C04b Attachment 1 Performance Work Statement 1284LM26Q0117.docx

US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Performance Work Statement

Contents

Project Title Programmatic Land Management Plan Amendment Support for Greater Sage Grouse

General Information

1.0 Background and Purpose

Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; GRSG) is a species dependent on sagebrush steppe ecosystems. These ecosystems have been managed in partnership by state wildlife agencies, federal agencies, local authorities, and many others to conserve the species and its habitat.

In 2010, a United States Fish and Wildlife Service listing decision prompted a Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management joint planning effort to amend Forest Service land management plans and Bureau of Land Management equivalents to incorporate conservation measures to support the continued existence of greater sage-grouse. This effort culminated in the Forest Service Greater Sage-grouse Records of Decisions that were signed on September 16, 2015.

On October 2, 2015, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service found that listing the greater sage-grouse under the Endangered Species Act was not warranted based on regulatory certainty from the conservation measures in the land management plan amendments and revisions, as well as on other private, state, and federal conservation efforts.

The Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management proposed plan modifications in 2017. Although the Forest Service completed its planning process in 2020, decisions were never finalized. The Bureau of Land Management continued revising its management plans and recently signed new Records of Decision in December of 2024 and 2025.

The Planning Service Organization is responsible for completing land management plan revisions and programmatic amendments, leveraging knowledge from inside and outside the Forest Service to accomplish work across boundaries. This collaborative way of working improves both the quality of Forest Service land management plans, as well as internal and external relationships during and after the plan revision and amendment processes. The Planning Service Organization provides technical assistance to forests and grasslands with dedicated expert employees and contractors.

The PSO is supporting an effort to consider amending several Land Management Plans regarding management direction for greater sage-grouse. Changes in Bureau of Land Management plans, advances in science, and difficulties in implementing the 2015 GRSG amendments suggest a need to review LMPs and current management. To support the Planning Service Organization with the additional capacity needed for this effort, this PWS requests:

· Professional environmental consultant services to support completion of the Greater Sage-Grouse Programmatic LMP Amendment from evaluation of scoping comments on the need to change and proposed action through developing the final Record of Decisions.

The period of performance is tentative to start in July 2026 and continue through December 2028.

2.0 Definitions

USDA – United States Department of Agriculture FS – Forest Service PSO – Planning Services Organization Forest Service CO (CO)– Agency Contracting Officer Forest Service COR (COR) – Agency Contracting Officer Representative: Assigned Planning Services Organization (PSO) staff that will coordinate between the Forest Service CO, PM, technical experts as well as the Contractor Project Manager.

Forest Service PM (PM) – Agency Project Manager: Assigned staff representative from the Mountain Planning Services Group that will serve as the main point of contact and technical expert for all tasks associated with this performance work statement (PWS) GRSG – greater sage-grouse IDT – Interdisciplinary Team: team of multiple resource and subject matter experts that work together to develop and plan projects, land management planning documents, and other multi-resource efforts.

SME – Subject matter expert LMP – Land Management Plan Pinyon/Box – Agency’s cloud-based file management system to be used for collaboration and providing deliverables to the Forest Service CO, COR, PM, and technical experts.

EIS – Environmental Impact Statement NEPA – National Environmental Policy Act Project – The planning effort whether that be a land management plan revision or an LMP Programmatic Amendment

Contractor Requirements The Contractor will be responsible for any or all, and not limited to, the following:

a. The Contractor will meet with the Forest Service PM, COR, and other Forest Service personnel on a regular basis. The Contractor will facilitate the meetings and draft meeting notes for Forest Service approval. It is assumed that the Contractor will include meetings and coordination in the Project schedule.

b. The Contractor will have demonstrated project management experience, and the ability to meet expedited timelines for completion of a programmatic environmental impact statement (EIS), NEPA documents, and supporting tasks outlined in the Tasks and Deliverables/Schedule in this PWS.

c. The Contractor will collaborate with the assigned Forest Service PM and COR to identify specific resource skills that the Contractor will provide to comprise an IDT and identify anticipated IDT workload requirements relative to the project schedule.

d. The Contractor will maintain communications with the Forest Service and provide written progress reports and hold meetings with the agency in an agreed-upon frequency.

e. The Contractor will prepare and submit monthly invoices through the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).

f. The Contractor will prepare all documents and conduct all processes consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and policies including the National Forest Management Act, 2012 Planning Rule (including the applicable procedural and substantive requirements), Department of Agriculture NEPA Regulations, the Administrative Procedure Act, the Endangered Species Act, and current Forest Service regulations and policy.

g. The Contractor will furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, travel, materials, supplies, and incidentals, except those indicated as government-furnished, to perform all work necessary for completion of this PWS and deliverables in accordance with the requirements of the BPA.

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

3.1 Task 1: Project Kick-off, Project Management, and Coordination

3.1.1 Post Award Conference Call and Project Kick-off Meeting(s) The Contractor and the Forest Service will participate in a post-award conference call scheduled within ten (10) business days from award at a minimum, attendees will be the Contractor’s Project Manager, the Forest Service CO, PMs, and COR designated for the Contract Award. This kick-off meeting will, at a minimum:

· Introduce the Contractor and supporting Forest Service staff.

· Define the roles and responsibilities (Government/Contractor).

· Discuss contract administration, tasks, deliverables, schedule, and PWS requirements.

· Answer any technical questions regarding the contract.

The Contractor and the Forest Service will participate in a project kick-off meeting within ten (10) business days after the post-award conference call at a date and time mutually agreed upon by the Contractor’s Project Manager, the Forest Service CO, PMs, and COR. This meeting may be held in conjunction with the post award conference call or held separately, as agreed upon by the Contractor and the agency. The level of attendance will be discussed and mutually agreed upon in advance. The agenda will be created by the Contractor in consultation with the Forest Service PM and will include:

· Introduce the Contractor and supporting Forest Service staff from the Project Interdisciplinary Team (IDT).

· Define the roles and responsibilities for key parties.

· Review project schedule and begin developing comprehensive project schedule based on key milestones

· Review the purpose of and need to develop the programmatic amendment background, scope, and objectives of the project.

· Discuss the existing information needed for the EIS.

· Discuss the EIS outline and content.

· Discuss how the planning record will be kept and submitted.

· Review and discuss the Quality Control Plan. The definition of successful delivery of a product should be agreed to by Forest Service PM, COR, and the Contractor.

The Contractor will record and submit meeting notes to all attendees and ensure these notes and all supporting documentation is included in the Planning Record as necessary. (Deliverable 3.1.1)

3.1.2 Project Work Plan

The Contractor will develop a draft Project Work Plan within ten (10) business days of the Project kick-off meeting and submit this document to the Forest Service PM and COR. (Deliverable 3.1.2)

3.1.3 Quality Control Plan

The Contractor will develop a Quality Control Plan (QCP) to maintain an effective quality control program to ensure services are performed in accordance with the contract and this PWS. The QCP may be combined with the Work Plan (Deliverable 3.1.2), as agreed upon by the Contractor and Forest Service. (Deliverable 3.1.3)

3.1.3.1 The Contractor’s complete quality control program must include, at a minimum, the following: Name of a quality control manager and an alternate(s) who is responsible for the quality performance of this contract. It is the quality control manager’s responsibility to inform the Contractor’s PM regarding significant information deficiencies and the Contractor’s PM will inform the Forest Service PM, COR, and CO.

3.1.3.2 The plan will specifically disclose the Contractor’s strategy to provide quality workmanship, continual process improvement, and correction of deficiencies as required. The Contractor’s QCP is the means by which they assure themselves their work complies with the requirement of the contract.

3.1.3.3 The initial QCP will be submitted within seven (7) business days of contract award. As necessary the initial QCP will be discussed during the initial regular coordination call and if revisions are necessary, the Contractor will then have ten (10) business days to revise and submit the final QCP.

3.1.3.4 Any modifications to the program during the period of performance will be provided to the Forest Service PM, COR, and CO for review no later than ten (10) business days prior to effective date of the change. The QCP will be subject to the Forest Service’s review and approval.

3.1.3.5 The Forest Service CO may notify the Contractor of required modifications to the plan during the period of performance. The Contractor will coordinate suggested modifications and obtain acceptance of the plan by the Forest Service CO.

3.1.3.6 The Forest Service may find the QCP “unacceptable” whenever the Contractor's procedures do not accomplish quality control objective(s). The Contractor will revise the QCP within fifteen (15) business days from receipt of notice that QCP is found “unacceptable”.

3.1.4 Regular Coordination Meetings, Facilitation, and Meeting Notes The Contractor will hold web-based bi-weekly coordination meetings with the Forest Service PM and COR. The frequency of these meetings may change as the project proceeds and any changes will be mutually agreed upon. The Contractor will facilitate the calls, record meeting notes, and may be asked to create meeting materials or other associated tasks. (Deliverable 3.1.4)

3.1.5 Monthly Progress Reports

To support communication between the Contractor and the agency, the Contractor will provide a monthly report documenting tasks and issues identified during the month and upcoming month submitted to the Forest Service PM and COR. Report submission will coincide with monthly invoices. Report will include project schedule, action items, and other critical project management status information. (Deliverable 3.1.5)

3.2 Task 2: Planning Record

3.2.1. The Contractor will create, maintain, and index an official electronic record to ensure documentation supporting the tasks associated with this PWS can be integrated into the broader Planning Record for the project. This electronic record will include copies of all materials created, reviewed, used, or cited to support this project, including personal communications, electronic messages, and other non-published materials. The official record must be in electronic format housed in the Forest Service official e-record server, Pinyon (Box), with copies of all relevant documents scanned and converted to PDF. The Planning Record will be kept current on a monthly basis or after each key milestone, whichever is more frequent. The official record will include a Planning Record Index. An example is included as an attachment. (Deliverable 3.2.1)

3.2.2. The Contractor will label and identify documents with appropriate file naming conventions as outlined in the attached Planning Record Protocol.

3.2.3. The Contractor must safeguard all information, including that which is received from, given access to, independently researched/gathered, or produced for the Government. Any information provided in support of the NEPA analysis by the non-Federal Party which they feel is confidential must be marked as such. The Contractor will clearly identify any materials that may include privileged information. See the section below, as well as Section 8.0 Security Requirements and Section 9.0 Data Rights for additional information.

3.2.4. The Planning Record may be audited by the Forest Service PM or COR at any time.

3.2.5. See attachments for a Planning Record Index template and Planning Record Protocol (current version) for additional guidance and requirements.

3.3 Task 3: Public Engagement Support

3.3.1 Public Participation - Outreach Support and External Communications The Contractor will work in conjunction with the Forest Service PM to produce content for communication products, including but not limited to maps, graphics, key themes, presentation materials to meet external communication needs of the project for use in Power Point presentations or other written formats for electronic distribution or to post on the appropriate websites.

Materials needed will support:

a. Notice of Intent to develop an EIS

b. Publication of draft amendment and EIS

c. Publication of final amendment, FEIS and draft ROD

d. Publication of final amendment and ROD

e. Periodic communication materials, such as newsletters, email updates or materials needed by the Forest Service to update the project website

After review and approval from the Forest Service PM, the agency will distribute relevant communications materials to interested parties as identified on the project mailing/contact list and on the appropriate Forest Service website(s) consistent with Forest Service policy. Additional external communication content and materials may be prepared using the same process and procedure, throughout the programmatic amendment process on an as needed basis (Deliverable 3.3.1)

3.3.1.1 All material for external information requires the Forest Service’s review and approval prior to release. Inquiries from the media, general public, government officials, etc., will be referred to the Forest Service. See Sections 8.2 Restrictions Against Disclosure and 9.0 Data Rights for additional information. For the duration of the contract, the Contractor will include the Forest Service PM and COR on all project communications.

3.4 Task 4: Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Draft Record of Decision The format for all documents will be approved by the Forest Service PM or COR.

3.4.1 The Contractor will be responsible for writing, preparing, and editing any and all draft EIS documents and reports, or portions of documents and reports, including proposed action and alternatives, and provide NEPA-related services as required. The Contractor will edit all documents to read with one voice, reduce redundancy and use the active voice (not passive). See Section 3.7 Task: Writing and Editing Functions for more information on document development guidance and Section 10.0 Section 508 - Electronic and Information Technology Standards.

3.4.2 The Contractor will coordinate with an interdisciplinary team (IDT) to evaluate the effects of the proposed action and alternatives, as described in the analysis plan, develop all supporting documents for both the draft and final EIS. The IDT may consist of USDA Forest Service subject matter experts (SMEs) assigned to the Project, as well as contractor-provided SMEs.

3.4.3 The Contractor will write the draft EIS using guidance provided in the final USDA NEPA Regulations. This includes complying with any page limits and timeframes, as defined by applicable USDA NEPA regulations (7 CFR 1b.7). Minimum elements required at the time of writing this PWS are listed below. Elements (a.) through (f.) can be independently completed by the contractor as part of this task based on information provided by the Forest Service and in coordination with the Forest Service PM and Responsible Official. Element (g.) needs will be coordinated for the specific project and the Forest Service PM. Element (h.) will be developed by the agency and provided to the contractor to include in the draft EIS.

a. Cover

b. Purpose and need for the proposal, consistent with the scope of analysis as described in the analysis plan

c. Proposed action and alternatives

d. Potentially affected environment

e. Environmental impacts & Effects

f. Environmental review and consultation requirements, to include a list of agencies and persons consulted

g. Appendices (if any)

h. Certifying statements for page limit and deadline.

The Forest Service retains all responsibility for approval of documents prepared by the Contractor. The Forest Service will review each section (a. through g. above) as it is developed and provide edits/comments to the Contractor within 3 weeks of receiving any given section(s). The draft document will be provided in Microsoft Word format to allow for track changes and comments from reviewers. The Contractor will address all comments and edits within 2 weeks of receiving Forest Service input on the draft drafts.

The Contractor will support coordination of the IDT to complete all documentation and finalize reports to complement the development of the EIS. This includes references, Best Available Scientific Information (BASI), and other documentation that support the conclusions from their analysis.

Concurrent development of multiple documents may require collaboratively editing files through Pinyon (Box) file sharing. This could also include Contractor staff working side by side with Forest Service staff virtually in Microsoft Teams meetings.

Two agency review periods are anticipated to complete the draft EIS. Each review periods will be 2-3 weeks after the draft EIS document and supporting Planning Record are accepted by the Forest Service PM. The draft EIS will be reviewed by the Forest Service IDT and Unit SME’s that have supported the project and other agency staff as appropriate. After each review, the Contractor will be required to address all comments made and update the document to resolve any corrections needed as directed by the Forest Service PM or COR. The completed draft EIS and supporting documentation will be provided to the Forest Service in both Adobe PDF and MS Word formats. (Deliverable 3.4.3)

3.4.4 After the notice and comment period for the draft EIS, the Contractor is required to revise the draft EIS to produce a final EIS document and. (Please note that 3.5 Task 5: Content Analysis of Public Comments will inform the majority of the changes needed to finalize the EIS)

The EIS updates will include making any changes based on substantive issues or recommendations as determined by the Forest Service. These changes may include: (i) Modifying alternatives, including the proposed action; (ii) Developing and evaluating alternatives not previously given serious consideration by the subcomponent; (iii) Supplementing, improving, or modifying analyses; (iv) Consideration of science or literature not previously considered, if the commenter clearly identifies cause-and-effect issues relating the literature to the environmental analysis; (v) Making factual corrections.

The final EIS will include all elements developed for draft EIS (see 3.4.3 above), as well as an Executive Summary, complete list of cited references, documentation of BASI, a fully developed summary of public involvement, consultation, and coordination efforts.

Two agency review periods are anticipated for the final EIS. Each review periods will be 3-4 weeks after the final EIS document and supporting Planning Record are accepted by the Forest Service PM. The final EIS will be reviewed by the Forest Service IDT and Unit SME’s that have supported the project and other agency staff as appropriate. After each review, the Contractor will be required to address all comments made and update the document to resolve any corrections needed as directed by the Forest Service PM or COR. The final EIS and supporting documentation will be provided to the Forest Service in both Adobe PDF and MS Word formats. (Deliverable 3.4.4)

3.4.5 In cooperation with the Forest Service PM and Responsible Official, the Contractor will develop a draft Record of Decision (ROD) that includes the minimum elements outlined below (7 CFR 1b.8). Adjustments to the ROD outline and content may be made as agreed upon through coordination with the Forest Service PM and COR. The Forest Service retains all responsibility for approval of documents prepared by the Contractor.

The ROD will include:

a. Incorporate by reference the environmental impact statement and note any other documentation related to it, such as documentation contained in the planning record. The record of decision need not repeat any of the discussion in the environmental impact statement;

b. Certify that the subcomponent has considered all the substantive alternatives, information, and analyses submitted by State, Tribal, and local governments and public commenters for consideration by the lead and cooperating agencies in developing the environmental impact statement;

c. State the decision, that is, the alternative selected;

d. Provide an explanation on how the responsible official considered significance, relative to the alternatives described in the environmental impact statement;

e. Identify and discuss all such factors, including any essential considerations of national policy, that the responsible official balanced in making the decision and state how those considerations informed the decision. The discussion may include preferences among alternatives based on other relevant factors, such as environmentally preferable, economic and technical feasibility considerations, and subcomponent statutory missions;

f. State any means identified to mitigate adverse environmental effects of the proposed action or selected alternative. The responsible official is mindful in this respect that NEPA imposes no substantive environmental obligations or restrictions and does not require or authorize the agency to impose any mitigation measures. The agency shall adopt and summarize, where applicable, a monitoring and enforcement program for any enforceable mitigation requirements or commitments;

g. A statement regarding when implementation of the action is anticipated to begin; and

h. Include the date issued and the signature of the Responsible Official.

One (1) agency review period is anticipated to complete the draft ROD. The review period will be 3-4 weeks after the draft ROD is accepted by the Forest Service PM and COR. The draft ROD will be reviewed by the Forest Service IDT and Unit SME’s that have supported the project and other agency staff as appropriate. After the review, the Contractor will be required to address all comments made and update the document to resolve any corrections needed as directed by the Forest Service PM or COR. The completed draft ROD and supporting documentation will be provided to the Forest Service in both Adobe PDF and MS Word formats. (Deliverable 3.4.5)

3.5 Task 5: Content Analysis of Public Comments (NOI/scoping and NOA) During and at the conclusion of the public notice and comment period for the notice of intent to prepare an EIS (scoping) and the notice of availability (NOA) of the draft EIS, the Contractor will be responsible for content analysis, comment coding, and reporting coded comments in an approved response tracking document. In addition to compiling public comments through eMNEPA tools (i.e. CARA), and/or the most updated software used by the Forest Service, the agency will receive written and electronic mail comments and provide them to the Contractor to include in their content analysis, comment coding, and response tracking document.

3.5.1 Scoping Comment Review. At the conclusion of the comment period on the notice of intent to prepare an EIS (scoping) for this programmatic amendment, the Contractor will review input received and present a summary of the main themes, concerns, and comments regarding the NOI and the amendment. This information will be used to inform the other phases of the amendment process. (Deliverable 3.5.1)

3.5.2 Response tracking document. The Contractor will develop a draft response tracking document as approved by the Forest Service that must include the names and addresses of the individual or entity, the comments and/or issues presented, a link to the letter from where the comment or issue originates, and the venue each comment was raised in, for example, public meeting, mailing, or internet submission through electronic mail, or other platform used. The Contractor will group and paraphrase as one issue or recommendation where there are multiple comments regarding the same or similar issues and/or recommendations, as appropriate. The Contractor will analyze comments to make preliminary determinations and provide categorization for comments that may be substantive (see 7 CFR 1b.7(f), 7 CFR 1b.11(a)(23), 7 CFR 1b.11(a)(53)) and for comments where no action is needed, such as: the comment is outside the scope of what is being proposed; there is no cause-effect relationship between the actions the subcomponent is proposing and the issue raised and/or recommendation made; the commenter misinterpreted the information provided; or the recommendation made does not comply with applicable laws or regulations and/or is not feasible to implement (technically or economically) or does not meet the purpose and need of the proposal, etc. (see 7 CFR 1b.7(f)(2)(vi)). The Contractor will address all comments made in the tracking document and update the document to resolve any corrections needed as directed by the Forest Service PM or COR. The Forest Service eMNEPA tool CARA, or the most updated software used by the agency, will be used to support content analysis and categorization of all public comments received. (Deliverable 3.5.2)

3.5.3 Comment Summary Report. After the final response tracking product is provided with comments that are categorized and coded, the Forest Service will determine how to address substantive issues or recommendations. The Forest Service will complete their review within 21 days of delivery of the tracking document. This review may be completed substantially sooner than 21 days. Agency action determinations may include: (i) Modifying alternatives, including the proposed action; (ii) Developing and evaluating alternatives not previously given serious consideration by the subcomponent; (iii) Supplementing, improving, or modifying analyses; (iv) Consideration of science or literature not previously considered, if the commenter clearly identifies cause-and-effect issues relating the literature to the environmental analysis; (v) Making factual corrections, or the agency may determine (vi) no action needed, supported by a brief rationale for taking no action. The Contractor will produce a Comment Summary Report based on the categorization of comments received and agency actions or corrections needed within five (5) business days of receipt of Forest Service review and action determinations. (Deliverable 3.5.3; consistent with 7 CFR 1b.7(f)(2))

3.5.4 Concern Resolution Workshops. Once agency action determination is complete, the Contractor will organize and facilitate Concern Resolution workshops (Virtual) with Forest Service SMEs and supporting IDT to resolve public comments that require further discussion/decision making to support finalizing the Comment Analysis Report. Up to five (5) workshops may be necessary to coordinate with the Forest Service PM, Responsible Official(s), and Forest Service SMEs and supporting IDT. (Deliverable 3.5.4)

3.5.5 Comment Analysis Report. The Contractor will provide a summary of updates to make in the appropriate sections of the draft EIS or planning record (see 7 CFR 1b.7(f)(3)) based on agency action determinations and prepare a draft Comment Analysis Report and in a format appropriate to include as an appendix in the final EIS as required under the USDA NEPA Regulations (see 7 CFR 1b.7(f)(4)) within ten (10) business days of completion of the final workshop. The Contractor will address all comments made to the draft Comment Analysis Report and update the document to resolve any corrections needed as directed by the Forest Service PM or COR. The final response tracking document will be due five (5) days after receipt of government comments. (Deliverable 3.5.5)

3.6 Task 6: Biological Assessment

The project will require production of a Biological Assessment and supporting documentation to make an Endangered Species Act (ESA) determination of effects relative to the programmatic amendment. (Deliverable 3.6.1)

3.6.1 The Contractor will be required to prepare a Biological Assessment (BA) for the programmatic amendment that may potentially impact threatened or endangered species. The BA will include any listed, proposed, or candidate species, or designated or proposed critical habitat potentially impacted by the programmatic amendment.

Current regulation 50 CFR 402.14(c) identifies the required elements of a Biological Assessment, briefly summarized below:

a. description of the proposed action

b. description or map of the action area

c. description of any listed, proposed or candidate species, or designated or proposed critical habitat that may be affected including current baseline conditions

d. disclosure of effects of the action, including cumulative effects

e. effects determinations See attached USFWS Template for Biological Assessments, dated May 13, 2026 (or most recent available version accepted by USFWS) for guidance and as an example format.

3.6.2 The Contractor will prepare a draft BA for Forest Service review, in consultation with the Forest Service PM. The Contractor can anticipate coordination meetings with the Forest Service to support this task. The meetings will be to convey and discuss concepts, conservation measures, and effects determination.

One agency review period is anticipated to complete the draft BA. The review period will be 2-3 weeks after the draft BA is accepted by the Forest Service PM and COR. The draft BA will be reviewed by the Forest Service IDT and Unit SME’s that have supported the project and other agency staff as appropriate. After the review, the Contractor will be required to address all comments made and update the document to resolve any corrections needed as directed by the Forest Service PM or COR. The completed draft BA and supporting documentation will be provided to the Forest Service in both Adobe PDF and MS Word formats to include in the Planning Record.

3.6.3 The BA will be prepared by a competent, qualified, professional biologist(s), requiring at least a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or closely related degree, and experience to perform the task independently. The Contractor will provide the final BA to the Forest Service for review and any needed consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and as necessary, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS or NOAA Fisheries).

3.6.4 The Contractor will produce a final BA to submit to the appropriate agency based on the final proposed action.

3.6.5 The Contractor will support the agency to finalize consultation and integrate the Biological Opinion, if received, into the final Record of Decision, as applicable, including incorporation of any applicable terms, conditions, conservation measures, and project design elements resulting from consultation.

3.6.6 The Forest Service retains approval authority and the ability to reverse determination for any BA.

3.7 Task 7: Writer and Editor Functions

3.7.1 As described throughout this PWS, technical writer and editor functions will be required for all documents produced under this PWS including: the draft EIS and final EIS documents, all analysis reports, biological assessment, draft ROD, and all documentation supporting this project to ensure completeness of documentation for the Planning Record.

3.7.2 The Forest Service will approve the document template in accordance with the Government Printing Office (GPO) printing requirements. Title 44, U.S.C. 501 mandates that all printing and binding be accomplished through the GPO, unless a waiver is granted. All documents will be professional in appearance; edited for correct grammar and readability by the general public; free from professional or agency jargon, while maintaining a scientific base; minimize acronyms, include appropriate and clear maps and other graphics, and clearly depict management quotes, as referenced in the DOI’s Federal Plain Language Guidelines at www.doi/gov/plainlanguage.

3.7.3 All documents will incorporate the MPSG Master Style Template to ensure consistent formatting. See Attachments and Section 10.0 Section 508 – Electronic and Information Technology Standards for additional resources in document development and writer and editor guidance.

3.8 Task 8: Supporting Objections and development of the final Record of Decision (ROD) (Option 1)

3.8.1 The Contractor will support the Forest Service in preparing responses to objections, as directed by the FS PM or COR. Following completion of the internal agency’s objections process, the Contractor will provide support to the Forest Service in finalizing the Record of Decision (ROD). In coordination with the Forest Service PM, COR, and Responsible Official, the Contractor will revise and update the draft ROD developed under Deliverable 3.4.5 to incorporate direction resulting from the objection resolution process, agency review, and any additional edits requested by the FS. As with the draft ROD, the final ROD will be prepared consistently with applicable requirements of 7 CFR 1b.8. Any deviations from the minimum elements required will need approval by the Forest Service PM and COR. The Forest Service retains sole responsibility for the content, approval, signature, and issuance of the final ROD.

One (1) agency review period is anticipated to complete the final ROD. The review period will be 3-4 weeks after the final ROD is accepted by the Forest Service PM and COR. The final ROD will be reviewed by the Forest Service IDT and Unit SME’s that have supported the project and other agency staff as appropriate. After the review, the Contractor will be required to address all comments made and update the document to resolve any corrections needed as directed by the Forest Service PM or COR. The final ROD and supporting documentation will be provided to the Forest Service in both Adobe PDF and MS Word formats. (Deliverable 3.8.1)

4.0 Deliverables / Schedule

4.1 Key Deliverables

The Project Schedule will establish due dates for FS provision of materials, data, and other information necessary for Contractor completion of deliverables. The schedule will also include regular coordination meetings scheduled bi-weekly (or as agreed upon) to ensure that effective and timely communication occurs (see 3.1.4).

No later than 5 business days after the Kick-off Meeting

Notes will be provided to all attendees within 5 business days after each meeting

Additional details about items included in the Planning Record are described in 3.5 Task 5: Content Analysis of Public Comments on the NOI and NOA draft EIS.

Updated at least monthly or more frequently as agreed upon in the Project Schedule. To be complete 2 weeks before the end of the performance period to allow for review from the Forest Service PM and COR.

The Contractor develops elements b. through d. with information provided by the agency from internal and external scoping (as available), the rapid assessment of the need to amend the plans, and through IDT Meetings and coordination with the Responsible Official. These sections will include Alternatives to analyze in detail and significant issues. Disclosure of Alternatives not analyzed in detail and non-significant issues can be incorporated into these sections as appropriate.

The Contractor develops elements e. and f. to disclose the Environmental impacts and document the Environmental review and consultation requirements, including the list of agencies and persons consulted.

After reviewed/approved, the draft EIS will be electronically delivered, and ready for publication by the agency. It will be free from editorial remarks, comments, and other typographical efforts and Section 508 compliant.

Estimate: (target May 2027) to accept Contractor developed draft EIS)

The Forest Service PM and IDT will review and identify comments that present substantive issues or provide information to consider updating the proposed action, alternatives, or environmental impact statement.

2 weeks after the end of the Notice and Comment Period (January 2027 target for the end of the comment period).

November 2027 (target for complete)

4.2 General Project Schedule and Milestones

The proposed period of performance for the base contract is July 2026 to December 2028. Interim deliverable due dates as outlined and agreed upon between the Contractor, the Forest Service PM, and Forest Service COR are mandatory.

This schedule below represents the preliminary project schedule to be revised and updated as part of Task 3.1.2 Project Management Plan and Project Schedule.

· Milestone 1: Project Kick-off at contract award

· Milestone 2: Orientation to the Purpose and need for the proposal, the Proposed action and alternatives, and the Potentially Affected Environment and drafted section a. through d. of the EIS.

· Milestone 2: Conduct Effects Analysis and draft section e. and f. of the EIS. The draft Biological Assessment is prepared and submitted to the appropriate agencies for informal consultation.

· Milestone 3: Complete draft EIS is prepared for internal review.

· Milestone 4: Public notice and comment period completed for the draft EIS.

· Milestone 5: Final EIS is prepared after consideration of substantive comments and recommendations. The draft ROD is prepared. The Final BA will be submitted and the agency will receive the Biological Opinion from the USFWS and/or NOAA Fisheries and all consultation processes with regulatory agencies are complete.

· Milestone 6: Complete planning record for project is finalized with all necessary supporting data and documents.

5.0 Government Furnished

The Forest Service will:

5.1 Assign a Forest Service COR and a Forest Service Project Manager (PM) for this PWS to act as points of contact for the Contractor.

5.2 Provide information to help the Contractor understand amendment background and development process.

5.3 Provide IDT participation, which will be scheduled to the mutual agreement of the Contractor and the Forest Service, a specified number of days in advance of the facilitated meeting at the Forest Service provided venue. The IDT will provide necessary resource information based on the agreed upon schedule.

5.4 Identify contacts who will work for the Forest Service PM to supply the Contractor with input and information regarding affected programs and resources sufficient for preparation of the EIS (the Contractor will provide all primary authors).

5.5 Provide background information from previous requests for public comments supporting Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement to meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process for the LMP Programmatic Amendment project.

5.6 Review, edit, prepare, and approve all project supporting document(s) as outlined under Tasks and Deliverables/Schedule of this PWS.

5.7 Support public notice announcing availability of documents, as necessary, for review after acceptance of documents provided by the Contractor.

5.8 Add to the Planning Record, if necessary, and review the Planning Record provided by the Contractor.

5.9 Schedule Forest Service review periods.

5.10 Provide any technical protocols and support necessary.

5.11 Provide access for the Contractor to be able to properly use the Pinyon (Box) and/or SharePoint system for document management and publication, if necessary.

5.12 Maintain communications with the Contractor(s).

5.13 Update, compile, reformat, and furnish information from the Forest Service’s databases as needed for use in the programmatic amendment process.

5.14 Provide the following Services in working with the Contractor on the items listed in this PWS:

5.16.1 Decision Making: The final decision (signing of the ROD) will reside within the Forest Service. However, the Forest Service PM will make the daily decisions about each step of the analysis process and whether to integrate others from the agency, the Department, Cooperating Agencies, and/or other entities into the process.

5.16.2 Tribal Consultation: The Forest Service will work with the Contractor to conduct tribal consultation as required by the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Archeological Resource Protection Act (ARPA), Native American Graves and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), and Forest Service regulations. The Forest Service PM will review and approve any letters or interactions prior to release to Tribes or State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPO). All decisions are reserved by the Forest Service.

5.16.3 NHPA Consultation: The Forest Service will work with the Contractor to conduct NHPA Section 106 Consultation with the SHPO.