ATTACHMENT_1_-_SOW_BLM_GFO_OWL_MAPPING.pdf

Statement of Work

Project Name

Detection Canine Surveys for Owl Pellets and Nests in the North Powderhorn Fuels Project BLM Gunnison Field Office

Background and Project Need

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Gunnison Field Office (GFO) is developing the North Powderhorn Forest Health and Fuels Reduction Project in, and in the vicinity of, the BLM North Powderhorn Wilderness. The proposed vegetation management treatments would include a range of forested vegetation types and fuels treatments, including prescribed fire and mechanical treatments in high-elevation moist subalpine fir and spruce forest. The practice of using detection canines to determine the presence/absence of wildlife species is an established technique that has been proven to be effective for a wide variety of species, including forest-dwelling owls.

This Statement of Work is to obtain a Contractor that will use detection canine(s) to conduct non-specific owl pellet surveys to locate owl pellets in an area that includes the North Powderhorn Forest Health and Fuels Reduction Project. The overall objective in locating owl pellets is to identify owl use areas where the BLM should focus nest-finding efforts so nest areas can be avoided and/or mitigated for forest and fuels treatments. If owls and/or owl nests are discovered while surveying for owl pellets the Contractor will document locations and inform BLM biologist. Owl species that are most likely to nest in the survey area include Boreal Owl, Flammulated Owl, Northern Pygmy Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, and Western Screech-Owl. Other species that could also be present include Long-eared Owl and Great Horned Owl.

Location of Project

The detection canine surveys will occur within an approximately 6,304-acre area of interest within the North Powderhorn Forest Health and Fuels Reduction Project (Appendix A). The survey area ranges from approximately 8,700 to 11,800 feet in elevation, and supports Engelmann spruce forest, mixed conifer forest (Douglas-fir and associated tree species including lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine, blue spruce, and others), and high-elevation aspen stands. The survey area is located in the San Juan Mountains north-east of Lake City and approximately 25 miles southwest of Gunnison in Gunnison County, Colorado. The survey area may be accessed by traveling south on Highway 149 from Gunnison and turning and driving south on Indian Creek Road (BLM 3033). The Contractor may enter the survey area either (a) on foot from the gate on the road to the Grey Ranch, (b) on foot from Indian Creek Road (BLM 3033), or (c) from the Powderhorn Lakes trailhead.

Owl Mapping - Statement of Work

2 | P a g e

Contract Period

The fieldwork may begin by June 1, 2024, and must be completed by July 15, 2024. Spatial locations of pellets, owls, and nests must be delivered to the BLM Wildlife Biologist no more than 7-days following surveys. A final summary report must be submitted to the BLM no later than October 13, 2024.

Description of Work

Data Collection Work will require the Contractor to use detection canine(s) to locate owl pellets within the survey area.

For each survey, the Contractor must record the date, time (at the start and end of each survey), the names of handler(s) and canine(s), and general location. A GPS unit shall be used to record the survey tracks of the handler(s) and/or the detection canine(s). The handler(s) shall direct the canine(s) to search the study area so that the survey area is searched in its entirety. The BLM biologist may advise where searches should be focused prior to the surveys but the area to search will not exceed the area in this statement of work.

When single pellets or multiple pellets within approximately 50-meters (approximately 150-feet) of each other are detected, the contractor will consider that a pellet detection site. For each pellet detection site, the Contractor will use blue flagging to flag a tree bole in the vicinity at least four feet up and record the following information: (1) Pellet detection identifier (example: DD-01), (2) spatial coordinates (latitude/longitude or UTM coordinates), (3) date and time of detection, (4) presence or absence of owls, (5) probable owl species, (6) number of pellets, (7) describe the location of pellets from the flagging in distance and azimuth, and (8) forest type (major canopy tree species). The pellet detection identifier (example: DD-01) must be written on the flagging with marker. The Contractor will provide a sample pellet, photos of all pellets and at least one photograph of the pellet detection site with the flagging visible in the photo. Photographs of pellets must be high-quality to ensure the best chance of species identification. Pin flags may be used to mark pellets where there are more than a few pellets in the pellet detection area.

If owls are found, the contractor must provide spatial coordinates, time observed, a full description of owls observed, and a photograph, if possible.

If nests are found, the Contractor will record the following information: (1) owl species (if known), (2) time and date of discovery, (3) spatial coordinates, (4) nest tree species, (5) description of cavity opening that includes size of opening and whether it is a natural or excavated cavity, (6) nest height,

(7) azimuth of nest cavity, (8) tree height, (9) forest type (dominant tree canopy species), (10) estimated canopy cover at the nest, and (11) description of owl activity observed that contributed to the decision that the site is potentially an owl nest (including, but not limited to, auditory calls in the vicinity). If owls are observed, the contractor must record the species, number of individuals, life stage (hatchling, fledgling, adult). Blue flagging should be placed in a location where the nest can be observed but approximately 20-30-meters (65-100-feet) away from the nest, so the flagging does not draw attention to the nest by predators or humans. A description of nest location from the flagging (direction and distance) should be recorded. A unique site identifier should be written on the flagging

3 | P a g e with marker and recorded with the data. The unique site identifier should be a code with a number and under no circumstances should the words “owl” or “nest” be written on the flagging. Photographs must be taken of the nest site from the flagging at minimum, but multiple photos of the nest area are encouraged.

The Contractor should only flag nest sites and pellet detection sites in only one location so all flagging can be removed by the BLM. Pin flags marking multiple pellets in an area is the only exception. When hanging flagging, consider that cattle, ungulates and other wildlife will eat flagging so attempt to hang the flagging in a manner that doesn’t leave long sections dangling and mark flagging on sections near to knots or where the flagging is wrapped around the tree bole.

When owls are present, particularly nestling or fledgling owls, the Contractor will collect all data necessary as quickly as possible and limit disturbance in nesting areas. If presence of humans and detection dogs appear to be disturbing to the owls such that they are calling and/or moving around, the Contractor will document the spatial location, hang flagging, and photograph the nest site and leave the site as quickly as possible. In the case of apparent disturbance to owls, the Contractor may limit the data collection to these items and forgo collecting nest tree and habitat data.

While living and working on-site, the Contractor must follow all stipulations described in Appendix B.

Datasets and Reporting Requirements Once surveys are complete, the Contractor will provide the BLM Biologist with all datasets including general survey information; GPS survey tracks; spatial coordinates of pellets, nests, and owls;

photographs of pellets, nests, nest trees, and owls; habitat descriptors; and owl species observed so the BLM Biologist may document species presence and locations.

The Contractor shall provide a final report that summarizes survey findings. The final report shall include a description of survey methods, the timing of all work, effort (number of searching hours), number of acres surveyed, a map of the search area that specifies areas surveyed and excluded (if any), justification for any areas not surveyed (if any), a results section with the data described in Data Collection above, and difficulties and successes during fieldwork. The survey team shall provide the BLM with all the above information in writing, no more than 90 calendar days after completing the last day of field surveys.

Project Site Visit – If Requested

Prior to survey work. Date of visit(s) to be scheduled with Andrew Stokes, Wildlife Biologist at the Gunnison Field Office. Contact: astokes@blm.gov or 970-596-1940. If there is a site visit, all participants will comply with the latest CDC guidance related to COVID-19.

BLM Shall Furnish

The BLM will provide physical and digital maps of the survey area and access points, contract inspection, and availability for up to 3 site visits if requested.

4 | P a g e

Contractor Shall Furnish

The Contractor will provide all necessary equipment for surveys and data collection, qualified field biologists and highly trained detection canine(s) to complete the survey work, and a qualified biologist/ecologist (or similar) to summarize data and produce a summary report with requested information. If necessary, the Contractor will also acquire their own species-specific scent training samples for the owl species discussed in this document.

Source Selection Criteria

The BLM Contracting Officer Representative (COR) or Project Inspector (PI) designated by the Contracting Officer (CO) will approve of all contractors conducting detection canine surveys. Such qualifications ensure that the team can successfully complete the work as described. Resumes will be submitted for every detection canine team. Resumes should include educational background, experience using detection canines to locate animal scat, and any related work experience.

Award will be based on Best Value to the Government, which may not necessarily be the low bidder.

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following technical evaluation factors, past performance, and price. Project bids and subsequent proposals should address all physical and technical aspects involved with completing biological surveys and reports. At a minimum, each of the technical items below shall be addressed in detail.

The objective of these evaluation criteria is to assess the potential qualifications and capabilities of the prospective bidders for this project. In addition to the bid values, these evaluations will be used to ascertain the ability of bidders to effectively and efficiently complete the contract with reliable results.

At a minimum, each of the technical items below shall be addressed in detail.

Technical Performance The evaluation shall measure the vendors’ relevant experience and technical knowledge of the project.

Canine(s) must be accompanied by qualified biologists/ecologists that are well-versed in high-quality, rigorous biological data collection efforts. Handler qualifications including the following:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Environmental Studies, or similar field.

• 8 years of detection team experience - desired.

• Experience searching for multiple targets at once.

• Experience working at high elevations.

• Extensive experience working in backcountry conditions.

• Backcountry rig for remote living.

• Skills to work without direct oversight of researcher during surveys.

• Safety of personnel on-site.

• Knowledge of how to navigate and work successfully in a variety of weather conditions.

• The ability to accommodate unpredictable weather standby days.

• The ability to meet in-person prior to study for media purposes.

• Knowledge of the San Juan Mountain region.

5 | P a g e

Canine Qualifications The Contractor shall provide canine(s) that meets the exceptionally high standards of the BLM.

Detection canine(s) must have prior experience detecting scat from other species and must meet the criteria outlined below.

Canine Health

The Contractor will be responsible for the care and feeding of the canine(s) and costs associated with the training of the canine(s). All canine(s) must be in excellent health with no acute or chronic disease or condition which could hamper their ability to perform.

The cost of medical expenses for the canine(s) are not reimbursed by the government. The canine(s) must:

1. Be free from all parasites, including but not limited to heartworms, fleas, and ticks.

2. Be free of and have proof of up-to-date vaccination records for rabies, canine distemper, hepatitis, bordatella, parainfluenza, canine adenovirus (TYPE 2), parvovirus, and leptospirosis.

3. Be physically fit.

4. Be free of chronic health problems of any kind.

Canine Behavior

The Contractor shall provide canine(s) that possess a confident, non-aggressive temperament, and be free of behavioral issues including aggressive behavior towards other canines, people, and wildlife.

Canine Performance Requirements

The canine(s) must be able to (1) accurately and efficiently locate the pellets of the target owl species,

(2) indicate to handlers every time pellets are detected, and (3) perform these tasks without harming the target species, themselves, or their handlers. Additionally, the canine(s) must exhibit the following qualities:

1. Athletic, alert, and agile. The canine(s) must have the mental and physical stamina and agility to perform as detection surveys.

2. Excellent olfactory senses and performance drive. The canine(s) must exhibit an interest in odors and sniffing new objects as well as a strong desire to search and explore new environments.

3. Obedient, intelligent, and loyal. The canine(s) must be well-disciplined and must be able to comprehend and respond eagerly to commands.

Past Performance Please furnish at least three (3) references involving comparable projects with Federal agencies, State agencies, or private businesses. Include the name and location of the agencies or businesses that the vendor has worked for as well as points of contact (name, telephone number, and email address).

6 | P a g e

Inspection/Acceptance

Inspection/Acceptance of all service performed in accordance with this contract for purpose of initiating Contractor payment shall be by the COR. As the basis for payment, inspections for compliance with contract specifications will be made once data sets and a report are submitted by the Contractor.

Payment schedule

Payments will be made in two installments once the following are submitted and approved by COR: (1) the electronic datasets and (2) the summary report as are both described in Datasets and Reporting Requirements above. The first payment will be 75% of the total contract amount. The second payment will be 25% of the contract amount.

7 | P a g e

Appendix A. Map of Survey Area and Roads.

8 | P a g e

Appendix B. Stipulations.

Administration The Contractor’s work schedule shall be communicated to the COR prior to work commencing. The Contractor shall insure best management practices are utilized. The Contractor shall insure Leave-No- Trace practices are followed while working and/or camping in the project area.

Weeds To prevent the introduction of seeds of noxious and invasive weeds, the Contractor will clean all vehicles before entering the project area. Vehicles traveling to the site shall be free of soil, seeds, vegetation, and other such debris that could contain or hold seeds. Equipment shall be considered clean when a visual inspection does not disclose such material. Cleaning shall not take place on BLM land.

Public Access The Contractor will only access the project area when the area is open to the public. The Contractor must be aware of the presence of people in the work area. Access to BLM lands will be from legal access points including trailheads and system roads. No cross-country motorized or mechanized use will be permitted off system roads and trails. Access to off-road areas will be by foot or horseback only.

Archeological or Cultural Discoveries This contract area has been reviewed for archeological sites. The Contractor shall avoid disturbing all cultural sites. If in connection with operations under this contract the Contractor, their subcontractors, or any of their employees discovers, encounters, or becomes aware of any objects or sites of cultural value on the contract area such as historical or prehistorical ruins, human remains, graves or grave markers, fossils, or artifacts, the Contractor shall immediately suspend all operations in the vicinity of the cultural value and shall notify the COR of the findings. Operations may resume at the discovery site upon receipt of written instructions and authorization by the COR.

Wet Period Restrictions Designated Surface Conditions - All roads entering and within the treatment area are native surface.

Travel on native surface roads is restricted when the soil is saturated. If the soils are saturated such that ruts 3 inches or deeper and 10 feet long or longer, are created by vehicles, the Contractor shall cease work in that area and immediately notify the BLM Contracting Officer or CPW representative. If conditions persist, the contract may be suspended until the soils dry out. If the contract is suspended due to wet conditions, the BLM will not be responsible for any additional mobilization costs.

Fire Restrictions Dry conditions may require the imposition of fire restrictions within the project area. Depending on the situation, there may be restrictions imposed on access or fire restrictions if camping.

Littering No littering is permitted, and the Contractor shall be responsible for Leave-No-Trace practices in the project area.

9 | P a g e

Work Camps The Contractor or their employees, upon written authorization from the COR, may establish a temporary work camp on public lands administered by the BLM. The camp may consist of mobile trailer, pickup camper, or tent trailer if it is in area with legal dispersed camping or in a campground.

Contractor may camp in the Powderhorn Wilderness but must observe Leave-No-Trace policies and all travel in the wilderness will be limited to foot or horseback.

Injuries and Damage Contractors are expected to know and strictly adhere to all Occupational Safety and Health Administration laws and regulations regarding the work being conducted under this contract. The Contractor, in their operations under this contract, shall not perform in a negligent manner causing any person or property to be injured or damaged.

Other Resource Protection All the activities associated with this project shall be conducted in such a manner that there shall not be any adverse impact to improvements or survey Monuments (including, but not limited to, fences, gates, utility poles, survey markers or monuments, claim stakes, survey witness trees and cultural sites.

The Contractor will be required to repair or pay fair market value to replace any damaged improvements.

Past Performance