Attachment_1_Statement_of_Work.pdf

Bureau of Land Management

Phoenix District Office

Statement of Work (SOW)

Skull Valley Hand Thinning and Piling of Juniper and Piñon Pine Using Chainsaws

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) seeks contractor services to thin and pile juniper and piñon pine using chainsaws across 94 acres of DOI-managed land. This project aligns with DOI’s fuels management objectives to reduce hazardous fuels, decrease wildfire risk, and improve ecosystem resilience while minimizing ground disturbance.

2.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this contract is to mechanically thin juniper and piñon pine using chainsaws only and construct piles of removed material in compliance with DOI fuels management and resource protection standards. The treatment will reduce wildfire risk and improve ecological conditions.

3.0 SCOPE OF WORK

The Contractor shall provide all labor, equipment, supervision, supplies, and incidentals necessary to complete the following tasks:

3.1 Treatment Area

The project site encompasses 94 acres of DOI-managed land near the communities of Skull Valley and Wilhoit, AZ. (T13N R4W sec 1) (34° 30’06.44, 112° 37’ 41.77)

Treatment boundaries, GPS coordinates, and maps will be provided upon contract award.

3.2 Hand Thinning Requirements

Use chainsaws only to cut designated juniper and piñon pine.

Remove trees up to 12 inches diameter at breast height (DBH). Larger trees will be left at a rate of 5 trees per acre.

Reduce canopy cover by 70-80%, ensuring that remaining trees are well-spaced and healthy.

Cut stumps shall be no higher than six (6) inches above ground level.

Leave designated wildlife trees and legacy trees as identified by the Government.

Limb and buck downed material as necessary for proper piling.

3.3 Piling Requirements

Construct piles no larger than 8 feet high by 10 feet wide to facilitate safe burning.

Piles must be at least 10 feet from live trees and away from drainage areas.

No piles will be constructed within 50 feet of Forest Service, State, and or Private boundaries.

Ensure piles are compact and free of excessive dirt, with fine fuels placed on top for effective ignition.

Minimize ground disturbance while constructing piles.

3.4 Compliance with Fuels Management Objectives

Follow DOI fuels management best practices.

Establish and maintain buffer zones of at least 50 feet around water sources, cultural sites, and sensitive habitat areas.

Implement erosion control measures where necessary.

Adhere to seasonal wildlife restrictions as required by DOI and federal regulations.

3.5 Access and Site Conditions

The Contractor is responsible for accessing the site using existing roads.

Off road travel is strictly prohibited.

Work must comply with environmental protection laws, including the Endangered

Species Act (ESA) and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).

4.0 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

Work shall commence within 10 days of the Notice to Proceed (NTP) and be completed within 60 days, unless otherwise authorized.

Government reserves the right to suspend work to mitigate concerns regarding, weather, migratory birds, safety, and fire danger.

The Contractor shall ensure personnel are trained in chainsaw safety, fire prevention, and Leave No Trace principles.

A fire watch plan shall be implemented during and after chainsaw use to prevent accidental ignitions.

Daily progress reports shall be submitted, including GPS treatment area maps and before/after photos.

5.0 DELIVERABLES

Pre-Work Plan – Outline of proposed equipment, methods, and safety measures (due prior to project start).

Daily Progress Reports – Including treated acreage, obstacles encountered, and safety concerns.

Final Report – Providing total acreage treated, GPS documentation, and any corrective actions taken (due within 15 days of project completion).

6.0 GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED INFORMATION & OVERSIGHT

The Government will provide maps, treatment unit boundaries, and compliance requirements.

A Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) will inspect work to ensure compliance with specifications.

7.0 CONTRACT TYPE & PRICING

This is a firm-fixed-price contract based on a per-acre rate for 94 acres of hand thinning and piling.

8.0 SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor must comply with OSHA, DOI, and agency-specific safety guidelines.

Chainsaws must be equipped with spark arrestors, and fire suppression tools (e.g., shovels, fire extinguishers) must be on-site.

A designated fire watch period of at least 30 minutes shall be observed after chainsaw use ceases for the day.

Any hazardous materials or spills must be reported immediately to the COR.

9.0 PAYMENT & ACCEPTANCE

Payment will be made upon Government inspection and acceptance of completed work.

Partial payments may be authorized for completed portions, as approved by the COR.

10.0 POINT OF CONTACT

Contracting Officer (CO): Rachel Henriques Email: rhenriques@blm.gov

ATTACHMENTS

1. Treatment Area Map 1

2. Treatment Area Map 2

3. DOI Fuels Management Guidelines

F in ch W as h

Cooper B asin Rd

Co ppe r B asi n Rd

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While every effort has been made to ensure the quality of the information presented, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) makes no warranty regarding the accuracy or completeness of this map. This map and data are representational and are to be used as intended by the BLM. Map data are compiled from various sources. This map and the data from which it was derived are not binding on the BLM and may be revised at any time.

Map Produced by BLM [ADD FIELD OFFICE NAME HERE] Office Coordinate System: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 12N Scale: 1:22,812 at 8.5x11 page output Date: 4/3/2025

Skull Valley Thinning Copper Basin Fuel Break LLAZP050000 LF312D0000. JT.0000 LFHFCK910000 25x Bureau of Land Management - Phoenix District - Hassayampa Office

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While every effort has been made to ensure the quality of the information presented, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) makes no warranty regarding the accuracy or completeness of this map. This map and data are representational and are to be used as intended by the BLM. Map data are compiled from various sources. This map and the data from which it was derived are not binding on the BLM and may be revised at any time.

Map Produced by BLM [ADD FIELD OFFICE NAME HERE] Office Coordinate System: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 12N Scale: 1:99,009 at 8.5x11 page output Date: 4/3/2025

Skull Valley Thinning Copper Basin Fuel Break Vicinity LLAZP050000 LF312D0000. JT.0000 LFHFCK910000 25x Bureau of Land Management - Phoenix District - Hassayampa Office

Service Layer Credits: 2021 USDA CONUS NAIP:

Image:

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Skull_Valley_CBR_25_Line

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Wilhoit

Skull Valley

The DOI Fuels Management Guidelines provide a framework for reducing wildfire risk, enhancing ecosystem resilience, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. These guidelines apply to all fuels reduction projects conducted on DOI-managed lands and align with broader federal land management policies. Below is a general summary of key components:

DOI Fuels Management Guidelines

1.0 Purpose and Objectives

The primary goals of DOI fuels management are to:

Reduce hazardous fuels to mitigate wildfire risk to communities, infrastructure, and natural resources.

Improve ecosystem health and resilience by restoring natural fire regimes.

Enhance wildlife habitat and biodiversity by maintaining diverse vegetation structures.

Ensure compliance with environmental laws and policies, including the National

Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).

2.0 Fuels Treatment Methods

Approved fuels reduction methods vary based on site conditions and environmental considerations. The most common treatments include:

2.1 Mechanical Treatments

Mastication & Mulching – Using machinery to shred vegetation into small pieces, reducing fuel continuity.

Thinning (Chainsaw or Heavy Equipment) – Selectively removing trees and shrubs to reduce stand density.

Chipping – Processing cut vegetation into wood chips to minimize debris accumulation.

2.2 Hand Treatments

Hand Thinning – Using chainsaws or hand tools to cut trees and shrubs.

Lop and Scatter – Cutting vegetation into smaller pieces and spreading it evenly across the landscape.

Pile and Burn – Creating burn piles for later ignition under controlled conditions.

2.3 Prescribed Fire

Broadcast Burning – Applying low-intensity fire across large areas under controlled conditions.

Pile Burning – Igniting hand- or machine-built piles of vegetation when weather conditions allow.

3.0 Environmental and Compliance Requirements

Fuels treatments must adhere to the following environmental standards:

3.1 Wildlife and Habitat Protection

Seasonal restrictions may apply to protect nesting birds, endangered species, or sensitive habitats.

Buffer zones of at least 50 feet must be maintained around riparian areas and wetlands.

Large-diameter trees, snags, and designated wildlife trees should be retained unless deemed hazardous.

3.2 Cultural and Historic Resource Protection

Surveys must be conducted to identify cultural sites, such as Native American artifacts or historic structures.

No mechanical equipment is allowed in archaeologically significant areas unless approved by a DOI archaeologist.

Avoid ground disturbance near historical trails, petroglyphs, and known burial sites.

3.3 Soil and Water Protection

Minimize soil compaction and erosion by limiting heavy equipment use on steep slopes.

Implement erosion control measures, such as straw wattles or silt fences, where needed.

Maintain buffer zones around streams and wetlands to protect water quality.

4.0 Fire Prevention and Safety

All fuels management projects must include fire prevention measures to mitigate the risk of accidental ignition.

4.1 Equipment Fire Prevention

All chainsaws and motorized equipment must have approved spark arrestors.

Fire extinguishers, shovels, and water pumps must be readily available on-site.

A fire watch period of at least 30 minutes must be observed after equipment use.

4.2 Worker Safety

Personnel must be trained in chainsaw operation, fire behavior, and safety protocols.

Contractors must provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including helmets, gloves, and eye protection.

All field crews must have emergency response plans and radio or satellite communication.

5.0 Monitoring and Reporting Requirements

To ensure compliance with DOI fuels management objectives, the following monitoring and reporting requirements apply:

5.1 Pre-Treatment Documentation

Baseline assessments (vegetation surveys, fuel loads, and wildlife presence) must be conducted.

Treatment areas must be GPS-mapped before work begins.

5.2 During-Treatment Monitoring

Contractors must provide daily progress reports detailing treated acreage, equipment used, and safety concerns.

DOI staff or a designated inspector will conduct field inspections to ensure compliance.

5.3 Post-Treatment Reporting

Final reports must include GPS maps, before-and-after photos, and documentation of any corrective actions taken.

Effectiveness monitoring will assess whether the project meets fuel reduction and ecological objectives.

6.0 Compliance with Federal and DOI Policies

Fuels management projects must comply with:

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) – Requires environmental assessments for major treatments.

Endangered Species Act (ESA) – Protects threatened and endangered species.

National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) – Ensures protection of cultural and historic resources.

Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) – Governs DOI’s land use and management.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standards – Ensures worker safety.

7.0 Conclusion

DOI fuels management is a critical component of wildfire risk reduction and land stewardship. All treatments must align with DOI’s conservation goals while minimizing environmental impacts and ensuring public and worker safety.