DRAFT PWS FY26_FCRPS_Rock Imagery.PDF

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS):

Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity Contract (IDIQ) for Rock Imagery Services at Historic Properties on the Columbia River at USACE Operating

Projects in the Pacific Northwest January 2026

1. Description of Work

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) requires assistance with protecting and preserving rock imagery sites that are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places per the requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act and with the Archaeological Resources Protection Act and the Antiquities Act. Work performed under this Contract is intended to support USACE District/Division heritage managers with technical and logistical support for rock imagery services. Management of rock imagery historic properties requires a degree of specialization to preserve and protect the sites, which is not typical for USACE heritage staff. A rock image is defined as a pre-contact painting or engraving on a natural rock surface, commonly referred to as a petroglyph (painting) or pictograph (engraving). Rock imagery sites can be of great concern to Indian tribes and historic preservation groups, and they can date from several thousand years old up to the historic period. Work will include condition assessments of rock imagery sites as well as development and execution of various conservation measures on lands within the USACE Northwest Division.

The primary Area of Responsibility (AOR) for this work is the Seattle District (NWS) including Washington, northern Idaho, and western Montana. This contract will also be available for two other districts that participate in the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS) program within the Northwestern Division including Portland (NWP) and Walla Walla (NWW). The NWD FCRPS AOR covers 4 states along the Columbia River (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana). Services will provide support for conservation work associated with rock imagery sites affected by the operation and maintenance (O&M) of 12 federally owned dams and reservoirs on the Columbia River Basin.

Contractor tasks will be performed in support of USACE FCRPS Heritage Program, as authorized under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). USACE federal employees retain the discretion to make all final decisions. To ensure Federal employees and contractor participants are differentiated, the government will ensure contractor employees are identified during meetings and other forms of communication. Work will include coordination and consultation with USACE representatives to conduct condition assessments and quality conservation of rock imagery sites. Work required may involve field work, conservation work, and report writing. Tasks may include coordination with Tribal Nations or Tribal representatives when applicable and at the behest of the USACE representative.

Tasks will require familiarity with all applicable preservation regulations including NHPA, etc.

USACE expects that most of the contracted work will be in direct response of USACE districts supporting the Federal Columbia River Power System and the Systemwide Programmatic Agreement for the program for the NHPA compliance for operations and maintenance at 14 reservoirs in the Pacific Northwest. Other districts within the Northwest Division will use the contract for support as needed.

Work located on non-USACE owned land will likely require coordination with USACE representatives to gain access, authorization, or permission from respective landowner.

Assessments, conservation activities, and reports will be carried out in full accordance with the requirements of the following acts (but not limited to):

- American Antiquity Style Guide

- Archeological and Historic Preservation Act, as amended Archaeological Resources

Protection Act of 1979

- National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended

- Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990

The Contract will consist of a base contract between USACE and the Contractor(s) with subsequent Task Orders. The base Contract establishes negotiated labor rates for use in drafting proposals for future Task Orders, which detail specific requirements. Statement of Contractor Services and Expertise

The Contractor shall provide services that will be detailed on each specific task order. Examples of work the Contractor would accomplish may include but are not limited to the following services and their associated Contractor expertise. These services and expertise will be applied to specific Task Orders as defined in Section 3.

1.1. Rock Imagery Site Documentation

- Prepare professional documentation of rock imagery site using advanced/enhanced documentation and photography techniques.

- Conduct on-site assessments of rock imagery using professionally accepted methods to determine existing condition and cause of any damage.

- Produce site condition assessment reports based on data from site visits that outlines detailed management recommendations and any future conservation work.

1.2. Rock Imagery Site Conservation

- Prepare rock imagery conservation plans that are catered to the individual needs of the site in coordination with the Government.

- Implement conservation plans using professionally accepted methods previously approved by the Government that are catered to the specific site needs.

- Produce treatment reports with photographs and detailed descriptions outlining site condition prior and after conservation work.

1.3. Rock Imagery Technical Writing and Review

- Prepare draft language regarding rock imagery that is professionally and technically sound in support of USACE efforts to promote public outreach, education, or reporting requirements.

- Prepare professional and technical review of management plans regarding rock imagery sites.

2. Tasks and Products

Below are brief descriptions of specific tasks and associated products that will be required under the base contract but will be detailed in requests for proposal in individual Task Orders throughout the contract Period of Performance. The Contractor shall base their proposal on the base contract on these specific tasks. The expected maximum number of each task that may occur during the base or option years is listed parenthetically in Task title.

2.1. Documentation and Photograph (25)

This task involves documenting, illustrating, or photographing rock imagery sites that adheres to professional conservation and Secretary of Interior (SOI) standards. The Contractor shall photograph rock imagery panel(s) or feature(s) in person, which may include the use of D-Stretch image enhancement, geo-registered multi-band photography, digital infra-red imaging, stereo photogrammetry, 3-D scanning, drone, or submersible photographic equipment. Should historic photography or documentation of the rock imagery site already exist, the Contractor may examine and enhance them, if possible.

The Contractor shall document rock imagery sites with professionally rendered scientific illustrations of the rock imagery, if necessary. The Contractor shall provide digital copies of professionally documented records and photographs of rock imagery sites to the Government as the deliverable.

2.2. Condition Assessment (15)

This task involves completing on-site assessment of rock imagery sites using professionally accepted methods to determine its existing condition. The Contractor shall photograph rock imagery panel(s) or feature(s), which may include the use of D-Stretch image enhancement software to document existing and previously unrecognized imagery, geo-registered multi-band photography, digital infra-red imaging, stereo photogrammetry, 3-D scanning, or submersible photographic equipment. The Contractor shall assess conservation needs of the rock imagery and note all impacts that have occurred at the site and the source, or possible source of each impact. The Contractor shall use the on-site data to determine appropriate management recommendations for conservation work and provide an assessment report to the Government as the deliverable.

2.3. Modern Graffiti Removal (10)

This task involves minimally abrasive removal of modern graffiti in rock imagery sites, or on rock associated with other types of historic properties, using professional conservation methods. The Contractor shall conduct a thorough assessment of the affected site prior to treatment, including photographing individual panels and affected areas from different angles to document the rock imagery and graffiti. The Contractor shall develop a graffiti removal plan to be submitted to the Government for review and approval. The plan shall include a schedule, equipment, and recommendations for preferred method of removal. The Contractor shall remove the graffiti per the Government approved plan. Possible removal methods include but are not limited to horse-haired paint brushes, wet rolling poultice, chemical removal using solvents, mechanical cleaning (using a low-pressure air abrasive system), and laser removal. At the conservator’s discretion, only partial or spot removal could be implemented to avoid removal of graffiti where it overlaps with rock images. Any waste generated will be disposed of in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations. The contractor shall photograph the treated area immediately after treatment. The contractor will assess the effectiveness of the implemented removal method, noting varying conditions and details such as rock face type, removal precision, graffiti type, and other factors. The contractor shall provide a summary report to the Government as the deliverable.

2.4. Natural Processes Stabilization (5)

This task involves stabilization of rock imagery that is impacted by natural processes such as weathering, sun exposure, water damage, and lichen. Stabilization techniques shall be professionally accepted methods at the discretion of the rock image conservator.

The Contractor shall conduct a thorough assessment of the affected site prior to stabilization, including photographing the rock imagery panel(s) or feature(s) from different angles to document the rock imagery and areas in need of stabilization. The Contractor shall develop a stabilization plan to be submitted to the Government for review and approval. The plan shall include a schedule, equipment, and recommendations for preferred method of stabilization. The Contractor shall implement stabilization methods per the Government approved plan. The Contractor shall photograph the treated area immediately after stabilization. They shall assess the effectiveness of the stabilization method. The contractor shall provide a summary report to the government as the deliverable.

2.5. Modern Vandalism Stabilization (5)

This task involves stabilization of rock imagery that is impacted by modern human vandalism (except graffiti) using professionally accepted methods at the discretion of the rock image conservator. The Contractor shall conduct a thorough assessment of the affected site prior to treatment, including photograph the panel from different angels to document the rock images and areas in need of stabilization. The Contractor shall develop a stabilization plan to be submitted to the Government for review and approval.

The plan shall include a schedule, equipment, and recommendations for preferred method of stabilization. The Contractor shall implement stabilization methods per the Government approved plan. The Contractor shall photograph the treated area immediately after stabilization. They shall assess the effectiveness of the stabilization method. The contractor shall provide a summary report to the government as the deliverable.

2.6. Relocation (5)

This task involves development of a relocation plan of a rock imagery feature to be submitted to the Government for review and approval. The plan shall include a schedule and cost for the relocation as well as recommendations for new locations and appropriate environmental settings. The plan should also provide technical expertise on preferred handling techniques, transportation methods, and potential relocation risks. The contractor shall provide on-site monitoring during any relocation activities to ensure adherence to the approved plan and to document any unforeseen issues. The contractor shall produce a post-relocation report with photographs and detailed descriptions verifying the integrity of the rock imagery feature and condition of the new location.

2.7. Interpretative Materials (5)

The task involves development of interpretive materials centered on a rock imagery site to be submitted to the Government for review and approval. The initial plan shall include a schedule, cost, panel layout, graphics, compliance with Section 508 accessibility standards, and material selection. When applicable and at the request of USACE, the contractor shall provide draft language for the interpretive material that includes information and perspectives from appropriate tribal nations, government agencies and/or local historical societies. Should previously existing interpretive material associated with a rock imagery site be in poor condition, the task may involve repairing or updating the installation. The contractor shall produce an installation report with content that includes drafts, design mockups, final panel designs (digital files), and warranty information as a deliverable to the Government. Any installation shall follow the USACE permit and authorization requirements as stated in the detailed scope of work.

2.8. Technical Writing and Review (5)

This task involves development of draft and final language for management plans or National Register of Historic Places nominations for rock imagery sites that is professionally and technically proficient. Should draft language already exist, the task may involve the Contractor providing a technical review of its proficiency. The Contractor shall provide professional and technical language, or review of existing language, regarding management of rock imagery sites as the deliverable to the Government.

3. Deliverables

Deliverables must be provided on schedule as defined within each specific task order. The contractor must provide early communication (no less than 30 days prior to due date) to the Government if a time extension is required to provide any deliverable. Report deliverables such as condition assessments must be clearly and concisely written in accordance with Government formatting and quality standards as described for each task order. Grammar and spelling errors and conspicuous errors in data use are unacceptable.

3.1. Responsibility of Correct Documents

The Contractor is responsible for deliverable accuracy. The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) will review all deliverables. Should the COR find that corrections and/or clarifications are necessary, the Contractor shall revise the work and submit the revisions (original and reproducible copies as required by the task order) within seven (7) calendar days after receipt of the Contracting Officer’s request, unless otherwise specified in the task order Performance Work Statement.

3.2. Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

The Government will evaluate the Contractor’s performance under this contract according to the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan that will be established for the base contract. This plan will focus on what the Government will do to ensure that the Contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards outlined in the base contract and each individual Task Order. It will define how the performance standards will be applied and the frequency of surveillance.

4. Government Furnished Data

The Government will furnish the following data for each task order relating to the work or site

(all Government Furnished Data shall be returned prior to final payment of this contract).

1. Example document formatting

Project specific data, such as surveys, geospatial data, drawings, photographs, Government obtained permits, and other information may be provided by the Government as part of the specific Task Order statement.

The contractor shall furnish all ‘standard-to-the-industry’ equipment, materials, and supplies necessary to perform the work, including, but not limited to the following:

1. Field vehicle

2. All field equipment necessary for successful site documentation (cameras, paperwork, D-stretch or similar, etc.)

3. All field materials necessary for successful graffiti removal using chemical and air abrasive methods

4. All computer hardware, software, and supplies required for recording, mapping, drafting, and delivery of assigned task products (e.g. D-Stretch or similar).

5. Personnel Performance

Key personnel, recognized regional experts and experienced specialists, are essential to the successful completion of the contract work. The Contractor selected for this Contract shall have the experienced personnel to perform, or provide, a wide range of services related to rock image conservation.

If, during the performance of this contract, the Contractor must utilize Key Personnel other than those named in the technical proposal, such substitution shall not be made without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer. Key Personnel are identified as follows:

- Principle Task Order Manager (s)

- Senior Conservation Staff

- Conservation Staff

5.1. Professional Qualifications & Requirements

The Contractor shall provide sufficient professional, technical and office-oriented support personnel necessary to accomplish the satisfactory delivery of all required tasks on the delivery dates. The Secretary of the Interior’s “Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation” shall be followed in determining qualifications for the Conservator and Crew Positions, i.e. 48 FR 44738-44739. In addition, the Conservator shall be an expert in the field of Rock Imagery and have at least 10 years of experience conducting Rock Imagery documentation and Rock Imagery conservation projects (including graffiti removal) in the Pacific Northwest. The conservator shall also have demonstrated experience working with Tribal Nations and provide examples of previous work. The COR will review and provide written approval of resumes prior to contract award.

5.2. Contractor Key Personnel & Standards

All contractor personnel who attend meetings and interface with members of the public where their contractor status is not obvious are required to identify themselves as such to ensure they are not misidentified as a government official. All documents or reports produced by the contractors must be clearly marked as contractor products or tat contractor participation is appropriately disclosed. Contractor personnel do not have to wear badges in unsecured areas at the site.

6. Reporting Requirements

Reports and plans (hereafter “report”) shall be prepared by the Contractor. The following policies will be adhered to when preparing the summary report

1. The cover of the report shall state the USACE contract number and task order

2. The report executive summary shall explain the nature of the work, when it took place, and who was involved in completing the work. Additionally, this executive summary shall contain the following disclaimer: ‘Any statements of policy or legal interpretation made by the author are not necessarily binding upon the US Army Corps of Engineers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the agency’.

3. At a minimum, the report will include introduction and purpose, brief site description, methodology, results, and potential conservation recommendations. Illustrations, maps, and photographs will be utilized in the report as appropriate. The appendix shall include the photographic index.

4. The draft report shall be fully edited and reviewed for required content prior to submission to the USACE. The Government shall review the document and provide written comments within sixty (60) calendar days of receipt. The Government’s comments shall be submitted by the COR. The Government reserves the right to have the report reviewed by other qualified individuals and to include their comments as part of the Government’s.

5. One (1) electronic copy of the draft report and appendices shall be submitted. One (1) electronic copy of the report in MS Word and Adobe PDF formats shall be submitted using email or a secure file transfer site (DoD SAFE).

6. Final Report: After receipt of the Government’s comments on the draft summary report, the Contractor shall provide the following final deliverables:

- The final report and attachments incorporating the Government’s comments shall be submitted within thirty (30) days of the Contractor’s receipt of the Government’s comments. One (1) electronic copy of the report in MS Word and Adobe pdf formats will be submitted using a secure file transfer site (DoD SAFE).

- One (1) electronic copy of photographs or illustrations taken during contract work.

- Note: All generated material shall be property of the United States.

7. Subcontractors

The Contractor shall not subcontract any portion of this contract to any party other than those identified in the proposal submitted in response to this Performance Work Statement without written notification to and written authorization from the Contracting Officer as coordinated with the COR to ensure technical capabilities are evaluated and confirmed.

8. Permits, Regulations, and Guidance Requirements

The Contractor shall obtain all permits and licenses necessary to conduct the work required by this Contract, unless specifically provided by the Government. Rights of entry to private or

Government property may be required. The Government will reimburse the Contractor for all appropriate costs related to permits and licenses.

The Contractor shall be responsible for acquiring the latest version of applicable regulatory or agency guidance after award of the Contract, unless otherwise specified. Permitting fees should be appropriately included in proposed budgets for specific task orders.