AZGFD_BPM005438_DAWSON_response_ATTACHMENTS_IV_and_V__2___1_.pdf

Aktarius, LLC, dba DAWSON AKT Response to RFP BPM005438

DAWSON EXPERIENCE (Attachment IV)

Aktarius, LLC, dba DAWSON-AKT (DAWSON) is pleased to provide this response to the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s (AZGFD) Request for Proposal number BMP005438 for archaeological services.

As a full-service environmental consulting firm, DAWSON offers the full spectrum of expertise needed to address the unique needs of any cultural resources project. Our array of experts has worked at the forefront of issues affecting the planning, mitigation, and restoration processes. We develop legally defensible documents that ensure the timely execution of projects. Our thorough understanding of agency requirements and processes, public involvement, and stakeholder outreach lends us to anticipate and address relevant issues found in cultural resources projects to effectively tell a story and create timely approvals. In addition to our facilities in Arizona, DAWSON has over 650 professionals in the fields of engineering, sciences, and professional services in 16 offices and 75 operating locations. DAWSON has a large pool of labor resources from which to pull, ensuring a rapid response to our clients’ needs. DAWSON has the resources, both in physical equipment and financially, to provide the AZGFD with consistent service.

Our Cultural Services include:

Archival/Records Reviews Class I Survey Archival Research and Literature Review

Archaeology Record Searches Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) Investigations

Fieldwork Class II and III Cultural Resources Inventory Mitigation Monitoring Phase I Archaeological Testing

Phase II Data Recovery/Excavation Damage Assessments Built Environment Assessments

Consultation And Agreement Documents National and State Register Eligibility Evaluations Context Statements Programmatic Agreements Memoranda of Agreement Effects Findings Documents

Treatment and Management Plans Native American Consultation Section 106 Analysis Federal/State Permitting Cultural Resources Awareness Training

Curation And Analysis Services

Collections Management Laboratory Preparation & Analysis Curation Preparation Ceramic Analysis Design & Installation of Exhibits

Lithic Analysis Human Osteological Analysis Geographic Information Systems (GIS) High-Resolution GPS Mapping

While DAWSON’s Cultural Resources Program is relatively new, our staff brings many years of experience with them. Our Cultural Resources Program Manager, Johna Hutira, devoted 35 years managing a large cultural resources team based in Tempe, AZ. Her career has included roles as Field Technician, Crew Chief, Project Director, Principal Investigator, Laboratory Technician, Laboratory Director, ceramics, chipped stone and marine shell analyst, archaeobotanist, Native American Coordination leader, and has performed several damage assessments. She has authored Historic Properties Treatment Plans, Research Designs, “popular” public publications, survey, testing, and data recovery reports, contributed chapters on ceramics, chipped stone, and marine shell analyses, archaeobotanical analyses, and damage assessments. Ms. Hutira has worked on every USDA Forest in AZ, as well as on BLM, BOR, and NPS managed lands. At

DAWSON, she has managed our cultural portfolio for US Customs and Border Protection for the Border Barrier, Tactical Infrastructure, and Facilitates programs, often responsible for fieldwork, report preparation, Native American consultation, damage assessments, and preparing Historic Properties Treatment Plans (HPTPs), Monitoring Plans, and Cultural Resources Management Plans. Other clients include FEMA, USACE DoD, and private entities.

Pertinent to this solicitation, Ms. Hutira managed and directed work at Amity Pueblo for the AZGFD after portions of the site were damaged during construction. From the initial damage assessment to the final repatriation ceremony, Ms Hutira was involved in all aspects of this project, often in the field helping the crew document the surface artifacts, and screening backdirt. Her conclusions in the final report were lauded by the US Fish and Wildlife Service archaeologist (see insert).

DAWSON’s Senior Archaeologist, Nick Billstrand, M.A., RPA has experience in all aspects of cultural resource investigations, as well as a specialist in bioarchaeology (the study of human remains) and meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards. In addition to his experience in the recovery and identification of fragmentary human remains he is also trained in GIS and geophysical survey. He is well versed in both prehistoric and historic archaeology. Recently, Mr. Billstrand served as a Principal Investigator/Project Director for multiple survey projects throughout the southwest, including Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California for clients such as Customs and Border Protection, Arizona Department of Transportation, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, and the U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers. Projects led include excavations at a multi-component (historic and prehistoric) site along US93 near Wickiup, AZ, a mining camp along the US/Mexican border on the Coronado National Forest, and excavation at a prehistoric site in the Metro Phoenix area. His survey experience includes the Colorado Plateau, the western desert in Arizona, the Phoenix Basin, and southern Arizona. Mr. Billstrand directed the field operations and kept the projects on schedule. He also has experience assessing cultural resource sites for NRHP eligibility recommendation, has performed infield and post field artifact analysis of prehistoric and historic material, and conducted archaeological monitoring. In addition to his recent work, he has also led large archaeological recovery projects throughout the Midwest, Northern Plains, as well as the Southeastern and Southwestern United States.

Our partners include Urbana Preservation and Planning (Urbana). Established in 2005, Urbana Preservation & Planning (Urbana) offers specialized urban planning, historic preservation, history, and architectural history services, and maintains full-time professional staff in the Southwest (Arizona).

Urbana’s team of historic preservation specialists meet The Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards in the disciplines of history, architectural history, and historical archaeology, as well as the draft standards in historic preservation and land use / community planning. The Urbana team offers a multi-disciplinary and holistic approach with a multigenerational and cross-trained staff as well as experience spanning historic preservation and archaeology across the United States. Urbana represents more than 100 years of experience with the built environment and has prepared surveys for a myriad of environments, property types, and architectural styles.

Excellent! So good, I can hardly believe what I am reading. This report is cause for celebration – turning an accidental disaster into a positive affirmation of good.

They could have easily followed the conventional route of archeological consultants – prescribing the usual dosage of more excavation and more scientific analysis.

Instead, they have done something I have never seen before, by recognizing and making well-reasoned sound use of the 1992 amendment to the National Historic Preservation Act. To do that they had to break the mold of standard archeological think. They had to confront the long-standing monopoly of archeology and archeologists over the NHPA process... deserves great credit for their forthright, sensitive, and courageous recommendations.

David Siegel, US Fish and Wildlife Service

Project management will be led by DAWSON (Johna Hutira, Nick Billstrand will direct field efforts, prepare work plans, and lead the report preparation effort). Field crew will be hired as needed. Urbana’s efforts will be led by Douglas Kupel, Ph.D., RPA who brings many year’s experience with assessing and evaluating built environment resources. Prior to joining the private sector, Dr. Kupel worked extensively with agencies, developers, and the public io achieve compliance with State and Federal Historic Preservation laws while working for the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (AZ SHPO) and the City of Phoenix. Urbana’s Scott Solliday, M.A., will be assisting Dr. Kupel. DAWSON and Urbana key staff resumes are included in Appendix A.

EXAMPLE PROJECTS

Environmental Consulting and Planning Support Services for Department of Homeland Security Infrastructure Portfolio Role: Prime Location: US/ Mexico Border, California to Gulf of Mexico Client: US Customs and Border Protection Contract Number: 70B01C-20-P-00000610 Period of Performance: 09/24/2022 - 09/23/2023

Budget: $1,434,222.04, no modifications to date

Client Contact: Michelle Barnes

Email Michelle.l.Barnes@cbp.dhs.gov

Project Description: Under this prime contract, DAWSON was tasked with procuring the biological, cultural, archeological, and environmental planning technical expertise services required for the planning and construction of projects in support of the Border Wall Program within the Program Management Office Directorate (PMOD) of CBP.

DAWSON is responsible for obtaining the necessary technical Subject Matter Experts to assist the Border Wall Program Management Office in the technical review of environmental documents and project documentation including historical, architectural and cultural monitoring and surveys as needed for NHPA Section 106. DAWSON coordinated technical surveys, environmental monitoring and public outreach across 4 states.

DAWSON team members managed, a number of Class III surveys, as well as Phase I and II testing and data recovery projects as part of this contract. Reports included National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility recommendations and treatment for cultural resources identified. We also provided review services for archaeological work in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Our projects include archaeological survey and monitoring in Arizona, as well as the assessment of built environment resources in Yuma, AZ.

Yuma Joint Processing Center, Technical Support to Facilities Management and Engineering Border Patrol & Air and Marine (BPAM) Program Management Office (PMO) Role: Prime Location: Yuma, AZ Client: US Customs and Border Protection Contract Number: 70B01C-22-P-00001393 Period of Performance: 10/25/2022 - Present Budget: Original- $131,508.48

Modification 1: $41,755.83 Total: $173,264.31

Client Contact: John Petrilla

Email : John.P.Petrilla@cbp.dhs.gov

RELEVANCY

• Large Project

• Survey, Monitoring, Testing, Consultation, Outreach tasks

• Built Environment Resources

• Rapid Response

DAWSON was contracted by CBP to complete a Class III cultural resources survey of the two 40-acre of parcels in advance of the proposed property acquisitions and subsequent construction in order to identify and assess the significance of cultural resources within the Area of Potential Effects (APE).

This project took place on private, and state administered lands under our Arizona Antiquities Act Permit.

During the resources survey of the parcel originally proposed for acquisition, DAWSON identified a historic-aged structure associated with the previous Yuma Greyhound Park. Following the initial survey, DAWSON received a modification to the original contract to complete a Historic Properties assessment of the structure and complete additional survey for an alternative 40-acre parcel. This project illustrates our ability to manage a multitude of cultural resources variables that may be encountered over the course of a project as well as our successful relationship with our partners URBANA and the navigating/facilitating communications between state and federal entities.

Bio-Gro, Buckeye Arizona, USDA Grant Role: Prime Location: Buckeye, AZ Client: Bio-Gro, Inc. Contract Number: BioGro-0007310 Period of Performance: 06/02/2023 – 06/08/2023

Budget: Original- $4.500.00

Client Contact: Caitlin Aleman Email : caitlin@biogro.com

Bio-Gro manufactures and distributes liquid humic acids. Prior to receiving a grant from the USDA, Bio- Gro was required to have a Class III inventory of their 19-acre parcel, located in Buckeye, Arizona. The project had a very short turn-around time.

This project was completed in 10 working days – from initial contact with the client, contract set-up, Class I literature review, fieldwork to report delivery. This project illustrates the efficiency that DAWSON can bring to

AZGFD.

INSURANCE

DAWSON meets or exceeds all insurance requirements listed in the solicitation.

POC

Johna Hutira Cultural Resources Program Manager 6411 S River Drive, Unit 24, Tempe, AZ 85283 602.558.1991, jhutira@dawsonohana.com

Additional Office at:

500 N Garden Ave Suite 6a/6b, Sofia Bldg Sierra Vista, AZ 86535

TECHNICAL APPROACH (Attachment V)

All of the proposed work discussed below will following the guidelines issued by the AZ SHPO and the Arizona State Museum (ASM). In addition, work performed on other land jurisdictions will following the guidelines provided by that land managing agency.

RELEVANCY

• Small Project

• Built Environment Resources

• Performed under ASM Permit

RELEVANCY

• Small Project

• Quick Turn-around mailto:jhutira@dawsonohana.com

Records and Literature Reviews, Assessments. Every aspect of archaeological investigation and historic preservation is based on a thorough knowledge of existing archival data and the results of previous research. In the case of archaeological projects, DAWSON’s staff will perform records checks and literature searches as part of background research. We will examine archaeological site and project records at the AZ SHPO, AZSITE (Arizona’s online archaeological site file database) as well as other sources (AZ SHPO, Tribal entities (if needed), regional museums, and federal land managing agencies. For historical properties, archival research will typically involve the examination of both primary and secondary historical documents, including General Land Office (GLO) plat maps, and historical maps and documents, The results of this background research will generally be included in project reports. Of note, in addition to summarizing the results of previous research in tables and maps, we try to construct a narrative that establishes a larger research and management context for the work being undertaken.

DAWSON has developed a form for a “desk survey” to determine the need for cultural resources investigations prior to project implementation. These desk assessments are used during the project planning stage in order to identify potential cultural resources issues very early in the process, resulting in less delays and smoother project implementation.

DAWSON’s Cultural Resources Program Manager (Ms. Hutira) and Senior Archaeologist (Mr. Billstrand) provided services to Arizona State Parks (AZ Parks) which included a streamline decision making process.

An issue that faced AZ Parks was that park managers and supervisors were unclear as to if and/or when cultural resources work needed to occur. Figure 1 shows the cultural resources flow chart that was used by AZ Parks at that time, and Figure 2 presents a screen shot of a page from the interactive decision-making software designed to simplify the process.

CLASS III Investigations. The in-field portion of most archaeological projects start with a Class III assessment: a 100% pedestrian survey that examines the ground surface to identify cultural resources. Work done during this phase also identifies potential significant elements of the built environment.

DAWSON’s staff has conducted numerous cultural resources surveys across the Greater Southwest, ranging in scale from less than one acre to several thousand acres. Surveys are conducted to identify and assess the significance of cultural resources. Standard professional methods are employed by DAWSON during survey. Most pedestrian surveys consist of archaeologists walking parallel transects, generally spaced 15–20 meters apart according to ASM guidelines. The ground surface along and between transects is inspected for significant cultural remains

DAWSON ADVANTAGE

• Use of “desktop” survey to determine if the undertaking has the potential to impact cultural resources during the project planning process

• Use of decision-making software to streamline flow charts

Figure 2. Screen shot of interactive decision-making tool. Blue text are hyperkinks.

Figure 1. Cultural resources compliance flow chart and/or modifications. A Trimble GeoXT hand-held global positioning system (GPS) with sub-meter accuracy is used for navigation and to record sites and isolated artifacts. When cultural resources are encountered in the field, the field crew examines the area to determine the nature and extent of the finding.

Artifacts are pin-flagged to establish extent, quantity, and density. Based on the size and density of the finding, it is determined if the finding qualifies as a site—according to ASM sited definition criteria—or is an isolated occurrence. If the work is occurring on a federal or tribal holding, the site definition policy provided by that agency will be followed.

Any identified sites will be recorded in the following manner. After establishing the extent of the site, site boundaries are mapped with the GPS. Any artifact concentrations or features within the site are bounded and recorded. Observable features are photographed and mapped. Diagnostic artifacts (e.g., projectile points, ground stone) within the site are point located using the GPS. Photographs are taken and scale drawings are made as appropriate. DAWSON typically employs two methods to quantify the artifacts present within a site. For smaller, low-density sites, the locations of all observed artifacts are recorded with the GPS unit. For larger and higher density sites, artifact density and diversity are sampled by using observational units (OU)––generally measuring 1 meter wide by 10 meters long––distributed across a site.

Each artifact within an OU is counted and classified. These OU counts are then used to determine artifact density and range of artifact types present within a given site.

DAWSON has considerable experience in Class III surveys, most recently along the United States/Mexico border from California to the Gulf of Mexico. Class III studies done by DAWSON in urban areas (e.g.

Phoenix, Yuma) involve the investigation of not only archaeological remains, but also the identification of historic resources of the built environment. Further, because of the potential for cultural enclaves of historic neighborhoods, community gathering places and other places of importance necessitates the use of ethnography and historiography to identify historic properties and districts, and Traditional Cultural Properties. The Visual Area of Potential Effect is also considered in both rural and urban settings.

Eligibility Recommendations. As part of the Class III assessment, we routinely evaluate the National Register eligibility status of cultural resources. In most instances, we are concerned about an archaeological site’s information potential (Criterion D), but we also evaluate whether it is associated with important historic events or broad patterns of events (Criterion A). In the case of historic buildings and properties, we also evaluate whether the building or property is associated with important people (Criterion B), or if it is characteristic of a distinctive type, period, or method of construction, or if it represents the work of a master or possesses high artistic value (Criterion C). In addition to evaluating the significance of a site or property, we take into account integrity considerations when making eligibility recommendations. Justification for our eligibility recommendations are discussed in detail in our reports. Importantly, DAWSON’s staff has completed a National Register eligibility training course from the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. In instances where eligibility recommendations cannot be made based on the material identified during survey, DAWSON would recommend eligibility and extent testing.

Eligibility and Extent Testing. Archaeological testing can be part of a cultural resource investigations.

Often the surface manifestations at an archaeological site are not sufficient to determine eligibility during the Class III survey. In these cases, a testing program of the subsurface deposits is used. The subsurface investigations are not extensive but are a tool to determine if there are significant buried deposits (eligibility testing). In other cases, the boundaries of a site need to be defined to determine if a site extends into a project area.

Again, the investigations are not intensive, but designed to determine if the site will be impacted by a particular undertaking (extent testing). The AZ SHPO guidelines for testing are used to develop effective testing strategies, which usually include the use of heavy equipment to sample a portion of the site.

DAWSON ADVANTAGE

• In-house GPR staff

• Experience identifying significant/expansive resources and human remains during Phase II testing.

Not all archaeological testing has to be completed using ground disturbing methods. Non-invasive techniques such as Ground-penetrating Radar (GPR) can be used with great success. DAWSON has an experienced in-house GPR staff ready to assist in instances where ground disturbance is not feasible or desired.

This phase can also include the use of archival materials such as maps, newspaper accounts, and civil records (deeds, title chains) to determine the eligibility of a site or built environment resources.

A typical testing program employs the following methods:

• Prior to any subsurface exploration, a site grid will be established and tied to a fixed datum. The grid will be placed at predetermined intervals across each site. These grid units are used to record surface data and determine the systematic placement of trenches and hand excavation units. Site maps will incorporate the location of surface artifact concentrations, trench locations, and subsurface feature locations.

• Once the site grid has been established, surface collections will generally be made within each grid unit, unless there are clear indications that the surface deposits have been disturbed (e.g., plowed fields). In those instances, only diagnostic artifacts will be collected. These surface collections will be made in the area of the units in order to compare surface artifact densities and subsurface feature distributions. Elsewhere in the grid units only, diagnostic materials will be collected from the ground surface.

• Archaeological testing will generally be conducted through the systematic mechanical excavation of trenches, or hand excavated units. Following SHPO guidelines, we usually strive for at least a two percent sample of a project area for extent testing and a considerably smaller sample for eligibility testing. Excavation units and/or trenches will be excavated to a depth consistent with culturally sterile deposits or a maximum of five feet (1.5 m) below ground surface. Exposed features will be photographed and drawn to scale. Detailed notes on features and stratigraphy will be recorded on the appropriate DAWSON standardized forms. Artifacts and samples will be collected when appropriate.

Impact Mitigation (Data Recovery, Phase III). Avoidance is the first level recommendation in cases where the project has the potential to impact a cultural resource such as project redesign or physical barriers. In some cases, these options are not viable. At archaeological sites, implementation of a data recovery program is often used to mitigate the impacts from an undertaking. These programs can include excavation of the totality of or a sample of features at a site, recording of the built environment resources (i.e. Historic American Building Survey/Historic American Engineering Record [HABS/HAER] level documentation), and/or development of interpretative documentation and displays. Prior to any data recovery, a HPTP will be developed and submitted for review. This plan will include a research design, detail methods to be used, excavation strategies, analytical goals and methods, a curation plan, treatment of human remains, report preparation and content, and a schedule. DAWSON staff have authored numerous HPTPs, Research Designs, Cultural Resource Management Plans (CRMPs), as well as interim and final reports, some numbering in the 1000’s of pages.

Not all mitigative efforts need to involve ground disturbing methods. These can include community-based inquiries (in addition to or in replacement of strictly scientific inquiry), development of agency-wide databases, outreach programs, interactive web sites, displays and pre-college school programs. Alternative mitigation measures will be presented and discussed prior to the development of a HPTP.

DAWSON ADVANTAGE

• In-house bioarchaeologist

• In-house archaeobotanist

• Experienced staff, southwestern prehistory throughout Arizona

• Experience working on tribal lands

Monitoring. The purposes of having an archaeologist monitor construction are threefold: 1) to determine if any significant cultural resources are present that might be affected by the proposed activities; 2) in the event that such resources are found, record these resources and use this information to answer relevant research questions, and 3) provide management recommendations regarding these resources for future evaluation and treatment within applicable legal and regulatory frameworks. During monitoring, the archaeologist who oversees the construction-related activity will be positioned so that he or she has a clear view of activities and can observe any unanticipated cultural resources as they are uncovered. In addition, the monitor will examine the dirt removed during excavations for any artifacts or soil changes that might indicate unanticipated features. If the monitor observes anything that may suggest an intact cultural feature during excavation, he or she may temporarily halt construction so that the feature can be examined more closely. The results of all monitoring projects will be fully documented in a report following the completion of fieldwork. Prior to monitoring tasks, DAWSON will prepare a Monitoring Plan. The plan will detail procedures and protocols for monitoring and discovery situations, roles and responsibilities, and communication paths.

Traditional Cultural Places. The identification of Traditional Cultural Properties (TCPs) is best done with input from the community to which the property is important. Thus, it is vital that ethnographers and cultural anthropologists be involved in these identifications. Most tribal governments have very specific guidance concerning the identification of TCPs. We have worked with a variety of individuals and organizations to identify TCPs for clients. Our staff has worked with the Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, Acoma, and the Four Southern Tribes (Tohono O’odham, Salt-River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Gila River Indian Community, and the AK-Chin Indian Community). DAWSON’s staff has facilitated consultation with tribes on behalf of Arizona Game and Fish at the Amity Pueblo located near Springerville, AZ.

Artifact Cleaning and Processing. DAWSON has established an extensive system of quality control that governs artifact management, analysis, and report preparation. The Principal Investigator has primary responsibility for overseeing these aspects of a project, and the Laboratory Manager is in direct charge of artifact processing, labeling, storage, and check-out. Materials collected during fieldwork will be assigned unique specimen numbers that will link the material to a specific horizontal and vertical location within a site. This information will be entered into a computer database and will serve as the primary source of provenience control during analysis. The preparation and submission of artifacts and documentary materials for curation will also conform to tribal and ASM standards.

Report Preparation and Production. DAWSON takes great pride in the quality of our scientific investigations and technical reports. Our reports for the on-call services contract will document all aspects of each project undertaken; they will include discussions of background research and fieldwork, provide descriptions and interpretations of cultural features and artifacts found, present an interpretive synthesis of the analytic results, and include a comprehensive bibliography of references cited, and appendices presenting the site data and results of analyses. Paper and digital copies of reports will be submitted to the AZGFD for draft and final review following the completion of analysis. All DAWSON reports meet the highest professional standards, including all ASM and SHPO standards. Our reports are characterized by clear and concise writing, well-documented interpretations and recommendations, and state-of-the art graphics. We have a proven track record of producing high-quality reports in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Schedules. Each project will have a negotiated schedule for fieldwork, analysis, and reporting. DAWSON has an excellent history of maintaining schedules, but in the unlikely event that the original schedule is not achievable we will notify the AZGFD immediately and renegotiate the submittal timeline. Most survey projects will have a draft report deliverable in no more than 10 working days after fieldwork is complete.

For testing and data recovery projects this timeline will likely be longer, depending on the scope of services.

Change Orders. DAWSON recognizes that sometimes the scope of work changes. In these cases, no work outside the original scope will be performed, billed or executed until a change order is negotiated and signed by both DAWSON and the AZGFD.

Public Outreach. DAWSON recognizes that outreach can take many forms—depending on the location and sensitivity of the project. The local community must benefit from the outreach efforts and be offered the opportunity to shape that effort. Outreach projects can include tours and lectures such as Ms. Hutira’s award-winning program “Ruin Your Lunch Break” held in downtown Phoenix. Outreach also serves to provide information to the public about the project, the impact that project will have on the community and provide a forum for community input. DAWSON uses a GIS-based mechanism to produce “Story Maps,” interactive presentations that present project information in a simple, easy to read and navigate manner. Figure 3 shows a screen shot of the Story Map for a portion of the Border Barrier in

San Diego County. Finally, DAWSON staff has implemented community-based public involvement programs on tribal lands ensuring meaningful Native American input.

Figure 3. Screen Shot of GIS Story Map

Safety. DAWSON’s corporate safety program emphasizes zero incidents, which are achievable through purposeful and behavior-based integration of safety in all manners of business. Our safety program is founded on a Behavior-Based Safety (BBS) approach where each person is responsible for recognizing at-risk behaviors and suggesting improvements to foster a safe working environment. BBS promotes safe behavior through active employee involvement and safety ownership and accountability. We emphasize safety through daily tailgate meetings, Accident Prevention Plan (APP) training, activity hazard analyses (AHA), Activity Risk Documents (ARDs), contractor safety self-evaluation checklists, audits, inspections, toolbox talks, and stop work authority for

DAWSON ADVANTAGE

• Award-winning Public Program

• GIS-based Story Maps

• Extensive Tribal Consultation experience

DAWSON ADVANTAGE

• Company information/certification

• Organizational commitment to safety

• Safety communication program

• Hazard identification and investigations

• Inspections/audits/examinations

• Training and orientation all employees. DAWSON uses a tracking system to monitor unsafe and at-risk behavior and to document lessons learned. We conduct lessons learned debriefs during and after every project to continue to improve our approach to safety and to evaluate our subcontractors’ performance. The tracking system helps predict safety issues and allows the Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO) to develop situation specific action plans to manage issues and identifies at-risk behavior for corrective actions or removal from the project.

Project lifecycle record keeping is conducted by the SSHO and included in our daily inspection process that evaluates trends by behaviors considered safe, at risk, or unsafe. We perform daily site safety checks, maintain safety deficiency list, and conduct daily safety talks before each shift. To correct safety deficiencies, incident investigations are conducted for all near misses, first aid events, and recordable cases, and uses our in-house reporting process which seeks to methodically identify immediate root causes.

Operational Risk Management (ORM) controls are established for subcontractors, vendors, suppliers, visitors, and for managing personnel, safety, the community, and others affected by the project. This process includes the use of Pre-Task Instructions to evaluate each task. This methodology allows DAWSON to execute an effective program that facilitates mishap prevention techniques and processes, reporting of unsafe conditions, unsafe activities, and near-misses.

Permits. DAWSON holds a current Arizona State Antiquities Permit with ASM for non-collection surveys and site inventories, assessments, and mapping. We also regularly obtain project-specific permits as needed for testing and data recovery projects on non-tribal lands, and if human remains are encountered or likely to be encountered, we consult with ASM and tribal groups to obtain a project-specific burial agreement.

With respect to federal permitting issues that might arise, all of our Project Directors have received training on how to comply with Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) requirements, and our Project Manager and Principal Investigator are experienced in filing and maintaining SWPPP permits. All our Project Directors and our Principal Investigator have also been certified by OSHA in trench safety. All permit numbers for a particular project, including our ASM blanket permit number, will be documented in the final report.

GIS And GPS Capabilities. DAWSON has its own in-house GIS department. The GIS department is responsible for all mapping and drafting from the proposal stage all the way through the completion of a final report. The DAWSON GIS team has expertise in data collection, management, analysis, and dissemination using GIS tools and methodologies. We can perform advanced spatial analysis, modeling, and visualization to derive insights. Our experience includes handling large, diverse datasets, including satellite imagery, remote sensing data, field collected data, and demographic information. In addition, we have experience in geodatabase design and implementation for efficient data storage, retrieval, and maintenance using FGDC and SDSFIE standards.

In the beginning stages of an investigation, DAWSON employs Trimble Geo 7X and Eos Arrow GPS units to record cultural resources on survey. All data retrieved from the field, in the form of electronic data and hand drawn site/feature maps, are entered into a database or digitized, respectively. All electronic data including trenches, stripped areas, feature outlines, as well as site level data is entered into GIS software.

This data can be linked to attribute data collected in the field and dispersed to project directors and analysts who can then view, symbolize, and query data during the analysis stage. The GIS department is responsible for developing mapping strategies for each project, which has proven useful for minimizing the labor involved in mapping yet retaining the accuracy level required. Software and applications utilized in the GIS department includes ESRI’s ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Field Maps, ArcGIS Enterprise and ArcGIS Online.