Attachment_I_PWS.docx

Santa Fe Trail Archaeological Inventory and Visual Resources Management Project, Cimarron National Grassland, Morton County, Kansas

PEFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT & SPECIFICATIONS

Santa Fe Trail Archaeological Inventory and Visual Resources Management Project, Cimarron National Grassland, Morton County, Kansas

The following documents the products, location of work, product delivery schedule, applicable standards, acceptance criteria, and special requirements for this project.

1.0. PURPOSE AND SCOPE

1.1 The selected contractor shall provide all manpower, equipment, and services necessary for conducting and completing (1) a cultural resources inventory of segments of the Santa Fe Trail (SFT), as well as any other sites located along the proposed SFT corridor that are observed during the course of the inventory and (2) a Visual Resources Management Analysis of five SFT segments listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and one SFT-related National Historic District. The area to be inventoried is based on proposed SFT segment locations as determined by research conducted in 1990 by the University of Southern Colorado (USC). Inventory data derived from this project will be used for compliance with requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act as amended, pertaining to potential effects on cultural resources and their historical landscape. The Area of Potential Effects [APE] for the Santa Fe Trail Project is located on the Cimarron National Grassland in southwest Kansas (refer to Section 4 and Attachment 1).

1.2 The scope of the proposed work for the cultural resources inventory is as follows: (1) The contractor shall conduct a files search at the Forest Service offices in La Junta, Colorado and Elkhart, Kansas, and the Kansas Historical Society in Topeka, Kansas (a search of the electronic/online files is appropriate) for the purpose of locating and reviewing previous cultural resources investigations and historic aerial photographs within and in the vicinity of the APE. The contractor shall identify previously recorded cultural sites (including sites not eligible, recommended eligible, needs data or listed in the National Register of Historic Places [NRHP]) within the APE and evaluate such sites if they have not already been evaluated adequately according to the NRHP criteria. All sites with records more than ten years old will require re-evaluation and the preparation of re-evaluation or other appropriate forms. (2) The contractor shall then design and carry out all necessary field surveys, do archival research as necessary to confirm or reject the possible NRHP eligibility of cultural sites discovered during the field inventory, prepare site record forms, and make recommendations regarding NRHP eligibility for all sites discovered within the project area. (3) The contractor shall prepare a Summary Report of Investigations summarizing the methods and results of the inventory according to the report guidelines provided by the Kansas Historical Society/State Historic Preservation Office (KHS/SHPO). The contractor shall perform all necessary technical analyses, edit the documents for logical construction, grammar and spelling, prepare project area maps, photographs and other appropriate graphics, and provide draft and final documents to the Forest Service for submittal to the Kansas SHPO.

1.3 The scope of work for the Visual Resources Management Analysis is as follows: (1) An inventory of existing visual conditions and existing landscape character, evaluations of scenic integrity, and viewshed model construction, including seen and unseen components, and distance zones, for segments of the Santa Fe National Historic Trail will be conducted. The geospatial deliverables will comply with applicable national, and federal geographic information standards, particularly those determined by the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) as supporting the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI). Complete Geospatial data will include a spatial component, attribute information and metadata. Information gleaned from this analysis will be used to assist in managing changes to the setting and scenic quality of the area.

2.0. QUALIFICATIONS

2.1 The contractor must possess a Rocky Mountain Region non-disturbing Archeological Resources Special Use Permit issued by the Regional Office in Lakewood, Colorado, and the personnel performing work as part of this contractual agreement must meet the following qualifications.

A. Principal Investigator: The minimum qualifications for the Principal Investigator are: (a) a graduate degree in archeology or anthropology with an archeology emphasis; (b) ability to complete archeological investigations as demonstrated by timely completion of all previously awarded contracts within the last five years and no current contracts later than completion dates with still pending work products; (c) one year of full-time professional experience in administration of archeological research or NRHP compliance projects relevant to the Archeology of Kansas ; (4) supervisory field and laboratory analysis experience; and (5) meets any current requirements of the Kansas SHPO for Principal Investigators.

B. Field Supervisors/Crew Chief: A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in anthropology, archeology, history, or a closely related field, with a minimum of six months archeological field experience and three months of previous field archeological supervisory experience conducting similar work.

C. Field or Laboratory Crews: Completion of or satisfactory progress toward a Bachelor’s Degree in anthropology, archeology, history, or a closely related field, or a minimum of 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 job for a cultural resources contract), if a person qualified as a Field Supervisor or Crew Chief shall closely supervise that individual.

3.0 DEFINITIONS

3.1 Kansas Isolated Find or Isolate. The Cimarron National Grassland defines a prehistoric isolated find as one or two non-diagnostic artifacts such as a single utilized flake; a single piece of pottery; or one or two unmodified flakes. Historic isolated finds include diffuse scatters of historic materials and isolated historic artifacts, isolated residential/farm related windmills, stone walls, fence lines, and/or relict shade trees.

3.2 Kansas Site or Cultural Property. The Cimarron National Grassland defines a prehistoric archeological site is defined as any one of the following: 1) three or more artifacts within a 20 x 20 meter area; or 2) one diagnostic artifact; or 3) one human-made feature. A historic archaeological site is defined as any human-made feature more than 50 years of age or older, dating to the historic period. This definition includes trash dump areas, but not diffuses scatters of historic materials or isolated historic artifacts. Historic homesteads are usually recorded as sites, while ranching features that are not associated with a homestead such as a windmill or stock pond greater than 50 years old are recorded as an isolated find.

3.3 Kansas Relatively Recent or Common Cultural Phenomena (RRCCP) will not be recorded. These include hunter’s shelters and blinds, fire rings, and isolated prospect pits (without associated surface artifacts).

4.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION

4.1 The U.S. Forest Service proposes a field inventory to identify, record, and evaluate segments of the Santa Fe Trail (SFT) for eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), as well as any other sites located along the proposed SFT corridor that are observed during the course of the inventory. The SFT segments to be surveyed include portions of the Cimarron Route on the Cimarron National Grassland in Morton County, Kansas. See Attachment 3 for 1:125,000 scale map of the SFT project area. The approximate legal descriptions of the route are listed below. The total area planned for project (the APE) is about 7.55 kilometers of trail.

OPTION 1 – INVENTORY AND VRM ANALYSIS (Segment D)

Total Length

OPTIONS 2 to 5 - VRM ANALYSIS

T34S, R42W T33S, R43W At least 3

Elkhart NE T34S, R42W T33S, R42W At least 1

T33S, R41W At least 1

4.2 Based on previous surveys, cultural properties in the project area are likely to include 1-5 parallel swales/ruts of the SFT. Other historic archaeological sites (e.g., trash dumps, historic wells, homestead sites) and prehistoric archaeological sites (e.g., campsites, lithic scatters) may also be present. Except for SFT segments, past surveys on the Grassland indicate that areas like the proposed project areas have low site densities. Historic sites will most likely be small homesteads, trash dumps, and well sites associated with trail travel and historic ranching activities. In the APE, these sites are most likely located along roads that follow early travel routes, springs, windmills and existing trees. Prehistoric sites are most likely near ephemeral drainages. It is expected that with the exception of the SFT segments, the APE will have low site densities that is about 20 sites per 5,000 acres or about 0-5 historic sites per square mile. Santa Fe Trail-era themes will be the primary historic themes represented in the APE.

5.0 INVENTORY STRATEGY

Field methods for implementation of the field inventory, including intervals for pedestrian transect survey; will correspond to the standards provided by the KHS/SHPO in their official guidelines for survey. All University of Southern Colorado (USC)-proposed SFT routes and contractor-proposed SFT segments will be inventoried at an intensity defined as Class III. Survey shall be completed by the contractor on USC and contractor-proposed SFT segments as defined in Section 4.1 Project Location. An intensive field inventory is designed to located and record all cultural resource properties within a specified area. For this project, the area will be considered to have been intensity inventoried when covered on foot. Transect spacing and placement methodology may vary depending on terrain and other factors, but shall not exceed 20 meters horizontal distance apart. If this cannot be accomplished in a specific area, for any reason the contractor shall immediately notify the CO. These areas shall be clearly marked by the contractor on project area maps. All areas where the ground is currently exposed and where cultural resource properties are likely to occur, such as but not limited to, springs, stream banks, rock outcrops, roads and trails, eroded topographic features parks and meadows, and burned areas, shall be examined by the contractor. The survey area shall include a 50-meter-wide corridor centered on the USC-proposed SFT segments. For portions of the Cimarron Route of the SFT, the surveyed corridor will be centered on the USC and contractor-proposed alignments derived from historic General Land Office (GLO) maps, aerial photographs, and other appropriate documents.

6.0 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – CULTURAL RESOURCES INVENTORY

The contractor shall provide the following products and services to the on or before the specified delivery schedule.

6.1 Conduct records search at the Forest Service offices in La Junta, Colorado and Elkhart, Kansas and of the electronic/online files at the KHS/SHPO in Topeka, KS. This search will include the Forest Service cultural resource management files, historic GLO quadrangle maps, and historic aerial photographs.

6.2 Review reports from previous surveys conducted in the project area to identify and locate recorded cultural properties. For purposes of the current contract, surveys and derivative records conducted after 1985 are considered adequate according to current standards. Surveys done in 1985 or before are not adequate and records completed during the course of these surveys may not be adequate. Sites recommended as “needs data” or “needs further research” will be identified during the files search to determine if further work is in fact necessary. If more information is needed regarding which previously recorded sites require re-evaluation, the contractor shall consult with the KHS/SHPO and regarding additional work at these sites. The contractor shall review the Cimarron National Grassland Land Status maps and records to aid in locating historic cultural properties and to collect information germane in completing site records.

6.3 The contractor shall provide a letter report summarizing the results of the files search to the Forest Service (see Section 8.0 Delivery Schedule & Deliverables). The report will contain: (1) number and identity of previous cultural resources investigation in the APE; (2) number of previously recorded sites and a listing including description of previously recorded sites and their NRHP status; (3) results of the review of the Land Status maps, GLO maps, and historic and recent aerial photographs; (4) the USC and contractor proposed SFT alignments within the APE; and (5) a listing of which previously recorded sites need re-evaluation, which require the preparation of updated site records, and which require no further work. This listing will include the work at the previously recorded sites the contractor proposes to conduct during the course of the pedestrian survey. If necessary, the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) will direct modifications to the Field Work Plan based on a review of the letter report.

6.4 Initiate and complete all necessary field inventories, including data collection and site record preparation for newly discovered cultural sites and those previously recorded sites needing further work or re-evaluation. All cultural resource sites observed, which are 50 years old or older, shall be recorded by the contractor on the appropriate KHS/SHPO site form. In addition to these forms, all SFT segments will also be recorded using the forms and methods developed by the Oregon-California Trails Association (Mapping Emigrant Trails Manual, published by the Office of National Historic Trails Preservation). Verification, classification, and recordation of SFT segments shall follow the guidelines, procedures, and forms described and provided in the MET Manual. Reference scales shall be metric except when describing historic artifacts and sites. The English system (inches and feet) shall be used for historic artifacts and sites.

Surface assessment of each site or isolated find shall be directed towards recording the surface artifacts, concentrations, features, structures, and any recent disturbance associated with each cultural resource. Surface assessment of SFT segments shall be direct toward recording the characteristics of each segment as described in the MET Manual. The contractor shall record the nature and extent of post-1880 natural and cultural disturbance to SFT segments.

Surface assessment shall contain documentation of surface distribution of artifacts, features, activity areas, formal and informal tools, site boundaries, differentiation between historic and prehistoric activities when both are present, perceived effects of recent artifact collection, other site disturbance activities (both human caused and natural), and other important information as may be defined by field investigators, Principal Investigator, or the CO. This information shall be documented by the contractor in the report text, site forms, and site map forms. For the purposes of this contract, each segment of the SFT in Kansas will be assigned a consecutive segment number of that site. A SFT segment is defined as an uninterrupted portion of the SFT distinguished by a particular characteristic or set of characteristics.

Intra-site sketch type maps and suitable photography shall be provided to the CO by the contractor for all cultural resource sites. Such maps and photos shall show directional orientation by north arrows and have an appropriate scale. Fold out maps are permissible. In general, overview type site photos narrative descriptions of direction are adequate. Maps shall include site boundaries, the location of datum point (if appropriate), and the distribution of materials and features within the site area. All artifacts and features shown on the site maps shall be labeled either on the site map or by means of a suitable key or legend placed outside the site boundary on the map. For all sites containing 20 or fewer surface artifacts, each artifact shall be individually shown by accurate location, type, and material on the site sketch map. All identified cultural resources sites shall be shown on the project map(s). No subsurface testing shall be conducted under the terms of this contract.

Data collection at previously recorded sites will be done according to the plan included in the initial letter report (Section 6.3). The contractor shall notify the COR and the Cimarron District Ranger of their intent to begin field work one week before actual commencing field investigations.

6.6 Prepare site record forms for any newly discovered cultural properties in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Kansas OAHP/SHPO. Use Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor units to plot site locations; record the locations according to the Universal Trans Mercator system and NAD83 Zone 13. For sites less than 10 acres in size, one center point plot will be obtained; for sites greater than 10 acres, four corner plots will be obtained. For SFT segments, GPS data will be collected for the center line of each swale/rut or segment. Prepare site reevaluation forms for previously recorded cultural properties evaluated as “needs data”; prepare updated site records for previously recorded sites if needed and according to the plan in the letter report (Section 6.3). At least one overview photograph will be obtained for each newly discovered or reevaluated cultural site or SFT segment. Sites with more than one documented feature will require more than one photograph (the guideline is one photograph per feature; standing buildings should have at least two photographs from different aspects) according to the complexity of the property. Digital photographs are acceptable if they meet Kansas OAHP/SHPO’s standards. If the COR determines that the photographs are not of suitable quality, the contractor shall make the directed corrections/improvements as recommended by the COR. The contractor shall prepare isolated find records according to the criteria in Section 3.

6.7 The contractor shall make field recommendations regarding the NRHP eligibility of all USC-proposed SFT segments, any “needs data” sites previously recorded, any previously recorded sites requiring updated records, and for all new cultural sites identified during the field investigations by the criteria specified in Title 36 CFR Parts 60.4 and 800, and applicable Forest guidelines at the time the draft report is submitted to the CO by the contractor. The field investigations should be sufficient to make a “not eligible” or “meets one or more of the criteria for eligibility” recommendation for each site identified within the APE. Each segment of the SFT, as defined by the mapping protocol (see Technical Specification 6.4) will be evaluated separately for the NRHP eligibility. The contractor shall conduct archival research as necessary after the field investigation to determine the historic context of historic homestead sites and mining sites. At a minimum, this post-field research will include searches of county records for homestead entries.

The Kansas Historic Context, along with current reports and research conducted in the general area, shall be used by the contractor to develop appropriate prehistoric and historic contexts for the purpose of evaluating sites and isolates. These contexts shall be utilized and reference by the contractor for each eligibility recommendation. The CO will provide reference material that is to be considered in the development of evaluative contexts.

It is the responsibility of the contractor to be familiar with all applicable criteria and to document the criteria utilized in arriving at their NRHP eligibility determinations in the report. The contractor may pose additional research questions to be used in evaluating any of the located sites after discussing the applicability of these questions with the CO and receiving written confirmation from the CO that these research questions are relevant and applicable to the SFT.

6.8 A no collection strategy incorporating in-field analysis of archeological materials and items is highly recommended. The contractor shall not collect artifacts as part of the Class III surface inventory unless the artifacts meet the following criteria: 1) complete, diagnostic prehistoric tools; 2) fragmentary diagnostic prehistoric tools: 3) complete, diagnostic historic tools; 4) fragmentary diagnostic historic tools. Formal prehistoric tools excluding utilized or retouched flakes as well as complete non-diagnostic historic tools shall be drawn to scale, photographed in the field and described by the contractor in the inventory report. The contractor shall include the location of all prehistoric and historic tools on site maps. If the contractor recommends extensive collection (more than 5 items) at individual sites, a materials collection plan will be submitted to the COR; the COR may accept, modify or reject such proposals. If archeological materials or items are collected, they will be analyzed in the contractor’s office or laboratory after the field inventory, and then labeled, packaged and labeled according to federal curation standards (refer to Title 36 CFR Part 79). The contractor shall deliver all collected archeological materials to the Forest Service packaged in curation ready condition and accompanied by complete and accurate inventory and packing lists. This delivery will be part of the final reports submission.

6.9 The contractor shall prepare draft Reports of Findings according to Kansas OAHP/SHPO guidelines including (1) narrative organized by chapter (Introduction, Environmental Setting, Literature Search, Field Methods, Results, Materials Analysis, Archival Research (including the results of county and BLM records for mining and homestead sites), Evaluation of Research, National Register of Historic Places Recommendations, Effects of the Project Recommendation, References Cited). The draft reports will have a management summary and table of contents, and each page will be numbered. The report must meet acceptable grammatical and spelling standards for professional papers; extensive use of acronyms and abbreviations is not acceptable. Handwritten text in the body of the report or on site records is not acceptable. All reports will contain a signature page with an original signature of the principal investigator. (2) The report will have appended material including (a) annotated USGS 7.5-Minute Quadrangle Maps of the surveyed area (one set showing areas inventoried and type of survey coverage, and a second set indicating locations of cultural properties). Fold-out maps are permissible; when fold-out maps are used, they will be placed in map pockets accommodating 8 ½ by 11 inch fold-outs; (b) completed Kansas OAHP site records for newly identified sites and isolated finds including photographs; and (c) draft forms for all previously recorded sites re-evaluated or re-recorded. One electronic copy of the draft report will be submitted for review by the COR; the COR will have 30 calendar days to review the drafts.

6.10 After the COR review of the draft reports and receipt of review comments, the contractor shall prepare final reports of Investigations incorporating recommended changes made as a result of the review for final submissions to the Cimarron National Grassland. The contractor shall submit one original with original photographs and four high quality color reproductions of the final report to the COR (including narrative by chapter, bibliography, photocopies of any archival records, two sets of annotated USGS quadrangle maps, and final site records and isolated find records). With the final reports, the contractor shall submit all related materials and records including photograph negatives or compact discs containing the photographs, inventory of collected materials, laboratory notes, and any other pertinent records. Also, the following items will be submitted with the final Report of Investigations: (1) any collected archeological materials in curation ready condition according to the guidelines presented in Title 36 CFR Part 79; (2) an electronic copy of the report (Compact Disc or CD) in Microsoft Word (DOC) or Rich Test Format (RTF) including site records; and (3), Compact Disc of GPS site identities and UTM locations in either an ArcGIS Shape file or Arc Info coverage.

7.0 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – VISUAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (VRM) ANALYSES

An inventory of existing visual conditions and existing landscape character, evaluations of scenic integrity, and viewshed model construction, including seen and unseen components, and distance zones, for segments of the Santa Fe National Historic Trail will be conducted. The geospatial deliverables will comply with applicable national, and federal geographic information standards, particularly those determined by the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) as supporting the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI). Complete Geospatial data will include a spatial component, attribute information and metadata. Information gleaned from this analysis will be used to assist in managing changes to the setting and scenic quality of the area.

7.1 Viewshed Analysis

The viewshed analysis will encompass inventorying visual conditions, existing landscape character, scenic integrity, and constructing viewshed models along selected segments of the Santa Fe Trail in Kansas. All retrieved data will be in compliance with applicable federal content standards. Ideally, the viewshed analysis work will be conducted concurrently with the archaeological field inventory work.

Field data collection will involve locating and mapping segment endpoints, developing and implementing protocols for verifying trail locations between the segment endpoints (including identification of a route centerline), identifying and documenting character-defining landscape features, identifying Key Observation Points (KOP), and describing and evaluating existing visual conditions and scenic integrity. All features that contribute to the segment and the surrounding landscape’s historic character should be recorded. These include topography, circulation patterns, views and vistas, buildings, structures, and cultural features and their spatial organization, vegetation communities and vegetation patterns, sounds, smells, seasonal variation (where historic use was conditioned by season of use), and local, unique, land features.

The contractor is encouraged to consider methods for identifying centerlines and KOP that take advantage of definite route locations and “spot resources,” such as springs or known campsites, that take local topographic features into account, and that recognize proposed, developed, or potential visitor or user amenities, including overlooks, interpretive wayside locations, trailheads and associated infrastructure, and topographic breaks that would encourage visitors and users to spend time at particular points along the historic route. In the absence of well-documented, physical traces left by trail travelers, the KOP will serve to anchor field data collection to support documentation of existing visual conditions, identification of character-defining features, and evaluations of scenic integrity.

At a minimum, KOP will include at least two locations in the Point of Rocks (POR)-Middle Springs National Historic District (NHD), one location at each NRHP SFT 1-5 listed properties, and Murphy Trailhead in Segment D (see Attachment 3).

Data gathered at each KOP will include documentation of any landscape character-defining features associated with or visible from the KOP, existing visual conditions, and an evaluation of scenic integrity at the KOP, including the identification and documentation of cultural elements (structures, buildings, or other features) that are not associated with the period of trail use and that do not contribute to the landscape’s historic character.

Documentation associated with each KOP will include a narrative discussion of the location, a tabular report listing landscape character-defining features visible from the KOP, a tabular report listing those cultural elements that do not contribute to the historic character of the landscape visible from the KOP, and digital photographic documentation of landscape character-defining features and cultural elements that do not contribute to the historic character of the scene in close proximity to the KOP.

The Contractor will include at least five digital photographs taken at each KOP, which will be taken to illustrate the existing landscape character in all directions visible from the KOP.

KOP documentation will meet federal standards for GPS and GIS data. Photo documentation will be done with a GPS-enabled camera capable of capturing images of 5MB or greater, and saved as images with 500 dpi or greater resolution. All digital photos will be digitally stamped with date, time, location, and view or heading.

7.2 Deliverables

7.2.1 Written agreement on segments to be included in this project, including a written narrative and table that describes location with respect to state, county, major roads, landmarks, and landownership, and that gives travel directions to the endpoints

7.2.2 GIS shape files, delivered on CD (two copies), that capture the segments as line features.

7.2.3 Formats. Field data will be collected, stored, and delivered to the USDA Forest Service in an electronic database. KOP and associated visual characteristics, including digital images of views from KOP, digital images and attributes of landscape character-defining features, and other data will be recorded in field devices such as GPS receivers with ArcPad or Terrasync, personal data assistants (PDAs), laptop computers, etc. Field forms would be delivered to the field office in a searchable database or spreadsheet in a format compatible with ArcGIS 10.1.

7.2.4 The GPS will record and calculate location to an accuracy of less than 3 meters and with a projection of Universal Transverse Mercator, Zone 13 North and North American Datum of 1983. All GPS data generated by the Contractor shall be converted into GIS data with appropriate metadata. All GIS deliverables and work shall be compatible with ArcGIS 10.0 or newer with a projection of Universal Transverse Mercator, Zone 13 North and North American Datum of 1983.

7.2.5 Digital photo shall mean a color photo taken with at least a 5 MegaPixel camera. The photos shall be provided in a JPEG with at least a 500 dpi. All digital photo files shall be named such that they link to a feature class and have metadata attached to the photo. The digital photos identified above shall have direction and coordinates attached electronically (e.g. taken with a GIS camera) and shall be filed and organized by KOP, character-defining feature, and non-contributing element.

7.2.6 A GIS layer with the photos shall be delivered for the Santa Fe NHT in Kansas. Photos must be able to be viewed when a KOP is selected.

7.2.7 Data collection products: A completed inventory of at least 4 significant route segments associated with the Santa Fe NHT in Kansas.

a. GIS layers, including metadata, for the elements listed above (route segment as a line feature, and KOP as point features. Each KOP will include the following in addition to location information: landscape character-defining features associated with or visible from the KOP, existing visual conditions, and an evaluation of scenic integrity at the KOP, including the identification and documentation of cultural elements (structures, buildings, or other features) that are not associated with the period of trail use and that do not contribute to the landscape’s historic character.

b. Two (2) CDs of the complete data set. This includes explanations of the methodology used to obtain information leading to the layering, narrative executive summaries, digital photographs, databases, and GIS including datasets, metadata, and data dictionaries. The CD jackets shall be labeled clearly with trail name and Visual Conditions Inventory, and if more than one CD is required in a set, it shall be labeled 1 of 2, 3, 4, etc.

7.2.8 Developing viewshed models. Contractors will use the field data in conjunction with GIS terrain, vegetation, and other models to develop viewsheds for the National Register listed route segments and the Middle Springs-Point of Rocks National Historic District. The viewsheds will treat the KOP developed in the previous task as the focus of the analysis; the USFS is interested in understanding what areas of the surrounding countryside will be visible to trail users located at developed and proposed trail facilities as well as to trail users moving down the trail at casual hiking and at equestrian rates of travel. Where trail trace is visible, or where the trail centerline is well-known and established, the trail trace or centerline will also serve as KOP for the viewshed analysis. The viewshed models will clearly identify seen and unseen areas from the trail segment KOP and centerline out to a distance of 15 miles from the trail or to the visual horizon, whichever is closer.

7.2.9 Quality Standards: Use ArcGIS 10.1, or newer, Spatial Analyst Extension, and other extensions as necessary, or a government-approved equivalent for computer analysis. Use 1 m DEM, developed through LIDAR, ISFAR, or equivalent technology. May use 10 m DEM in areas of high vertical relief where approved by the NPS. Generate distance buffers from the KOP’s, viewpoints, and/or routes consistent with:

Foreground: 0-¼ mile from KOP/Viewpoint, and/or routes Middle ground: ¼ - 5 miles from the KOP/Viewpoint and/or routes Background: 5-15 miles from the KOP/Viewpoint and/or routes Seldom Seen: Areas screened from view from KOP/Viewpoint and/or routes. See the BLM Technical Note #407, “Integrating GIS Technologies with the Visual Resource Management Inventory Process.”

7.2.10 Viewshed analysis products. A completed viewshed analysis of 7 segments associated with the Santa Fe NHT in Kansas.

a. GIS layers, including metadata, for the foreground, middle ground, background, and seldom seen classes.

b. Two CDs of the complete sets of data. This includes explanations of the methodology used to obtain information leading to the layering and narrative executive summaries. The CD jackets shall be labeled clearly with trail name and Viewshed Analysis, and if more than one CD is required in a set, it shall be labeled 1 of 2, 3, 4, etc.

8.0 DELIVERY SCHEDULE & DELIVERABLES

Critical milestones for the contractor include:

The contractor shall begin work no later than 5 calendar days after the effective date of the Notice to Proceed. The contractor shall maintain progress at a rate which will assure completion within the contract time. Failure to maintain progress at a rate which will assure completion within the contract time may result in partial or complete termination of the contractor’s right to proceed.

Survey strategy, including USGS quadrangle maps showing USC and contractor proposed SFT segments that will be surveyed is due 60 calendar days starting after the effective date of the Notice to Proceed.

Report summarizing files search results 60 calendar days starting from the effective date of the Notice to Proceed.

Draft reports and draft cultural property forms (Refer to Sections 6.9 and 7.2) due 150 calendar days after the effective date of the Notice to Proceed.

Final reports and final cultural property forms (one original and four copies) and other deliverables (refer to Item 6.10 under Technical Specifications) due 210 calendar days after the effective date of the Notice to Proceed.

9.0 COPYRIGHT

The contractor shall indemnify the U.S. Government against any claim of copyright infringement which may result by reason of publication by the U.S. Government of material in any report pertaining to the contract work submitted by the contractor wherein any such previously published material is not identified in the reports as copyrighted. The contractor shall agree that no rights at common law or inequity shall be asserted, and no claims to copyright by statue shall be established by the contractor in any materials produced in the performance of this contract, and that all materials and deliverables shall become property of the U.S. Government. The results of this project may be used for research and other reasonable and lawful purposes by U.S. Government and non-government agencies and individuals subject to prior, written approval of the U.S. Forest Service.

10.0 OWNERSHIP OF MATERIALS, SAMPLES, ARTIFACTS, DATA AND INFORMATION

All artifacts, specimens, samples, field notes, negatives, records, journals, maps and other materials, samples, data and information generated as a product or by-product of this contract are the property of the United States Government. The contractor shall make no claims to ownership of any such materials at anytime during or after the progress or completion of said contract. Use of said materials by the contractor, contractor’s Agents, or other must be approved in writing by the appropriate Officer of the United States Forest Service.

11.0 CONFIDENTIALITY AND DISCLOSURE

Forest Service records dealing with historic, prehistoric, paleontological and Native American religious site localities are exempt for disclosure pursuant to 5 USC 522(b)(5). The contractor shall not divulge, and shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that no member of the contractors staff or organization divulges information concerning site specific inventory data to any person other than a duly authorized representative of the Forest Service or appropriate state agency unless authorized in wring by the contacting Officer.

12.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN

Acceptable Quality Level

The Forest Service will accept products from the contractor if the:

Record searches and surveys are conducted according to the “Technical Specifications” section above.

Products contain, at a minimum, the information described in the “Technical Specifications” section above.

Products comply with applicable policies, regulations, and guidelines regarding cultural resources investigations (refer to Title 36 CFR Part 800).

Products are received within the established delivery dates listed in the “Delivery Schedule” section above.

Reports, record forms, and maps meet government editing and quality standards (i.e., documents are clear, concise, grammatically correct, logically formatted, and contain all required government data).

Method of Surveillance

The government will randomly review the manner in which the contractor is conducting the record searches, surveys, and consultations by reviewing the contractor’s records and observing actual performance, or both.

The government will periodically review preliminary documents to assess compliance with technical specifications and the probability of on-time delivery.

The government will review and verify that all draft and final documents comply with technical specification and applicable policies, regulations, and guidelines.

The government will review all documents to ensure that they meet government editing and quality standards.

Incentive/Disincentive for Meeting Acceptable Quality Level

For early or exceptional quality work, the contractor shall receive excellent performance evaluation.

For poor quality work, contractor shall rework at no additional cost to government.

For late work there will be a 1% reduction in payment for each month the documents are late.

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

Attachment 1 “Reserved”

Attachment 2 Emergency Control - Fire Plan 2 pages

Attachment 3 Santa Fe Trail Archaeological Inventory and Visual Resources Management Project, Cimarron National Grassland, Morton County, Kansas 1 page