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Solicitation 140FC124Q0006

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Statement of Work

Date: November 6, 2023

Project Title: Lee Metcalf Interpretive Panels and Mounting Structures

Project Location: Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, Stevensville, Montana

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Project Lead (PL) Name: Mary Danno U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service USPS/FedEx/UPS Address: 274 Little Beaver Creek Rd.

Trout Creek, MT 59874 Phone: 304-579-7778 Email: Mary_Danno@fws.gov

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Field Station Point of Contact (POC) Name: Tom Reed Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge USPS/FedEx/UPS Address: 4567 Wildfowl Lane Stevensville, MT 59870 Phone: 406-777-5552 Email: Tom_Reed@fws.gov

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Contracting Officer Representative (COR) Name: Diane Emmons

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service USPS/FedEx/UPS Address: 2316 S. Lupine St.

Lakewood, CO 80228 303-503-2418 (cell) Diane_Emmons@fws.gov

USFWS Lee Metcalf NWR

Kiosk Rehab with Replacement Panels

Attachment 1-2

Performance Statement of Work This Statement of Work (SOW) describes a general overview of the project and does not provide complete detail for finished appearance of the project. The Contractor must design and fabricate the project components in accordance with the details provided within this SOW. The Contractor must follow the project process, details, and performance intent of the SOW.

Overview of Project and Project Components

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will contract for design, fabrication, and delivery of 10 interpretive panels and 2 support structures. The main objective for these panels is to provide visitors with information that pertains to habitat descriptions, human history, visitor opportunities, and wayfinding.

The project includes information gathering, text and graphic development, photo search and acquisition, illustration, design, fabrication, and delivery.

• The subject matter of six the panels exists on current panels. For reference purposes, photos of these panels are provided as attachments to this document. The text, graphics and photos will need to be refreshed and updated.

• One panel will be duplicated for use in a second location.

• Three panels will cover new topics.

Upon completion of the project, project components are to be delivered to Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, Attn: Tom Reed, 4567 Wildfowl Lane, Stevensville, MT 59870. Project components will be installed by Refuge staff. The Contractor will not travel to the site during this project.

The Contractor’s Proposal must include all items identified in the SOW. Please note that if photos are acquired and paid for by the Contractor, the Contractor will be reimbursed via separate invoice submitted to the Service. The contractor should not include an estimated photograph cost in the Proposal.

The basis of award will be best value to the Government, which includes price and other factors. Other factors will include the Contractor’s ability to demonstrate knowledge in their Proposal submission that shows a full understanding of project components, leading to a successful performance, as described in this SOW:

• past experience developing these types of products (contractor to provide photos and descriptions of past products);

• ability to fabricate panels in the substrate specified in the SOW;

• ability to meet project timeline, identified in the SOW;

• involvement by an outside accessibility professional to ensure Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) graphic standards are met.

The project schedule should allow for the project to start (introductory meeting) within 3 weeks after project award. All work is to be completed no later than 62 weeks after project award.

Attachment 1-3

Summary of Project Components

(Reference map showing panel locations, below on pg. 3)

A – design, fabrication, and delivery of interpretive panels for location A.

B-K – design, fabrication, and delivery of interpretive panels and (2) support structures for locations B-K.

Interpretive panels o 8 kiosk panels (7 original and 1 duplicate); full color; sizes vary and are identified in the Specific Description of Project Components section below; photos, graphics, and text o 2 trailside panels; full color; photos, graphics, and text Support Structures o 2 angled “NPS-Style” wayside support stanchions for trailside 36”W x 24”H panels Substrate of interpretive panel(s) – be exterior grade, porcelain enamel, with no processing holes, 1/8” thick.

Substrate of support structure(s) – powder-coated aluminum, painted dark brown (avoid shiny materials)

Specific Description of Project Components

Note: Photos of current panels can be used for resource information (Attachments)

A

A

F

G

B

K

Wildlife Viewing Area Informa�on Kiosk - - replace (2) interpre�ve panels; (exis�ng kiosk)

River Restora�on Loca�on - - install (1) new interpre�ve panel on moun�ng structure; (no kiosk)

South Informa�on Kiosk - - replace (3) interpre�ve panels;

(exis�ng kiosk)

East Informa�on Kiosk - - replace (3) interpre�ve panels;

(exis�ng kiosk)

Kenai Trail Extension - - install (1) new interpre�ve panel on moun�ng structure; (no kiosk)

B

G

K

Attachment 1-4

1. Wildlife Viewing Area panel (1 of 2) 57”W x 44”H – horizontal orientation Description: The current panel includes a map of the trails in the Wildlife Viewing Area (WVA) and wildlife observation tips. This map and other text information and graphics need to be updated.

Overview: Replace panel with refreshed information and an updated map of the Refuge; overview of resources and visitor activities. The main objective for this panel is to welcome and orient visitors to the Refuge, provide background information about the Refuge wildlife and habitat, and inform visitors of opportunities they can participate in. The panel need to convey information that is site specific and fulfills the visitor needs.

Theme/Messages: To optimize wildlife observation opportunities, minimizing the impact of human presence, move slowly, talk softly or not at all, scan the vegetation and habitat, visit at dawn and at dusk, stay a safe distance away from wildlife and observe its behavior and habitat selection; keep pets leashed.

Graphics/Illustrations: Wildlife species shown on current panel, as well as other local wildlife species can be included in the new design.

• Map – Design a simple map graphic (illustration) using the current map style. The current one needs to be updated using a reference photo of the current trail and wildlife viewing map, provided by Refuge staff. Updates include changes in some trail locations and changes in the course of the river. These changes will be provided by the Refuge staff.

o Legend symbols and labels for map include: You are here, parking, Refuge headquarters, restroom, kiosk, area trails, scale, north arrow, etc.

2. Wildlife Viewing Area panel (2 of 2) – 58”W x 46”H – horizontal orientation Theme: Active Riparian Dynamics. Vegetation succession following floods. Sediment transport and the importance of this for cottonwood re-establishment.

Messages: Visitors will become familiar with the dynamics of the riparian zone. Current messaging is relevant and can be referenced in the photo attachments.

Graphics/Illustrations: Graphics which illustrate flora and fauna of Lee Metcalf NWR’s riparian zone.

3. River Restoration trail panel (1 of 1) – 36”W x 24”H (Note: this panel is one that includes an angled NPS-Style support structure.)

Theme: Restoration of the natural Surface Water Flow Patterns across the Bitterroot Floodplain.

Messages: Visitors will learn about the river restoration work which will remove barriers and allow fish to pass freely during migration. This river restoration work will provide for healthy fluvial processes associated with natural floodplains and flood regimes. Additionally, visitors will learn about the importance of native riparian habitat for native migratory songbirds.

• Rivers, streams, and riparian areas are important migration corridors for fish and wildlife of all kinds – trout, bears etc. Animals migrate to find food, reproduce, or seek a more hospitable home when weather conditions change (i.e., warm water, too much snow to find food).

Attachment 1-5

• Migration barriers are common on the landscape and problematic.

• A 2023 project at this site removed an old irrigation structure that was a barrier to fish migration. This allowed Bitterroot River fish to migrate into North Burnt Fork Creek to reproduce for the first time in 50 years. The young fish born in North Burnt Fork Creek will eventually migrate back to the Bitterroot River, completing the migration cycle and supporting the Bitterroot ecosystem and fishery.

• Volunteers also planted hundreds of native willows and cottonwoods to provide bank stability, shade, and cover in the area.

• Thanks to partners and funders who helped make this project happen (provide list)

Photos/Imagery:

• Map of Bitterroot and lower North Burnt Fork Creek/Francois slough to show location and project context. Wildlife depicted in the stream, riparian corridors, etc.

• Illustration of trout migration cycle - - adults swim from river into streams to spawn > Eggs incubate in stream and hatch > young fish growing in the protected small stream > Once large enough, young fish migrate back to the river to continue growing into mature adults.

• Benefits of riparian plantings (shade, root stability, cover)

4. South Information Kiosk interpretive panel (1 of 3) – 36”W x 48”H – vertical orientation Theme: Importance of open spaces and non-developed lands for wildlife.

Messages: Visitors will learn the need and role of non-developed lands in ever-developed landscapes.

Wildlife need undisturbed, native habitat to fulfill the life history needs of migratory birds and locally migratory mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

Photos/Graphics: Those depicting the importance of conserving open spaces; the impact of encroachment on species adaptation.

5. South Information Kiosk interpretive panel (2 of 3) – 72”W x 36”H – horizontal orientation Overview: Replace panel with refreshed information and an updated map of the Refuge; overview of resources and visitor activities. The main objective for this panel is to welcome and orient visitors to the Refuge, provide background information about the Refuge wildlife and habitat, and inform visitors of opportunities they can participate in. The panel need to convey information that is site specific and fulfills the visitor needs.

Topics:

• Overview of Refuge resources

• Orientation

• Wildlife to observation opportunities

Photos/Graphics: Migrating geese, great blue heron in wetland, osprey with fish

Map: Refuge map showing WVA trails, legend showing WVA opportunities.

Attachment 1-6

• Map – Design a simple map graphic (illustration) using the current map style. The current map may be referenced in a photo of the current trail panel map. Updates will be minimal and may include changes in some trail location references. These changes will be provided by the Refuge staff.

o Legend symbols and labels for map include: You are here, parking, Refuge headquarters, restroom, kiosk, area trails, scale, north arrow, etc.

6. South Information Kiosk interpretive panel (3 of 3) – 36”W x 48”H – vertical orientation Overview: Importance and conservation role of the National Wildlife Refuge System now and in the future.

Topics: President Roosevelt’s influence and impact; Senator Lee Metcalf’s conservation role and the establishment of the Refuge.

Photos/Graphics: select Refuge species and landscapes; President Teddy Roosevelt; Senator Lee Metcalf

7. East Information Kiosk interpretive panel (1 of 3) – 36”W x 48”H - vertical orientation (no current panel) Theme: History of human and land use on Lee Metcalf NWR Overview: Timeline of transition of human history on Lee Metcalf NWR, beginning with the Salish peoples, and continuing through homesteading until today.

Topics:

• Salish people and their use of the land

• Arrival of settlers and homesteading period

Note: All resource information needed from the Salish Tribe will be obtained by the FWS, and the Service will coordinate the review of materials and drafts with the Tribe.

Photos/Graphics: Timeline and/or graphics/photos showing the human and land-use history.

8. East Information Kiosk interpretive panel (2 of 3) – 72”W x 36” H - horizontal orientation This panel is a duplicate of South Information Kiosk panel #2.

9. East Information Kiosk interpretive panel (3 of 3) – 36” x 48” H – vertical orientation Theme: Wetlands play a vital role in the succession of waterfowl species.

Messages: Management of wetlands to promote conservation of dependent species.

Photos/Graphics: wetland areas, wetland species (Great Blue Heron, Geese, etc.)

10. Kenai Trail Extension interpretive panel (1 of 1) – 36”W x 24”H (Note: this panel is one that includes an NPS-style angled support structure.)

Description: The Kenai trail traverses a historic river bench and overlooks 4 large wetlands. Between the trail and the wetlands is a band of native shrubs (chokecherry, Wood’s rose, hawthorn, alder) and trees (black cottonwood, willow). In season, the shrubs produce abundant fruit or catkins which attract a diverse array of songbirds. Cavity-nesting birds (Lewis’ woodpecker) and neotropical migrant birds (cedar waxwings) and raptors nest in the tall cottonwoods.

Attachment 1-7

Messages: The importance of native shrubs for neotropical migrant songbirds. The importance of decadent cottonwood for cavity nesting woodpeckers, owls, and waterfowl and for raptors (red-tailed hawks and others) in the canopy.

Photos/Graphics: Cavity-nesting birds, raptors, etc.

Items Provided by the Service The following items specific to this project will be provided by the Service PL or field station POC:

• Photos of current panels can be used for resource information (Attachments) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Mountain Prairie Flickr website (for obtaining photos) Field-station-specific photographs (if needed) All resource information needed from the Salish Tribe All coordination for review of materials and drafts with the Salish Tribe

Work to be Performed by the Contractor Below is a list of the work to be performed by the Contractor for the execution of this contract:

Meetings The Contractor will schedule, host, and facilitate the initial post-award (introductory) meeting and all subsequent design review meetings with the Service. The Contractor will write and share meeting notes that summarize the discussion and assigned action items and send these to the Project Lead (PL) within two weeks of each meeting.

Project Schedule The Contractor will produce a detailed project schedule that lists all required meetings, submittals, fabrication, delivery, inspection by Service, close-out submittals, and invoicing schedule. Development and review times (# of weeks), and actual dates, must be identified (please use the Project Schedule of Checkpoints located near the end of this SOW as a guide). The initial project schedule should be submitted to the PL with the introductory meeting notes and updated and resubmitted with new dates with each submittal.

Content Development Text - The Contractor will develop interpretive messaging for panels requiring new and updated text;

conduct all research for text development; and write and finalize all text after incorporating text edits as directed by the Service. The Contractor will use an interpretive writing style that helps the audience make intellectual and emotional connections to the resource.

Photographs – When possible, the Contractor will use photos that are in the public domain and specifically from the Mountain Prairie Flickr site. If photos are not available here, then other stock sites may be used. In addition, the Contractor will conduct photo search; obtain photo rights; purchase photos after approval by the Service; obtain the photos at appropriate size and resolution for the project; complete paperwork demonstrating photo rights and pay associated fees for the photographs.

The Contractor may request reimbursement from the Service, at cost, for associated photo fees.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwsmtnprairie/

Attachment 1-8

Illustrations/Graphics – The Contractor will conduct research for illustration(s) development and provide final illustrations. All original artwork becomes the property of the Service at project completion.

Maps - The Contractor will modify/update existing map graphics and develop new map graphics as needed. Map – Design a simple map graphic (illustration) using the current map style. The current one needs to be updated using a reference photo of the current trail and wildlife viewing map, provided by Refuge staff. Updates include changes in some trail locations and changes in the course of the river.

These updates will be provided by the Refuge staff.

Support Structures – The Contractor will design, fabricate, and provide all hardware necessary for the panels to be held by a support structure.

Submittals The following design submittals must be provided to the PL for review: concept (10%); design development 1 (35%); design development 2 (65%); pre-final (95%); and final (100%).

Submittals should be provided to the PL in PDF (graphic design and graphics list) and Microsoft Word (text) via email or FTP site. A hard copy should also be sent to the PL and Alt PL listed on page 1.

Prior to fabrication, provide one sample (approximately 8” x 10”) of the selected panel substrate for Service review and approval. The sample must include a selection of the graphics from the interpretive panel to show color accuracy and resolution of output (fonts, graphics, and images) in the actual material.

Fabrication The Contractor will produce exterior-grade interpretive panels using ultra-violet stabilized all-weather material; production will include 12-color high-density printing technology; panels will have an edge treatment to prevent delamination and deterioration. Exterior grade support structures or kiosks will be designed and finished to be maintenance-free; and to withstand the site-specific weather conditions that include freezing temperatures. All mounting hardware must be provided.

Delivery Panels and support structures must be packaged to withstand the shipping method used to deliver the project components to the field station. Contractor must coordinate with PL in advance of shipping to ensure staff will be available to accept delivery and to learn if the delivery truck must have a lift gate or if a loading dock or forklift operated by Service staff will be available for unloading.

Installation Service staff will complete the installation.

Closeout Package At project closeout, the Contractor will provide the following items to the PL via FTP site or CD/DVD:

Service-provided reference materials Final digital files for all interpretive media in PDFX and in native file format

Attachment 1-9

As-built drawings for support structures and actual installed support structures Photo rights paperwork - signed releases, licenses, and/or agreements Maintenance, mounting, and installation instructions Warranty information

Schedule of Checkpoints The introductory meeting will occur within 3 weeks after project award. All work is to be completed within 62 weeks of project award.

Checkpoint Who/Deliverable Schedule Introductory meeting Contractor, PL, POC Day 1 Introductory meeting notes and schedule Contractor 2 weeks Introductory meeting notes and schedule review Service 2 weeks Concept design development (10% phase) Contractor 6 weeks Concept design review Service 4 weeks Submit invoice after Service accepts Concept Design (30% of contract total)

Contractor -

Design development 1 (35% phase) Contractor 6 weeks Design development 1 review Service 4 weeks Design development 2 (65% phase) Contractor 6 weeks Design development 2 review Service 4 weeks Pre-final design development (95% phase) Contractor 4 weeks Pre-final design review Service 4 weeks Final design development (100% complete) Contractor 2 weeks Final design review Service 2 weeks Submit invoice after Service accepts final design (30% of contract total)

Fabrication sample (at 25% completion) Contractor 4 weeks Fabrication sample review Service 1 week Submit invoice after Service accepts fabrication sample (15% of contract total)

Fabrication Contractor 8 weeks Shipping Contractor 2 weeks Inspection and Close-out Service 1 week Submit invoice after Service accepts Close-out (25% of project total)

Invoicing Requirements At a minimum, invoice must include the invoice date; period for which services were provided; contract number, order price; current invoice amount; and remaining project balance. Contractor will submit invoices to the PL for approval, prior to uploading to the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Project Lead (PL)

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Field Station Point of Contact (POC)

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Contracting Officer Representative (COR)

Performance Statement of Work

Overview of Project and Project Components

Summary of Project Components

Specific Description of Project Components

1. Wildlife Viewing Area panel (1 of 2) 57”W x 44”H – horizontal orientation

2. Wildlife Viewing Area panel (2 of 2) – 58”W x 46”H – horizontal orientation

3. River Restoration trail panel (1 of 1) – 36”W x 24”H (Note: this panel is one that includes an angled NPS-Style support structure.)

4. South Information Kiosk interpretive panel (1 of 3) – 36”W x 48”H – vertical orientation Theme: Importance of open spaces and non-developed lands for wildlife.

5. South Information Kiosk interpretive panel (2 of 3) – 72”W x 36”H – horizontal orientation Overview: Replace panel with refreshed information and an updated map of the Refuge; overview of resources and visitor activities. The main objective for th...

6. South Information Kiosk interpretive panel (3 of 3) – 36”W x 48”H – vertical orientation Overview: Importance and conservation role of the National Wildlife Refuge System now and in the future.

7. East Information Kiosk interpretive panel (1 of 3) – 36”W x 48”H - vertical orientation

8. East Information Kiosk interpretive panel (2 of 3) – 72”W x 36” H - horizontal orientation

9. East Information Kiosk interpretive panel (3 of 3) – 36” x 48” H – vertical orientation Theme: Wetlands play a vital role in the succession of waterfowl species.

10. Kenai Trail Extension interpretive panel (1 of 1) – 36”W x 24”H (Note: this panel is one that includes an NPS-style angled support structure.)

Items Provided by the Service

Work to be Performed by the Contractor

Meetings

Project Schedule

Content Development

Submittals

Fabrication

Delivery

Installation

Closeout Package

Schedule of Checkpoints

Invoicing Requirements

North Burnt Fork Creek Culvert Removal and

Restoration Project

Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge

WHY IS THE CULVERT BEING REMOVED?

Over 50 years ago, a water control structure (top right photo) was built near the mouth of North Burnt Fork Creek to create backwater habitat for waterfowl.

Unfortunately, this structure also created a full passage barrier to fish migrating between the Bitterroot River and North Burnt Fork Creek.

In summer 2023, Lee Metcalf National Wildlife will remove the structure along the Metcalf Trail and restore riparian habitat along North Burnt Fork Creek to improve fish passage, while maintaining visitor access. The project will:

• Reconnect 2.5 miles of North Burnt Fork Creek stream habitat to the Bitterroot

River, allowing fish to migrate between these systems for the first time in over

50 years.

• Improve riparian cover (trees and shrubs) along 1/2 mile of stream for birds and other wildlife

• Improve the Wildlife Viewing Area trail system with a new crossing and signage

• Engage the public through volunteer days, education programs and signage

The water control structure - two vertical standpipes feeding into culverts along North Burnt Fork Creek- create a complete barrier to migrating fish. This project will remove the pipes and replace them with a large culvert bridge to maintain access to the Wildlife Viewing Area trail system.

JANUARY

Draft EA release and Public Comment

FEBRUARY

Review comments, modify designs

FEBRUARY-JULY

Finalize designs, permitting, contracting

AUGUST-OCTOBER

Construction

Some trail closures

OCTOBER-

NOVEMBER

Revegetation Volunteer planting days

Project Timeline – 2023 NEED TO UPDATE

The project will occur along North Burnt Fork Creek as it passes through Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge. Removal of the barrier will open 2.5 miles of creek to fish from the Bitterroot River.

Learn More & Get Involved

We will be hosting pre-project site tours on:

DATE

DATE

Volunteer days to plant trees and shrubs are planned for fall 2023. Look here for signs advertising these events, or contact XX to join our volunteer list

The full project proposal and Environmental Assessment can be found at XX

For questions, please contact Refuge Manager Tom Reed: 406-777-5552, tom_reed@fws.gov

IMPACTS TO VISITORS

Portions of the WVA trail system will be closed from August 1- October 31, 2023, during construction. Whenever possible we will leave the north trail system (Ponderosa Loop) open to visitors. Please abide by these closures to keep visitors and our equipment operators safe

Thanks to our many project partners and funders!

LIST PARTNERS HERE

North Burnt Fork Creek Culvert Removal and Restoration Proposal

Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge