Attachment 1 Statement of Work.docx

Statement of Work Project Name: Proper Functioning Condition Survey —McKenzie District, Dakota Prairie National Grasslands

1. Scope The contractor will conduct “Proper Functioning Condition” (PFC) surveys on intermittent and perennial streams on USFS property in summer and autumn 2025. The project area is defined as National Forest Systems lands designated as the McKenzie District of the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands in McKenzie County, North Dakota.

Field work is to begin by October 15, 2025, and finish by January 31, 2026. A final report will be written as requested in Report Requirements. The final report and other deliverables are due by January 31, 2026.

2. Locations PFC surveys will be conducted on up to 119 linear miles of intermittent and perennial streams (see map of streams to be surveyed). Stream reaches are in the northeast part of the McKenzie Ranger District.

3. Contractor Qualifications The offeror shall submit with their offer a statement of their professional qualifications and the qualifications of any other person(s) employed to accomplish the Statement of Work. The offeror’s statement should include information concerning appropriate academic degrees and training and experience in PFC condition surveys. The following criteria may be used for contractor selection.

· B.S., M.S., or PhD. In geology, soil science, hydrology, zoology, biology, range science or related field experience.

· One of more field seasons of experience in conducting PFC inventory.

· One or more field seasons experience as principal investigator on a PFC inventory project.

· Prior Experience/Past Performance: Quality of work: evaluated by compliance with contract requirements, accuracy of reports, and customer satisfaction.

· Timeliness of Performance: evaluated by success of meeting project timelines, responsiveness to technical direction, timely provision of deliverables, adherence to contract schedules.

· Cost Control: evaluated by ability to perform within budget, accurate and timely billing.

4. Investigative Purpose This survey’s purpose is to monitor changes in riparian conditions on intermittent and perennial streams on the Medora Ranger District, as described in the Locations section above. These data will be used to help direct livestock management, prescribed burning, and watershed-habitat enhancement projects in future years.

5. Projected Productivity A ten-person crew of contractors preformed similar work in 2012 on the Medora Ranger District, covering 398 linear miles, in 23 field days. Additional time was needed for planning, training, travelling, and report writing.

A nine-person crew of contractors performed similar work in 2016 on the Grand River Ranger District, covering 173 miles, in 25 days. Additional time was needed for planning, training, travelling, and report writing.

These facts are supplied solely as an informational aid to potential contractors.

6. Field Surveys The field season for the PFC surveys is generally defined as the period from August 1 through October 31. However, work is largely dependent on weather. The USDA Forest Service does not control access to private lands, and no right of access to privets lands is hereby given, nor should a right to access private lands be inferred.

7. Survey Requirements:

· Surveys will be conducted by a team (of at least two people) walking the entire length of selected riparian areas. Team members will be journey-level resource specialists with expertise in biology, botany, hydrology, and soils.

· Contractor will specify each stream segment using Proper Functioning Condition (PFC) protocol (See TR 1737-15 2015 Riparian Area Management Proper Functioning Condition Assessment for Lotic Areas). This source may be accessed online: https://www.blm.gov/documents/national-office/blm-library/technical-reference/riparian-area-management.

· PFC survey reaches will be recorded in an ArcGIS compatible shapefile, with attributes noting the survey date, ID Team members, Riparian Area ID, Reach ID, PFC Rating, Reach Length, and starting and end point of each stream segment.

· Contractor will record all cold-water seeps, ground water discharges or spring, and stream segment start and stop points, using GPS technology and provide these in an ArcGIS compatible shapefile noting the date, Riparian Area ID, Reach ID, and Feature Description.

· Contractor will record all photo points using GPS technology and provide these in an ArcGIS compatible shapefile, with attributes noting photo date, photo ID, Riparian Area ID, Reach ID, and Upstream or Downstream direction. The contractor will classify each selected stream for the following variables, if variables vary substantially by stream reach within a given system, the contractor will note and discuss such variability:

· instream cover: the relative quantity and variety of natural instream structures, such as fallen trees, logs, branches, large rocks, and undercut banks that are available for refugia, feeding, or spawning of fish. (Note: the most common instream cover in the study area is likely to be undercut banks). Classifications will include:

· “optimal”—such habitat is available along more than 50% of the stream’s length

· “sub-optimal”—such habitat is available along 31-50% of the stream’s length

· “marginal”—such habitat is available along 11-30% of the stream’s length

· “poor”—such habitat is available along less than 11% of the stream’s length

· embeddedness: the extent to which rocks, and gravel (gravel, cobbles, boulders) are covered or sunken into the silt, sand, or mud of the stream bottom (Note: many of the selected streams in the study area will not have gravel, cobble, or boulder bottoms. This variable would only be relevant where such substrate is present.). Classifications will include:

· “optimal”—gravel, cobble, and boulder particles are between 0-25% surrounded by fine sediment

· “sub-optimal”—gravel, cobble, and boulder particles are between 26-50% surrounded by fine sediment

· “marginal”—gravel, cobble, and boulder particles are between 51-75% surrounded by fine sediment

· “poor”—gravel, cobble, and boulder particles are more than 75% surrounded by fine sediment

· stream bank conditions—the extent to which erosion is occurring or has the potential to occur. Steep banks are more likely to collapse and suffer from erosion and therefore are considered unstable. Signs of erosion include crumbling, unvegetated banks, exposed tree roots, cattle trails, and exposed soils. Classifications will include:

· “optimal”—banks stable, no evidence of erosion or bank failure

· “sub-optimal”—banks moderately stable, infrequent small areas of erosion mostly healed over

· “marginal”—moderately unstable, up to 50% of banks have areas of erosion

· “poor”—unstable, many eroded areas, “raw” areas frequent, 51-100% of the bank has erosional scars

· bank vegetative conditions: the amount of stream bank that is covered by vegetation. Classification will include:

· “optimal”—more than 90% of the stream bank is covered in vegetation

· “sub-optimal”—71-90% of the stream bank is covered in vegetation

· “marginal”—51-70% of the stream bank is covered in vegetation

· “poor”—less than 50% of the stream bank is covered in vegetation

· extent of grazing pressure: the extent of grazing impacts and its effects on streamside vegetation and instream pools. Classifications will include:

· “optimal”—disruption from cattle grazing is minimal or not evident, almost all plants are allowed to grow naturally, little evidence of manure accumulation, little trampling near instream pools

· “sub-optimal”— disruption from cattle grazing is evident but is not affecting plant species composition and had only moderate impacts on stubble height, only scattered manure present, instream pools are being used by cattle but are not significantly impacted

· “marginal”—disruption from cattle grazing is obvious, patches of bare soil or closely cropped vegetation areas common, only 50-25% of the potential stubble height is remaining, grazing is affecting plant species composition, manure accumulation is common, cattle are using instream pools and having significant impacts on pool vegetation and water quality

· “poor”—disruption from grazing of stream banks vegetation is very high, patches of base soil or closely cropped vegetation are common, less than 25% of the potential stubble height is remaining, grazing of affecting plant species composition, manure accumulation is very high, cattle are using instream pools and having severe impacts on pool vegetation and water quality

· stream class: stream reaches typed will be identified based on flow regime, geomorphology, vegetation and professional opinion. Classifications will include:

· “ephemeral”—has flowing water only during, and for a short duration after, precipitation events in a typical year. Stream beds are located above the water table year-round. Groundwater is not a source of water for the stream. Runoff from rainfall is the primary source of water for stream flow.

· “intermittent”— has flowing water during certain times of the year, when groundwater provides water for stream flow. During dry periods, streams may not have flowing water. Runoff from rainfall is a supplemental source of water for stream flow.

· “perennial”— has flowing water year-round during a typical year. The water table is located above the stream bed for most of the year. Groundwater is the primary source of water for stream flow. Runoff from rainfall is a supplemental source of water for stream flow.

· GPS data must be accurate to within 1-5 meters after and be compatible with ArcGIS GPS products. Data dictionaries that allow sufficient data entry must be used and contain the following attributes:

· 1) date of GPS point,

· 2) time of GPS point,

· 3) approx. accuracy of GPS point,

· 4) identify if GPS point is post processed or WAAS enabled,

· 5) GPS brand and model used,

· 6) agency/person doing the GPSing, along with any other required fields to describe the point being GPS'd.

The Government will supply a paper copy of the Visitors Map and a set of topographic maps. The Government has designated the streams to be surveyed and will provide a shapefile. The government will also provide a shapefile of allotments and data from the previous survey. The Government will authorize a permit of off-road use. The contractor shall provide the necessary personnel, equipment (including vehicles), materials, services, refences, forms, and facilities to perform the Statement of Work.

8. Report Requirements After the field season start date, the contractor shall provide bi-weekly reports in the form of email addressed to the Contracting Officer Representative and District Contact. At a minimum, these bi-weekly reports shall include a description of where, how, and when PFC surveys were conducted and any problems encountered.

By November 30, 2025, the contractor shall submit to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) a draft report for review. The Forest Service shall return comments on the draft report by December 31, 2025. The contractor will submit their final report in both hard copy and electronic format (MS Word), by January 31, 2026. At a minimum, the draft and final reports shall contain:

· An introduction summarizing the purpose of the project.

· A description of the survey areas, methods, and techniques used. The results section giving the location (in both UTM coordinates and legal description) of each stream segment start and end points; PFC ratting, and notes justifying that rating.

· A discussion section comparing existing and historic PFC data for each stream segment.

· Maps (USGS 7.5-degree topographic quads or acceptable alternatives) indicating PFC rating and Reach IDs.

· Photos of stream segments used to illustrate ratings or show specific issues related to riparian resources.

· An appendix containing a copy of field notes, PFC survey sheets, and ratings of instream cover, embeddedness, stream bank condition, bank vegetative conditions, and extend of grazing pressure.

· Attachments (forms) illustrate and provide guidance on how to report data.

9. PPE and Camping Requirements

(a) Personal protective equipment

(i) 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I, OSHA's General Industry personal protective equipment (PPE) standard contains the general requirements for the provision of personal protective equipment and requires employers to perform a hazard assessment to select appropriate PPE for hazards that are present or likely to be present in the workplace. OSHA requires that many categories of personal protective equipment meet or be equivalent to standards developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

(ii) Before a worker begins operating equipment, the contractor shall train the workers on the safe operation and use of the equipment

(iii) The contractor shall provide the appropriate personal protective equipment for the work required to be performed in the contract, wherever necessary by reason of hazards or processes encountered that may cause injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body. Except for foot protection, all PPE must be provided by the employer at no cost to the employee. Includes:

(A) Head Protection

(B) Hearing Protection

(C) Eye/Face Protection

(D) Leg Protection

(E) Foot Protection

(F) Hand Protection

(iv) PPE must be sanitary and in reliable condition. Do not use defective or damaged PPE. PPE must be inspected prior to use on each work shift to ensure it is in serviceable condition.

(v) A checklist of applicable PPE guidelines typical for the work performed under this contract is provided. This does not relieve the contractor of the responsibility of performing a risk assessment or providing the necessary PPE for their operations.

Reference https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/personalprotectiveequipment/index.html or OSHA 3151-12R 2003 Personnel Protective Equipment Booklet. The booklet can be found at https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3151.pdf.

Manual Logging and Forestry Related Activities https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/logging/manual/logger/personal_equip.html General Machine and Vehicles Logging and Forestry Related Activities https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/logging/mechanical/machines.html

(3) Field Sanitation. OSHA established minimum standards for field sanitation in covered agricultural settings. Refer to Fact Sheet # 51 Field Sanitation Standards under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

(b) Employment Requirements. Fact Sheets with relevant information may be found at http://www.dol.gov/WHD/fact-sheets-index.htm.

(1) Contractors employing workers in forestry related work are required to comply with wage and payroll standards and recordkeeping requirements. Refer to Fact Sheet #63: Application of Federal Labor Laws to Reforestation found on the DOL Wage and Hour Division webpage.

(2) Contractor Employee List. Contractors are required to maintain and provide upon request an active list of all employees performing work on the job site under this contract. The Employee List will identify employees by full name (aliases), supervisory duties if applicable, and appropriate labor Occupation Code for work performed under the Service Contract Act Wage Rates applicable to this contract. If Subcontractors are utilized, all tiers of subcontractor(s) are responsible for providing the same information for their employees to the Prime for submittal to the Contracting Officer.

(c) Transportation. (1) The contractor shall be registered to transport employees, unless employees provide their own transportation or carpool by their own arrangement in one of their own vehicles. Authorization for each vehicle that will be used to transport employees must appear on the contractor's certificate. If the contractor directs or requests employees to carpool, the registration requirement is applicable. Any driver, who transports workers for a fee or at the direction of the contractor, shall be registered as an FLC or an FLC employee.

(2) See Fact Sheet #50: Transportation under the MSPA, for more information about the vehicle safety standards, driver's licensing requirements, and vehicle insurance requirements. Note that separate transportation requirements may apply if there are H-2B workers.

(d) Housing. (1) The authorization to furnish housing, other than commercial lodging certified by a health authority or other appropriate agency, must appear on the contractor's certificate. Contractors should contact their local Wage and Hour Division of the DOL for further information on the requirements of the Act.

(2) Camping Requirements. The Forest Service (FS) has various camping opportunities. Check with local FS unit for camping requirements, camping permits may be required. Verify local fire restriction policies. If camps will be used to house workers subject to MSPA, they are also subject to the temporary labor camp standards at 29 CFR 1910.142. The Forest Service reserves the right to terminate a camping permit at any time. These requirements are in addition to those contained in or provided for under any other applicable contract clause. Any violation of these conditions constitutes a breach of contract and may result in revocation of camping approval.

(i) Every structure used as shelter must provide protection from the elements. Where adequate heat is not provided, make other arrangements to protect workers from the cold. Cut firewood only after a District Firewood Permit is obtained.

(ii) The campsite must not encroach beyond the boundaries designated by the Forest Service. The campsite location must minimize impacts on streams, lakes, and other bodies of water. Camping is not permitted within developed recreational sites or along primary recreational roads.

(iii) The campsite must have a clean appearance at all times. Upon abandonment of any campsite, or termination, revocation, or cancellation of camping privileges, the contractor shall remove, within 10 calendar days, all structures and improvements except those owned by the United States, and shall restore the site, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing or in the camping permit. Structures or improvements the contractor fails to remove within the 10-calendar day period becomes the property of the United States, however, the contractor remains liable for the cost of the removal and restoration of the site.

(iv) Unless otherwise designated by the CO, the use of the area is not exclusive and may be granted to other permittees, contractors, or recreating public. Disorderly conduct is not permitted.

(v) Damaging or removing any natural feature or other property of the Forest Service is prohibited.

(vi) Servicing of equipment in the campsite is not permissible unless the campsite is within the project area.

(vii) Provide sanitary facilities for storing food. Provide ice chests or coolers, with ice supply made from potable water, and replenish as necessary. Provide sufficient storage for perishable food items.

(viii) Provide an adequate and convenient potable water supply in each camp for drinking and cooking purposes.

(ix) Provide adequate toilet facilities and toilet paper for the capacity of the camp. Service and maintain facilities in a sanitary condition.

(x) Collect, store, and dispose of garbage in a manner to discourage rodent access, minimize attraction of flies, and prevent scattering by wind

(xi) Maintain basic first aid supplies available, which must be under the charge of a person trained to administer first aid. The basic supplies must include:

(A) Gauze pads (at least 4x4 inches)

(B) Two large gauze pads (at least 8x10 inches)

(C) Box adhesive bandages (such as band-aids)

(D) One package of gauze roller bandage (at least 2-inches in width)

(E) Two triangular bandages

(F) Scissors

(G) At least one blanket

(H) Tweezers

(I) Adhesive tape

(J) Medical gloves, (latex or non-latex equivalent), and

(K) Resuscitation device such as resuscitation bag, airway, or pocket mask.

(xii) Wash laundry in such a way that washing and rinsing will not pollute lakes, streams, or other flowing water.

(xiii) Dispose wastewater away from living and eating areas and in such a way that minimizes pollution to lakes, streams, and other flowing water.

(xiv) The contractor shall take all reasonable precautions to prevent and suppress forest fires. Do not dispose of material by burning in open fires during the closed season established by law or regulation without the written permission from the Forest Service.

(xv) If authorized to have an open fire, the Contractor shall comply with the following fire regulations:

(A) A shovel, axe or Pulaski, a 10-quart pail, which is full of water for immediate use, and a fire extinguisher with an Underwriters Laboratory (UL) rating of at least 1:A 10:BC is required.

(B) All fire rings or outside fireplaces must be approved by the Forest Service representative. The area must be cleared down to mineral soil for a distance of one foot outside of the ring or fireplace, and it must not have any overhanging material. Fire rings must be dismantled, and material disposed prior to leaving the site.

(C) All generators and other internal combustion engines must be equipped with Forest Service approved spark arrestors and/or factory designed muffler and exhaust system in good working order. They will be located in a cleared area with the same requirements as in described in the previous paragraph.

(D) All fuel must be stored in UL approved flammable storage containers and be located at least 50 feet from any open flame or other source of ignition.

Attachment: McKenzie Ranger District Area Map image1.jpeg