Attachment 1 Rodeo Chediski Reforestation Heritage SOW.pdf

Rodeo Chediski Reforestation Heritage Survey Tonto National Forest

CULTURAL RESOURCES CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONS

Rodeo Chediski Reforestation Heritage Survey

Class III Cultural Resources Inventory

SECTION 1 - GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

1.1 - Scope of Contract The cultural resource survey contractor shall be permitted to conduct cultural resource surveys on the Tonto National Forest. The contractor shall furnish all personnel, facilities, equipment, materials, supplies and services and otherwise do all things necessary for, or incidental to, the satisfactory performance of this contract in strict accordance with this contract, for heritage resources field inventory and other associated activities located on Forest lands within Region 3 of the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, specifically on the Tonto National Forest. The scope of this project will include intensive archaeological pedestrian survey as described in this contract.

The Tonto National Forest (TNF) is planning reforestation restoration activities in the Rodeo-Chediski Fire perimeter, specifically Canyon Creek and Valentine Canyon on the Pleasant Valley Ranger District.

These activities will include site preparation including fire operations, planting individual seedlings, tending activities, and road improvements. Mechanical site preparation will be implemented with mastication equipment to remove excess vegetation. Non-mechanical site preparation may include hand thinning (with piling and/or lop/scatter), brush removal with handheld power tools, and/or scalping of surface vegetation. Road work may include blading of existing roads and trails. Prescribed fire operations including pile burning and broadcast burning will also be carried out across the project area.

Prescribed firing operations may require the construction of dozer line within the project area.

1.2 – Canyon Creek Reforestation Heritage Survey Tasks Mandatory Base Units

• Conduct intensive pedestrian cultural resource surveys of the identified 2747 acres and assess National Register eligibilty for all sites recorded in the project area. Per Appendix J of the Region 3 Amended Programmatic Agreement (PA) the inventory of the (Area of Potential Effect) APE will be limited to those areas that are less than 40 degrees in slope. The attached project maps of the APEs show what areas within the project boundaries should be under 40 degrees in slope, according to GIS. However, ground conditions may be different than what is depicted in GIS and will need to be verified during the inventory. The maps included in the contract package should, therefore, be used as a guide for contract bidding and planning.

• Record all previously identified and newly identified sites and isolated occurrences. The expected site density is moderate. The TNF estimates that this survey will discover up to 20 previously undocumented archaeological sites.

• Revisit and reevaluate previously identified sites. This includes 11 previously recorded sites.

Complete appropriate Tonto National Forest site forms in accordance with the specifications described in this contract. Include National Register eligibility determinations and assess fire sensitivity per the USDA-Forest Service Region 3 Programmatic Agreement, Appendix J.

• Produce a Report (Section 106 compliance report) for the inventory that meets the specifications described in this contract and is in accordance with the standards set forth in the USDA-Forest Service Region 3 Cultural Resources Handbook.

• Complete data entry. This includes all tabular & spatial survey, site, and feature data entry using the USFS Heritage Mobile Application according to TNF standard operating procedures (SOPs).

1.3 – Period of Performance and Work Submittal Schedule Unless otherwise specified during the pre-work meeting, the contractor shall meet the following schedule. The contract period shall begin no later than June 1, 2025. An earlier start date may be proposed by the contractor based on availability. The delivery schedule for all materials is listed below (Table 1). If a new start date is proposed during the pre-work meeting, benchmark dates will be adjusted and provided to the contractor based on the new proposed contract start date.

Table 1: Delivery Schedule

Desired Start Date: August 1, 2025.

Survey Field Work and Site Recordings completed by:

November 3, 2025.

Draft Report completed and sent to TNF for comments by:

December 19, 2025. The draft report with the COR’s comments will be returned to the contractor within 30 days for revisions. The contractor will have 30 days for revisions.

Final Report and Project Deliverables sent to TNF and NRM Data Entry Completed by:

February 13, 2026. The COR will have 5 days to inspect and accept or reject receipt of final deliverables.

1.3.1 Records Search

Prior to beginning fieldwork, the contractor will complete a Literature and GIS data review (see 2.1.1 below).

1.3.2 Fieldwork

The contractor will provide written progress reports to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) while fieldwork is underway. The progress report will be submitted to the COR at the end of each field session, or at other intervals as agreed on by the contractor and COR at the pre-work meeting, but not less than twice a month. The progress report will show the areas surveyed during the reporting period, the locations of any sites found, and a brief description of each site. The progress report will also identify any issues encountered in the field, such as impassable roads, rain days, etc. The progress report may be submitted as an e-mail to the COR with attached maps showing survey and site locations.

Within ten (10) business days of the completion of fieldwork, the contractor shall deliver to the COR digital copies of all draft site forms, IO forms, sketch maps, topographic maps showing site locations and geospatial data.

1.3.3 First Draft Deliverables

Will be completed and delivered to the COR digitally. See Section 3.2 below for requirements.

1.3.4 USFS COR Review

Will be completed with comments and suggested changes (if necessary) and delivered to the contractor, postmarked no later than 30 calendar days after the receipt of the draft report.

1.3.7 Final Deliverables

Will be completed and delivered to the COR digitally and with paper copies of the reports and site cards mailed. See Section 3.3 below for requirements.

1.3.8 Final Inspection

USFS COR will have 5 days to inspect and accept or reject work as appropriate. Upon rejection, work will be returned to the contractor for correction. If work is accepted, then recommendation for payment of invoice will be forwarded to the COR. Work that is submitted later than the contract schedule or that fails to meet contract and permit specifications will result in poor performance ratings.

1.4 – Payments Procedures Authorized payments are as stated below in Table 2. Any adjustments may be discussed in the pre-work meeting and must be approved by the USFS Contracting Officer. Contractor will be responsible for preparation and submission of proper invoices. Invoices shall contain the Contract Number, Vendor Identification Number, invoice number, remit to name and address, and the specific line items that are being billed.

Table 2: Payment Schedule

50% of contract price Completion of pre-field literature search and fieldwork, and upon acceptance of work by COR (within fifteen (15) business days of receiving deliverables)

25% of contract price Completion of draft report (one electronic copy of the draft report with all forms, photographs, electronic data/files, digital images, maps), and upon acceptance of the work by the COR (within fifteen (15) business days of receiving deliverables)

25% of contract Completion of final report and all associated deliverables, and upon acceptance of the work by the COR (within fifteen (15) business days of receiving deliverables)

1.5 – Project Description and Location The project area is 40 miles northeast of Payson, AZ and can be accessed from Payson on State Route 260 to the junction with Forest Service Road 512 (Young Highway). Follow Forest Service Road 512 south

2.6 miles to the main project area.

1.5.1 Environmental Setting

Vegetation in the area includes Ponderosa Pine forests on the slopes with Narrowleaf Cottonwood mainly in Valentine Canyon. Much of the area is a mix of hilly terrain with gentle to steep slopes. The areas identified for survey are generally less than 40% slope; however, most of the surrounding terrain is very steep, rugged, and remote. The contractor will need to plan appropriately for accessing the survey areas and conducting the surveys.

Forest Service System Roads (FSR) and Forest Service System Trails (FST) will be used to access the project areas. High clearance four-wheel drive vehicles, ATVs, and UTVs are recommended for traveling the secondary FSRs. These roads may become difficult to drive in wet weather. Off-road vehicle travel is not permitted.

The project area was burned in 2002 in the Rodeo-Chediski Fire. Dead standing trees are likely in the project area. Fallen trees with associated exposed root holes may pose a trip/fall hazard. Crews should use caution while working in burned areas and also be aware of overhead dangers.

The project areas are popular with campers, hikers, and OHV users. Implement appropriate safety measures such as defensive driving and use caution if surveying during hunting season or monsoon season. Crews should use caution while walking in areas with fair to poor ground visibility.

1.5.2 Cultural Context

The survey is expected to reveal precontact (potential Paleoindian, Archaic, Central Arizona Tradition (CAT), Mogollon, Anchan, Ancestral Puebloan archaeological cultures) sites. Protohistoric and historic Apache and Euro-American sites may also be present.

Section 2. Project Tasks and Critical Subtasks Once the procurement is issued, the COR will schedule a pre-work meeting with the contractor and the CO. The contractor may proceed with the project immediately after the meeting.

2.1 – Intensive (100%) Archaeological Pedestrian Survey The Area of Potential Effect (APE) of the mandatory project area is 2,747 acres. The contractor will conduct a 100% intensive pedestrian cultural resource survey. There are 11 known cultural resources within the project area that need to be re-recorded.

The contractor will be required to survey all of the project area acres according to the USDA Forest Service National Heritage Program Management Handbook and the USDA Forest Service Region 3 Cultural Resources Handbook and the following specifications.

This requires pedestrian survey on the Tonto National Forest by systematic intensive (100%) inspection of the ground surface using compass-controlled parallel transects spaced no more than 15 meters apart.

The field director may use their professional discretion to exclude potentially unsafe areas from the survey coverage, provided the COR is consulted. Non-surveyed areas will be documented in the project report and reflected on the project survey map.

2.1.1 – Records Search Prior to conducting fieldwork, the contractor will review all available publications, manuscripts, project reports, site records, state files, Forest Service files, and any additional materials pertinent to the project region to become familiar with the history of archaeological work and site documentation for the project area. This will require an in-person records search at the Tonto National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Phoenix.

At minimum, the contractor will gather information for forest and non-forest lands within one-half mile of the project area. GIS of known sites will be provided by TNF Heritage for a 200-m buffer area around the project area. The contractor shall review Government Land Office records (https://glorecords.blm.gov/), AZ State Land Department Parcel, AZSITE, USGS Historical topographic quads, the NRHP database, and AZ Department of Water Resources, as needed, to complete a thorough survey and report. In addition, the contractor shall be familiar with the general prehistory and history of TNF and Central Arizona to develop a context for the cultural resources discovered during the course of the survey. This includes local ethnohistories of Tribes that claim cultural affiliations to earlier identifiable cultural groups within the project area.

The Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has a number of context studies that should be referenced during this project and utilized in the report: https://azstateparks.com/shpo-historic-context-studies. Context studies such as “Down in the Dumps” and “Gold and Silver Mining in Arizona 1848- 1945” should be used to develop a comprehensive context for evaluating the historical cultural resources discovered during the course of the survey.

The most recent SHPO guidelines and standards should also be used when developing context(s) and evaluating the eligibility of sites: https://azstateparks.com/shpo-consultation-on-historic-preservation-compliance

2.1.2 – New Sites Locate, identify, and describe/document all cultural resource sites and isolated occurrences which can reasonably be detected from an inspection of the ground surface. Potential Traditional Cultural Properties (TCPs) shall be referred to the COR for further evaluation.

2.1.3 – Previously Recorded Sites All previously recorded sites in the project area will be assessed during the survey and documented to current standards on appropriate forms and in appropriate databases, unless otherwise specified by the COR. All sites within the project area must be acknowledged in the report.

2.1.4 – Survey Velocity The amount of area surveyed, including recording time should not exceed a rate of 30 acres per person per eight hours of survey calculated for the survey project as a whole and not daily. Terrain and the number and complexity of cultural resources influence survey velocities. When survey velocities are greater than this standard, include an explicit explanation in the survey report. USFS will evaluate the explanation and results of the survey and may request that the survey or portion of the survey be re-inventoried if the justification is inadequate.

2.1.5 – Performance Standards – Intensive Survey The contractor will conduct a complete 100% pedestrian survey utilizing 15 meter or less transects of the entire project area in the manner specified in the USDA Forest Service National Heritage Program Management Handbook and the USDA Forest Service Region 3 Cultural Resources Handbook and/or other specifications described in this contract.

https://glorecords.blm.gov/ https://azstateparks.com/shpo-historic-context-studies https://azstateparks.com/shpo-historic-context-studies https://azstateparks.com/shpo-consultation-on-historic-preservation-compliance https://azstateparks.com/shpo-consultation-on-historic-preservation-compliance

2.1.6 – Acceptable Quality Level 100% compliance with the USDA Forest Service National Heritage Program Management Handbook and the USDA Forest Service Region 3 Cultural Resources Handbook and/or other specifications described in the task order.

2.1.7 – Means of Measurement An arbitrary random field inspection on a maximum of 10% of the survey area by the USFS; review of weekly progress reports; and the review of the contractor’s Quality Control Plan records. The results of the field inspection may result in a request for raw GPS data collected during field inventories. Raw GPS data must be provided upon request.

2.2 – Site Recording At a minimum, the contractor shall record all cultural resource sites located in the project area in accordance with the USDA Forest Service National Heritage Program Management Handbook and the USDA Forest Service Region 3 Cultural Resources Handbook.

2.2.1 – Site Definition For the purposes of this contract, a cultural resources site as defined in the USFS Cultural Resource Handbook (FSH 2309.24) is a locus of human activity that is more than 50 years old, including prehistoric and historic resources, at a level of intensity normally involving evidence of purposeful behavior beyond the level of one or a few (less than 25) accidentally deposited artifacts.

Minimal site identification criteria include at least one of the following:

(a) One or more features,

(b) One formal tool if associated with other cultural materials or more than one formal tool,

(c) An occurrence of three or more types of artifacts or materials,

(d) Two types of artifacts in a density of at least ten items per 100 square meters,

(e) A single type of artifact or material in a density of at least 25 artifacts in a definable area, or

(f) One or more culturally peeled trees. (added by TNF)

All sites will be recorded in their entirety, even if the boundaries go outside of the identified survey boundary – the exception to this is if the site goes onto private land or the site is a long linear site that extends outside the contracted survey boundary. The Contractor is not to go onto private land to record site information, unless given explicit direction that permission has been granted to USFS to do so. In the event that long linear sites or other atypically large sites extend outside the survey boundary, the extent of recording will be discussed with the COR.

2.2.2 – Site Documentation All sites shall be documented on Tonto National Forest site forms. Site documentation will adhere to the following:

A. Numbering/Site Identification

i. All sites shall also be assigned a Forest Service site number. The contractor shall contact the COR after the completion of fieldwork to obtain Forest Service site numbers for each newly recorded site.

ii. The Forest AR- site number will be used as the primary site identifier (i.e. in text, site narratives, tables, maps, etc.). Acceptable format for site numbers within the report is as follows: AR-03-12-DD-XXXX. Extra zeros will be dropped from the site number (e.g.

03120500802 shall be written as AR-03-12-05-802).

iii. Any and all additional site numbers associated with the site must also be included in the site record. This may include numbers from institutions such as the Arizona State Museum (ASM), Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA), and the National Register of Historic Places.

iv. Site names may only be used to identify historic sites with documented place names.

Examples may include: mines and mining claims; roads and travel routes/corridors;

homesteads; administrative facilities; campgrounds and recreation facilities. Site names may not be used to identify precontact sites unless the name is well documented and/or has been consulted on with the appropriate Tribal communities.

B. Datum A digital datum will be established within the site boundary or next to a prominent feature of the site. No physical datum is required.

i. The datum’s spatial coordinates, location, and description will be included in the site form.

C. Boundary The boundary of a cultural resource site will minimally include all features, formal tools, and identifiable activity areas. When determining site boundary, consider utilizing a 20-meter rule. If no artifacts have been encountered within 20 meters, then it is likely the edge of the site has been reached.

i. If required for the project, the site boundary will be marked with pink and white flagging tape in such a manner that a person who has not previously seen the site can easily identify it.

ii. Flagging on trees on the perimeter of the site should be inter-visible and not obscured by branches or foliage.

iii. Site boundaries marked on the ground should correspond to the boundaries as mapped.

D. Spatial (GPS) Data The spatial data of all sites will be recorded using a suitable hand-held GPS unit.

i. GPS units will record data in the UTM Zone 12N, NAD 1983 coordinate system.

ii. GPS units will have an accuracy of 3 meters or less, although sub-meter accuracy is preferred.

iii. Spatial data collected at each site will include the boundary in polygon geometry format, the datum in point geometry format, and features in point, line, or polygon geometry format.

iv. Raw data may be submitted during draft review stages, but all final spatial data files must be corrected and free of errors. No raw or uncorrected data will be accepted with final deliverables.

E. Mapping

i. On all site maps:

• Identify the appropriate Township, Range, and Section, as well as the USGS Quadrangle, and county.

• Show two scale bars, one in metric (km/m) and one in imperial (miles/ft). Scale bars should be formatted to round to the nearest whole number or major benchmark whenever possible (i.e. 0.5 not 0.498 or 4,500 not 4,523, respectively)

• Identify the map ratio (i.e. 1:1000)

• Map symbology should be able to be differentiated even when printing in black and white.

ii. On each site plan map:

• Accurately depict and label all recorded features and key them to descriptions in the site form and report.

• Identify artifact concentrations and, if applicable, artifact sample units. These locations should be referenced and described in the site form and report.

• Identify the locations of key diagnostic artifacts and key them to descriptions in the site form and report.

• Show the extent of all disturbances and impacts to the site, including, but not limited to, natural gas well pads, access roads, pipeline corridors, electrical lines and poles, 2-track roads, erosion control structures, fences, wildlife habitat improvement structures, modern hearths, looter’s pits, and collector’s piles.

• Show extent of proposed project area/disturbance, if applicable. Map must show disturbance area relative to site boundary or have arrow and distance measurement if scale of map does not allow for depiction.

• Show all property boundaries and land jurisdictions, if applicable. Private property boundaries must be shown if they prevent full site documentation.

• Include landform contour lines and other landscape data necessary to relocate the site.

At least one contour line must be labeled with a site elevation and contour spacing should be specified on each map. Other landscape data may include drainages, vegetation, or edges of associate landforms (e.g. mesa tops).

iii. On each site location map:

• Accurately depict the location of the site on a USGS Topographic map at 1:24,000 scale.

F. Photographs Each discovered and revisited cultural resource site will be digitally photographed at a high resolution. As many photographs as are necessary to clearly depict the condition of each site and the features present should be taken. Each photo must be accompanied by a brief description, to include the subject, photo/file number, date taken, orientation, and photographer name.

i. Photographs will be compiled into a photo record, which is a component of the final site record.

ii. At least one photograph will include the digital datum location.

iii. At least one photograph shall show the physical environment and configuration of the land making up the site (site overview).

iv. Photograph all key diagnostic artifacts with a scale. A drawing can also be done of diagnostic artifacts.

v. At least one photograph shall be taken for each recorded feature. Feature photos must include a scale. A scale drawing of features can also be done where appropriate.

vi. Photographs should also illustrate evidence of site disturbances as noted in the site narrative.

G. Artifacts Artifact counts (+/- 10 items) if the estimated frequency of items in any artifact class or the total assemblage is less than 100 items. Describe all key diagnostic artifacts in the site form.

If artifact assemblages are large and/or extensive (>100), 1 (or more) sample units can be designated instead of counting and classifying all artifacts. Artifacts within the sample unit(s) will be 100% recorded on site form. Sample unit(s) will be described in text and locations recorded on associated site maps. A rationale for how sample units were selected will be described in the site form and in the methodology section of the report. An estimate of total artifact counts must also be included.

i. Ceramics: If prehistoric sites are present, the contractor can expect to encounter a variety of ceramic types. While most of the ceramics will probably be local plain wares (e.g.

Tonto Plain) and red wares, additional ceramics from further outside the region are not uncommon due to the transitional utilization of the Mogollon Rim area. Historic ceramics should be typed according to earthenware, China, and porcelain. Ethnic ceramics will be specifically noted, such as Chinese. Any identifiable "maker's mark" on the bottom of plates, bowls, etc. will be recorded. The typological system used to identify ceramics should be documented in the report.

ii. Lithics: If prehistoric sites are present, the contractor should expect to find a wide variety of lithic artifacts. The artifact shall be identified as to material type and probable function/classification.

H. Historic Sites If historic sites are present, artifacts will be analyzed to provide information that dates the site occupation, site function, and general social and economic information concerning the people who occupied the site. Artifacts used for dating should be specifically identified. References used for dating should be noted in the report. Maker’s marks, detailed artifact sizes, and types will be listed and counted and a few artifacts with specific assignable dates will be photographed illustrating diagnostic elements.

i. The contractor should not record camps, trash dumps, isolated objects, etc. that, based on their professional judgement, are not at least 50 years old. Forest Service System roads that are older than 50 years based on GLO maps but do not retain any historic integrity should not be recorded as isolated occurrences or sites.

ii. The project area contains range improvements such as corrals, windmills, spring boxes, troughs, etc. The contractor will record range improvements that, in their professional judgement, appear to be more than 50 years old. Range fences and earthen stock tanks do not need to be recorded.

I. Management Recommendations

i. Determine whether the site is fire sensitive or not, as defined by the Region 3 PA, Appendix J, Section III. Fire sensitivity should be documented in the site’s description and report table. The contract will include a copy of Appendix J.

ii. Assessment of fuel types and loads at sites is required.

iii. Assessment of fire-related impacts from the Rodeo-Chediski Fire of 2002.

J. Site Record All sites will be documented on a TNF Site Form. Each site form should be a consolidated file. A final and complete site record requires the following components at a minimum:

i. TNF site form (provided)

ii. Location Map (see description above at 2.2.2 E)

iii. Plan Map (see description above at 2.2.2 E)

iv. Photo Record (template provided)

v. Any related tally sheets, tables, or other associated documentation forms

K. Data Entry

The Contractor will enter the tabular & spatial survey, site, and feature data into the USFS Heritage Mobile Application according to TNF standard operating procedures (SOPs) that will be provided to the contractor. Site data includes site boundaries, features, and artifact concentrations. The Mobile Application can be utilized at the contractor’s office and doesn’t require a USFS workstation. The individual(s) conducting data entry may be required to attend a Heritage NRM training session given by the COR prior to conducting data entry.

i. The Heritage Mobile Application is a component of the USFS Heritage NRM database system. The contractor will utilize a data package file that has been “checked out” and transferred to them. If TNF is notified of a major program update that could cause compatibility issues with the contractor’s specific data package, TNF will notify the contractor and request their current data package be 100% vetted (no matter where the contractor data entry left off) and transferred back to TNF. There will be a deadline set for the check-in process and the timeline will be discussed with the contractor. TNF will QC the data package and upload that data package back into NRM, essentially “checking it back in.” TNF will then create and transfer new data package for the contractor to finish the project.

2.2.3 – Previously Recorded Sites All previously recorded sites in the project area will be assessed and updated as directed by the COR during this survey. Site documentation will be completed to the level specified by the COR. Only the COR may determine the level of documentation. Any deviation from the directed level of documentation must be discussed with the COR. See Appendix A for project-specific site documentation table. All previously recorded site documentation will adhere to the following:

A. No Work Needed A site may be designated as No Work Needed by the COR if it meets the following criteria:

i. The site has been previously determined Not Eligible, with concurrence from AZ SHPO.

ii. The site has been fully documented to the standards listed in Section 2.2.2 within 3 years of the current project.

B. Update

A site update will include the following:

i. At minimum, capture new spatial data of the site boundary and the datum. Capture new spatial data for all site features, artifact concentrations, and diagnostic artifacts if found to be inaccurate or missing.

ii. At minimum, new photographs should be taken to document site condition and current vegetation/fuel loading on-site. Additional photographs should be taken to the standards discussed in Section 2.2.2 F, if previous photographs are found to be inaccurate or missing.

iii. Provide a new site condition assessment. This should include updated information on natural and/or mechanical disturbances, vandalism, grazing, and other changes to the site condition not noted in previous recordings.

iv. Update the site narrative.

v. Reevaluate and update the R3 PA Fire Sensitivity statement, if found to be inaccurate or different from previous recordings. If fuel loads are significantly different from past recordings, as shown in previous photographs and/or site narratives, this information must be included in the site update.

vi. Validate the site’s NRHP Eligibility. Previous NRHP eligibility determinations should reference the AZ SHPO concurrence number, usually listed at the top of the associated Inventory Standards and Accounting Form (ISA) (format: SHPO-2015-0204(124232)).

Also include the date of SHPO comment and/or concurrence. If the integrity or eligibility of the site is found to be significantly different than what was previously documented, a new evaluation is required (see Section 2.3).

vii. Conduct a post burn analysis, when required, to document impacts of recent prescribed (Rx) burns and/or wildfire. Post burn analysis forms will be provided.

C. Rerecord A full site rerecording will involve recording a site to the standards listed above in Section 2.2.2.

i. Conduct a post burn analysis, if applicable, to document impacts of Rodeo-Chediski Fire or other more recent prescribed (Rx) burns and/or wildfire.

2.2.4 – Site Eligibility The contractor will evaluate each cultural resource site and make a recommendation regarding its eligibility to the National Register of Historic Places using all criteria listed in 36 CFR 60.4, USDI- National Register Bulletin 15, and provide all appropriate site, feature, and artifact documentation as required in the specifications as justification for a determination of eligibility. Apply the criteria for integrity and significance to evaluate each property over 50 years old identified during the survey pursuant to 36 CFR Part 60.4. Identify the property as a district, site, building, structure or object.

Indicate whether the property should be listed on the state register or should be determined as eligible for national register listing. Properties less than 50 years old should be evaluated if it is apparent that they will be eligible for the state or national registers within 5 years of the date of survey. Properties less than 50 years old that may be eligible for inclusion in the national register based on exceptional significance should be evaluated using national register criteria consideration G. If a property has been previously nominated for either the state or national registers, discuss the register status of the property and include the appropriate reference number.

i. Prepare a clear statement of significance for each archaeological site; historic structure or building; component in a multi-component site; or other cultural property identified during the project. Indicate the level of significance as local, state or national and include in the technical report. Each eligibility criterion (A-D) must be referenced when determining significance in the eligibility statement.

ii. Include a clear statement of integrity for each archaeological site; historic structure or building; component in a multi-component site; or other cultural property identified during the project. All seven aspects of integrity (location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, association) must be discussed.

iii. Each component in a multicomponent site must be addressed separately. Sites with different occupation phases will need an eligibility determination for each phase.

iv. Determinations will be limited to “eligible”, “not eligible”, or “unevaluated”.

a. Not Eligible - If the cultural property is recommended as not significant or not eligible for listing, provide a clear discussion and complete documentation to support the recommendation. For archaeological sites, the discussion shall demonstrate that the site has been thoroughly studied, that surface artifacts and features have been recorded and that sufficient subsurface tests have been performed to support a conclusion that the site is unlikely to contribute important information. The lack of subsurface deposits is not in itself sufficient to support a recommendation that a site is not significant or not eligible. If the cultural property is from the historic period, provide basic archival documentation to augment field information and support the significance evaluation.

b. Eligible - If the cultural property is recommended as significant or eligible for listing, provide evidence supporting its significance including reference to historic contexts and scholarly research in the region. Include a specific, evidence-based argument, linked to specific research topics and characteristics (historic values) observed. For archaeological sites, provide detailed descriptions of the types and numbers of surface artifacts and the types and numbers of features visible on the surface or in arroyos or road cuts. The presence of a large artifact scatter or the potential for subsurface deposits is not sufficient information to support an eligibility recommendation without additional discussion. If the cultural property is historic, include the results of archival research to support the evaluation.

c. Unevaluated - An eligibility recommendation of “Unevaluated” may be made, with justification, when eligibility if inconclusive based on surface observations and no additional testing has been authorized. Survey data alone may not be sufficient to evaluate the property. For archaeological sites, it may be necessary to conduct more extensive test excavations, beyond survey-level study and limited tests, to gather sufficient information to evaluate the specific research potential to support a recommendation for listing or not listing the property on the state or national registers.

Additional archival research and detailed documentation may be necessary to evaluate the specific potential and criteria for historic structures, buildings, and engineering features. Provide a clear explanation that details the need for additional information.

v. Any previous AZ SHPO concurrence on eligibility should be documented in the site forms, tables, and report. Previous NRHP eligibility determinations should reference the AZ SHPO concurrence number (e.g. SHPO-YEAR-1234(123456)), and the date of SHPO comment.

2.2.6 – Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act Notification The contractor will provide strict compliance with all Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) regulations as they apply to the inadvertent discovery of Native American human remains or cultural items.

Upon the inadvertent discovery, the contractor will provide immediate telephone notification of the discovery to the Forest Archaeologist (or the COR); the contractor will provide a precise coordinate location of any human remains observed. The contractor will provide written confirmation of the inadvertent discovery to the Forest Archaeologist or COR within five days of the discovery.

2.2.7 – Tribal Consultation The TNF will conduct all government-to-government tribal consultation.

2.2.8 – Performance Standards – Site Recording The contractor has recorded all sites in accordance with the above specifications, the USDA Forest Service National Heritage Program Management Handbook, and the USDA Forest Service Region 3 Cultural Resources Handbook. Final site forms must be typed TNF forms.

2.2.9 – Acceptable Quality Level 100% compliance with the USDA-Forest Service Region 3 Cultural Resources Handbook, and/or as specified in the contract and associated task order.

2.2.10 – Means of Measurement A field inspection of a minimum of four sites and maximum of 10% of the newly recorded sites and/or previously recorded sites; review and verification of the contractor’s draft site forms; and review of the contractor’s Quality Control records. If the inspection shows that sites were not recorded in accordance with section 2.2 of this contract, field inspections of up to an additional 10% of sites may be conducted.

The results of the field inspection may result in a request for GPS data collected for sites during field inventories. GPS data must be provided upon request.

2.3 – Recording Non-Site Cultural Remains (IOs) Occurrences of artifacts at less than the above shall be classified as an Isolated Occurrence (IO), including "Scatters" (less than 25 artifacts) or "Isolated Artifacts" (an occurrence of a single item). A "pot bust" is considered to be a scatter, even if it contains more than 25 sherds. When an IO is encountered, it shall be accurately recorded using a suitable hand-held GPS device with a minimum accuracy of 3 meters, using the UTM Zone 12N, NAD 1983 coordinate system. All IOs shall be plotted on the appropriate 7.5-minute USGS topo map. IOs shall be briefly documented, including the area of artifact dispersal (when applicable), artifact type, and frequency. Diagnostic IOs should be photographed (at least one minimum of area and associated diagnostics photographed with scale); diagnostic artifacts can also be sketched. Date ranges for diagnostic artifacts shall be included in their descriptions. Detailed plan view maps are not required for IO locations. Recording the content and location of isolates is generally considered to exhaust the information potential of the find, and they are not usually considered eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

2.3.1 – Exclusions Certain constructions (modern fence lines, recreational and hunter camps, modern camp fire rings, modern isolated trash dumps, and modern abandoned roads) may be excluded as sites due to their recent nature, lack of association, and minimal scientific importance. It is not necessary to fully document features such as dirt roads, stock ponds, soil berms, fence lines, small irrigation ditches, pastures, or fields unless they are part of a larger site, are known to be significant, or are named (based on field or archival evidence). Forest Service System roads that are older than 50 years based on GLO maps but do not retain any historic integrity and are not named should not be recorded as isolated occurrences or sites.

2.3.2 Performance Standards – Recording Non-Site Cultural Remains All isolated occurrences that were encountered during the survey have been documented and included as a table in the report or in an appendix; diagnostic artifacts, lithic and ceramic, have been drawn or photographed; and the Isolated Occurrence location has been plotted on the appropriate topographic map.

2.3.3 Acceptable quality level

100% documentation of encountered isolated occurrences.

2.3.4 Means of Measurement

A field inspection by the Government, the verification of the contractor’s Quality Control records, and the data documented in the contractor’s report.

2.4 - Report After fieldwork is complete, the contractor will provide a report, which describes, in narrative format, the survey location, methodology, and results. The report will be used for National Historic Preservation Act, Section 106 consultation between the USDA- Forest Service and consulting parties, including the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office, and as such, must provide sufficient information with which to conduct these procedures. The report should follow the Arizona SHPO Survey Report Standards. The contractor will use a TNF report number (will be assigned at beginning of project by TNF).

2.4.1 – Report Components The report must include the following per the USDA Forest Service National Heritage Program Management Handbook (FSH 2309.12):

i. Inventory purpose, need, and location;

ii. Results of existing data review;

iii. Description of the area inventoried, including a refined description of the APE;

iv. Survey field methods, including an estimate of the extent of survey coverage;

v. A description of the survey results, including a record of the precise location of all cultural resources identified;

vi. Updated information on any previously recorded cultural resources in the inventoried area;

vii. Information on the appearance, significance, integrity, and boundaries of each property; and

viii. Results and recommendations, including the following:

a. a comprehensive assessment of direct, indirect, and cumulative effects

b. recommended actions necessary to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to historic properties (including Standard Site Protection Measures listed in the R3 PA, Appendix J, Section II)

c. any areas that require post-implementation inspection or survey

d. a summary describing the distribution of sites and IOs culturally, functionally, and temporally across the landscape

e. a discussion of any potential archaeological districts identified during survey and inventory and how sites within the project area do or do not contribute to the eligibility of the potential district

2.4.2 – Cultural Context The report will also include cultural context(s) specific to the project areas. The cultural context will provide enough specificity to adequately evaluate the eligibility of all site types identified within the project area.

i. A targeted cultural context will incorporate the ethnohistories of Tribes that claim cultural affiliations to earlier identifiable cultural groups within the project area. Sources will be provided by the TNF to aide in production of comprehensive contexts that include the ethnohistories of Tribes. These sources are meant to be used as a starting point for further research and are not considered to be an exhaustive selection.

ii. The most recent Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) guidelines and standards should also be used when developing context(s).

iii. Other context studies that should be referenced during this project and utilized in the report

2.4.3 – Site Narratives The report will include the following information about each previously recorded site, where known:

i. Prior recommendations or determinations of NRHP eligibility, with the consultation reference code (SHPO-YEAR-1234 (12345))

ii. Clearly distinguish between features that have been newly recorded vs those that were recorded previously

iii. A statement on whether the site boundaries have been updated based on this new recording

The following photographs must be included in the body of the report for each site: at least one site overview photograph, at least one photograph of each feature type (excluding artifact scatters, fire rings, rock cairns, and prospect pits, unless an individual feature is deemed noteworthy), and photographs of diagnostic or point-plotted artifacts.

2.4.4 – Report Maps The report will also include the following maps:

i. Project location map;

ii. Area of Potential Effects (APE) and survey coverage map;

iii. Map of previously identified cultural resources within and adjacent to the APE;

iv. Map of previous inventories conducted within and adjacent to the APE;

v. Map with site locations plotted on 1:24,000-scale USGS topographic quadrangles; and

vi. Map with the locations of isolates plotted on 1:24,000-scale USGS topographic quadrangles.

2.4.5 Performance Standards – Report

The contractor provides a report that meets the specifications described in this contract and is in accordance with the standards set forth in the USDA-Forest Service Region 3 Cultural Resources Handbook.

2.4.6 Acceptable quality level

Clear, concise, proper grammar and format, and contains all required Government data.

2.4.7 Means of Measurement

100% review and verification of the contractor’s records, data, and report.

2.5 – NRM Data Entry The contractor will enter all tabular & spatial survey, site, and feature data into the USFS Heritage Mobile Application (Mobile). Mobile is a component of the USFS Heritage NRM database system.

Mobile can be utilized at the contractor’s office and doesn’t require a USFS workstation.

i. All data must be entered according to TNF standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Information will be provided to the contractor prior to the start of data entry.

ii. The individual(s) conducting data entry may be required to attend a Mobile training session, given by the COR prior to conducting data entry.

iii. The contractor will utilize a data package file that has been “checked out” by the COR and transferred to them via email or another method.

iv. If TNF is notified of a major program update that could cause compatibility issues with the contractor’s specific data package, TNF will notify the contractor and request their current data package be 100% vetted (no matter where the contractor data entry left off) and transferred back to TNF. There will be a deadline set for the check-in process and the timeline will be discussed with the contractor. TNF will QC the data package and upload that data package back into NRM, essentially “checking it back in.” TNF will then create and transfer new data package for the contractor to finish the project.

v. Site data must include all descriptions and geometry (GIS data) for: site boundaries, features, datums, and artifact concentrations.

2.5.1 Performance Standards – NRM

All of the sites identified within the project areas will be entered into the Heritage Mobile Application.

2.5.2 Acceptable Quality Level

Site descriptions are clear, concise and use proper grammar, all appropriate data fields are completed to the standards outlined in the TNF NRM SOP.

2.5.3 Means of Measurement

At minimum, a 10% review and verification of the records entered into the NRM program will be conducted. Data must be able to be uploaded back into the NRM Heritage Web database. If errors in data entry prevent file upload, revisions may be requested.

SECTION 3 – DELIVERABLES

The contractor shall provide all deliverables according to the schedule described above in Section 1.3.

3.1 – Weekly or Session Progress Reports The contractor will provide written progress reports to the COR while fieldwork is underway. The progress report will be submitted to the COR at the end of each field session, or at other intervals as agreed on by the contractor and COR at the prework meeting, but not less than twice a month. The progress report will show the areas surveyed during the reporting period, the locations of any new sites found, and a list of all previously recorded sites visited. The progress report will also identify any issues encountered in the field, such as impassable roads, rain days, etc. The progress report may be submitted as an e-mail to the COR with attached maps showing survey and site locations. The COR may request copies of field data (GPS/GIS data, field site forms, etc.) to begin inspections.

3.2 – Draft Deliverables After fieldwork is complete, the contractor will provide the following draft deliverables:

3.2.1 Draft Reports

The contractor will provide one copy of the draft report, written to the specifications detailed above in Section 2.4. The draft report will be delivered to the COR digitally. A notification email will accompany the draft report. The draft report will be supplied as a Word document and as a PDF. All maps, appendices, and other draft documentation must be submitted along with the draft report.

3.2.2 Draft Spatial Data

The contractor will provide one draft copy of all spatial data collected. Spatial data will include survey areas, site boundaries, features, datums, artifact concentrations, and IOs. Draft spatial data may be submitted in raw, uncorrected format. See additional specifications above in Section 2.2.2 K. The draft spatial data will be delivered to the COR digitally. A notification email will accompany the submission.

The draft spatial data will be supplied as point, polyline, and polygon shapefiles. Geodatabases are acceptable for draft spatial data.

3.2.3 Inspection

All draft materials will be inspected by the COR upon receipt. The COR will notify the contractor of receipt within 3 business days. The COR will have 30 calendar days from the date of receipt to review all draft materials and submit comments back to the contractor. Feedback may be submitted as comments embedded in the draft documents and/or organized into a table. All COR comments must be addressed by the contractor in the final draft and all AZ SHPO comments, and any additional comments from the COR, also must be addressed in the final report.

3.3 – Final Deliverables After…