Attachment_1_-_DBWRNWR_Arch_Survey_for_Land_Exchange_Performance_Work_Statement_(PWS).pdf

Attachment 1

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

Phase I Archaeological Survey of Tracts 542k and 28 on Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas County, Arkansas

Part 1

General Information

1. GENERAL: This is a non-personnel services contract to provide an intensive (shovel testing) Phase I archaeological survey of two tracts of the Dale Bumper White River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Arkansas County, Arkansas (Figure 1). The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein. Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn is responsible to the Government.

1.1 Description of Services/Introduction: The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform this survey as defined in this Performance Work Statement except for those items specified as government furnished property and services. The contractor shall perform to the standards in this contract.

1.2 Background: The tract(s) to be surveyed, which are non-contiguous to the Refuge, are part of a proposed land exchange for a comparable parcel located within the Refuge’s footprint. The investigation is required to ensure compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended, and to provide the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sufficient information to initiate the Section 106 consultation process.

Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge (hereafter, refuge) was approached by Black, Inc.

with interest in trading some of their lands for outlying refuge lands. The proposed land exchange between the refuge and Black, Inc. would allow the refuge to acquire a 284-acre inholding located fully within the approved acquisition boundary, improving both habitat conservation and public access. This tract is already reachable from an existing refuge parking lot and ATV trail at Wilcox Acres, meaning it can be readily integrated into refuge management and recreation opportunities. In contrast, only 111 acres of the USFWS-owned tracts proposed for divestiture are practically accessible to the public. The remaining acreage, while technically open, function as isolated land islands surrounded by private property with no viable public entry.

Exchanging the out-tracts would resolve long-standing management inefficiencies. The scattered, noncontiguous parcels have required disproportionate staff time and hindered law enforcement and public use. The Service also lacks legal access routes across surrounding private lands, limiting both operations and visitor opportunity. Acquiring the 284-acre inholding, which lies within a previously approved acquisition boundary of the refuge, would consolidate refuge ownership, reduce conflict with adjacent landowners, and strengthen the refuge’s ability to meet its conservation and public-use mission.

1.3 Objectives: Objectives of the survey are to determine if significant archaeological artifacts are located on the properties before divesting of the properties. Objectives of the survey include;

• Background and Literature Reviews

• Conduct a Phase I archaeological survey of Tracts 542k and 28

• Follow up testing of positive shovel test units to fully define the horizontal and vertical extent of cultural deposits

• Preparation of a technical report that outlines the results of the survey

• Curation

1.4 Scope: The contractor shall conduct reviews of the extant technical literature, the site files, historic maps, aerial photographs, and other relevant archives, and conduct a Phase I archaeological survey of 35 acres of the two identified high probability areas within the exchange Tracts project area. Tract 542K, the Bayou Meto tract, encompasses 78 acres: 15 acres out of which were identified as high probability. Tract 28, the Ethel tract, encompasses 40 acres: 20 acres of which were identified as high probability. The archaeological survey will consist minimally of a pedestrian walkover and systematic shovel testing of the high probability areas. The remaining acreage of each tract should minimally be visually inspected for any higher ground with the potential to possess evidence of human occupation.

The contractor’s final report serves several functions. It will aid the Service in meeting its responsibilities to preserve and protect cultural resources on the Refuge. It should also be a comprehensive, scholarly document that not only fulfills the mandated legal requirements but serves as a scientific reference for future professional studies as well.

The contractor shall utilize a systematic, interdisciplinary approach to conducting the study. Specialized knowledge and skills will be used during the study to include expertise in the disciplines of archaeology, history, geology, paleoecology, and other disciplines as required. Techniques and methods used for the study shall be representative of the state of current professional knowledge and development.

Services include:

1. Background and Literature Reviews. This element should expand upon and synthesize the extant data. It should include a general historical background supplemented by locally specific archaeological data and historical architectural and cemetery surveys. Some examination of files and collections from previous studies may be necessary to place recorded sites in context.

Documentary research will be necessary to examine and reconstruct the agricultural and fisheries history. This data will need to be synthesized, placed in the larger context of local, state, and regional history, and explicitly tied to the research design and report conclusions. This search will include a review of the Site Files from Arkansas Archaeological Survey to identify previously recorded sites in and near the project area, as well as other sources to provide the prehistoric and historic context for the study Information gained from this research will be used to place recorded sites in context, placed in the larger context of local, state, and regional history, and explicitly tied to the research design and report conclusions.

2. Conduct a Phase I archaeological survey of selected areas of:

a. Bayou Meto Tract 542k. The Bayou Meto tract encompasses 78 acres in Arkansas County. Of the 78 acres, 15 acres have been identified as high probability. (Figures 2-6)

b. Ethel Tract, Tract 28. The Ethel tract encompasses 40 acres in Arkansas County. Of the 40 acres, 20 acres have been identified as high probability. (Figures 7-11)

Within each tract, there were areas identified as having the highest potential for the identification of cultural materials. Methodology in the high probability areas will include, but not be limited to, a pedestrian walkover and systematic shovel testing using a 20-meter interval within the defined project APE (transects and shovel test intervals shall be 20-meters). In low, wet areas, the contractor can adjust the interval of shovel testing to 50-m intervals. Justification for the adjustment must be noted in the field notes and documented in the report of investigations. The remaining acreage within the tract, but not identified as high potential, should minimally be visually inspected for any higher ground with the potential to possess evidence of human occupation. This does not need systematic transects or tests but can be spot verification of areas identified from a study of maps, aerials, background research, or visual inspection. In the event of the discovery of any human remains, the refuge Unanticipated Site Discovery Plan (Archaeological and Historic Sites) And Inadvertent Discovery of Human Remains will be followed (Attachment 1).

Shovel test units will be 50-centimeters x 50-centimeters and will be excavated to a minimum depth of 50 cm below ground surface. Each shovel test unit will be recorded using a GPS unit possessing +/- 1 meter capability or better. All excavated soil must be screened through ¼ inch hardware cloth. One wall of each shovel test pit will be profiled with each soil strata described by texture using U.S.D.A. Soil

Conservation typology and by color using Munsell Soil Color Charts. Identified features will be hand-excavated. The field notes for each unit will include a list of any artifacts recovered by horizon and a detailed description of any cultural deposits and/or features encountered, as well as locational information and justification for shovel test placement. Note that the presence of surface debris, trash, or relatively recent materials in the upper horizon(s) of a shovel test unit shall be noted in the field records but does not qualify as a positive shovel test unit. The contractor shall keep standard field records; shovel test logs/rosters will be appended to the draft report.

3. Follow-up testing of positive shovel test units to fully define the horizontal and vertical extent of cultural deposits. The contractor shall conduct sufficient follow-up testing of shovel test units yielding pre-Columbian and/or historical materials to ascertain the nature, size, depth, integrity, age, and cultural affiliation of the cultural deposits. Follow-up shovel tests will be placed at five-to-ten-meter intervals from any positive test unit until two test units are negative in each direction.

Testing from each positive shovel test will be in all cardinal directions (or at right angles to the transect lines). Shovel testing will continue from all positive tests, in all cardinal directions. If testing is conducted at 10-m intervals, from the last negative test, a test will be brought into 5-meters to adequately define the site’s boundary. For large sites, the testing interval may be adjusted upon consultation with the Regional Archaeologist.

Testing should not be extended beyond the National Wildlife Refuge property boundary. Note that the presence of surface debris, trash, or relatively recent materials in the upper horizon(s) of a shovel test unit shall be noted in the field records but does not qualify as a positive shovel test unit. Each shovel test unit will be recorded using a GPS unit possessing +/- 1 meter capability or better. One wall of each shovel test will be profiled with each soil strata described by texture using U.S.D.A. Soil Conservation typology and by color using Munsell Soil Color Charts. Identified features will be hand-excavated. The field notes for each unit will include a list of any artifacts recovered by horizon and a detailed description of any cultural deposits and/or features if encountered. A site map depicting all shovel tests in the vicinity (negative, positive, and not excavated), the site datum, cultural and physical features, and tied to permanent landmarks will be prepared. A photo of each site will be taken. Shapefiles of each site and the survey area will be provided directly to the Service, as well as a completed GIS attribute matrix (which will be provided to the contractor).

4. Preparation of a technical report that outlines the results of the survey. The Contractor shall prepare a report detailing the results of the archival research and the results of the survey. The report shall include (but is not limited to) the following elements: abstract, introduction, methodology, a brief evaluation of previous work in the area, consideration of identified cultural resources in the area, the topographic base map, site inventory with National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) recommendations, summary, and bibliography. It will aid the Service in meeting its responsibilities to preserve and protect cultural resources on the Refuge. For each resource identified, the possible adverse effect the proposed land transfer or future land modification activities will have on cultural resources, and recommendations for additional work should be provided. A provided cultural resources GIS database (CRGIS) will be completed for the survey that will include all identified cultural resources, survey area, shovel test locations, etc.

5. Curation. The contractor shall prepare the recovered assemblage and all associated documentation, such as field notes, sketch maps, and photographs, for curation at the Arkansas Archeological Survey in Fayetteville. The materials will be submitted pursuant to that facility’s standard procedures. Note that the contractor shall include curation costs in the budget submitted with the proposal. These costs, as well as the repository’s accession procedures, can be obtained from the repository’s curator.

The contractor shall accomplish the archaeological and historic investigations in a phased manner involving: (1) background and literature reviews; (2) archaeological survey (shovel testing) of the 35 acres of identified high probability areas within Tracts 542k and 28; (3) follow-up testing of the positive shovel test to ascertain the nature, size, depth, integrity, age, and cultural affiliation of the deposits; (4) preparation and submission of a management summary, draft and final technical reports; and (5) preparation of the recovered assemblage and the associated documentation, such as field notes, sketch maps, and photographs, for long-term curation.

1.5 Period of Performance: The following milestones are anticipated:

• A kick-off meeting between the Principal Investigator, Refuge Manager, and Regional Archaeologist will be held within 15 days of the Notice-to-Proceed.

• Fieldwork commences within 30 days of notice to proceed.

• Submission of first partial invoice;

• Management Summary to be submitted within 30 days following completion of the fieldwork;

• Draft Technical Report and Curation Plan to be submitted within 60 days following completion of the fieldwork;

• Submission of second partial invoice;

• Comments and recommended revisions to be provided to the contractor within 60 days following submission of the draft report and curation plan;

• Revised Draft Technical Report will be submitted within 30 days following receipt of the comments and recommended revisions. The Service will have a 15 day review period. If deemed that the contractor has satisfactorily addressed the comments, the Service will indicate to the COR that the report has been accepted and requests that the contractor provide the contracted number of bound and digital copies. If deemed inadequate, the contractor will have 15 days to resubmit a revised draft to the Service for review. Our review of the resubmitted draft will be within 7 days. If this version is satisfactory, the Service will indicate to the contracting officer that this version has been accepted as the final technical report.

• Submission of the final report, associated appendices, and electronic/GIS data of the survey area and historic properties with required attributes within 30 days of notification that the USFWS has accepted the revised draft technical report.

• Transfer of the collection, associated documentation, and digital copy of the final report to the AAS repository should be made within 15 days following notification that the Service has accepted the final report. A final payment will be made after the Service has been notified by the AAS curator that the contractor has transferred the archaeological collection and associated documentation to them for accession. Note the collection must be boxed according to the federal and the repository's curation standards. The contractor is responsible for the accession fees charged by the repository.

• Submission of the third and final invoice.

1.6 General Information

1.6.1 Quality Control: You will be held responsible for the quality of the services provided and for all damages caused to the government as a result of your negligence in the performance of any services furnished under the contract. Although submissions required by your contract are technically reviewed by the government, it is emphasized that your work must be prosecuted using proper internal controls and review procedures. The letter of transmittal for each submission that you make shall include a certification that the submission has been subjected to your own review and coordination procedures to ensure completeness for each discipline commensurate with the level of effort required for that submission, and elimination of conflicts, errors, and omissions. Documents that are significantly deficient in any of these areas will be returned to you for correction and/or upgrading prior to completing our review. Contract submission dates will not be extended if a resubmission of draft material is required for this reason.

1.6.2 Quality Assurance: The government shall evaluate the contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. This plan is primarily focused on what the Government must do to ensure that the contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum acceptable defect rate(s).

1.6.3 Recognized Holidays: Unless the specified work for that day specifically needs the assistance of refuge personnel, the contractor is allowed to perform work during any of the federally recognized holidays.

New Year’s Day Juneteenth Labor Day Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday Columbus Day President’s Day Veteran’s Day Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day Independence Day Christmas Day

1.6.4 Hours of Operation: Not applicable

1.6.5 Place of Performance: The work to be performed under this contract will be performed at Tracts 542k and 28 as shown in Figure 1. Both of these refuge tracts are only accessible by crossing over private land. Access across private land will need to be coordinated with refuge personnel identified in 1.6.11 Key Personnel (Jay Hitchcock or Patrick Fitzmorris). If environmental conditions are appropriate (dry with minimal precipitation), these tracts are typically accessible with a four-wheel drive vehicle. However, all terrain vehicles or utility vehicles would provide a more reliable means of access regardless of environmental conditions.

1.6.6 Type of Contract: The government will award a Firm Fixed Price Contract.

1.6.7 Security Requirements: Not applicable

1.6.7.1 PHYSICAL Security: Not applicable

1.6.7.2 Key Control. Not applicable

1.6.7.3 Lock Combinations Not applicable

1.6.8 Special Qualifications: Special contract requirements include personnel standards, standards for consultants, contractor obligations for implementation, curation, coordination, project scheduling, and quality controls.

1.6.9 Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings: The Contractor agrees to attend any post award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 42.5. The contracting officer, Contracting Officers Representative (COR), and other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the contractor to review the contractor's performance. At these meetings the contracting officer will apprise the contractor of how the government views the contractor's performance and the contractor will apprise the Government of problems, if any, being experienced. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues.

These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the government.

1.6.10 Contracting Officer Representative (COR): The (COR) will be identified by separate letter. The COR monitors all technical aspects of the contract and assists in contract administration The COR is authorized to perform the following functions: assure that the Contractor performs the technical requirements of the contract: perform inspections necessary in connection with contract performance:

maintain written and oral communications with the Contractor concerning technical aspects of the contract:

issue written interpretations of technical requirements, including Government drawings, designs, specifications: monitor Contractor's performance and notifies both the Contracting Officer and Contractor of any deficiencies; coordinate availability of government furnished property, and provide site entry of Contractor personnel. A letter of designation issued to the COR, a copy of which is sent to the Contractor, states the responsibilities and limitations of the COR, especially with regard to changes in cost or price, estimates or changes in delivery dates. The COR is not authorized to change any of the terms and conditions of the resulting order.

1.6.11 Key Personnel: The follow personnel are considered key personnel by the government:

Archaeologist, Jennifer Grover, Regional Historic Preservation Office, 470-728-5246; Assistant Refuge manager, Jay Hitchcock, Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge, 870-946-5169; Refuge Manager, Patrick Fitzmorris, Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge, 701-899-1662. The contractor shall maintain close communication with either of the Refuge managers while in the field. The contractor shall provide a contract manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate who shall act for the contractor when the manager is absent shall be designated in writing to the contracting officer. The contract manager or alternate shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The contract manager or alternate shall be available between 8 am and 3:30 pm CST, Monday thru Friday except Federal holidays or when the government facility is closed for administrative reasons. Qualifications for all key personnel are listed below:

1. Personnel Standards – the personnel proposed for this project must meet the following minimal qualifications:

a. Project Directors or Principal Investigators (PI). The persons in charge of the investigation must have a graduate (Master’s or Ph.D.) degree, or an equivalent level of professional experience evidenced by a publication record that demonstrates experience in field project formulation, execution, and technical reporting. Suitable professional references must also be made available to obtain estimates regarding the adequacy of prior work. If prior projects were of a sort not ordinarily resulting in a publishable report, a narrative should be included detailing the proposed project director’s previous experience, along with references suitable to obtain opinions regarding the adequacy of this earlier work.

b. Field Archeologist. The minimum formal qualifications for individuals practicing archeology as a profession are a B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited college or university, followed by two years of graduate study with concentration in anthropology and specialization in archeology during one of these programs, and at least two summer field schools or their equivalent under the supervision of archaeologists of recognized competence; a Master's thesis or its equivalent in research and publication is highly recommended, as is the PhD degree. Individuals lacking such degrees may present evidence of a publication record and references from archaeologists who do meet these qualifications. For the purposes of this survey, documented knowledge and experience in the archaeology of the Southeast United States, specifically the lower Mississippi Valley and eastern Arkansas, are essential for individuals in this role.

c. Consultants. Personnel hired or subcontracted for their special knowledge and expertise must carry academic and experiential qualifications in their own fields of competence appropriate for the level of work they will perform on the project.

2. Contractor Obligations for Project Implementation

a. The Principal Investigator will be responsible for the validity of the material presented in the report of investigations. In the event of controversy or court challenge, the Principal Investigator may be called upon to testify on behalf of the Government in support of his/her findings at Government expense.

b. The contractor will assume all responsibility for and take all precautions to prevent damage to the property entered. All excavations will be backfilled immediately after completion. The contractor should inquire with the refuge manager concerning specific precautions to be employed within given wildlife habitats.

c. Human skeletal remains encountered by this program will be treated in accordance with the NAGPRA Plan of Action developed as part of the Research Design. The RHPO/RA and the Refuge Manager will be immediately contacted. An appropriate course of action will be determined upon consultation with the federally recognized tribes, the Arkansas Historical Preservation Program, the Arkansas State Archaeologist, and the County Medical Examiner.

1.6.12 Identification of Contractor Employees: Not applicable

1.6.13 Contractor Travel Not applicable

1.6.14 Other Direct Costs Not applicable

1.6.15 Data Rights: The Government has unlimited rights to all documents/material produced under this contract. All documents and materials, to include the source codes of any software, produced under this contract shall be Government owned and are the property of the Government with all rights and privileges of ownership/copyright belonging exclusively to the Government. These documents and materials may not be used or sold by the contractor without written permission from the Contracting Officer. All materials supplied to the Government shall be the sole property of the Government and may not be used for any other purpose. This right does not abrogate any other Government rights.

1.6.16 Organizational Conflict of Interest: Contractor and subcontractor personnel performing work under this contract may receive, have access to or participate in the development of proprietary or source selection information (e.g., cost or pricing information, budget information or analyses, specifications or work statements, etc.) or perform evaluation services which may create a current or subsequent Organizational Conflict of Interests (OCI) as defined in FAR Subpart 9.5. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer immediately whenever it becomes aware that such access or participation may result in any actual or potential OCI and shall promptly submit a plan to the Contracting Officer to avoid or mitigate any such OCI. The Contractor’s mitigation plan will be determined to be acceptable solely at the discretion of the Contracting Officer and in the event the Contracting Officer unilaterally determines that any such OCI cannot be satisfactorily avoided or mitigated, the Contracting Officer may effect other remedies as he or she deems necessary, including prohibiting the Contractor from participation in subsequent contracted requirements which may be affected by the OCI.

1.6.17 PHASE IN /PHASE OUT PERIOD : Not applicable

PART 2

DEFINITIONS & ACRONYMS

2. DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS:

2.1. DEFINITIONS:

2.1.1. CONTRACTOR. A supplier or vendor awarded a contract to provide specific supplies or service to the government. The term used in this contract refers to the prime.

2.1.2. CONTRACTING OFFICER. A person with authority to enter into, administer, and or terminate contracts, and make related determinations and findings on behalf of the government. Note: The only individual who can legally bind the government.

2.1.3. CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (COR). An employee of the U.S. Government appointed by the contracting officer to administer the contract. Such appointment shall be in writing and shall state the scope of authority and limitations. This individual has authority to provide technical direction to the Contractor as long as that direction is within the scope of the contract, does not constitute a change, and has no funding implications. This individual does NOT have authority to change the terms and conditions of the contract.

2.1.4. DEFECTIVE SERVICE. A service output that does not meet the standard of performance associated with the Performance Work Statement.

2.1.5. DELIVERABLE. Anything that can be physically delivered, but may include non-manufactured things such as meeting minutes or reports.

2.1.6. KEY PERSONNEL. Contractor personnel that are evaluated in a source selection process and that may be required to be used in the performance of a contract by the Key Personnel listed in the PWS. When key personnel are used as an evaluation factor in best value procurement, an offer can be rejected if it does not have a firm commitment from the persons that are listed in the proposal.

2.1.7. PHYSICAL SECURITY. Actions that prevent the loss or damage of Government property.

2.1.8. QUALITY ASSURANCE. The government procedures to verify that services being performed by the Contractor are performed according to acceptable standards.

2.1.9. QUALITY ASSURANCE Surveillance Plan (QASP). An organized written document specifying the surveillance methodology to be used for surveillance of contractor performance.

2.1.10. QUALITY CONTROL. All necessary measures taken by the Contractor to assure that the quality of an end product or service shall meet contract requirements.

2.1.11. SUBCONTRACTOR. One that enters into a contract with a prime contractor. The Government does not have privity of contract with the subcontractor.

2.1.12. WORK DAY. The number of hours per day the Contractor provides services in accordance with the contract.

2.1.12. WORK WEEK. Monday through Friday, unless specified otherwise.

2.2. ACRONYMS:

AAS Arkansas Archeological Survey ACOR Alternate Contracting Officer's Representative AFARS Army Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement

APE Area of Potential Impact AR Army Regulation ATV All-Terrain Vehicle CCE Contracting Center of Excellence CFR Code of Federal Regulations CONUS Continental United States (excludes Alaska and Hawaii) COR Contracting Officer Representative COTR Contracting Officer's Technical Representative COTS Commercial-Off-the-Shelf CRGIS Cultural Resources GIS DA Department of the Army DD250 Department of Defense Form 250 (Receiving Report) DD254 Department of Defense Contract Security Requirement List DFARS Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement DMDC Defense Manpower Data Center DOD Department of Defense FAR Federal Acquisition Regulation HIPAA Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 KO Contracting Officer NAGPRA Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act NRHP National Register of Historic Places NWR National Wildlife Refuge OCI Organizational Conflict of Interest OCONUS Outside Continental United States (includes Alaska and Hawaii) ODC Other Direct Costs PI Principal Investigator PIPO Phase In/Phase Out POC Point of Contact PRS Performance Requirements Summary PWS Performance Work Statement QA Quality Assurance QAP Quality Assurance Program QASP Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan QC Quality Control QCP Quality Control Program RHPO/RA Regional Historic Preservation Officer/Regional Archaeologist TE Technical Exhibit USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

PART 3

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES

3. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES:

3.1. Services: The Government will provide the contractor with access permission across private lands in order to access the tracts to be surveyed.

3.2 Facilities: Not applicable

3.3 Utilities: Not applicable

3.4 Equipment: Not applicable

3.5 Materials: The Government will provide drawings, maps, and other materials and guidance necessary to meet the objectives of the study.

PART 4

CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES

4. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

4.1 General: The Contractor shall furnish all supplies, equipment, facilities and services required to perform work under this contract that are not listed under Section 3 of this PWS.

4.2 Secret Facility Clearance: Not applicable

4.3. Materials: Not applicable

4.4. Equipment: The Contractor shall have access, at a minimum, to a four-wheel drive vehicle in order to access work site locations. Preferably, the Contractor shall have access to an all-terrain or utility vehicle for access to work site locations.

PART 5

SPECIFIC TASKS

5. Specific Tasks:

5.1. Basic Services. In addition to Section 1.4 of this document, the contractor is also responsible for:

• Guidelines for Administrative Procedures o All phases of the study shall be closely coordinated with the Service’s Regional Historic

Preservation Officer/Regional Archaeologist (RHPO), whose office is located at Savannah Coastal Refuges, and the Dale Bumper White River National Wildlife Refuge’s Project Leader, whose office is in Saint Charles, Arkansas. The contractor is required to maintain routine telephone communications with the RHPO while work is being conducted, including notification of start and completion dates. A kick-off meeting between the Principal Investigator, Refuge Manager, and Regional Archaeologist will be held within 15 days of the Notice-to-Proceed.

o The contractor assumes all responsibility for liabilities incurred to themselves; equipment or sites being studied during this work.

o The contractor is required to coordinate their fieldwork schedule with the Refuge Manager to prevent conflicts with the Refuge management objectives.

o If human skeletal remains are discovered, excavation of that specific shovel test unit will cease immediately. The contractor or his/her field director will contact the RHPO and the Refuge Manager. The Refuge Unanticipated Site Discovery Plan (Archaeological and Historic Sites) and Inadvertent Discovery of Human Remains (Attachment 1) will be followed.

• Report o The Contractor shall prepare a technical report that meets, if not exceeds, standards as delineated in the Arkansas Archeological Survey’s 2010 Guidelines for Archaeological Fieldwork and Report Writing in Arkansas. The report shall include, but is not limited to, the following elements: a management summary, table of contents, introduction, description of the physical environment, archaeological and historic background, brief evaluation of previous work in the area, consideration of identified cultural resources in the area, methodology and techniques, relevant topographic base maps, results of the investigations, evaluations of NRHP eligibility and significance, recommendations for future investigations, and bibliography. The above items need not be discrete units but shall be discernible to the reader.

o The management summary shall be a synopsis of the report where the reader may find general conclusions and recommendations of the survey.

o The introduction shall include, but is not limited to, the following: the purpose of the survey, delineation of the study boundaries, and a general statement concerning the nature of the study conducted.

o The study area should be placed in its regional setting with regard to environmental factors affecting the location of cultural resources and the known cultural history, which should be briefly summarized.

o The methodology used in data collection and analysis shall be described in sufficient detail for a reviewer to understand what was done and why. This shall include (but is not limited to) a discussion of the survey and sampling procedures, the types of data collected, artifact and feature retrieval procedures, recording techniques, classificatory scheme, method of chronological determination, and any special analytical technique.

o Maps, diagrams, and photographs which show the area investigated, locations of cultural resources recorded, representative soil profiles observed in the shovel test units, and identified features, shall be included. All profiles of soil anomalies that are discussed in the report shall also be included as figures. The base topographic map shall depict the locations of all extant structures, architectural ruins, isolated finds, or features identified during the investigations.

o The report shall contain a summary and evaluation of previous archaeological and historical studies of the region, including dates, extent, and adequacy of past work, as it reflects on the interpretation of what might be found in the project area. This section should include a discussion of previously recorded sites and historic structures identified within a one-mile radius of the tract. This discussion should include coordinates, landform, soil type, periods of occupation, NRHP status, and citations.

o The report should describe the fieldwork results, including the number of positive and negative shovel tests, and the analysis of all recovered or identified materials. A discussion of the tract, even if it yielded no positive shovel tests, should be included in the report. This should include a description of the area, noted features and disturbances, soil types and vegetation encountered, number of shovel tests excavated, profile of a representative shovel test, and a general site photo.

Newly recorded sites and updated sites must be described individually (isolated finds can either be discussed individually or placed in a table). The locations of all positive and negative shovel test locations excavated for site definition purposes must be presented on the site map. All sites described in a report must include a map of the site that includes site boundaries, shovel test locations, topography, and features, among other elements.

Consultants must provide at least one overview photograph of the project area and of each site described in the report. Clearly state the determination of eligibility for the NRHP for each site and note which criterion (A, B, C, or D) applies to this eligibility.

Sites should be described as Eligible, Not Eligible, or Undetermined (further investigation required). The term “Potentially Eligible” is not an acceptable recommendation for the NRHP, in accordance with the guidelines set by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP). If an Undetermined status is made, then recommendations must be provided as to what is needed to fully determine the site’s NRHP eligibility, such as archival research or additional test units, etc., along with a rationale on how that information would allow for eligibility to be determined. Adequate documentation means establishing the potential of a site to provide information related to specific research questions mentioned in this State Plan or other questions proposed by the researchers. The amount of testing required to establish this potential depends upon the complexity of the site and the nature of the questions to be asked of the data. For historic archeological sites, documentary research must be conducted to assist in the determination of significance. Evidence of both kinds of research that aided in the evaluation must be provided in the written report.

Site descriptions in reports should be consistent with information presented on site forms.

All archaeological materials should be thoroughly described in the report, with citations for artifact classifications and chronological interpretations. Photographs and/or illustrations of representative diagnostic artifacts are encouraged.

o Summary and Recommendation - Succinctly summarize the results of the research and provide archaeological interpretations. Clearly explain the possible adverse effect a proposed project will have on cultural resources and make recommendations for additional work if needed. Include management recommendations relative to ground-disturbing activities and preservation or mitigation of impact on archaeological resources.

Usually, for Phase I investigations, sites that are not eligible for the NRHP require no additional investigations. Sites that are recommended as “undetermined” require further archaeological investigation: most typically a Phase II Assessment of Eligibility for the

NRHP.

o An artifact inventory and a shovel test log should be included as appendices to the report.

o Arkansas State Site Forms shall be completed for each newly identified site. The forms will be included as one of the report’s appendices. Shapefiles of each site and the survey area will be provided directly to the AAS and the Service.

o The contractor is responsible for ensuring the curation of all records and materials recovered in this study. A curation plan, including the name of the proposed curation facility and certification that adheres to current Secretary of the Interior Standards, shall be provided with the draft report. Upon Service approval of this plan, the contractor is responsible for curating the material or for packing and transmittal of the material to the approved facility. The RHPO/RA shall be notified of the date of transmittal.

• Format Specifications for Final Report o The final report shall be clearly printed on 8.5” x 11” good quality bond paper. A 1" left margin, 1" right margin, 1" top margin and 1.5" bottom margin shall be used.

o The title page of the report shall include the title and number of the contract, the contracting party, the principal investigator's name, and the date.

o All references cited and/or utilized shall be listed in the American Antiquity format.

Contacts with individuals shall be cited as well.

o The location of all sites, cities, towns, villages, highways, rivers, and other features discussed shall be shown on an appropriate figure.

o Information shall be presented in textual, tabular, and graphic forms that are most appropriate to communicate necessary information. The Contractor shall give every consideration to the use of nontextual forms of presentation, particularly profile (cross-section) drawings in combination with maps, to maximize the quantity and quality of information per page.

o All tables shall have a number, title, appropriate explanatory notes, and source note.

o All graphic presentations, including maps, cross-sections, charts, and diagrams, shall be referred to as "Figures” and have a border and a margin of 0.75" on the left and right side (if vertically positioned), 0.25" at the bottom and 0.5" at the top. An effort should be made to avoid foldouts unless necessary.

o All figures shall have a caption and be indexed in the Table of Contents’ List of Figures.

o All figures shall display a north arrow, linear scale, and key/legend, when applicable.

Written scales (such as 1" = x) are not permitted.

o The location of the refuge bounds shall be clearly indicated in relation to the material presented in all figures.

o All figures should be easily reproducible by standard photocopying equipment. Clear copies of historic maps are particularly essential. If clear copies cannot be obtained, transfer of pertinent data to another figure is acceptable.

o All site locations shall be shown on U.S.G.S. 7.5-minute quadrangles, and shall be located on the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM). Coordinates should be provided in both NAD 27 and NAD83. Written directions for sites should be clear enough to ensure their future accurate "on the ground" location by persons not accompanying the survey archaeologist. GIS data capturing each site and the survey area will be provided directly to the AAS and the Service. GIS data must be provided in the required CR GIS data format with appropriate attributes.

o All measurements shall be metric. Historic period resources shall be recorded in the English System in addition.

o Diagnostic and/or unique artifacts shall be shown by drawings or photographs.

o Digital photographs will be high resolution, 600 dpi or better. Cell phone photos are not acceptable. The contractor will submit all photographs on a flash drive. The images will be in a high-resolution JPEG or TIFF format.

• Deliveries and Performance o Curation. Preparation of the recovered archaeological assemblage and associated documentation [fieldnotes, photographs, etc.] for submission to the Arkansas Archaeological Survey in Fayetteville. A bound paper and digital copy of the final report will be included. The transfer of the collection to the repository should be made within 15 days following notification that the Service has accepted the final report. A final payment will be made after the Service has been notified by the AAS curator that the contractor has transferred the archaeological collection and associated documentation to them for accession. Note that the collection must be boxed according to the federal and the repository's curation standards. The contractor is responsible for the accession fees charged by the repository.

o Four products (Management Summary, Site Forms, Draft Report with Curation Plan, and Final Report) are required and shall be delivered to the Regional Historic Preservation Officer at the following address in accordance with the time schedule listed below:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of the Regional Archaeologist Savannah Coastal Refuges/Harris Neck NWR 5000 Wildlife Drive, NE Townsend, GA 31331

1. Management Summary. The contractor will furnish a brief letter-report summarizing the results of the archaeological investigations within 30 days following completion of the fieldwork. Relevant information includes dates of background research, fieldwork, and laboratory analysis; preliminary descriptions of identified historic properties; and preliminary determination of NRHP eligibility and context. Maps showing locations of finds and sites, and other pertinent figures, shall be included.

2. Site Forms. The contractor will complete forms for newly recorded sites submitted to the Site File Registrar at the Arkansas Archeological Survey.

Shapefiles of each site and the survey area will accompany these forms.

Individual site forms, along with the completed CRGIS data template, will be furnished to the Office of the Regional Archaeologist as pdf files and GIS files.

The site forms will also be included in a separate bound volume accompanying the draft and final reports. This volume can contain the detailed artifact inventory, the Scope of Work, research proposal, and a copy of the curation plan or repository agreement. Shapefiles of each site and the survey area will be submitted directly to the Office of the Regional Archaeologist.

3. Draft Report with Curation Plan. Two printed copies and a digital pdf version of a draft technical report will be submitted to the Service within 60 days following completion of fieldwork. The Service has an internal 30-day review and comment period; the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPOs) will be provided with a 45-day window. It is the Service’s responsibility and not the contractor’s to initiate the review and comment process with the SHPO and the THPOs. The Service will prepare review comments on the draft report, in consultation with the SHPO and Tribes that have expressed an interest in the project area and return them to the contractor within 60 days of receipt of the draft.

The contractor will affirmatively address all comments and submit a revised draft within 30 days of the date of these comments. Upon receipt, the Service will review this version to verify that all comments and/or recommended revisions have been adequately addressed. This review period will be 15 days. If this version is satisfactory, the Service will indicate to the Contracting Officer that the report has been accepted and requests that the contractor provide the contracted number of bound and digital copies. Digital copies of the report will be in PDF format.

If deemed inadequate, the contractor will have 15 days to resubmit a revised draft to the Service for review. Our review of the resubmitted draft will be within 7 days. If this version is satisfactory, the Service will indicate to the COR that this version has been accepted as the final technical report. Upon acceptance of the final draft, the contractor will provide two unbound originals plus accompanying illustrations, 4 copies of the report, and an electronic copy on CD. The electronic copy must be formatted as a PDF document.

4. Final Report. Upon acceptance of the final draft, the contractor will provide two unbound originals plus accompanying illustrations, 4 copies of the report, and an electronic copy. The electronic copy must be formatted as a pdf document. Cultural resource GIS data requirements: The contractor will ensure that all site data is entered into the government-provided CRGIS data template.

This geospatial data should be submitted along with the final report.

5.2. Task Heading. Not applicable

PART 6

APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS

6. APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS (CURRENT EDITIONS)

6.1. The Contractor must abide by all applicable regulations, publications, manuals, and local policies and procedures.

PART 7

ATTACHMENT/TECHNICAL EXHIBIT LISTING

7. Attachment/Technical Exhibit List:

7.1. Attachment 1/Technical Exhibit 1 – Performance Requirements Summary

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 1

Performance Requirements Summary The contractor service requirements are summarized into performance objectives that relate directly to mission essential items. The performance threshold briefly describes the minimum acceptable levels of service required for each requirement. These thresholds are critical to mission success.

Performance Objective (The Service required—usually a shall statement)

Standard Performance Threshold (This is the maximum error rate. It could possibly be “Zero deviation from standard”)

Method of Surveillance

PRS # 1.

The contractor shall provide all items necessary to accomplish a complete Phase I archaeological survey of Tract 542k and Tract 28.

Survey will consist minimally of a pedestrian walkover and systematic shovel testing of high probability areas, with remaining acreage visually inspected for evidence of human occupation.

Zero deviation from standard;

all high‑probability areas must be systematically tested, and all remaining acreage visually inspected.

100 Percent Inspection by Refuge Manager and Regional Historic Preservation Officer/Regional Archaeologist; validated customer complaint.

PRS # 2

The contractor shall…