Attachment_1_-_Performance_Work_Statement_Tristate_fuel_break_mow_12_JUL_23.pdf

Performance Work Statement FY23 Tri State Fuel Breaks – Mowing

1. General: This is a non-personal services contract to provide for vegetation management services. The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the providers performing these services. 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, labor, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform vegetation management services as defined in this Performance Work Statement (PWS).

1.2. Background: The Bruneau Field Office of the Boise District, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is acquiring vegetation management services to create fuel breaks along existing road systems.

The Tri State Fuel Breaks Project is located in Owyhee County south of Mountain Home, ID. The majority of the project is BLM administered lands with small sections of State of Idaho lands.

1.3. Objectives: The objective of this service is part of a larger strategy of fuel breaks that when finished will be implemented across the intersection of the three states- Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada (Tri- State Fuel Breaks). The fuel break strategy is focused on this Tri-State area as it is the largest intact sage grouse habitat left in the northern great basin. The Project is designed to protect the sagebrush steppe and associated values (e.g., wildlife habitat, cultural resources) from catastrophic wildfire by providing firefighters accessible staging areas, or fuel breaks, that allow them to put out fires more safely, quickly and efficiently.

1.4. Scope: The work under this contract includes 1590 acres of brush mowing.

Terrain: Flat to rolling sagebrush and grass hills with steep yet shallow drainages traversing the project area.

Slope: Typical mowing areas generally will consist of slopes less than 15%.

Rock: Some rock may be present.

Vegetation: The project area vegetation is typical of the Great Basin and consists of sagebrush and perennial grass.

1.5. Period of Performance: The period of performance will be conducted late in the fall in an effort to reduce the risk of starting a wildfire. Mowing operations will begin on or after September 11, 2023 as soon as weather and ground conditions are favorable to reduce the risk of wildfire starts. The Contracting Officer’s representative will notify the contractor that favorable conditions have been met and the contractor shall be prepared to commence mowing operations within 3 calendar days of notification. All operations shall be completed no later than November 14, 2023.

Estimated dates for this project are:

Start Date: September 11, 2023 End Date: November 14, 2023

1.6. General Information:

1.6.1. Federal Observed Holidays: In addition to any holidays declared by Executive Orders, the following Federal Legal Holidays are observed:

New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day

1.6.2. Hours of Operation: Mowing operations shall be permitted during daylight hours, Monday- Friday, unless additional working hours are authorized by the Contracting Officer.

1.6.3. Place of Performance: Work under contract is located in Owyhee County, State of Idaho, as shown on the vicinity map. The treatment area is between Grasmere and the Idaho/Nevada state line along Roland Rd and Tokenbamby Rd.

1.6.4. Notification of Schedule: The Contractor must attend the pre-work conference and provide a written performance plan, including crew size and schedule, prior to beginning work.

1.6.5. Pre-work Conference: A pre-work conference will be held prior to commencement of work.

The Contractor will be notified in advance of meeting time, date and place. The purpose will be to review required work, specifications, payment, and administrative provisions of the Contract. The Contractor and the persons responsible for coordination for the work (Crew Representative/Foreman) shall be present at the meeting. The Contractor shall be prepared to summarize and explain procedures planned for the project and provide a schedule to meet the time frames of the project.

1.6.6. Project Boundary Marking: The location and access to the unit(s) are shown on the vicinity and unit map(s). The edge of the 200 foot boundary off the road will not be flagged but the beginning and ending points of the mow areas will be flagged. Not all unit boundaries may be marked, it will be up to the contractor to identify and verify boundaries in the field using maps and electronic devices to stay within the unit(s).

1.6.7. Notification of Cessation or Restart of Work: The Contractor will notify the Contracting

Officer's Representative (COR) at least 3 days before they plan to start operations. Contractor will also notify the COR whenever he intends to cease operations for one or more days and will tell the COR at that time when they plan to resume operations.

1.6.8. Progress Inspections/Meetings: The Government COR and/or PI will make periodic visual inspections. Inspection will consist of documentation of the treated areas. Documentation will be based upon compliance with the contract specifications. The Contractor shall require his or her Crew Representative to be present during the inspections. COR and/or PI will discuss all deviations from specifications with Crew Representative as soon as possible when deviations from specifications are found. The Contractor shall correct any deficiencies noted and the project will be re-inspected by the COR.

1.6.9. Personnel/Equipment Requirements: The Contractor must always maintain an adequate work force to ensure timely completion of the work and is responsible for the crew knowing the requirements of the contract. The crew is also responsible for maintaining a safe working environment following OSHA standards. The Contractor will furnish all tools, labor, supervision, equipment, materials, supplies, transportation, training, and incidentals necessary to accomplish the task in accordance with the specifications provided within the designated performance time. The Contractor shall service and maintain such equipment as necessary to maintain satisfactory progress on the work.

1.6.9.1. Key Personnel: The following personnel are considered key personnel by the

Government: One Contractor Representatives (foreman) must be designated by the Contractor. A Contractor Representative must be on-site always directing work. This person must be fluent in English and will also serve as an on the ground contact person for the COR/PI. Failure to maintain a Contractor Representative will result in suspension of work until an acceptable on-the-ground Contractor Representative is provided. A maximum of five (5) days will be allowed to produce a qualified Contractor Representative. Failure to do so within five days may result in the Contracting Officer (CO) issuing a Suspend Work Order. CO and COR must be informed of any changes of Contractor Representative. The contractor will furnish a legible list of all contract employees (last name, first name) to the assigned COR. If there are any changes to the list of contract employees during the life of the contract a new list will be provided to the

COR.

1.6.10. Vehicle Access and Use: Project site is accessible in dry conditions with two wheel drive, high clearance vehicle. In wet conditions four wheel drive high clearance vehicle may be needed. Public or private access roads damaged by the contractor shall be restored, at the contractors’ expense, to the same condition they were at the commencement of work.

If roads or any type of access become impassable or subject to damage, because of adverse weather conditions or other natural and/ or social reasons, the COR will relay information to the Contractor, and a Stop Work Order may be implemented by the CO until other access can be obtained.

Undercarriages of all vehicles will be cleaned before entering the treatment areas to avoid spreading noxious weeds.

1.6.11. Camping: Camping on agency-administered lands will only be allowed on site(s) pre-approved by an authorized officer. Camping areas for crews will be identified and surveyed for cultural resources prior to use of that camp location. Some camp sites have been identified and cleared for use, ask the COR for details. The Contractor shall maintain all camping areas in an orderly and sanitary manner. The ordering and maintenance of portable toilets and dumpsters is the responsibility of the contractor. In the equipment maintenance area, special precaution shall be taken to contain spilled fuel, lubricants, and wash water. All fire regulations and restrictions shall be followed. All garbage and refuse shall be removed from the camp site(s) by the Contractor and disposed of offsite before final payment is made.

1.6.12. Detailed Unit Information: Work under contract is located in Owyhee County, State of Idaho, as shown on vicinity and project map. This project starts near Grasmere, Idaho and will follow Roland Rd. south toward the Idaho/Nevada border. The project area splits at the intersection of Tokenbamby Rd and Roland Rd. Roland Rd continues south and east toward the state line while Tokenbamby Rd continues south and west toward the state line (see map).

1.6.13. Fire Prevention/Suppression: Contractor shall ensure all equipment diesel and/or gas engines are equipped with an approved spark arrester. Spark arresters shall meet the requirements of the U.S. Forest Service Spark Arrester Guide, dated May 1985. Have one shovel and a minimum of one 10 pound ABC fire extinguisher for each tractor. Shovel and fire extinguisher must be accessible to operator. The contractor shall:

1.6.13.1. Comply with all applicable State and Federal laws and regulations pertaining to water quality in connection with any operations under this contract.

1.6.13.2. Take every reasonable precaution not to pollute or obstruct any stream (including dry streams), lake or reservoir on or near the project area in connection with any operations under this contract. If contractor’s operations cause pollution or obstruction of any stream, lake or reservoir on or near the designated mowing area, contractor shall notify the authorized officer immediately, and will correct the condition to the satisfaction of the

BLM.

1.6.14. Emergency Services: Contractor shall have a means of communicating with fire dispatch (for example: satellite phone, text capable SPOT/Garmin device, cell phone WITH SERVICE) within 10 minutes of a fire start at all times during operational shift.

1.6.15. Protection of Improvements: The COR may order a cessation of work if vehicles are operated on roads within the work area when ground or weather conditions cause or lead to loss of traction or rutting. Such conditions usually develop where frozen ground is thawing, when snow is melting, and during or immediately following rainstorms. Ground disturbance will be reduced by tracking over an area one time, and then avoiding sharp tight turns that cause the soil and vegetation to be turned up. Any soil and ground disturbance caused by equipment during and after operations will be rehabilitated.

1.6.16. Invoicing: Invoices shall be submitted through IPP for payment, after services have been performed with supporting invoice on company letterhead and referenced purchase order number. Unit Costs offered must be “All-Inclusive” for materials, labor, transportation, surcharges, fees and services necessary and incidental to the provision of Mowing Services.

“All-Inclusive” pricing includes environmental fees, fuel surcharges, pick up, delivery, and all other services necessary and incidental to the required work. There will be no additional costs or special service charges. Invoices shall reflect only those costs indicated in the Price Schedule.

1.6.16.1. Measurement and Payment: Measurement for payment for mowing will be the number of acres satisfactorily completed in accordance with these specifications.

Payment will be made at the unit price per acre specified in the Bid Schedule, and shall include cost of all work described in these specifications. All measurements will be based on horizontal distances. Inspection will consist of a minimum of one (1) spot check per mile with a tape measure from the side of the road.

F-2 Definitions

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. Contracting Officer (CO): 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.

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.

4. Deliverable: Anything that can be physically delivered but may include non-manufactured things such as meeting minutes or reports.

5. Equipment: A tangible item that is functionally complete for its intended purpose, durable, nonexpendable, and needed for the performance of a contract. Equipment is not intended for sale and does not ordinarily lose its identity or become a component part of another article when put into use. Equipment does not include material, real property, special test equipment or special tooling.

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. 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. The prime contractor is responsible for performance of all subcontractors.

7. Quality Control: All necessary measures taken by the Contractor to assure that the quality of an end product or service shall meet contract requirements.

8. Subcontractor: One that enters into a contract with a prime contractor. The Government does not have privity of contract with the subcontractor.

F-3 Government Furnished Property and Services

3. The BLM will supply one map depicting the project area and provide a GIS shape file of the roads so that the Contractor will have the boundaries (outside perimeter, avoidance areas. etc.) necessary for the work executed under the contract.

F-4 Contractor -Furnished Items and Services

4. Requirements:

4.1. Equipment Requirements:

4.1.1. Wheeled tractor with a powered mowing device

4.1.2. Tractors: The Contractor shall furnish the necessary tractors with adequate drawbar horsepower, traction, and weight to accomplish the mowing requirement within the time limits and plowing requirements specified by the government. The tractors shall be of the following type: Four wheel drive, RUBBER TIRE tractor with a MINIMUM HORSEPOWER OF 90 rated at power take-off unit.

Rollover protection structures are required on equipment regardless of age, as defined in CFR1920- 1000-1002. Operators skilled in the operation of the furnished tractor(s) shall also be supplied by the Contractor. Tractor(s) shall be furnished and maintained in good mechanical conditions throughout the term of the contract. The Contractor shall furnish all required fuel, oil, and lubricants for operation of all contractor furnished equipment (tractors, mowers, transports).

4.1.3. Mowers: The mowers shall be the following type:) Pull behind rotary style cutter CAPABLE OF CUTTING A MINIMUM SWATH OF FIFTEEN (15) FEET. Mowers must be capable of traversing terrain and cutting vegetation to a height of approximately 6 inches for brush.

4.1.4. Motor Vehicles, Trailers, Low-boys: The Contractor shall furnish motor vehicles for hauling equipment and personnel to the worksite. The Contractor shall not load tractor(s) or mower(s) on public highways unless authorized by the Contracting Officer.

4.1.5. Mobilization: Includes all preparatory work and operations, including those necessary to the movement of personnel, equipment, supplies and incidentals to the project site; and for other work and operations which must be performed or cost incurred prior to beginning work on the various items on the project site. All costs associated with mobilization will be incorporated into the cost per acre to be mowed.

4.1.6. Surface rock and uneven terrain may reduce tractor speeds and cause mechanical problems. Routine periodic maintenance of equipment may reduce the daily hours of operation. Tractors and mowers working on the project should produce roughly 26.5 acres per each day.

4.2. Brush Mowing Service:

4.2.1. Mowing shall be performed in a linear fashion along roadways creating a 400 foot buffer, 200 feet on both sides from the edge of barrow pit. Mowing may include some mosaic areas of non-mowed areas due to avoidance sites, rock out crops or ravines.

4.2.2. Mowing shall be performed on both sides of the roadway. Mowing only one side of a road may occur where only one side meets the mowing criteria or if there is a restriction, or steep slopes.

4.2.3. Equipment shall not be operated when the soil is wet and the equipment causes a three inch or greater rut. If such conditions are encountered, the Contractor shall stop work and notify the Contracting Officer Representative.

4.2.4. The height of mowing shall be six inches, measured from the original ground surface.

4.2.5. Unit density of material to be treated is estimated to be from 31-60% total cover and less than 25% slope-1,590 Acres

F-5 Specific Tasks

5.1 Mowing: Work shall be performed onsite. Contractor shall provide all materials, equipment, labor, and tools necessary to perform the work. Perform mowing operations in accordance with the requirements identified in PWS 4.2.

F-6

6.0 Applicable Technical Orders, Specifications, Regulations, Manuals

6.1 Hydrology and Fisheries:

6.1.1 The contractor shall comply with all applicable State and Federal laws and regulations pertaining to water quality in connection with any operations under this contract.

6.1.2 Fueling of vehicles will be done outside of riparian areas (streams, wetlands, wet meadows, springs, etc.).

6.2 Archeological Concerns:

6.2.1 The excavation, removal, damage, and altering or defacing of cultural resources is protected under the Archeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) of 1979.

6.2.2 Any unauthorized collection, excavation, or destruction of archeological materials is also subject to civil penalties under ARPA.

6.2.3 The amount of the penalty will be the full cost of restoration and repair of archaeological resources plus the archaeological or commercial value of archaeological resources destroyed or not recovered.

6.2.4 If an obvious un-flagged constructed feature (i.e., rock wall or stone monument) is near a juniper tree to be cut, the tree must be dropped away from the feature and steps taken to avoid damaging the feature.

6.3 Special Status Plants:

6.3.1 All known Special Status Plant (SSP) Element Occurrence (EO) “avoidance areas/buffers” will be marked with flagging prior to and during treatment operations where impacts to SSP species may occur.

6.3.2 All-terrain vehicles (ATV) and utility task vehicles (UTV) will avoid SSP EOs during cross-country travel.

6.4 Boundary Marker Protection: The Contractor, their employees and equipment operators are required to protect evidence of the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) and related Federal property boundaries in accordance with federal law (18 U.S.C. § 1858). Boundary evidence includes, but is not limited to, General Land Office and Bureau of Land Management Cadastral survey corners, artificial and natural boundary monuments, witness corners, reference monuments, benchmarks, bearing trees and witness stones. Prior to commencing any ground disturbing activities, evidence of the PLSS and other survey corner monuments will be marked for protection. In the event of disturbance or destruction of Federal boundary evidence, the responsible party shall immediately report the incident, in writing, to the authorized official, and actual cost for rehabilitation or reestablishment will be deducted from payment due the Contractor or responsible party.

6.5 Fire Prevention

6.5.1 The Purchaser shall comply with all the applicable Idaho State Fire Prevention Laws, Rules, Regulations, and Standards.

6.5.2 Prior to the operation of power-driven equipment in construction or logging operations under this contract during the closed fire season or periods of fire danger, the Purchaser shall prepare and comply with a fire prevention and control plan to the satisfaction of the Authorized Officer.

6.5.3 Any person using a portable power saw shall have the following equipment immediately available:

6.5.3.1 A shovel in good condition with not less than a three (3) foot handle and a blade not less than seven and three-quarters (7¾) inches wide shall be within fifty (50) feet of any power saw when in operation.

6.5.3.2 A fully charged, operable chemical fire extinguisher of at least eight (8) ounces minimum capacity of a type approved by the State of Idaho Department of Lands local District Fire Wardens shall be carried during the closed fire season or periods of fire danger by each saw operator using a power saw on the contract area. Such fire extinguisher shall be filled and in effective operating condition and shall be immediately available at all times to the operator when the saw is being fueled or the motor of the saw is running. A size "0" or larger shovel shall be available with each gas can when refueling. Any fueling of a power saw shall be done in an area which has first been cleared of all flammable material. Power saws shall be moved at least twenty (20) feet from the place of fueling before the engine is started. Each power saw shall be equipped with an exhaust system and a spark arresting device which are of types approved by the State of Idaho Department of Lands Regulations.

6.5.4 Every Operator conducting a Forest Operation using a cable logging system or a metal tracked harvester during the period of July 1st through September 30th annually shall provide all water supply and fire suppression equipment in the operating areas as stated in the Idaho Administrative Procedures Act (IDAPA 20.04.01.130 Water Supply and Equipment).

6.5.5 The Authorized Officer may require additional fire tools and fire equipment as the fire danger may warrant. Such additional tools and equipment shall include but not be limited to the following items: portable pumps, tank truck or portable tank, bulldozer, headlight for each crewmember, and a pair of headlights for each bulldozer.

6.5.6 The purchaser shall comply with all fire restrictions issued by the Bureau of Land Management.

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 1

DELIVERABLES

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 2

PERFORMANCE

TASK INSPECTION

ITEM

INSPECTION METRIC PASS Acceptable

Quality level Perform mowing services Para 5.1.

Length Height of mowing <6 in measured from original ground surface

95% visual compliance with specs

DELIVERABLE FREQUENCY REFERENCE MEDIUM/FORMAT SUBMIT

TO

Performance/Work Plan

Once 1.6.4 Notification of schedule

By email in PDF format or hard copy

COR

Crew Manifest Once, and as needed when crew manifest changes.

1.6.9.1 Key

Personnel

By email in PDF or scanned or hard copy

COR

Safety Briefings and Plan

Once, or as needed for updates

1.6.14 Emergency Services

By email in PDF or scanned or hard copy

COR