B08_Attach_1_SOW.pdf

SECTION C, UNIFORM CONTRACT FORMAT (UCF)

DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATION / STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

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RESTORE THE HISTORIC LIVESTOCK CORRALS

AT BITNER RANCH

Table of Contents SOW 1.0 Background on the Government’s Requirement

SOW 2.0 General Scope of Work

SOW 3.0 Overall Objective(s)

SOW 4.0 Specific Tasks

SOW 5.0 Government-Furnished Property, Materials, Services

SOW 6.0 Security and Administrative Matters

SOW 7.0 Technical Exhibits and Definitions

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SOW 1.0 Background on the Government’s Requirement

The Bitner Ranch site was constructed in the late 1800’s through early 1900’s. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) acquired the site in the 1990’s and has determined that the ranch is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The livestock corrals have been continuously in use since the site was constructed and have undergone multiple generations of repairs through the years. This contract will repair the historic corrals with in-kind materials and construction in order to restore them as closely as possible to the original construction and maintain their historic character. The completed corrals are planned to remain in use by the Bureau of Land Management and permitted livestock.

SOW 2.0 General Scope of Work

The contractor shall reconstruct an estimated 1,375 linear feet of the historic corral fencing, as well as the associated catwalk and cattle loading chute. Reconstructed fencing and structures shall match original construction, location, and character and reuse existing materials to the greatest extent possible to preserve historic integrity of the corrals. All work shall be performed under a single contract.

Place of Performance:

The work of this contract shall take place at the historic Bitner Ranch located in northwestern Washoe County, Nevada. The ranch is considered a remote site with no utilities, restrooms, or cell phone service. The ranch is located approximately 52 miles east of Cedarville, CA via Highway 299 and Nevada Highway 8A. Highway 8A is a two-lane gravel road and the final 4.5 miles from Highway 8A to the Bitner Ranch site is a single-lane dirt road. The Latitude and Longitude of the site as well as a map are provided below:

Latitude of 41o44’12.26”North - Longitude of 119o28’6.12”West

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Period of Performance:

The period of performance shall be September 16, 2022 – November 30, 2022

The BLM is restricted to the defined period of performance in order to comply with regulations to protect the Greater sage-grouse species which resides in the general area of the work site.

SOW 3.0 Overall Objective(s) The objective of this work is to reconstruct the historic Bitner Ranch corrals to preserve their historic integrity and facilitate their continued use.

• Reconstruct rotting and failing corral segments using in-kind materials, design, and layout.

• Identify salvageable materials and re-use to the greatest extent possible.

• Restore the corrals to fully functional condition for continued use.

SOW 4.0 Specific Tasks

The work of this contract involves replacement and reconstruction of historic corral fencing as well as the associated catwalk and cattle loading ramp. Corral fencing and other structures shall be reconstructed with in-kind materials and workmanship and placed in the existing alignment and location. Existing steel gates shall be re-used and re-hung in the same locations. Due to the historic nature of the work the contractor will need to work closely with the COR and BLM Archaeologist to ensure the new corral fencing matches the historic character of the corral. Contractor shall provide all labor, materials, transportation, and equipment necessary other than those specified in section

6.0 Government Furnished Property.

See the attachment Exhibit 1 for photos of each fence type.

See attachment Exhibit 2 for a map of the corrals by fence type.

Part 1: Description of Tasks

The work is separated into six (6) separate tasks. The descriptions below provide the requirements for posts, rails, boards, fasteners, and installation dimensions.

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Task 1: Stockdale Historic Fence - Replace an estimated 550 linear feet of fence

A. Posts

• Post Material: Juniper timbers. Whole rounds.

• Post Size: Ten (10) inches tapered to a minimum of four (4) inches in diameter.

• Post Height: Staggered height of nine and a half (9.5) to seven and a half (7.5) feet above ground. Alternate to a staggered height of six and a half (6.5) feet to seven (7) feet above ground every other post.

• Post Spacing: Seven and a half (7.5) feet on center between posts.

B. Rails

• Rail Material: Lodgepole pine timbers. Whole rounds.

• Rail Size: Four (4) inches tapered to a minimum of two (2) inches in diameter.

• Rail Length: 17 to 20 feet in length.

• Number of Rails: Four (4).

• Bottom Rail Height: 43 inches above ground.

• Top Rail Height: 68 inches above ground.

• Rail Spacing: Space remaining two (2) rails evenly between top and bottom rail.

C. Stockade Posts

• Stockade Post Material: Juniper timbers. Whole rounds.

• Stockade Post Size: Ten (10) inches tapered to a minimum of four (4) inches in diameter.

• Stockade Post Height: four and a half (4.5) to five and a half (5.5) feet above ground.

• Stockade Post Spacing: Post are placed next to one another with as little space in between as possible.

• Stockade Post Burial Depth: Six (6) inches.

D. Fasteners

• Rails shall be fastened to posts by nails and 16 gauge galvanized smooth wire.

• Stockade Posts shall be fastened to the bottom rail with 16 gauge galvanized smooth wire.

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Task 2: North Corral - Replace an estimated 215 linear feet of historic post and six

(6) rail fence

• Post Material: Juniper timbers. Whole rounds.

• Post Size: Ten (10) inches tapered to a minimum of four (4) inches in diameter.

• Post Height: Staggered height of six and a half (6.5) to seven (7) feet above the ground.

• Post Spacing: four (4) feet on center between post centers.

B. Rails

• Rail Material: Lodgepole pine timbers. Whole rounds.

• Rail Size: Four (4) inches tapered to a minimum of two (2) inches in diameter.

• Rail Length: ten (10) to fourteen (14) feet in length.

• Number of Rails: Six (6)

• Bottom Rail Height: Nine (9) inches above ground.

• Top Rail Height: Five (5) feet above ground.

• Rail Spacing: Space remaining four (4) rails evenly between top and bottom rail.

C. Fasteners

• Rails shall be fastened to posts by nails and 16 gauge galvanized smooth wire.

Task 3: South Corral - Replace an estimated 500 linear feet of historic post and rail fence

• Post Material: Juniper timbers. Quarter rounds.

• Post Size: Ten (10) inches tapered to a minimum of six (6) inches in diameter.

• Post Height: 64 inches above the ground.

• Post Spacing: Eight (8) feet on center between post centers.

B. Rails

• Rail Material: Lodgepole pine timbers. Whole rounds.

• Rail Size: Four (4) inches tapered to a minimum of two (2) inches in diameter.

• Rail Length: 17 to 18 feet

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• Number of Rails: Three (3)

• Bottom Rail Height: 32 inches above ground.

• Top Rail Height: 64 inches above the ground. Placed on top of posts.

• Rail Spacing: Space remaining rail evenly between top and bottom rail.

C. Special Requirements

• The contractor shall drill a one-half (1/2) inch hole through the center of each post approximately one and a half (1-1/2) inches from the top.

Wire shall be strung through the hole and around the top post with multiple wraps in order to secure the post in place. This is intended to match the historic method of construction used in this section of fence.

D. Fasteners

• Rails shall be fastened to posts by nails and 16 gauge galvanized smooth wire.

Task 4: Replace an estimated 110 linear feet of historic post and board fence.

• Post Material: Juniper timbers. Half rounds and quarter rounds intermixed.

• Post Size: Ten (10) inches tapered to a minimum of six (6) inches in diameter.

• Post Height: 60 inches above the ground.

• Post Spacing: Eight (8) feet on center between post centers.

B. Boards

• Board Material: Douglas fir.

• Board Size: two by ten (2x10) nominal lumber.

• Board Length: 16 feet.

• Number of Courses: Four (4)

• Bottom Board Height: Center of board is nine (9) inches above the ground.

• Top Board Height: Center of board is 50 inches above the ground.

• Rail Spacing: Space remaining two (2) rails evenly between top and bottom rail.

C. Fasteners

• Rails shall be fastened to posts by nails.

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Task 5: Replace an estimated 55 linear feet of catwalk along the northern section of post and board fence.

A. Support Structure

• Board Material: Douglas fir.

• Vertical Supports: Constructed of two by ten (2x10) milled lumber.

Supports shall be placed on surface of natural terrain as per original construction and photos in Exhibit 1. Vertical supports shall be approximately 18 inches long and spaced every four (4) feet.

• Joist Supports: Constructed of two by ten (2x10) milled lumber. Joists shall be secured by nails to vertical supports and the juniper posts used in the adjacent post and board fence in order to match original construction and photos in Exhibit 1. Joists shall be approximately 19 inches long and placed at every vertical support.

B. Walkable Surface

• Board Material: Douglas fir

• Surface: Constructed of two by ten (2x10) and two by four (2x4) milled lumber placed side by side to match original construction and photos in Exhibit 1. The surface shall be two courses thick with staggered joints approximately 14 inches wide. Surface shall be secured by nails to joists.

Task 6: Replace historic livestock loading chute.

The cattle loading chute has been badly damaged and only one of the original walls remains standing.

The new loading chute shall imitate construction as shown in historic photos in Exhibit 1 to the greatest extent possible. A photo example of an intact historic loading ramp from the local area is also included in Exhibit 1.

The new loading chute shall include an approximately three by four foot (3’x4’) landing platform with a gate leading into the approximately eight by four foot (8’x4’) loading ramp as well as a narrow catwalk approximately 14 inches by 11 feet on the north side of the loading chute.

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Part 2: Additional Requirements

Posts All vertical support posts shall be placed level and plumb on all axis. Posts shall be placed a minimum of 24 inches in the ground. Post holes shall be filled in with native/local soil. Soil around posts shall be compacted and tamped to ensure posts do not rock, wiggle, or otherwise move when in place.

Rails All horizontal rails and boards shall be placed on level. Rails shall be firmly fastened or secured so they do not move when fastened. All rails shall overlap six (6) to twelve (12) inches where rail ends meet.

Fasteners All nails shall be driven in completely into rails and boards. Tips of nails shall not protrude from posts, or other fence members when in place. Alternative nail fastening hardware may be considered if requested by the contractor. All Alternatives are subject to Contracting Officer Representative approval.

Gates The existing corrals contain 19 steel gates. The contractor is not responsible for gate replacement. The contractor shall remove gates prior to fence reconstruction and re-hang gates in their original locations.

Salvageable Materials Contractor shall reuse existing fence post and rail materials to the greatest extent possible. It is estimated that less than five percent (5%) of existing rails and posts are salvageable. Use of salvaged materials must be approved by the COR prior to re-use.

Contractor shall salvage all historic fence hardware except for nails and wire. This hardware shall be preserved to the greatest extent possible during removal and placed aside for Bureau of Land Management use.

Sage Brush Removal Sage brush is growing within an estimated 475 linear feet of historic fence line and shall be removed by the contractor prior to restoration. Sage brush shall be disposed of by the contractor.

Material Disposal Contractor is responsible for disposal of all construction material, cut sage brush, unsalvageable fence materials and other construction debris.

Resource Management Prior to contract completion the contractor shall ensure all construction debris and rubbish is removed from the work site. Ruts in terrain caused by equipment shall be

SOW Page 9 raked smooth and the work site shall be returned as close as possible to its natural condition.

The removal, damage, or destruction of any historic or prehistoric material, artifact, or other item of cultural significance is strictly prohibited by the Archaeological Resources Protection Act. Failure to meet these terms may be cause for termination of the contract.

Greater Sage-Grouse Restrictions

Per the Approved Management Resource Plan Amendment (ARMPA) regarding the Greater sage-grouse the following conditions apply for all projects conducted on BLM lands:

1. No pets allowed in the field;

2. Throwing trash (including food waste) onto the land is prohibited in order to avoid attracting ravens;

3. If nesting grater sage-grouse are encountered, work will cease within a one quarter mile radius of the nest and the COR will be notified immediately. Project work will be suspended until the COR receives clearance from the Office Wildlife Biologist and notifies the Contractor.

Corral Use by Permitted Livestock The northern corrals may be in use by a BLM designated permittee and their livestock in late September. Any work that takes place in the northern corrals prior to this period must be substantially completed in order to allow safe and effective function of the corrals during this time period. The contractor shall make every effort to ensure they do not interfere with permitted livestock gathering operations. The designated permittee will be instructed to make every effort not to interfere with contract operations. The COR will work closely with the contractor and designated permittee to coordinate the work of both parties and ensure the least interruption to both operations.

SOW 5.0 Government-Furnished Property, Materials, Services

General:

The Contractor shall furnish all personnel, materials, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform the work tasks defined in this Performance Work Statement, except for those items specified as government-furnished.

Materials:

The Government shall furnish the below materials to assist the Contractor in meeting the requirement of this contract:

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An estimated 200 Juniper timbers at ten (10) to four (4) inches in diameter and five (5) to six (6) feet long. The contractor may use these timbers to replace stockade fence posts.

The contractor shall be responsible for transport of these materials from the Surprise Field Station at 602 Cressler Street, in Cedarville, CA to the work site.

SOW 6.0 Security and Administrative Matters

Security:

The Contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all Government property provided for Contractor use or under their control, including securing all facilities the Contractor may access after normal business hours.

There is one locked gate near the Bitner Ranch. The BLM will provide the contractor with a lock combination after contract award. The contractor shall not share this combination with the public or non-essential staff. The contractor shall return all gates to the same position in which they find them. For example: If a gate is closed and locked then the contractor must close and re-lock the gate after passage. Alternatively, if a gate is found open then the contractor shall leave it in the open position.

Safety:

The Contractor shall not require, or allow any employee, engaged in the performance of this Contract to work under conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to his/her health or safety, as determined under safety and health standards promulgated by the Secretary of Labor under Section 107 of the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (40 U.S.C. 327 et seq.) as amended and other Federal, State and applicable local government safety standards.

Department of Labor Code of Federal Regulations Title 29 and other Federal, State and local government safety standards will apply in its entirety to the Contractor.

Examples of applicable safety standards are OSHA 29 CFR 1910, OSHA 29 CFR 1926, California Title 19, "Public Safety", California Title 8, "General Industry Safety Orders", and 41 CFR, Subpart B, "Public Contracts, General Safety and Health Standards."

The contractor shall also use the “BLM SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS” (The Yellow Book) for reference.

Should the contractor fail to comply with any of these standards and regulations, the contractor shall be found to have defaulted on the terms of the contract.

Contingency Plan:

Sudden or unusual events could result in a negative impact to the delivery / performance of these requirements.

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As an aid to properly plan for such events, the Contractor shall prepare and submit for approval a Contingency Plan for each Place of Performance for these requirements.

The Contractor will outline in detail the method(s) that the Contractor shall use in meeting Contract requirements in the following circumstances:

• a natural disaster occurs which impacts upon the Contractor's ability to perform

• a labor strike occurs which impacts upon the Contractor's ability to perform.

• a hazardous materials spill which impacts the Contractor’s ability to perform or which may affects public safety

• an incident which causes major damage which impacts the Contractor's ability to perform

• other unforeseen circumstances

In all cases, the Contractor will assume that government cannot provide supplemental forces, and continues to need the same or additional performance under the Contract, which the Contractor must meet.

This Contingency Plan shall be submitted as a part of the Contractor proposal.

Emergency Response:

Response to emergency service calls outside of the normal business hours shall not exceed four (4) hours regardless of the time during the day or night, weekends or holidays.

Response to emergency service during normal business hours shall not exceed two (2) hours.

Response is defined as having all personnel and equipment required to correct an emergency at the site of the emergency or at a pre-approved staging area, ready, willing, and able to perform the emergency work. The Contractor will provide a draft emergency response plan prior to Contract start date.

Emergency Services:

On occasion, services may be required to support an activation or exercise of contingency plans outside the normal business hours described above. The Contractor's responsibilities for emergency support will be in accordance with the contingency plan.

Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Response:

The Contractor will conform to all Bureau, Federal, State, and local regulations in the use and disposal of hazardous materials and hazardous waste. The Contractor will provide the appropriate response to any emergency involving hazardous materials at any of the

SOW Page 12 facilities covered by this Contract. The Contractor will provide proof/certification of it's personnel qualified to work with hazardous materials and wastes to the Bureau. The Contractor will notify the Bureau immediately upon discovering a release of hazardous waste into the environment.

Public contact:

Contractor personnel may encounter adjacent landowners or members of the public during the performance of their work.

Contractor personnel will present a professional appearance and be able to provide appropriate identification, including display of proper identification by each employee.

All Contractor and subcontractor personnel shall comply with all Federal and State laws relative to citizenship.

Contractor personnel shall inform any trespassers along the right of way of hazards and, as necessary and appropriate, ask trespassers to leave fenced off or restricted areas.

If Contractor personnel may encounter emergency personnel, policemen, or firemen along the right of way, the Contractor personnel shall notify the On-Site Foreman

If Contractor personnel encounter the news media, they should refer all questions to the On-Site Foreman, who shall keep the COR informed of all news media contacts.

Government Observations:

Government personnel other than COR may from time to time observe, photograph, or otherwise record Contract operations.

However, these personnel will not interfere with Contractor performance.

Regular Work Hours:

The performance period established for this contract is based upon all work being conducted during regular working hours between 7:00am and 5:00pm, Monday through Friday, excluding government holidays.

If the Contractor desires to carry on work outside regular hours, including Saturdays, Sundays, and government holidays, a request must be submitted to the COR in sufficient time to allow satisfactory arrangements to be made for access to the work site.

Communications:

“Time” for communications received after 3:00pm, after 12:00 pm locally on Fridays, or after 12:00 pm locally prior to a holiday will not start until the next business day. All times are local Pacific Standard Time.

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Federal Holidays:

The following Federal Legal Holidays are observed:

New Year’s Day Martin Luther King, Jr. Day President’s Day Memorial Day Juneteenth Independence Day Labor Day Columbus Day Veterans Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day

Fire Danger Season:

If the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) allows the Contractor to continue work during periods of declared fire danger or season, the Contractor shall comply with all applicable state laws relating to fire prevention and with all special conditions of work as directed by the COR.

Drawings:

Typical Drawings: Any drawings titled typical are general only and dimensions of each structure will be fixed by the Contracting Officer to adapt the design to existing conditions at the structure location.

Reduced Size Drawings: Any drawings identified as "REDUCED SIZE DRAWINGS" are photographically reduced in size. Accordingly, measurements and dimensions should not be taken or be based on any numerical scales shown. Prospective bidders desiring to review a copy of the full size drawings may contact the Contracting Officer identified in the solicitation.

Preservation of Historical and Archeological Data:

The Historical and Archeological Data Preservation Act of 1974, provides for the preservation of historical and archeological data that might otherwise be lost as the result of alterations to the terrain caused by a federal or federally licensed activity or program.

If, in connection with operations under this contract, the Contractor, subcontractors, or the employees of any of them, discovers, encounters or becomes aware of any possible historical or archeological data, objects or sites of cultural value on the project area, such as historical ruins, graves or grave markers, fossils, or artifacts, the Contractor shall immediately suspend all operations in the vicinity of the cultural value and shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing, giving the location and nature of the findings. No objects of cultural resource value may be removed.

Where appropriate by reason of discovery, the Contracting Officer may order delays in the time of performance and/or changes in the work. If such delays and/or changes are

SOW Page 14 ordered, the time of performance and contract price shall be adjusted in accordance with the Changes clause.

The Contractor will be responsible for protecting the cultural resources within the affected area from damage. In addition, the contractor will be liable for all damage to the identified cultural resources caused by their actions or the actions of their agents or representatives. The Contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer or his representative if any damage occurs to any cultural resource and immediately suspend work in the area in which damage has occurred until authorized to proceed.

SOW 7.0 Technical Exhibits and Definitions

Standard Definitions:

Physical Condition The Physical appearance of Federal equipment or facilities that considers cracks, chips, dents, abrasions, rust, corrosion, general cleanliness, vibration, operating temperature, and discoloration and other items as identified by the COR..

Physical condition may be determined by visual as well as diagnostic means.

Contracting Officer (CO) The Secretary of the Interior or designated authorized representative who is the only agent capable of signing a federal award or obligating funds.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) The Contracting Officer’s designated representative as indicated in a delegation of authority letter.

Quality Assurance (QA) Surveillance of Contractor performance to determine performance requirements are met.

Performance Requirements Summary (PRS) (see Technical Exhibit below) The PRS identifies the key performance indicators of the Contract that will be evaluated by the Government to assure Contract performance standards are met by the Contractor.

Quality Control Those actions taken by the Contractor to control the production of goods or services so that they meet the requirements of the performance work statement.

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Technical Definitions:

Post – A vertical fence member directly embedded in the ground to which the fence rails are attached.

Rail – A horizontal fence member fixed to posts

Board – Milled rectangular lumber used as a horizontal fence member fixed to posts.

Stockade Fence Post – A vertical fence member directly embedded in the ground and attached to fence rails. Stockade fence posts are fitted directly adjacent to one another along the length of the fence to act as a physical and visual barrier to livestock.

Whole Round – wood timbers which have not been split and have a circular cross section throughout.

Half Round – Wood timbers which have been split in half down the center and have a half-circle cross section throughout.

Quarter Round – Wood timbers which have been split into equal quarters down the center and have a wedge-shaped cross section.

Technical Exhibits:

Exhibit 1: Bitner Ranch Corral Photos Exhibit 2: Map of Corrals by Fence Type

EXHIBIT 1 – Bitner Ranch Corral Photos

TASK 1: Stockade Historic Fence Post and 4-Rail - about 550 linear feet

Historic Photo

Current Photo 1

Current Photo 2

Example of wire wrapping on stockade fence posts

TASK 2: North Corral Post and 6-Rail Fence - about 215 linear feet

Historic Photo Current Photo1

TASK 3: South Corral Post and 3-Rail Fence - about 500 linear feet

Historic Photo Unavailable

Example of Special Requirement – Hole with wire wrapping to connect top rail to posts

TASK 4: Historic Post and Board Fence - about 110 linear feet

Historic Photo

TASK 5: Catwalk - about 55 linear feet

Historic Photo Unavailable

TASK 6: Historic Livestock Loading Chute - about 421 square feet

Historic Photo (1997)

Current Photo 1 - over half the original structure has been torn down

Current Photo 3 – Chute below loading ramp

Example of intact historic loading ramp from the local area

Exhibit 2 - Map of Corrals by Fence Type

KEY

-------- Task 1: Stockade Fence

-------- Task 2: Post and 6 Rail Fence

-------- Task 3: Post and 3 Rail Fence

-------- Task 4: Post and Board Fence

-------- Task 5: Catwalk

-------- Task 6: Cattle Loading Chute

-------- Other Fence (not part of contract)