B08_Attachment_1_GJFO_FY26_mastication_SOW.pdf

Statement of Work Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Grand Junction Field

Office, GJFO FY26 Mastication COR: Jake Pollert : (970) 210-8780

PI: Ken Miller (208)296-1758 05/21/2026

C.1.1 Description of Work: GJFO FY26 Mastication treatment unit is located in Western

Colorado. It consists of 2 units in the general vicinity of Grand Junction. The locations are Unit 1-Farmers: Township__15__ South(TS), Range_100__ West (RW) Sections 10, 11, 14, 15, 16 and Unit 2-Corcoran Peak: Township__8__ South(TS), Range_99__ West (RW) Sections 27, 28,29, 32 and 34 (see project area maps below).The proposed project is located in Mesa County at an average elevation of 7,200 feet. The vegetation is Pinon/Juniper and Mixed Mountain Shrub. To achieve the objectives the project work is vegetation treatment by mastication of 2 units for a total of _611___acres. In addition, pursuant to 48CFR1437 (as amended in the Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 166 / Friday, August 27, 2004) biomass resulting from this contract may be purchased from the BLM as described under C.1.2 below.

The average slope is __<30%_Crown cover is less than __<45%__.

The Contractor will be responsible for removal of targeted pinyon, juniper and mixed mountain shrub totaling 611_ acres. The contractor will grind/mulch all targeted vegetation with contractor furnished equipment (e.g., Hydro-Ax, Fecon Bull Hog or similar).

C.1.1.2 Description of Work:

Unit 1-Farmers- Vegetation treatment consists of mastication of encroaching Pinyon, Juniper and mixed mountain shrub. Located 22 South miles of Grand Junction, Colorado; (project area map attached). The proposed project is in Mesa County, elevation of the project ranges from 7300’ to 7700’. The targeted vegetation consists of Pinyon, Juniper and mixed mountain shrub.

To achieve objectives the project work is vegetation treatment by mastication of one polygon.

Polygon shape is determined by slope, bedrock/bare soil, and identified changes in vegetation type. Any Ponderosa Pine in the unit will not be treated. Damage of Sagebrush in unit should be minimized as much as possible.

The average slope is less than 30%. Crown cover is less than 45%. The contractor will be responsible for mastication of 50% of mixed mountain shrub, and all juniper under 24” diameter at breast height (DBH) and smaller. The project area consists of one treatment polygon totaling 468 acres. Isolated areas which are too steep or rocky to operate may be left untreated and locations provided to the COR or PI.

Unit 2-Corcoran Peak- Vegetation treatment consists of mastication of mixed mountain shrub vegetation types and encroaching juniper. Located 18 miles north of Grand Junction, Colorado;

(project area map attached). The proposed project is in Mesa County, elevation of the project ranges from 7000’ to 7300’. The targeted vegetation consists of mixed mountain shrub (oak brush, snowberry, serviceberry), and juniper. To achieve objectives the project work is vegetation treatment by mastication of multiple polygons. Polygon shape is determined by slope, bedrock/bare soil, and identified changes in vegetation type.

The average slope is less than 30%. Crown cover is less than 45%. The contractor will be responsible for mastication of 75% of mixed mountain shrub, and all juniper under 8” diameter at breast height (DBH) and smaller in a mosaic fashion, avoiding sagebrush where possible. The project area consists of four treatment polygons totaling 143 acres. It is understood that that isolated areas may be too steep or rocky to operate or may include pockets of pinion/juniper greater than 8” DBH that will be left untreated.

-Additional specific objectives will be communicated during the required pre-work meeting or during subsequent project inspections with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or Project Inspector (PI). Notice to Proceed is expected to be issued approximately July 15,2026 The end of the period of performance will be November 15, 2026. Work on this project is to begin within 10 days of contractor’s receipt of Notice to Proceed and shall be completed no later than 113 calendar days

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS TO OPERATION-Operations will cease during times where rutting or excessive soil disturbance is being observed-rutting greater than 3 inches.

C.1.2 Biomass Removal:

1. The contractor may remove and utilize woody biomass if:

(a) Project work is progressing as scheduled; and

(b) Removal is completed before contract expiration

2. To execute this option, the contractor must submit a written request to the Government.

3. Following receipt of the written request, and if appropriate, the Government and the contractor will negotiate and execute a separate timber/vegetative sales contract.

Payment under this sales contract must be at a price equal to or greater than the appraised value before the removal of any woody biomass. The contractor must make any appropriate payment specified in this timber/vegetative sales contract.

4. The contractor must treat any woody biomass not removed in accordance with the specifications in the service contract.

5. The sales contract and service contract are severable; default or termination under either does not remove the contractor from payment or performance obligations under the other contract.

C.1.3 Location: ---GROUND TRANSPORTATION ROUTE/S

C.1.4 Unit 1 Farmers- Access to the project site is via Highway141 to the Divide Road (26.10 rd). Follow the Divide Road southwest approximately 6 miles. Turn South onto the Dominguez Cutoff rd (24.40 rd) for approximately 3.2 miles. Turn East onto Cactus Park rd/Tabeguache trail approximately .25 miles.

Unit 2 Corcoran Peak- From Grand Junction, Travel on Interstate 70 Eastbound 35 miles to Debeque, Colorado (exit 62). Turn North onto Roan Creek Road, travel approximately

4 miles to CR 200(South Dry Fork Rd.). Turn left onto CR 200(South Dry Fork Rd.) Travel approximately 6 miles on CR 200(South Dry Fork Rd.). Turn left on to CR 222 (O 9/10 Rd.) travel approximately 7 miles to BLM Rd 277 to the treatment units.

C.1.5 Environmental Considerations: The majority of the targeted area is relatively flat to moderately sloping mesa top between some drainages/small canyons. Most rocky areas are associated with drainages.

C.1.6 Work Limits: Moving should be limited to dry conditions to reduce damage to any roads or operator will need to smooth roads with equipment at the end of the project returning it to prior condition. Work should not continue in wet conditions where more than 3-inch ruts will be produced by equipment operation.

C.1.7 A pre-bid inspection tour will not be held. Both units are currently accessible and may be inspected by contractors prior to bidding. Contact the COR- Jake Pollert (970)210- 8780 or PI- Ken Miller (208)296-1758 with any questions or requests for information.

C.2.0 SCHEDULING: This is a single schedule contract.

C.2.1 In the event of extreme weather or environmental conditions, the Contracting Officer will determine the best course of action based on comments from the Contractor and PI/COR.

C.3.0 CONTRACTOR-FURNISHED ITEMS:

C.3.1 The operator will provide equipment (skidder, tractor and/or excavator) with an operator.

The equipment will be equipped with a machine mounted, thinning and shredding machine [a masticator/mulcher]. Either a vertical-shaft or horizontal-shaft may be used in this contract area.

C.3.2. Transportation for equipment and operators to and from the site.

C.3.3. All fuels, lubricants, parts for repairs, and repairs to the machine.

C.4.0 GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY:

C.4.1 The BLM will provide a georeferenced map of the parcel/s to be treated. A shape file or

KML polygon is also available on request. Any area within the project area to be avoided by the contractor will be identified on a map, flagged in pink and discussed during the pre-work meeting. From this point it will be the contractor's responsibility to avoid these areas.

C.4.2 The BLM will provide maps and descriptions of the area and will go with the operator around the boundary of the area. The government will map the area treated by the Contractor using a Global Positioning System (GPS), based on horizontal plane measurement, not “slope” acreage.

C.4.3 The government will provide representatives from the BLM Grand Junction Field Office and/or US Wildland Fire Service to act as liaison between the contractor and the BLM Contracting Officer to implement the project and to ensure that the resource objectives of the project are met.

COR:______Jake Pollert___970-210-8780 ___________ PI: ______Ken Miller____208-296-1758____________

C.4.4 The BLM provides treatment measurement: The determination of the acreage of completed work will be made by using the Global Positioning System (GPS). Area measurements required under this Contract will be measured on a horizontal plane.

Mechanical treatment of trees and brush will be measured and paid for by the number of acres treated to the nearest whole acre. Work performed according to the specifications and C.9.0 will be considered acceptable for payment purposes.

C.4.5 The BLM will provide re-measurement of the acreage under this Contract upon the written request of the Contractor. The request for re-measurement must be made in writing within 10 calendar days after completion of the work. If re-measurement indicates a difference of not more than 5 percent from the original measurement, the Contractor shall pay the actual cost of the re-measurement. Payments will be based on the second measurement where the difference between measurements is more than 5 percent. Where the difference is less than 5 percent the results of the first measurement will be used.

C.4.6 The PI and/or COR will conduct weekly on-site inspections. The Contractor is encouraged to observe inspections while they are being made and have a supervisor on site to confer with the PI and/or COR. If an onsite visit has not occurred during the period, the contractor is required to report status of work each week, or when any special situations or problems are encountered. These reports may be made by telephone to the PI or COR.

C.5.0 TRANSPORTATION OF EQUIPMENT, DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING:

C.5.1 The contractor will provide transportation for all equipment; operators, fuel, and water to and from the site. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing the necessary material handling equipment to on-load and off-load all materials and the appropriate security when equipment or property is left on site.

C.6.0 LUBRICATING AND SERVICING OF EQUIPMENT:

C.6.1 The Contractor shall be responsible for all service to all equipment including support vehicles. The Contractor shall keep all the equipment in proper functioning condition to ensure objectives of the project are met.

C.7.0 REPAIRS TO EQUIPMENT:

C.7.1 The Contractor shall be responsible for repair of all equipment including the support vehicles. The Contractor shall keep all the equipment in proper functioning condition to ensure objectives of the project are met. The Contractor shall be equipped to make necessary field repairs to equipment.

C.7.2 Use of welding equipment may be limited by fire restrictions. It is the Contractors responsibility to keep current on any restrictions.

C.8.0 SPECIFIC TASKS:

C.8.1 Surface Conditions: Treatment shall not be done when soil surface conditions are muddy.

When such conditions are encountered, the Contractor shall stop work and notify the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer will determine the best course of action based on comments from the contractor and the COR/PI.

C.8.2 Protection: The Contractor is required to protect section corners, benchmarks, and other markers and stakes from damage or removal. In case of destruction or removal by the Contractor, they will be replaced by the Government and the actual cost for replacement will be deducted from payments due the Contractor. The Contractor is also required to avoid all areas flagged and identified by the COR as areas to be protected due to resource concerns.

C.8.3 Noxious Weeds: Vehicles and heavy equipment are one of the primary agents for the spread of noxious weed seed to public lands. In efforts to mitigate the spread of weed seed to BLM lands the following actions are required for contractors prior to transport to a BLM project area. The Contractor will be responsible for power-washing or comparable cleaning, to ensure that noxious weed seeds are removed from any and all equipment and vehicles used on the project prior to entering the project area. BLM will require a pre-implementation inspection to ensure compliance which would be arranged to occur in Grand Junction when the contractor is planning transport to the project area. The Contractor is responsible for any additional transport or expenses associated with non-compliance.

Support vehicles (pickups, fuel/service vehicles, transports, dump trucks, etc.)

<Pressure wash radiator to flush seeds.

<Pressure wash undercarriage to remove accumulations of mud and soil that may contain seeds.

Heavy Equipment (dozers, road graders, excavators, backhoes, loaders, etc.)

< Pressure wash radiator(s) to flush seeds.

< Pressure wash tracks to remove accumulations of soil.

< Pressure washes all areas of soil/debris accumulations (i.e. steps) < Pressure wash blades and buckets where soil/mud is accumulated.

< Empty pre-cleaners (air intake) before transport.

C.8.4 Hazardous Materials: Use of Hazardous Materials and/or petroleum products requires that all appropriate State and Federal Regulations be complied with including, but not limited to, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on hand and use of necessary Personal Protective Clothing (PPE). On-site disposal of Hazardous Materials or Waste including hydrocarbons is not authorized. The Contractor will be responsible to prevent introduction of hazardous materials into the environment during the implementation of the proposed action. Any on-site disposal or release of two gallons or more in the form of spilled fuel, hydraulic fluid, or oil used by the machinery and the resulting contaminated soil will subject the contractor to at least the cost of reclamation and the appropriate disposal of contaminated soil. Fueling and maintenance activities should not take place in or adjacent to any drainage (perennial or ephemeral.)

1. All product containers, cans, and debris should be removed from the site and disposed of properly.

2. Incidental leaks from fittings, gaskets, or ruptured hoses will not subject the contractor to remedial requirements (if less than 2 gallons).

3. Fueling equipment and maintenance/repair locations, and equipment will be inspected and approved prior to contract startup by the owner/operator and the Government’s PI/COR. Inspections will include checking for evidence of oil/fuel leaks at all piping, oil/fuel lines, hydraulic lines and seals, fuel tanks and other potential sources of leaks. All evidence of leaks will be investigated and immediately repaired prior to equipment operation on the job and continual leaks will be noted on inspection reports and corrected through required maintenance.

4. All non-manual fueling equipment will have an automatic shut-off switch installed to avoid fuel releases.

5. Fuel tanks greater than 200 gallons may only be used within a spill containment pit.

The spill containment pit shall be constructed at a site designated by the PI/COR, with an impermeable liner capable of containing a released volume of one and one-half times the tank volume. The Contractor will report all hazardous substance spills immediately to the BLM PI or COR

C.8.5 Fire Prevention and Fire Safety Provisions: The government may require the contractor to curtail or cease operations should wildland fire danger approach critical levels. The contractor will be given 24-hour notice in the form of a suspend/stop work order issued by the Contracting Officer.

Ignition of a wildland fire that threatens the project area may require the Contractor to proceed with an emergency evacuation of the project area.

A 10 lb. ABC fire extinguisher and shovel or equivalent tool will be available on the operating equipment for fire prevention and control.

If extreme fire and/or fuels conditions are experienced there may be a stop work order to reduce the opportunity for unintentional ignitions by mechanized operations.

C.9.0 MASTICATION OPERATIONS:

C.9.1 General: Mastication shall be performed within the project area as marked by the

Government and instructed by the COR or PI. Insufficient shredding/mulching may require some work areas to be treated more than once to meet objectives. Any additional cost of rework is the responsibility of the Contractor.

Remaining stumps shall not exceed 6 inches in height.

Vegetation shall be reduced to a mulch material with a minimum of 80% of the woody material less than 1" in diameter and 6" long. The mulch shall be scattered evenly across the soil surface and not remain in piles greater than 8" deep.

Vegetation which is pushed over by equipment but not shredded shall be severed by the contractor by hand (chainsaw) and slash shall not exceed 18 inches in height.

No trees/shrubs shall be left to cross any improvement such as, but not limited to roads, fences, gates, ponds, power lines or cattle guards. Any damage to such improvements will be charged to or repaired by the contractor.

C.9.2 Additional Requirements:

-The following guidelines for Mastication are a required mitigation measure incorporated in the decision record authorizing this project and will be communicated to the owner/operator during the on-site pre-work meeting:

The contractor will post signs on the access road warning visitors of heavy equipment use in the area. These signs will be checked daily by the contractor to ensure they are in place.

The signage will be coordinated with and pre-approved by the BLM Project Inspector (PI) or the Contracting Officers Representative (COR).

The BLM PI or COR must be informed of any objects or sites of cultural, paleontological, or scientific value such as historic or prehistoric resources, graves or grave markers, human remains, ruins, cabins, rock art, fossils, or artifacts. The objects shall not be damaged, destroyed, removed, moved, or disturbed. Any person who knowingly violates this may be subject to fines and/or imprisonment (Public Law 16-95; 16 U.S.C. 470).

Work will not occur between May 15 and July 15 to protect migratory birds and their nests.

Ponderosa Pine of any size WILL NOT be cut.

-Any damage to private lands caused by the contractor crossing private lands to get to the project is the responsibility of the contractor.

-Pursuant to 43 CFR 10.4(g), the Contractor must notify the authorized officer, by telephone, with written confirmation, immediately upon the discovery of human remains, funerary items, sacred objects, or objects of cultural patrimony on federal land. Further, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.4 (c) 41 and (d), the Contractor must stop activities in the vicinity of the discovery that could adversely affect the discovery. The Contractor shall make a reasonable effort to protect the human remains, funerary items, sacred objects, or objects of cultural patrimony for a period of thirty days after written notice is provided to the authorized officer, or until the authorized officer has issued a written notice to proceed, whichever occurs first.

C10.0 PAYMENT

10.1 Work Quality Acceptance

1. Work will be accepted or rejected on each treatment area.

2. Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) - A minimum AQL of 85 percent is required.

3. Unsatisfactory Work Quality

a. Based on inspection results, if the treatment falls below the AQL of 85 percent, the

CO will immediately notify the Contractor in writing and instruct the Contractor to improve the quality of the work. If the quality of the work is not raised to the AQL of 85 percent after written notification, the CO may issue a suspend work order to resolve the problem, during which time contract performance time will continue to run.

b. If untreated surplus vegetation is the primary reason for unsatisfactory work, the area may be reworked to obtain satisfactory work quality.

4. Re-inspection – If the contracted work falls below the AQL of 85 percent, rework will be required. When instructed by the COR, the Contractor shall rework the treatment area for re-inspection by the COR/PI. If the treatment area again fails to meet the AQL of 85 percent, the CO has the option of ordering the Contractor to rework the treatment area again or seek other remedies.

The Contractor shall be charged for all the COR/PI re-inspection costs. The COR/PI re-inspection costs will include, but may not be limited to, personnel costs, transportation costs, and overhead administrative costs of 21%.

10.2 Payment

Payment will be based on the COR/PI inspection results by unit. The Contractor's inspection results are to be used as a guide for the Contractor's use in complying with contract specifications and not as a basis for payment. Payment will be made for the actual number of acres completed, inspected and accepted by the COR/PI.