C04b Statement of Work_1284LM26Q0077.pdf

Land Management Integrated Resources BPA (12363N2__A4___) Statement of Work Project Name: FY26 SAWTOOTH NATIONAL FOREST-UPPER BIG WOOD &

WESTSIDE AND BOISE NATIONAL FOREST-GROUSE HOUSE CULTURAL

RESOURCE INVENTORY

The United States SAWTOOTH National Forest (USFS) is requesting proposals to complete a Class III cultural resources survey of approximately 3,539 acres of Forest Service administered lands, in support of the FY26 SAWTOOTH NATIONAL FOREST-UPPER BIG WOOD & WESTSIDE AND

BOISE NATIONAL FOREST-GROUSE HOUSE CULTURAL RESOURCE INVENTORY

project. The project is in BLAINE and ELMORE Counties at:

T2N, R10 & 11E; T3N, R10-11E; T5N, R15-17E; T6N, R15-16E; T7N, R15E On the Amber Lakes, Easley Hot Springs, Featherville, Galena, Grouse Butte, Horton Peak, Jumbo Mountain, and Sprout Mountain, ID USGS 7.5 Quads.

Inventory and recording standards should be followed as described in the USDA Forest Service – Performance Work Statement, Cultural Resources Inventory and Reporting Requirements.

Project Details The USFS is planning to conduct vegetation treatments on approximately 22,688 acres in the west side of the Fairfield Ranger District (FRD-SNF), east side of the Mountain Home Ranger District (MHRD-BNF), the Upper Big Wood area of the Ketchum Ranger District (KRD-SNF) and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA-SNF), Idaho. A subset (3,539 acres) of the project area has been identified as needing cultural resource inventory. The purpose of this project is to reduce fuel loading, reduce wildfire risk to community infrastructure and improve forest health and resiliency.

Schedule The contract period shall be 730 days (2 years) starting from the day in which the contract is awarded, this includes one additional contract option. The field inventory for priorities one and two (see attached map) and option 1 (if accepted) shall be completed within 120 calendar days starting from the day in which the contract is awarded. A draft report, site and isolate forms will be submitted to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for review at least 30 days following the end of the first field season. A separate draft report, site and isolate forms will be submitted for option 1 using the same time frames. The draft report(s) will be returned to the Contractor within 15 calendar days to allow the Contractor to make any requested corrections.

The final report(s) and forms will be submitted to the COR within 15 calendar days following the return of paperwork by the COR. A final report(s) and all project materials will be submitted by day 180 of the contract period. If the final report(s) and/or forms are found to be deficient in form or content, the government may return it for revision within 15 days of receipt from the Contractor. The final corrected report(s) and forms will be submitted to the COR by day 210 of the contract period. Any additional costs incurred in producing an acceptable report shall be borne by the Contractor. The priority three cultural resource inventory will follow the original contract schedule the following calendar year (2027); a separate cultural resources inventory report (CRI) will be required for option #1 (Grouse House); however, only an addendum report to the original CRI and subsequent site & isolate forms need to be submitted for priority three inventory.

Description of Work Required

A complete Class III inventory of 2,422 acres (priorities 1 & 2), including records search, background research, field work, site & isolate recording and evaluation, assessment of effects from the undertaking, and report preparation. (Map Attachments- 2026SNF_UpperBigWoodBPA_Survey_04082026.pdf, 2026SNF_WestsideBPA_Survey_04092026.pdf, 2026SNFUpperBigWoodBPA_Survey_Priority1_04082026.pdf, 2026SNF_WestsideBPA_Survey_Priority1_04092026.pdf)

2026SNF_UpperBigWoodBPA_Survey_Priority2_04082026.pdf, 2026SNF_WestsideBPA_Survey_Priority2_04092026.pdf)

Priority 3 Cultural Resource Inventory: A complete Class III inventory of 542 acres, including records search, background research, field work, site & isolate recording and evaluation, assessment of effects from the undertaking, and report addendum preparation. (Map Attachments-2026SNF_UpperBigWoodBPA_Survey_Priority3_04082026.pdf, 2026SNF_WestsideBPA_Survey_Priority3_04092026.pdf)

OPTION #1 (Grouse House-BNF): A complete Class III inventory of 575 acres, including records search, background research, field work, site & isolate recording and evaluation, assessment of effects from the undertaking, and final report preparation. (Map Attachment- Grouse House 3562Map1.pdf )

The FS will define the area of the inventory accurately and clearly. A total of 22,262 acres has been defined as the APE and a 3,539 acres requires a Class III Inventory for this undertaking.

(See attached maps)

All record searches and submittals with Idaho SHPO will be conducted via the ICRIS. To learn more visit: https://history.idaho.gov/shpo/icris/. The FS will create the project folder in ICRIS and provide the appropriate cover letter. Any draft of deliverables, associated comments, and changes need to be coordinated with the FS outside of ICRIS.

The cultural resources inventory and recording of cultural resources shall be completed following the specifications, defined as tasks, below.

1. Task 1: Complete Class III Inventory, including the records search, background research, and field work.

a. The contractor must conduct a records search/literature review at the Idaho SHPO through the ICRIS system to include the inventory area and a 1-mile buffer; and, get a GIS data cut and any associated records from the FS (for FS lands only) to determine if there are previously recorded cultural resources in the inventory area and to document the nature and extent of previous archaeological inventories and research in the general area. The exact number and nature of all cultural resources within the inventory area will be confirmed with the records search through Idaho SHPO and with the FS. This data will also be used to reduce the chance of resources being duplicated in the ICRIS https://history.idaho.gov/shpo/icris/ system when recording new resources for the Project. In addition to the Idaho SHPO record search, a search of FS records will be conducted in coordination with SNF Heritage staff;

b. All appropriate GLO and historic maps will be inspected for any historic features that may be within the inventory area/APE as part of the background research.

c. Pedestrian survey of the inventory area will follow these guidelines:

i. The contractor must locate the boundaries of the defined inventory area prior to commencement of the inventory. Use GPS units, corner markers, benchmarks, 7.5-minute topographic maps, aerial photographs (where available), roadways and other landscape features if needed to ensure ground control and confidence in the location of the inventory area;

ii. The area to be inventoried must be examined/surveyed by the contractor using evenly-spaced pedestrian transects. The inventory area will be inventoried at 30-meter or less transect intervals.

Distance between transects will not exceed 30 meters. Transect intervals must be tightly controlled using GPS units to ensure consistency and accuracy;

iii. Collection of artifacts shall be limited to objects of an extremely rare nature (ie. Clovis points and/or one-of-a-kind items). Other objects (ie.

projectile points, point fragments, bifaces, diagnostic historic artifacts, etc.) will be photographed, and included in their respective site/isolate records. Diagnostic artifacts will be GPS’d, sketched or detailed photographed and measured in the field.

d. Site recording (newly identified and previously recorded updates) will follow these guidelines:

i. All sites must be digitally recorded with a GPS (site polygon and feature/artifact data, include a datum point);

ii. All linear cultural resources must be recorded as a polyline feature.

iii. If recording a newly identified linear resource, map the entire route of the resource, county line to county line. If you are not importing the mapped resource from a GIS layer, portions of the route may be based on historic documents, or system maps. If you are importing the resource from a GIS layer, please import the entire length of the resource as it will improve future ICRIS searches for all users.

Comprehensive field examination for the full extent of the resource is not required.

iv. A new site/isolate record or update must be completed on the appropriate Archaeological Site Record (ASR) or Idaho Historic Sites Inventory (IHSI) form (site forms printed from ICRIS will not be considered adequate) for each cultural resource located in the field and should include:

i. There must be sufficient description on the form for FS officials to derive an accurate eligibility assessment, including a consideration of integrity.

ii. The site description must include number and types of objects/artifacts present, site dimensions, types of features, topographic location, etc.

iii. If specific references are cited within the site record, these materials need to be listed in detail and referenced correctly, wherever logical and appropriate within the record.

iv. If any significant disturbances or impacts have occurred, these must be described, mapped with GPS, and photographed.

v. Each form must be legible and must include a formal site sketch map (.PDF). Site boundaries must be depicted accurately and consistently. Site sketch maps must include spatial relationships of features and artifacts to each other using a datum point and other pertinent non-cultural data or topography (i.e., roads, trees, drainages, impacts, etc.).

vi. If tools or diagnostic artifacts are present, scaled artifact sketches or detailed photographs must accompany the resource record and recording should include measurements of the artifact(s). If there are multiple representations of the same or like artifacts (e.g., tin cans) a sample may be recorded. The sample should adequately represent the types and dates of artifacts within the assemblage. UTMs of artifacts and features recorded in detail should be listed in the record;

vii. Photographs: each resource record must include a minimum of two site overview photographs. See Photograph standards section below, for further guidelines.

viii. Impacts to sites: Information concerning any impacts to sites should be documented for each site recorded. These should be specific and quantitative (i.e., grazing impacts include cow pies and trampling; the looting was over a 1 by 1-meter area and 1-foot deep). If impacts from recent looting (unauthorized excavation/collection) are obvious contact the COR at the soonest opportunity so FS Law Enforcement can be notified.

e. Recording Isolated Finds and Noted but Not Recorded Resources:

i. Isolated finds (IFs) are defined by the FS as fewer than 10 artifacts in a

10m x 10m area, or re-deposited materials that lack significant context, with no other associated artifacts or features within a 30 meter radius of the location.

ii. Isolated Finds must be recorded with a GPS point, an isolate form completed, and detailed description to be included in the inventory report. Scaled artifact sketches or detailed photographs must accompany the isolate form and recording should include measurements of the artifact(s).

iii. Isolated Finds will follow a number scheme defined by the Sawtooth National Forest. The final summary/table in the report should follow this numbering scheme, with the description and UTM point also included.

iv. Noted but Not Recorded (NBNR) resources are usually a brief cultural expression of modern trash and other materials that may be seen as redundant information. NBNR resources should be summarized in a table in the report as to what it is, a GPS/UTM point, and why it was not formally recorded. No photographs need to be taken.

v. All isolated finds and NBNR resources, must be digitally recorded with a GPS, and included in the appropriate “Isolates”, “NBNR_point”, “NBNR_line”, or “NBNR_polygon” GIS feature class.

vi. Guidance for previously recorded Isolated Finds with a Smithsonian Trinomial: It was past practice in Idaho to assign permanent Smithsonian Trinomials to Isolated Finds. If it is determined that there are previously recorded IFs with permanent numbers, there should be a review of the record to determine if the find is actually an IF by current standards, if it was evaluated for the NRHP, and whether or not it was collected. They do not have to be visited or re-recorded unless the find may be indicative of a larger deposit. All IFs with a permanent number need to be discussed in the report and summarized in the “summary of findings” table. If an IF was recorded as an isolate and never given a trinomial, it does not have to be included in the “summary of findings” table and can be summarized with the rest of the IFs in the report.

f. Photograph standards:

i. At least two project overview photos showing the inventory area should be taken and included in the report;

ii. Sites recorded require at least two-color overview photographs, displaying different views (e.g. north and south). All artifacts with diagnostic properties or that are recorded in detail should have detailed photographs taken. All photos should be submitted in high quality JPEG digital format and taken using a digital camera with a minimum of 16 megapixels and at least 1600 x 1200-pixel resolution. All detailed photographs of artifacts should be checked for quality to ensure they are in focus and the lens is not obstructed (e.g., smudged).

If in doubt, an artifact sketch will be taken;

iii. A project photo log must be completed and submitted with the final deliverables, along with the digital images in .JPEG file format;

iv. See the Consulting with Idaho SHPO Handbook and ICRIS guidance (https://history.idaho.gov/shpo/idaho-shpo-guidance/) for more information regarding photograph standards.

g. GIS data standards:

i. Cultural resource location data will be recorded with a mean error of +/-https://history.idaho.gov/shpo/idaho-shpo-guidance/

5 meters or less, at a 95 percent confidence level.

ii. Field Observation Standards – GPS.

1. Point Data: Cultural resources point data shall be located by reporting a minimum of one averaged GPS-observed coordinate derived from a minimum of 10 readings collected to provide for a viable sample for averaging and calculating standard deviation.

2. Line Data: Multiple coordinates shall be used to define the approximate centerline of a linear resource (e.g., trail, flume, railroad, etc.). It is recommended that vertices (points) along the linear feature be collected at 5 second intervals. Angle points of the line should be collected to increase feature accuracy.

3. Polygon Data: Polygon data shall be collected for the external boundary of any site location. Polygon data is also useful for accurately mapping polygonal site features and loci.

iii. All GPS data will be collected using NAD 1983 Zone 11 projection.

iv. Use of the FS GPS data dictionary, which will be provided at the pre-work meeting, to record FS mandatory feature level meta-data for each site is required. Alternatively GPS data uploaded into GIS shall be populated with corresponding FS data dictionary attributes.

v. GPS data will be post processed to conform to Forest Service data management requirements.

vi. At a minimum, each site will have one polygon delineated as the site and one point for the site datum. If the site is a linear resource, then a polyline will be recorded.

vii. All GIS data needs to be provided with the FS data dictionary attributes populated and quality controlled by the FS to ensure accuracies and consistencies between SHPO and FS data.

h. All sites (previously recorded and newly identified) located within the APE will be recorded to current standards (if necessary) and evaluated for NRHP eligibility following the guidelines in National Register Bulletin 15 (NPS 2002) and the Consulting with Idaho SHPO Handbook. If there are previously recorded sites identified with a recommendation of “Not Eligible” for the NRHP, the site record should be reviewed to ensure that the nature and description of the site adequately warrant a not eligible determination. If this is so, then the site just needs to be summarized in the summary of findings table, so it is accounted for within the inventory. If it appears that the nature of the site may warrant a revisit, the site should be re-visited, re-recorded, re-evaluated, and assessed for effects from this specific undertaking, if deemed necessary.

i. An assessment of effects to each resource from the specific undertaking/project activities will be discussed and incorporated into a standardized summary of findings table. If there are any recommended management actions or protection measures to ensure a Finding of No Adverse Effect for the project, this will also be incorporated into the table. Examples of adequate tables may be provided upon request.

Within two weeks of the completion of field work, the contractor must provide the COR and/or PI with corrected and finalized GIS data, see Deliverables section below for more detailed information.

Deliverables Final deliverables for priority 1 & 2 inventory areas will include one digital copy of the report, including a complete set of the ASR/IHSI site and isolate forms, GIS data, and any collected artifacts. Final deliverables for priority 3 inventory areas will include one digital copy of the addendum report, including a complete set of ASR/IHSI site and isolate forms, GIS data, and any collected artifacts.

OPTION #1 (Grouse House) Deliverables: Final deliverables will include one digital copy of the final report, including a complete set of ASR/IHSI site and isolate forms, GIS data, and any collected artifacts.

Attachments Attached to this document are:

Maps: 2026SNF_UpperBigWoodBPA_Survey_04082026.pdf 2026SNF_WestsideBPA_Survey_04092026.pdf

2026SNFUpperBigWoodBPA_Survey_Priority1_04082026.pdf

2026SNF_WestsideBPA_Survey_Priority1_04092026.pdf)

Grouse House 3562Map1.pdf

2026SNF_UpperBigWoodBPA_Survey_Priority2_04082026.pdf

2026SNF_WestsideBPA_Survey_Priority2_04092026.pdf

2026SNF_UpperBigWoodBPA_Survey_Priority3_04082026.pdf

2026SNF_WestsideBPA_Survey_Priority3_04092026.pdf

Payment Schedule The contractor shall be paid a firm-fixed price for the services performed under contract.

Priority 1 (SNF)

• 50% payment upon completion of field work

• 35% payment upon delivery of draft final report including complete site forms, and associated documentation

• 15% payment upon acceptance of final, revised report and all deliverables

Priority 2 (SNF)

• 50% payment upon completion of field work

• 35% payment upon delivery of draft final report including complete site forms, and

Priority 3 (SNF)

• 50% payment upon completion of field work

• 35% payment upon delivery of draft final report including complete site forms, and

• 15% payment upon acceptance of final, revised report and all deliverables

Option 1- Grouse House (BNF)

• 50% payment upon completion of field work

• 35% payment upon delivery of draft final report including complete site forms, and

USFS Personnel

The USFS personnel engaged in this project will be named at award.

Miscellaneous Notes Archaeological site densities are expected to be low within the survey areas with the majority being 20th century agricultural and recreation-related refuse scatters. Topography selected for survey includes relatively flat areas (less than 30° slopes). Survey areas are close to the towns of Ketchum and Featherville, Idaho and six campgrounds (Abbot, Baker Creek, Chaparral, Easley, Willow Creek, and Wood River) adjacent or very near to the survey areas.

Government Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) for FY26 SAWTOOTH NATIONAL

FOREST-UPPER BIG WOOD & WESTSIDE AND BOISE NATIONAL FOREST-GROUSE

HOUSE CULTURAL RESOURCE INVENTORY

Date: 4/29/2026 Prepared By: USDA Forest Service Prepared For: Government Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and Designated Inspectors Contract Number: FY26-008318 Contractor: Awarded Contractor Government COR: Douglas Baughman, Forest Archaeologist Government Technical Lead/Cultural Resources Specialist: Douglas Baughman, Joseph Bergstrom, Archaeologists

1. Introduction and Purpose This Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) outlines the Government's approach to monitoring and evaluating the Contractor's performance under Contract FY26-008318 for the FY26 Sawtooth National Forest-Upper Big Wood & Westside and Boise National Forest-Grouse House Cultural Resource Inventory project.

The primary purpose of this QASP is to:

• Ensure the Contractor delivers high-quality cultural resource inventory products and services in accordance with the Scope of Work (SOW) and all applicable federal, tribal, and state laws, regulations, and agency policies (e.g., NHPA Section 106, NEPA, 36 CFR Part 800).

• Provide a systematic and objective method for assessing contractor performance.

• Establish clear surveillance methods, performance standards, and acceptable quality levels (AQLs).

• Facilitate timely identification of performance deficiencies and ensure appropriate corrective actions are taken by the Contractor.

• Serve as a tool for the COR and designated inspectors to document surveillance activities and contractor performance.

This QASP is a Government document and does not supersede or replace the Contractor's own Quality Control Plan (QCP), which the Contractor is required to develop and implement.

2. Scope of Surveillance This QASP applies to all services and deliverables provided by the Contractor under Contract FY26- 008318, covering all phases of the cultural resource inventory project, including:

• Project Management and Planning (e.g., Research Design, Work Plan, Contractor's QCP)

• Personnel Qualifications and Staffing

• Field Survey Activities (archaeological, historical, architectural, ethnographic)

• Laboratory Analysis and Curation Preparation (if applicable)

• Data Management, GIS, and Database Development

• Report Preparation, Graphics, and Deliverable Production

• Coordination with Stakeholders (e.g., SHPO/THPO, Consulting Parties)

3. Government Roles and Responsibilities

3.1. Contracting Officer (CO):

• Overall contractual authority.

• Makes final decisions on contractual matters, including disputes, modifications, and termination.

• Delegates surveillance responsibilities to the COR.

3.2. Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) (Douglas Baughman):

• Primary Government representative for technical oversight and contract administration.

• Responsible for implementing this QASP.

• Conducts or oversees all surveillance activities.

• Reviews and approves the Contractor's QCP.

• Monitors contractor's adherence to their QCP.

• Documents contractor performance and communicates findings to the Contractor and

CO.

• Recommends acceptance or rejection of deliverables.

• Authorizes payment upon satisfactory completion of work.

3.3. Government Technical Lead / Cultural Resources Specialist (Douglas Baughman, Joseph Bergstrom, Archaeologists):

• Provides subject matter expertise for technical review of contractor deliverables and methodologies.

• Assists the COR in evaluating the technical quality and compliance of the Contractor's work.

• May conduct or participate in field visits and desk reviews as delegated by the COR.

3.4. Designated Government Inspectors (as assigned):

• Conduct specific surveillance activities (e.g., field observations, desk reviews) as directed by the COR.

• Document observations and findings, reporting them to the COR.

4. Contractor's Quality Control Plan (QCP) Review Prior to the commencement of substantive work, the Contractor is required to submit a comprehensive QCP for Government review and approval. The COR, with assistance from the Government Technical Lead, will review the Contractor's QCP to ensure it:

• Addresses all requirements of the SOW.

• Includes appropriate methods for ensuring quality in all project phases.

• Assigns clear QC responsibilities within the Contractor's team.

• Outlines a robust process for identifying, documenting, and correcting deficiencies.

• Aligns with industry best practices and applicable cultural resource guidelines.

The Government's approval of the Contractor's QCP does not relieve the Contractor of responsibility for performance under the terms of the contract.

5. Performance Standards and Acceptable Quality Levels (AQLs) The following table outlines key performance objectives, standards, surveillance methods, and AQLs.

Performance Objective Performance Standard Surveillance Method(s) Acceptable Quality Level

(AQL)

1. Project Management & Planning

Contractor's QCP, Research Design, Work Plan submitted on time and approved by COR.

100% review of submitted documents.

100% on-time submission;

100% compliance with SOW/regulations upon approval.

2. Personnel Qualifications All personnel meet minimum qualifications specified in SOW;

key personnel are approved.

100% review of CVs/resumes;

periodic verification during field visits.

100% of personnel meet qualifications.

3. Field Survey (e.g., Archaeological)

Adherence to approved methodology (e.g., 0-30 meter transect interval, shovel test density, site recording).

Field observation (random spot checks, planned visits); review of daily field logs, GPS data, and site forms.

No more than 5% deviation from approved methodology during spot checks; no significant omissions in data collection.

4. Data Collection & Recording

Accurate, complete, and consistent recording of field data (e.g., forms, photos, GPS attributes).

100% review of a sample (e.g., 10-20%) of field forms, photo logs, and GPS data points/attributes.

Fewer than 2 errors per 10 items reviewed in sample; all critical data fields completed.

5. GIS Data & Mapping

Spatial accuracy, attribute accuracy, correct projection/datum, proper symbology.

100% review of GIS data package; spatial overlay checks against base maps; attribute table review.

Spatial accuracy within 5 meters of true location; 100% attribute accuracy for critical fields.

6. Report Content & Technical Accuracy

All SOW requirements addressed; findings are technically sound, well-supported, and comply with regulations (e.g., NHPA Section 106).

100% comprehensive review by COR and Technical Lead.

Report is technically accurate, complete, and requires only minor revisions (e.g., less than 5% of content requiring substantive change) for approval.

7. Report Editorial Quality Clear, concise, grammatically correct, consistent formatting, proper citations.

100% editorial review.

Report is largely free of grammatical, spelling, and formatting errors (e.g., fewer than 5 minor errors per 10 pages).

8. Deliverable Submission All deliverables submitted on time, in correct format, and with all required components.

100% verification upon submission.

100% on-time, complete, and correctly formatted submission.

6. Surveillance Methods The COR and designated inspectors will employ a combination of the following surveillance methods:

6.1. Desk Reviews:

• Contractor's QCP Review: Initial and ongoing review of the Contractor's QCP for adequacy and adherence.

• Deliverable Review: Comprehensive technical and editorial review of all draft and final deliverables (e.g., Research Design, Work Plan, Site Forms, GIS Data, Draft Reports, Final Reports). This includes checking for compliance with the SOW, regulatory requirements, and professional standards.

• Documentation Review: Review of contractor-generated QC documentation (e.g., internal QC checklists, field logs, data entry verification records).

• Progress Report Review: Evaluation of weekly/monthly progress reports for accuracy and completeness.

6.2. Field Observation / Site Visits:

• Scheduled Visits: Planned visits to field sites to observe contractor personnel, methodologies, equipment, and safety practices. These visits will assess adherence to the approved Research Design/Work Plan and the Contractor's QCP.

• Random Spot Checks: Unannounced or short-notice visits to critical field activities to verify compliance with established procedures and data collection protocols.

• Data Verification: On-site verification of a sample of recorded data (e.g., shovel test locations, site boundaries, feature documentation).

6.3. Stakeholder Feedback:

• Monitoring feedback from State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPO), Tribal Historic

Preservation Offices (THPO), and other consulting parties regarding the quality and completeness of contractor submissions and consultations.

7. Documentation of Surveillance All surveillance activities and findings will be formally documented by the COR or designated inspector.

• Surveillance Activity Records: A standardized form (e.g., "Government Surveillance Report" or "QASP Checklist") will be used to record:

• Date and time of surveillance.

• Method used (desk review, field visit, etc.).

• Specific tasks or deliverables reviewed.

• Findings, observations, and assessment against AQLs.

• Identified strengths and deficiencies.

• Recommended actions.

• Performance Tracking: A performance matrix or log will be maintained by the COR to track contractor performance against the established AQLs and to monitor trends.

• Communications Log: A record of all formal and informal communications with the Contractor regarding performance will be maintained.

8. Non-Conformance and Corrective Action Process When a non-conformance or deficiency in the Contractor's performance is identified:

1. Identification: The COR or designated inspector identifies and documents the non-conformance.

2. Notification: The COR will formally notify the Contractor in writing (e.g., email, letter, or "Contractor Discrepancy Report" form) detailing the non-conformance, referencing the relevant contract requirement or SOW clause, and requesting a corrective action plan.

3. Contractor's Corrective Action Plan: The Contractor is required to submit a plan outlining how they will correct the identified deficiency and prevent recurrence, within a timeframe specified by the COR.

4. Government Review of CAP: The COR, with technical assistance, will review the Contractor's corrective action plan for adequacy.

5. Implementation and Verification: The Contractor implements the approved corrective actions. The COR will verify that the actions have effectively resolved the non-conformance and brought performance back into compliance. This may involve re-inspection, review of revised deliverables, or additional field visits.

6. Documentation: All non-conformances, corrective action plans, and verification of resolution will be thoroughly documented in the project file.

7. Escalation: Persistent or significant non-conformances that impact project schedule, budget, or the quality of cultural resource findings will be escalated by the COR to the Contracting Officer for appropriate contractual remedies.

9. Acceptance and Rejection Procedures

• Deliverable Review Period: The Government will have 15 calendar days to review all contractor deliverables (e.g., draft reports, GIS data) from the date of submission.

• Acceptance: Upon satisfactory review, the COR will formally accept the deliverable in writing.

• Rejection: If a deliverable does not meet the SOW requirements or AQLs, the COR will formally reject it in writing, providing specific reasons for rejection and outlining required revisions. The Contractor will be required to revise and resubmit the deliverable within an agreed-upon timeframe, at no additional cost to the Government.

• Payment: Payments will be contingent upon the COR's acceptance of deliverables and satisfactory performance.

10. QASP Review and Revision This QASP will be reviewed periodically (e.g., annually, or at key project milestones) and revised as necessary to ensure its continued effectiveness and relevance to the project's evolving needs or changes in contract scope. Any revisions will be approved by the Contracting Officer.