Attachment_1_-_PWS_31_JUL_24.pdf

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT – Upper Snake Field Office Performance Work Statement

Jefferson Seed Application F-1

1. General: This is a non-personal services contract to provide for seed application 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 Upper Snake Field Office, Bureau of Land Management

(BLM) is acquiring services for seed application. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, tools, materials, supervision, supplies, and incidentals; and perform all work necessary to complete applications in accordance with the specifications provided.

1.2. Background: In 2010 the proposed treatment area was impacted by the 109,000-acre Jefferson Fire. The immediate impact to the site was the removal of all vegetation, which consisted of moderately dense stands of Wyoming big sagebrush with native grass and forb understories. Further impacts to the site resulted from wind erosion which moved large volumes of soil, exposing the vulnerable roots, and further stressing the recovering vegetation. Due to the long-term impacts sustained to the native vegetation and the inability of certain native species, i.e. sagebrush, to show any significant post-fire recovery, an aerial seeding is being proposed to aid in the reestablishment of certain key native species.

1.3. Objectives: The objective of this service is to reintroduce native grasses, forbs, and shrubs into the

Jefferson Fire scar.

1.4. Scope: The work under this contract includes application of seed at the specified rate over 1,105 total acres. Contractor will be required to treat only the 140-ft wide linear strips that traverse the 3,092-acre project area.

1.5. Period of Performance: Application operations will begin on or after October 15, 2024, as soon as weather and ground conditions are favorable. The Contracting Officer’s representative will notify the contractor that favorable conditions have been met and the contractor shall be prepared to commence application operations within 3 calendar days of notification. The contractor shall complete operations within 2 calendar days once the application is initiated. This application may coincide with the early snowfall and/or poor weather and site conditions. During the contract and application period, county, state and BLM jurisdiction roads and remote airstrips may not be suitable for staging areas due to muddy, wet, or snow-covered conditions.

Estimated Start Date: October 15, 2024 Estimated End Date: November 1, 2024

1.6. General Information

1.6.1. Hours of Operation: Seed Application Operations will be permitted only during daylight hours.

The Contractor will be allowed to work six days per week including Saturdays. Work will not be permitted on Sundays and holidays, unless authorized by the COR.

1.6.2. 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.

1.6.3. Place of Performance: The project area consists of approximately 1,105 acres and is located in

Jefferson County, Idaho approximately nine miles south of Terreton, Idaho (see Location Map).

The treatment will be implemented within 27, 140-ft wide linear strips located on federal land administered by the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Idaho Falls District (IFD), Upper Snake Field Office (USFO) (see Area Map). The topography of the project area consists of gently rolling lava plains with associated basalt bluffs and desert playas. Elevations range from 4,900 feet to over 5,200 feet above sea level.

1.6.4. Pre-work Conference: A pre-work conference will be held prior to the 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 (Contractor 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.

1.6.5. 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 seed application. Invoices shall reflect only those costs indicated in the Price Schedule. All expenses relating to maintenance and operation of equipment shall be considered in the all– inclusive pricing. The Contract will be considered completed and payment due when all seed furnished to the Contractor by the Government has been seeded to the standards specified above; or when all areas designated under the contract have been seeded to the said standards. Measurement for payment for seeding will be the actual area, in acres, within the designated boundaries satisfactorily seeded in conformance with these specifications. Measurement will be made from the ArcGIS polygons provided by the government. Acreages will be computed from horizontal distances as shown on maps. Payment will be made at the unit price per acre specified in the Pricing Schedule and shall include the cost of all work described in this paragraph and the Detailed Specifications, including any re-seeding, if such work is required. Acreages will not be computed from DGPS acreages covered. Contractor must factor in additional seeding application time required for coverage of the polygons, complete seeding, and any contour application that may be required to properly cover the area.

1.6.6. Project Boundary Marking: The location and access to the unit(s) are shown on the vicinity and unit map(s). The unit boundaries will not be identified by flagging, 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 have personnel on project site prior to commencing daily application, during application, and will notify Contracting Officers Representative (COR) or Project Inspector (PI) of changing weather conditions. The COR/PI will allow Contractor to continue or stop application if weather factors dictate. The COR/PI will give the permission to start, approximately one (1) hour from notification of conditions, depending on location of project from the Upper Snake Field Office.

1.6.8. Personnel 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.

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

Government: 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.

1.6.8.1.1. Applicators: Shall be furnished by the Contractor and shall be experienced in applying seed in rough, rocky, or mountainous terrain, all equipment, labor, supplies, and materials required to complete the job.

1.6.8.1.2. Work Crew: Shall be furnished by the Contractor for handling, mixing, and applying the seed. The Contractor shall furnish the necessary qualified mechanics for maintenance of equipment and shall furnish all fuel, oil, and service required for operation of equipment and vehicles.

1.6.9. 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 including designated 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. 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.

1.6.10. Risk and Damages: The Contractor shall assume all risks in connection with performance of the contract and shall be liable for any damages to persons or property in connection with the prosecution of the work, including the applicator or other employees of the Contractor.

1.6.11. Flight Hazards: If Contractor aircraft(s) are utilized, hazards such as the presence of power lines or anemometer towers on the work site are the responsibility of the Contractor to identify. All appropriate precautions shall be taken by the Contractor. Flight hazards which have been identified by the Government in the Specifications or Work Location Map may not be the only hazards present at the work sites and it is the Contractor's responsibility to check all work sites for flight or other hazards.

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2. Definitions

2.1. 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.

2.2. 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.

2.3. 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.

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

2.5. 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.

2.6. 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.

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

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

2.9. Safety Hazards: Any ground or above ground hazards that would pose a danger to Contractor’s personnel or operating equipment must be identified and mitigated by the Contractor prior to commencing operations.

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3. Government Furnished Property and Services

3.1. The Government will provide the following items to the Contractor:

3.1.1. The government will furnish all seed required for the contract. The Contractor shall be responsible for loading and hauling the Government furnished seed from the field office to the work site. Seed will be available by appointment, contact the COR. Upper Snake Field Office, 1405 Hollipark Dr., Idaho Falls, ID 83401.

3.1.1.1. Seed provided: This is a two-part application consisting of a grass/forb seed mix and Wyoming big sagebrush. Seed will be provided in 50- or 40-pound bags.

3.1.1.2. Grass/Forb Mix: 6,630 pounds seed/137 bags (approximate)

3.1.1.3. Wyoming big sagebrush: 2,210 pounds seed/ 56 bags (approximate)

3.1.2. Provide various USGS 7.5-minute quadrangles (1:24,000 scales) or GIS equivalent with clear cut project area boundaries clearly identified.

3.1.3. Provide GIS shapefiles of the project boundary and treatment strips in WGS84 coordinate system.

3.1.4. An Avenza map file will be provided that delineates the treatment perimeters. The Contractor must have a smart device capable accepting and displaying Avenza map files.

3.1.5. A list of contacts, including emergency contacts, will be provided at the pre-work meeting.

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4. Contractor -Furnished Items and Services

4.1. Equipment Requirements:

4.1.1. Equipment shall be capable of traveling at moderate speed and close enough to the ground for proper control and distribution of seed. The Contractor shall service and repair their equipment as necessary to maintain satisfactory progress on work. Contractor is responsible for all costs incidental to equipment move-in and move-out associated with the project.

4.1.2. The Contractor shall furnish sufficient equipment to have communications with the Government either by using radio frequencies designated by the COR/PI or by providing a radio to the COR/PI.

Contract will not commence until radio communication is established.

4.1.3. The Government will have the option to inspect the Contractor's equipment and work before, during, and after completion of this contract.

4.1.4. Application equipment

4.1.4.1. Seed Bucket(s) or Hopper(s): Equipment shall be equipped for carrying seed with an approved distribution mechanism complete with release, shutoff, and spreading device, which can be calibrated for spreading seed at the prescribed rate in a satisfactory manner and uniform pattern. Seed bucket(s) or hopper(s) shall include lids, which fasten securely to prevent seed from blowing out. Sagebrush seed presents unique problems due to bulkiness and tendency to bridge in the seed bucket or hopper. In addition, it is anticipated that some of the sagebrush seed will have a high moisture content which causes seed to compact, clump, and bridge even more severely. Therefore, seed bucket(s) or hopper(s) shall include a mechanical agitation system to prevent the seed from bridging in the bucket or hopper.

Equipment that cannot perform the specified work shall be modified or replaced by the Contractor. Sagebrush seed is extremely fluffy and may require special equipment to seed. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to assure that the seeding equipment has suitable agitation and feeder mechanisms to evenly distribute the seed at the specified rate without damaging the seed.

4.1.4.2. Seeder Calibration: The Contractor shall calibrate seeding equipment prior to application on the project. The Government will supply seed for calibration. However, the seed may not be available until approximately two days prior to the approximate start date of the project.

Seed used for calibration shall be recovered for use on the project.

4.1.5. Differentially Corrected Global Positioning System (DGPS)

4.1.5.1. Tracking/Guidance: Contractor shall be required to utilize a Differentially Corrected

Global Positioning System (DGPS) for electronic Navigation. System must be capable of utilizing ArcGIS shape files created by the government and given to the Contractor on a USB Thumb Drive or by email. Ground flaggers and an auto-flagger system (if aircraft is utilized) can supplement the DGPS system, but not substitute for it. DGPS is required for tracking, and data collection. The Contractor shall provide all guidance equipment, materials, computers, printers, personnel, and services required for the system to be used. The system shall be sufficiently sensitive to provide immediate deviation indications (real-time). The DGPS system must be capable of determining a differentially corrected location with an error of no more than one to two meters in the horizontal plane. The guidance system shall be capable of updating current position at a rate of a minimum of one time per second. Differential correction must cover the complete operational area. During operation, differentially corrected signal must be accurately recorded at least 90% of the operational time. Differential correction may be, provided by a portable differential station, FM radio fixed towers, or satellite.

4.1.5.2. Software: Software provided with DGPS must be designed for parallel offset in increments equal to the assigned swath width of the application equipment

4.1.5.3. Project Log: Must be capable of a minimum rate of one-second logging intervals. Full record includes position, time altitude, speed, track, application system on/off, job name/number, and differential correction status. The computer program must be capable of calculating and show total acres treated during the flight, and capable of downloading to a computer for analysis and review. The project log must show and differentiate between spray-on and spray-off when viewed on a computer monitor or printer. Export files of each project log shall be provided and must be compatible with ArcGIS system on a USB Thumb Drive.

The contractor must, upon request by the COR or Project Inspector, be able to supply project log data on a USB Thumb Drive for review at any time during the contract. The Contract will not be considered complete until the data has been reviewed and deemed complete with no skips in the seeded areas. The Contractor shall provide a map with project log data at the end of each day’s application. The DGPS system must be capable of zooming in on any portion of the treatment to view a specific area with greater detail.

4.1.5.4. Hardware:

4.1.5.4.1. Visual Display Monitor: (1) Capable of displaying swath width over project path;

(2) mounted in a location that will allow the applicator to view the screen; (3) have a method to display nested polygons to indicate sensitive or no-spray areas within or adjacent to treatment blocks; (4) have a feature that allows the applicator to return to the exact location of application shutdown and complete application without omitted or doubled treated areas.

4.1.5.4.2. Control Keypad: The keypad must: (1) be able to input reference waypoints (A-B line): (2) have a feature which alerts the operator when they are about to enter or exit a specific treatment block or an exclusion area within a block: (3) have a method to display nested polygons to indicate sensitive or no-seeding areas within or adjacent to treatment blocks: (4) have a feature that allows the operator to return to the exact location of application shutdown and complete application without omitted or doubled treated areas.

4.1.5.4.3. Course Deviation Indicator (CDI): The course deviation indicator or course deviation light must have the capability to display both cross-track error and intercept angle to desired heading. Cross-track error shall be adjustable down to one (1) foot.

4.1.5.4.4. Memory: Must be capable of storing up to 8 hours of continuous project log data.

4.2. Loading Facilities: Use of any loading area, federal, state, or private land, shall be arranged by and at the discretion and risk of the contractor. Contractor shall be responsible for access to the site.

Contractor shall have personnel at project site prior to commencing daily application, during application, and shall notify Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or Project Inspector (PI) of changing weather conditions. The Government shall not be held responsible for any loss, mishap, or accident due to conditions of any site used. The Contractor shall provide appropriate warning signs for traffic if roads are used as loading sites.

4.2.1. Base of Operations: The Contractor shall provide such loading facilities as may be required for competent performance of contract. If loading sites are described in the Detailed Specifications or shown on the Work Location Map, the Government makes no warranty as to their availability or condition. Use of any loading area shall be arranged by and at the discretion and risk of the Contractor, and the Government shall not be held responsible for any loss, mishap, or accident due to conditions of any loading facility used. Any applicable fees for loading facilities are the responsibility of the Contractor. If Contractor wishes to use BLM land, this must be approved in advance by the Project Inspector. The Contractor shall provide appropriate warning signs for traffic if roads are used as loading sites.

4.3. Materials:

4.3.1. Transportation of Government supplied seed: Seed will be furnished by the Government.

Contractor shall load and transport seed from the pickup point to the operational loading sites and shall be responsible for its protection from loss or damage due to weather, rodents, insects, theft, or any other hazard. Any seed damaged or lost, while in the custody of the Contractor, will be replaced by the Government, and actual cost to the Government for replacement will be deducted from payments due the Contractor. All unused seed shall be returned to the pickup point by the Contractor or nearer destination, if so directed, upon completion of work or termination of the contract.

4.3.2. Dust Abatement: Any material used for dust abatement, other than water, shall be approved by the COR prior to use.

4.4. APPLICATOR LOGS: One report shall be provided to the Government. The report shall include daily applicator logs. This log or record shall be signed by the applicator operator and turned into the COR upon completion of the contract via email within 10 business days.

4.5. Seeding Operations Requirements

4.5.1. Rate of Application: Seed shall be distributed at the rate stated, or as directed by the Contracting

Officer (CO). Some seeding rates may be slightly reduced due to availability of seed.

4.5.1.1. Grass/Forb Mix: 6.00 bulk pounds per acre

4.5.1.2. Wyoming big sagebrush: 2.00 bulk pound per acre

4.5.2. Seeding Conditions: Seed shall not be applied when the wind speed exceeds ten miles per hour unless permission is given by the COR in writing. It may also be desired by the Government that the ground be covered by a minimum of two inches of snow during seeding operations. Therefore, seeding may be delayed if there is no snow on the ground and snow is expected in the weather forecast.

4.5.3. Coverage: The entire surface within the designated boundaries of the job area shall receive uniform coverage with the seed except for such areas as may be excluded by Government. Areas excluded from seeding operations within the work site boundaries shall not be included in the acreage computed for payment. Such areas will be specified in advance of seeding operations on work maps. Seeding strips shall be patterned in such a manner as to secure as high a uniformity of seed distribution as practicable. Such distribution shall not vary more than fifteen (15) percent above or below the average distribution of seed per unit of surface specified for the particular area concerned. Application shall be made to obtain proper distribution and uniform coverage of seed.

Checks will be made as operations progress to determine uniformity of application. Any areas missed by the Contractor or seeded to less than the concentration specified shall be reapplied and brought up to standard, compensated by seeding additional acreage, or by suitable deduction from the contract price, at the option of the Government, and at no additional cost to the Government.

4.5.4. Seed openings of the distribution mechanism shall be checked at sufficient intervals to insure proper functioning and even distribution of seed at all times. If at any time inspection of equipment reveals that seed openings are not properly operating or that feeders are blocked by trash, the CO may require re-seeding of that portion of the area that the Government determines was not properly seeded, at no additional cost to the Government.

4.5.5. Land Patterns: Project sites include varying land patterns. State and/or private land can be surrounded by BLM lands or BLM lands may be surrounded by private and state lands. Contractor shall be capable of seeding small irregular shaped areas and avoiding lands not owned by the BLM that are not included in this contract.

4.5.6. Terrain: Some project sites are located in very rocky inaccessible terrain. Contractor shall be capable of applying seed in contour patterns at a fixed height above the varying ground elevation.

If aircraft is utilized, Contractor WILL NOT be allowed to apply seed at one fixed elevation for entire project site. Project sites may be muddy, frozen, or snow covered. Contractor cannot apply seed if seeding equipment will disturb project area in any way. Any wheel, track, or other marks will not be allowed.

4.5.7. Tests for uniformity and rate of application: The Government will make tests as operations progress to determine uniformity of seeding. Standards of performance will be determined by adequate weight records of seed applied on each individual path and for each particular seeding strip covered, and ground recovery of samples of seed actually distributed. All work of weight recording and ground recovery will be done by the Government at no cost to the Contractor.

4.5.8. Should the Contractor wish to object in any way to the weight recording and/or ground recovery sampling done at any particular time by the Government, the Contractor shall be present in person or by authorized representative to voice said objections when said weight recording and/or ground recovery samplings are done, and to agree upon new records and/or samples at the time, where after the weight recording and ground recovery sampling done by the Government shall be final and binding in the settlement of the contract.

4.5.9. Work Stoppages: The Government reserves the right to stop seeding operations at any time when seeding conditions are considered sufficiently unfavorable to warrant stoppage. Stoppage shall continue until seeding operations, are again authorized by the Government. Because of the nature of the work, any time for which work is suspended by the Government because of unsuitable seeding conditions, will not be counted against the contract completion time. However, no monetary compensation will be given to the Contractor by reason of such work suspension.

Contractor agrees to work diligently to complete the seeding application. Partial days in which any amount of seeding was accomplished may be counted as full days of performance time if the Government deems Contractor is not being diligent in completing the contract.

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5. Specific Tasks

5.1. SEED APPLICATION: The Contractor shall perform seed application in designated areas in conformance with these specifications. Unless otherwise specified, the Contractor shall furnish, equipment, labor, supplies, tools, supervision, materials, incidentals, and perform all work necessary to complete seed application in accordance with the performance work statement.

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6. Applicable Technical Orders, Specifications, Regulations, Manuals

Technical Exhibits:

Required services table with AQL:

TASK INSPECTION

ITEM

INSPECTION METRIC Acceptable

Quality level Seed application (Para 5.1.)

Uniform coverage

Comparing applicator logs to original polygon to confirm uniform coverage over the application area. Seed tray measurements from within the designated treatment strips to determine application rate.

95% ocular and physical compliance with specs of random plots

DELIVERABLE FREQUENCY REFERENCE MEDIUM/FORMAT SUBMIT

TO

Performance/Work Plan

Once 1.6.4 Pre-work conference

By email in PDF format or hard copy

COR

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

1.6.8 Personnel

Requirements

By email in PDF or scanned or hard copy

COR

Applicator Log Once, or as needed for updates

4.5 By email in PDF or

scanned or hard copy

COR