US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Statement of Work

Contents Project General Information

1.0 Scope of Work

2.0 Background

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

4.0 Government Furnished

5.0 Deliverables / Schedule

6.0 Travel

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

8.0 Security Requirements

9.0 Data Rights

10.0 Section 508 – Electronic and Information Technology Standards Attachment ............................................................................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

Project Aerial Surveyor Forestry Services

General Information

1.0 Scope of Work

The Rocky Mountain Region currently has a need for aerial surveyors for the 2026 survey season with specialized expertise in western forest pests, forest types, GPS and GIS technology as well as aviation experience. The contractor(s) will aerially map tree mortality and damage using a provided tablet computer with the digital mobile sketch mapping system (DMSM) application. Survey work will be conducted in a government provided aircraft either alongside a Forest Service representative or independently depending on the contractor’s qualifications as a Fixed Wing Flight Manager Special Use. Prior experience with aviation and performing aerial survey work is preferred.

Surveys may take place at any location throughout Region 2 including Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas as needed.

Employee(s) will work full time (40 or more hours per week on flexible shifts, but not more than 6 consecutive workdays) whenever possible and if mutually desired. Adverse weather or fire activity/smoke may cause shortened flight hours or prolonged shutdown of operations.

2.0 Background

Aerial detection surveys (ADS) have been recorded as early as the 1920’s and were conducted with varying degrees of regularity throughout the years. Surveys have been conducted annually in Region 2 since 1994 with a perfect safety record.

The program typically consists of Forest Service employees who conduct aerial surveys from late June through September, to map forest disturbances throughout forested areas as well as Geospatial Information Specialists who edit and manage the data collected and distribute the data to our customers. The Flight profile is typically at or near 1,000 feet above ground level and during times of favorable sun angle in calm, clear conditions. We utilize 2 main flight patterns in the region. Grid patterns use two surveyors operating on opposite sides of the aircraft flying preset gridlines. Contour flight patterns are used in the highest mountain terrain where deeply dissected canyons inhibit visibility. Contour patterns consist of one observer sitting on the right side of the plane taking data and directing the pilot up individual drainages as needed making right hand turns.

This survey is in alignment with Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978. This is Priority 1: High. This contract is to provide insect and disease aerial survey data collections, which are activities as directed in the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (amended 2008) Section8, [16 U.S.C. 2104] FOREST HEALTH PROTECTION. These aerial surveys assist with the detection and reporting of insect and disease outbreaks and offer products for timber staff and other resource specialists aiding in effective forest management. These data can also reduce liability to the Federal Government against Tort claims.

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

Initial training may be required depending on the contractors current level of compliance with aviation training standards. All Surveyors will be authorized by name annually in a separate letter or by a Day-Use authorization signed by a U.S. Forest Service line officer to utilize USFS operated aircraft. Any surveyors acting as chief of party on these flights must be currently certified as USFS/DOI Fixed-wing flight manager – Special Use, while any observer, trainee or other partner personnel participating in mission flights must be currently certified as USFS/DOI Aircrew Member as outlined on the interagency aviation training website: iat.gov.

Once initial training is complete, the contractor(s) will be responsible for preparing for survey work, conducting aerial surveys to map forest disturbance, mission recovery and processing of photos collected through the contract period. The contractor(s) will not exceed 240 hours of work, including training.

The contractor(s) will be required to furnish personal protective equipment (PPE) for themselves appropriate for each mission. For fixed-wing flights, PPE will consist of close-toed shoes or boots, long pants and a shirt all composed of non-synthetic fibers.

Survey tasks will be performed in light aircraft for extended periods of time, up to eight hours per day but usually less than 6 hours daily. Flying conditions at times could be turbulent, hot and cramped with limited breaks. Flights are often changed, http://www.iat.gov/ delayed, or cancelled based on many factors and on short notice so flexibility is important for all crew members. Personal commitments and responsibilities will be given sincere consideration.

Upon request, the contractor(s) may also conduct field surveys in support of the aerial surveys. Field surveys require the ability to hike for extended periods of time (up to 10 hours per day) in remote areas with rough terrain and/or high elevation.

Other tasks may include GIS (ex: data editing, cartography, data sharing) and other computer-related work in an office setting and preparing for/recovery from air and ground surveys. The contractor(s) will undergo training as needed during mid to late June. Once the training is accomplished, the contractor(s) will alternately conduct surveys in conjunction with government employees and process collected data and photos from late June through October or until the survey is either curtailed or complete or the contract budget has been exhausted.

Technical details of mapping forest disturbance are outlined in the National Aerial Survey Standards. Each contractor is required to detect recent dead and currently injured trees from a distance (up to 2 miles away) while flying in a small, fixed-wing aircraft, identify the tree species affected and either count the number of dead trees, density, or percentage of large dead groups of trees or identify and assess other types of tree injury. Contractor(s) will visually detect forest damage from the airplane, co-locate on the DMSM, map, and describe the spatial extent, type of damage and tree species affected on a digital mapping system (DMSM).

4.0 Government Furnished

Contractor(s) will each be provided with forest pest and tree identification materials, a tablet computer with the necessary software and projects installed, aviation safety and aerial survey training as needed at the start of the project.

Aerial survey work and some initial training will take place in a government-owned or contracted aircraft, usually a small, fixed-wing aircraft such as a Kodiak 100 or Cessna T206. The aircraft utilized during the surveys will be procured and managed by a qualified US Forest Service fixed-wing manager who will also be on the aircraft while performing survey work.

The aircraft will be utilized according to all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and USFS regulations and policies.

A mapping system (DMSM), aviation headset and possibly a laptop computer will be provided to each contractor during their time spent on contract and will be returned to the government at the end of the contract period. Aviation headsets for hearing protection and communication, DMSM units, cameras and GPS transmitters will be provided by the Government. Government furnished property will not leave the workplace (USFS office and utilized aircraft) without direct permission from the program manager.

Government contractor(s) may use Government motor vehicles for official purposes only and solely in the performance of the contract in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and GSA Fleet procedures. Government motor vehicles cannot be used for transportation between residence and place of employment. Contractor must:

(1) Establish and enforce suitable penalties against employees who use, or authorize the use of, Government motor vehicles for unofficial purposes or for other than in the performance of the contract; and

(2) Pay any expenses or cost, without Government reimbursement, for using Government motor vehicles other than in the performance of the contract.

Contractors are not required to operate a Government vehicle to meet project requirements nor will the award decision be based on the ability to do so. Use of a Government vehicle will be limited to transportation between airports to meet the aircraft and for field checks and local transportation at assigned bases of operations. The USDA Forest Service does not train, test, qualify, or certify cooperators, partners, contractors, or their employees in the use of motor vehicles.

Contractors that elect to operate a Government vehicle are required to provide proof of and maintain comprehensive liability insurance and defensive driving training.

5.0 Deliverables / Schedule

The period of performance will commence as early as June 1 and will go no later than October 31, 2026. The duration of the contract(s) will not exceed 240 hours of work after award of the contract. Estimated dates and locations of survey are given in the 2026 ADS proposed work schedule. The contractor(s) will work with US Forest Service representatives to determine which portions of the schedule they will be needed for. It must be emphasized that scheduling be flexible and subject to change on short notice. Survey work is very weather dependent and can be cancelled or changed for a variety of reasons and on short notice. The ability to be contacted for brief mission plan on Sundays is optimal. Additionally, occasional weekend travel or work may be anticipated but unusual and optional.

Portions of the schedule may or may not be full-time depending on experience and capabilities of the contractor and the needs of the Government but full-time employment is anticipated. Typically, once initial training is complete, the contractor/crewmember will fly survey with an agency flight manager or independently if qualified.

A detailed schedule will be provided closer to period of performance. Schedule is flexible and likely to change due to weather, aircraft availability, fire activity etc.

6.0 Travel

Work at the beginning of the contract and periodically thereafter may occur at the USFS hangar facility at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport located at 11924 Corporate Way Broomfield, CO 80021. Some of this initial training and orientation may be done remotely via internet training modules and other electronic documentation.

Transportation to and from hotels and airports while on travel status may be provided by the government if needed and if the requirements are met as stipulated above. If it is more convenient or efficient, the contractor may self-transport directly to an airport to meet the plane or any predetermined meeting place at the discretion of the USFS Aerial Survey Program Manager.

Overnight travel will be required during the contract period, up to an estimated 25 nights in remote locations and up to 8 nights for onsite work performed at the hangar facility. All reimbursement for travel and per diem costs required shall be limited to rates established in the Federal Travel Regulations. The contractor shall select the most mission convenient and/or economical lodging and present alternatives to the government for approval. If no lodging receipts are provided by the contractor, per diem will be provided at 50% max allowable rate while working remotely.

Travel to and from work locations will count towards the 240 hour maximum stated above. Travel per diem will be paid according to the listed rates on gsa.gov for the specific work locations. Mileage will be paid according to current GSA rates if the contractor is driving a personal vehicle and that mode of transportation was authorized by the COR.

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

Contractor(s) will have a working knowledge of GPS and GIS (specifically ESRI products ArcGIS and AGOL) technology, and preference will be given to individuals with experience with the DMSM application and Rocky Mountain area forest ecology as well as aviation experience in small, fixed wing aircraft.

8.0 Security Requirements

Access to Government buildings will be incidental and under the supervision of Government employees unless or until a USFS Personal Identity Verification (PIV) or Common Access Card (CAC) is obtained by the contractor.

Contractor(s) will be responsible for knowing and adhering to airport security measures.

9.0 Data Rights

All data generated by the contractor will be considered property of the Government. However, all program data is available to and freely shared with the general public.

10.0 Section 508 – Electronic and Information Technology Standards

All data once edited will adhere to the National Aerial Survey Standards https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/users/user3914/FHP-files/standards-1099.pdf