only the above ground parts including the sporophore and trophophore should be collected. Other voucher specifications may be outlined in the Task Order. No less than 80% of vouchers submitted will have accurate identifications using the appropriate nomenclature.

5.3. COLLECT BOTANICAL FLORISTIC SURVEY DATA

5.3.1. Task Statement: Conduct a complete (100%) survey and floristic inventory of the vascular plants within the project area.

5.3.1.1. Multiple trips to the site will be required in order to capture all species with differing phenology. Create an accurate and complete list of all species present including, but not limited to, Target Plant Species, Invasive Species, and common plant species.

5.3.1.2. If the population is large enough, herbarium quality vouchers of all plant taxa encountered will be collected, accurately identified, and labeled using the Black Hills National Forest Herbarium label (Section J; Exhibit 12) on acid free paper. Only collect a voucher if there are enough individuals present that collection would not impact the population.

5.3.1.3. Photos should be taken of habitat and/or target plant species if the photos help describe the ecology of the survey area or the vicinity of target plant species.

5.3.1.4. Habitats of Interest and Invasive Species will be recorded and mapped using GPS and reported in the GIS format specified in Section J; Exhibit 14.

5.3.1.5. General Survey forms will be completed for each survey area and Target Plant Species Forms will be completed for all Target Plant Species located within the survey areas.

5.3.1.6. Create shapefiles for 1) survey areas and 2) target plant locations using GPS and reported in the GIS format specified in Section J; Exhibit 14.

5.3.2. Quality Standard: Botanical surveys shall be performed in accordance with the approved Survey Design, Schedule of Work, and methodologies described in the Government approved Work Plan.

5.3.2.1. Vascular plant nomenclature shall follow the Flora of North America (FNA), for those families published (FNA Editorial Committee 1993+). For families not yet published in FNA, or if there are taxa for which more recent accepted nomenclature exists, nomenclature from other recognized sources may be used. When exceptions occur, an explanation of nomenclature used shall be included in the report. Plant species’ name abbreviations shall be used on forms, in the database, on maps, and in GIS and shall follow the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) National Plants Database symbol protocol from the NRCS website (http://plants.usda.gov/).

5.3.2.2. Survey boundaries, Target Plant Species occurrences, Habitats of Interest, Invasive Species, and if included in the Task Order, community type shall be mapped and provided as a shapefile, paper map, and/or portable document format (*.pdf) as required in the Task Order. All maps shall be legibly labeled with township, range, section(s), quad name, survey ID number, occurrence ID number if a Target Species is discovered, and a legend identifying all information required as stipulated in each Task Order. Each plant occurrence shall be clearly labeled with the USDA Code.

5.3.2.3. When required in the Task Order, specified plant occurrences will be flagged in a manner allowing location by Government Inspectors. Populations shall be flagged with 18-inch or longer streamers of Government provided flagging. The site number and species code will be written on the flag with permanent ink.

5.3.2.4. Vouchers shall be labeled with a Black Hills National Forest herbarium label printed on acid free paper, accurately identified to species and, when applicable, subspecies and/or variety. Vouchers will be submitted to the COR as stipulated in the Task Order. Generally vouchers should follow the guidelines outlined in The Herbarium Handbook. If the sample is a Botrychium sp. only the above ground parts including the sporophore and trophophore should be collected. Other voucher specifications may be outlined in the Task Order. No less than 80% of vouchers submitted will have accurate identifications using the appropriate nomenclature.

5.4. COLLECT PLANT MONITORING DATA

5.4.1. Task Statement: Visit known plant locations and complete the Black Hills Plant Monitoring Form (Section J; Exhibit 9).

5.4.1.1. Survey surrounding potential habitat (within 500 meters of known site) for undocumented extensions of the population.

5.4.1.2. If a different, undocumented target species (Section J; Exhibit 6) is located in the vicinity of the monitoring site, a General Plant Survey Form (Section J; Exhibit 7), and Target Plant Species Form (Section J; Exhibit 8) will be completed following the protocols provided (Section J; Exhibit 10 and Exhibit 11).

5.4.1.3. Photos should be taken of habitat and/or target plant species if the photos help describe the ecology of the survey area or the vicinity of target plant species.

5.4.1.4. Create shapefiles for 1) new survey areas, 2) new target plant locations, and 3) extensions to the population using GPS and reported in the GIS format specified in Section J; Exhibit 14.

5.4.2. Quality Standard: Monitoring shall be performed in accordance with the approved Survey Design, Schedule of Work, and methodologies described in the Government approved Work Plan.

5.4.2.1. All required forms shall be accurately and fully completed. All site information shall be documented on the most current forms provided to the Contractor.

5.4.2.2. Shapefiles will follow the GIS format specified in Section J; Exhibit 14.

5.4.2.3. Vascular plant nomenclature shall follow the Flora of North America (FNA), for those families published (FNA Editorial Committee 1993+). For families not yet published in FNA, or if there are taxa for which more recent accepted nomenclature exists, nomenclature from other recognized sources may be used. When exceptions occur, an explanation of nomenclature used shall be included in the report. Plant species’ name abbreviations shall be used on forms, in the database, on maps, and in GIS and shall follow the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) National Plants Database symbol protocol from the NRCS website (http://plants.usda.gov/).

5.5. BRYOPHYTE INVENTORY

5.5.1. Task Statement: Conduct complete survey of bryophyte species within the project area.

5.5.1.1. Create an accurate and complete list of all bryophyte species present in the project area.

5.5.1.2. Collect herbarium quality vouchers of all bryophyte taxa encountered (if the population is large enough to not be impacted by collection). If a collection cannot be made, enough photographs should be taken to capture the form and size of the bryophyte.

5.5.1.3. The Contractor will divide the project area into Survey Areas. General Survey forms will be completed for each survey area.

5.5.1.4. Photos should be taken of habitat and/or bryophyte species if the photos help describe the ecology of the survey area or the vicinity of specific samples.

5.5.1.5. Create shapefiles for survey areas using GPS and reported in the GIS format specified in Section J; Exhibit 14.

5.5.2. Quality Standard: Inventory will be performed in accordance with the approved Survey Design, Schedule of Work, and methodologies described in the Government approved Work Plan.

5.5.2.1. Herbarium quality vouchers of all bryophyte taxa encountered will be collected, accurately identified, and labeled using the Black Hills National Forest Herbarium envelope (Section J; Exhibit 13) on acid free paper, or if the sample will not fit into the envelope, a brown paper bag can be used and the envelope stapled to it. See The Herbarium Handbook by Diane Bridson and Leonard Forman (1998) for industry standards. Only collect a voucher if there are enough individuals present that collection would not impact the population.

5.5.2.2. Bryophyte nomenclature shall follow the Flora of North America (FNA), for those families published (FNA Editorial Committee 1993+). If there are taxa for which more recent accepted nomenclature exists, nomenclature from other recognized sources may be used. When exceptions occur, an explanation of nomenclature used shall be included in the report. Plant species’ name abbreviations shall be used on forms, in the database, on maps, and in GIS and shall follow the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) National Plants Database symbol protocol from the NRCS website (http://plants.usda.gov/).

5.6. LICHEN INVENTORY

5.6.1. Task Statement: Conduct complete surveys for lichen species within the project area.

5.6.1.1. Create an accurate and complete list of all lichen species present in the project area.

5.6.1.2. Collect herbarium quality vouchers of all lichen taxa encountered (if the population is large enough to not be impacted by collection). If a collection cannot be made, enough photographs should be taken to capture the form and size of the lichen.

5.6.1.3. The Contractor will divide the project area into Survey Areas. General Survey forms will be completed for each survey.

5.6.1.4. Photos should be taken of habitat and/or lichen species if the photos help describe the ecology of the survey area or the vicinity of specific samples.

5.6.1.5. Create shapefiles for survey areas using GPS and reported in the GIS format specified in Section J; Exhibit 14.

5.6.2. Quality Standard: Inventory will be performed in accordance…