N6247319SMH01_DRAFT-Annex_18_SPEC_ITEM_4_1_Surveys-_Marine_Habitat.pdf

Annex 1800000 – Environmental/Natural Resources

Spec Item 4.1 Pre-Established Fixed Price Work Description:

The Contractor shall perform marine habitat services to survey, map, transplant, monitor, and perform other related services of marine habitats in a timely manner and utilize qualified personnel to support the DoD mission and to ensure DoD compliance with applicable Federal, state and local statutes and regulations, and with DoD policies, instructions and guidance.

Performance Objective A. The Contractor shall comply with all Federal, state and local statutes and regulations, and with DoD policies, instructions and guidance.

B. Services are performed in accordance with current industry environmental standards.

C. Contractor personnel are required to hold specialized qualifications when performing work under particular Spec Items.

D. The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining any necessary state and federal permits to conduct work specified under the Task Order. Example, Endangered Species Act 10(a)(1)(A) permits, including protocol survey permits under the Act. Copies of permits shall be submitted to the COR prior to conducting any field surveys or prior to the Pre-Performance Conference.

E. If environmental related procedures or operations are found to be out of compliance the Contractor shall immediately notify the KO and the installation's Environmental Office with recommendations for appropriate action.

F. Regulatory compliance and adherence to policies, instructions and guidance, may be determined by planned sampling, validated customer complaints, unannounced inspections and documented citations if applicable.

G. All deliverables submitted under “Specific Graphics Requirements” and “Specific Requirements for Additional Deliverables” specific to each Spec Item are subject to Government review. The Contractor shall incorporate all Government comments received as appropriate, and resubmit the revised deliverable (in the quantities and formats specified for the original submittal).

H. All materials resulting from the Task Order (including documents, data forms, reports, maps, photographs, electronic data and presentation graphics) shall be submitted to the COR with the final deliverable. The original and one photocopy of all hardcopy materials shall be submitted and two electronic copies (on CD-ROMs) of all electronic materials shall be submitted unless otherwise specified in the Task Order.

I. When geographic data are prepared under this contract, they shall be delivered in an ESRI ArcGIS Personal Geodatabase format with FGDC metadata. Geographic data sets (<600 megabytes) shall be delivered on an external hard drive. All other data sets shall be delivered on CD. The external drive/CD shall include an ASCII text file labeled README. The README file is to describe the contents of the CD (e.g. file names, data dictionary, file contents, etc.) and any other pertinent information. The Government may approve alternative delivery formats for geographic and metadata if it is determined that the format will not compromise the spatial accuracy, structure or accessibility of the delivered data.

J. All geographic information shall be developed in a structure consistent with the latest release of the SDSFIE/FMSFIE data standard. The Government may approve modifications to the Standard if it is determined that SDSFIE/FMSFIE do not adequately address subject data sets. All required SDSFIE/FMSFIE metadata fields and any other field requested by the Government shall be completed and incorporated in the geodatabase. All geographic data sets shall be delivered on CD-ROM.

Performance Standard A. Services were performed in a timely manner.

B. Services were in compliance with Federal, state and local statutes and regulations, and with DoD policies, instructions and guidance.

C. Services performed were in accordance with industry standards.

D. Appropriately qualified personnel (with appropriate degree and professional work experience in the subject field of expertise) were utilized in performing services.

E. The Contractor obtained all required permits (e.g., federal, state, or local) within the timeframe necessary to conduct work under Task Order.

F. The Contractor adhered to the “Specific Data Collection Requirements”, “Specific Graphics Requirements” and “Specific Requirements for Additional Deliverables” included in “Related Information” for each Spec Item.

G. All data and information collected were presented, complete and accurate.

H. All materials resulting from the Task Order (including documents, data forms, reports, maps, photographs, electronic data and presentation graphics) were submitted to the COR.

I. As appropriate, the Contractor incorporated Government provided review comments, suggestions, and edits into final reports/deliverables.

Spec Item 4.1.1 Surveys Description:

The Contractor shall conduct biological marine habitat surveys in order to collect biological data in compliance with sub-sections under Spec Item 4.1.

Performance Objective A. Surveys shall be timed and spaced to provide the maximum opportunity for detection of all potentially occurring species.

B. Surveys following established protocols (for instance those promulgated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [USFWS], Army Corps of Engineers [ACOE], or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA]) shall adhere to the most recently issued protocol.

C. Unless otherwise specified in the Task Order (TO), the Contractor shall inform the Government of any federally listed species found within 48 hours.

D. In-water physical and biological survey and mapping shall be required when specified in a TO. Work is not anticipated to replace contract surveying services provided for through Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest (NAVFAC SW) engineering and surveying contracts. Surveying required under this contract shall be limited to planning level bathymetric survey services and mapping of biological communities. Biological communities may include, but are not limited to soft and hard bottoms, eelgrass, kelp and algal beds, mudflats, salt marshes, beach and dune environments, as well as reefs and structures. Surveys shall require completion of surveys using a variety of remote sensing tools including single-beam or multi-beam sonar, sidescan sonar, and underwater video cameras. The Contractor shall provide necessary tools and equipment to effectively collect, process, and interpret digital bathymetric and habitat survey data. Surveying shall follow community classifications established in each Task Order. Resolution and positional accuracy of biological communities shall be ±5 m2 resolution and ±5 m for positional accuracy for open coastal features and ±2 m2 resolution and ±3 m positional accuracy for features within enclosed bays and estuaries. Raw bathymetric data precision and accuracy within open coastal environments shall be tidally corrected to ±0.5 m vertical and ±2.0 m horizontal. Raw bathymetric data precision and accuracy within enclosed bays and estuaries shall be tidally corrected to ±0.2 m vertical and ±1.0 m horizontal. Data shall be used to create contours at 1 foot and 0.5 m intervals and shall not result in interpolation errors greater than two times the raw data error. The Contractor shall be required to ensure data collection density is adequate in areas of high bathymetric change to ensure that interpolation errors do not exceed the acceptable error limits. The datum for data delivery shall be in feet for vertical Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) as specified by the TO and the horizontal datum projection shall be UTM, NAD 83, Zone 11, metric.

E. All data shall be delivered in both tide corrected xyz point files and interpolated contour files within an ARC/INFO Export format. The Government may approve alternative delivery formats if it is determined that the format will not compromise the spatial accuracy or structure of the delivered data. Attribute data stored in external databases, those separate from the internal ARC/INFO attribute tables, shall be recorded in a dBASE III Plus - compatible format. Attributes to be included are density, date(s) of survey for each site, and geographic coordinates.

F. The contractor shall provide access to a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) server for sharing interim and final data sets.

Performance Standard A. Surveys were conducted at the appropriate time of year to maximize the probability of detection and to allow identification of applicable species.

B. Surveys were conducted at the appropriate time of day or night to maximize the probability of detection.

C. Surveys were conducted under environmental conditions, such as temperature, wind speed, and in temporal relation to rain events, to maximize the probability of detection.

D. The appropriate tools and instruments were employed based on the environment and data to collect to maximize the probability of detection.

E. Temporal spacing and frequency of survey effort maximized probability of detection.

F. Species observed were identified to the appropriate level of taxonomic classification (including subspecies or variety when of biological and/or regulatory significance).

G. If applicable, survey adhered to most recently issued survey protocol by Federal (and, as appropriate, State or Local) Resources Agencies.

H. If applicable, standardized survey protocol was followed, survey was conducted and report was prepared per standardized protocol/reporting requirements.

I. Collection, analysis and/or reporting of survey data support the application of the survey data (as specified in the Performance Objective for this Spec. Item).

Spec Item 4.1.1.1 General Marine Habitat Surveying and Mapping- Sidescan Sonar Description:

The Contractor shall conduct biological marine habitat surveys in order to collect biological data in compliance with sub-sections under Spec Item 4.1.

Performance Objective A. The surveys shall be conducted at one of the following levels.

1) Small surveys - Small surveys are those whose study areas are defined as greater than 10,000 m2 and less than or equal to 20,000 m2.

2) Medium (A) surveys - Medium (A) surveys are those for which the study areas are defined as less than 20 feet in depth greater than 20,000 m2 and less than or equal to 40,000 m2.

3) Medium (B) surveys - Medium (B) surveys are those whose study areas are defined as greater than 20 feet in depth and greater than 20,000 m2 and less than or equal to 40,000 m2.

4) Large surveys - Large surveys are those for which the study areas are defined as greater than 40,000 m2 acres and less than 120,000 m2.

5) Extra large surveys - Extra large surveys are those for which the study areas are defined as greater than 120,000 m2.

A. Sonar surveys were conducted at the appropriate time of year to maximize the probability of detection and to allow identification of applicable species.

B. Sonar surveys were conducted at the appropriate time of day or night to maximize the probability of detection.

C. Temporal spacing and frequency of survey effort maximized probability of detection.

D. Species observed were identified to the appropriate level of taxonomic classification (including subspecies or variety when of biological and/or regulatory significance).

E. If applicable, survey adhered to most recently issued survey protocol by Federal (and, as appropriate, State, or Local) Resources Agencies.

F. If applicable, standardized survey protocol was followed, survey was conducted and report was prepared per standardized protocol/reporting requirements.

G. Collection, analysis and/or reporting of survey data support the application of the survey data (as

Spec Item 4.1.1.2 General Marine Habitat Surveying and Mapping- Single-Beam Sonar Description:

The Contractor shall conduct biological marine habitat surveys in order to collect biological data in compliance with sub-sections under Spec Item 4.1.

A. The surveys shall be conducted at one of the following levels.

1) Very small surveys - Very small surveys are those for which the study areas are defined as less than or equal to 5,000 m2.

2) Small surveys - Small surveys are those whose study areas are defined as greater than 2,500 m2 and less than or equal to 10,000 m2.

3) Medium (A) surveys - Medium (A) surveys are those for which the study areas are defined as greater than 5,000 m2 and less than or equal to 20,000 m2.

4) Medium (B) surveys - Medium (B) surveys are those whose study areas are defined as greater than 10,000 m2 and less than or equal to 40,000 m2.

5) Large surveys - Large surveys are those for which the study areas are defined as greater than 20,000 m2 acres and less than 60,000 m2.

6) Extra large surveys - Extra large surveys are those for which the study areas are defined as greater than 60,000 m2.

B. The Contractor shall survey designated areas for eelgrass presence and density. The sites and survey methods shall be specified in the TO. Survey methods shall be dependent upon the size and location of the survey site, as well as the regulatory requirements for the region and intended application of the data.

These requirements may change from TO to TO. The maps shall be prepared using either aerial photographs or maps as specified in the TO. The minimum mapping unit shall be 10 sq. meters. These maps shall be submitted in both hard copy and GIS format.

Performance Standard A. Sonar surveys were conducted at the appropriate time of year to maximize the probability of detection and to allow identification of applicable species.

B. Sonar surveys were conducted at the appropriate time of day or night to maximize the probability of detection.

C. Temporal spacing and frequency of survey effort maximized probability of detection.

D. Species observed were identified to the appropriate level of taxonomic classification (including subspecies or variety when of biological and/or regulatory significance).

E. If applicable, survey adhered to most recently issued survey protocol.

F. If applicable, standardized survey protocol was followed, survey was conducted and report was prepared per standardized protocol/reporting requirements.

G. Collection, analysis and/or reporting of survey data support the application of the survey data (as

Spec Item 4.1.2 General Diving Requirements Description:

The Contractor shall conduct biological marine habitat diving surveys in order to collect biological data in compliance with sub-sections under Spec Item 4.1.

Performance Objective A. All diving operations shall be performed in accordance with EM 385 1-1 Section 30 Diving Operations including but not limited to the requirements listed below.

B. Diver training documentation shall be in compliance with the OSHA Diving Standards 29 CFR 1910.410 (http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9979) and show that the dive team members have successfully completed training to the appropriate level. The Contractor shall provide evidence to the Contracting Officer that each dive team member has training and experience consistent with the performance requirements of the scope of work. As a minimum, each team member shall have at least one year of commercial experience in the applicable position; divers shall have completed at least four working dives with similar decompression techniques as in the contract, using the particular diving techniques and equipment to be used under the contract. Divers shall demonstrate that at least one of the four qualification dives was performed in the last six months prior to the contract award date.

C. Each dive team member shall have received an annual diving physical with in the previous 12 months including a statement signed by a licensed physician certifying the diver has been examined, determined fit, and approved to dive. Each dive team member shall have current certification in CPR, first aid, the use of emergency oxygen systems, and, if provided on the dive site, the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). The Contractor shall provide signed medical statements and photocopies of the certificates to the Contracting Officer.

D. Training for Scientific Divers using compressed air (SCUBA or SSA), shall be in compliance with 29 CFR 1910.410 and shall meet the above requirements or the training guidelines in the Standards for Scientific Diving published by the American Academy of Underwater Scientists (AAUS).

E. The following documents are required for all diving operations. All documents shall be reviewed and found acceptable by one of the following: Designated Dive Coordinator (DDC)/Alternate Dive Coordinator (ADC)/Dive Safety Representative (DSR), prior to the start of diving operations. The Contractor shall submit the documents to the Contracting Officer:

1) Safe Practices Manual

2) Dive Operations Plan

3) Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA) to cover all aspects of the job

4) Emergency Management Plan

5) Dive Personnel Qualifications

F. All dive teams shall be manned in accordance with the criteria established in Appendix G of EM 385 1- 1 (or most current version).

Performance Standard A. Diving surveys were conducted at the appropriate time of year to maximize the probability of detection and to allow identification of applicable species.

B. Diving surveys were conducted at the appropriate time of day or night to maximize the probability of detection.

C. Temporal spacing and frequency of survey effort maximized probability of detection.

D. Species observed were identified to the appropriate level of taxonomic classification (including subspecies or variety when of biological and/or regulatory significance).

E. If applicable, survey adhered to most recently issued survey protocol by Federal (and, as appropriate, State, or Local) Resources Agencies.

F. If applicable, standardized survey protocol was followed, survey was conducted and report was prepared per standardized protocol/reporting requirements.

G. Collection, analysis and/or reporting of survey data support the application of the survey data (as specified in the Performance Objective for this Spec. Item).

H. All diving operations were in accordance with EM 385 1-1 including but not limited to Section 30 Diving Operations and Appendix G.

Spec Item 4.1.2.1 General Marine Habitat Surveying and Mapping- Diving Description:

The Contractor shall conduct biological marine habitat surveys in order to collect biological data in compliance with sub-sections under Spec Item 4.1.

A. The diving surveys shall be conducted at one of the following.

1) Very small surveys - Very small surveys are those for which the study areas are defined as less than or equal to 2,500 m2.

2) Small surveys - Small surveys are those whose study areas are defined as greater than 2,500 m2 and less than or equal to 5,000 m2.

3) Medium (A) surveys - Medium (A) surveys are those for which the study areas are defined as greater than 5,000 m2 and less than or equal to 10,000 m2.

4) Medium (B) surveys - Medium (B) surveys are those whose study areas are defined as greater than 10,000 m2 and less than or equal to 20,000 m2.

5) Large surveys - Large surveys are those for which the study areas are defined as greater than 20,000 m2 acres and less than 30,000 m2.

6) Extra large surveys - Extra large surveys are those for which the study areas are defined as greater than 30,000 m2.

A. Diving surveys were conducted at the appropriate time of year to maximize the probability of detection and to allow identification of applicable species.

B. Diving surveys were conducted at the appropriate time of day or night to maximize the probability of detection.

C. Temporal spacing and frequency of survey effort maximized probability of detection.

D. Species observed were identified to the appropriate level of taxonomic classification (including subspecies or variety when of biological and/or regulatory significance).

E. If applicable, survey adhered to most recently issued survey protocol by Federal (and, as appropriate, State) Resources Agencies.

F. If applicable, standardized survey protocol was followed, survey was conducted and report was prepared per standardized protocol/reporting requirements.

G. Collection, analysis and/or reporting of survey data support the application of the survey data (as specified in the Performance Objective for this Spec. Item).

H. All diving operations were in accordance with EM 385 1-1 including but not limited to Section 30 Diving Operations and Appendix G.

Spec Item 4.1.2.2 Exotic Marine Vegetation and Alga Surveys Description:

The Contractor shall conduct biological marine habitat surveys in order to collect biological data in compliance with sub-sections under Spec Item 4.1.

Performance Objective A. Surveys for the exotic invasive vegetation and alga such as Caulerpa taxifolia shall be required when specified in a Task Order. Work shall be conducted in accordance with the protocol established in the Caulerpa Control Protocol (CCP) (Ver. 4 or as amended). The Contractor shall be responsible for conducting all aspects of the survey and reporting efforts as directed by the CCP except as modified by direction provided in the Task Order.

Contractor shall ensure that all staff conducting surveys are adequately trained to conduct surveys. If required, the Task Order shall identify the need for and area to be covered within Infected Systems during the course of completing project work.

B. The surveys shall be conducted using surveillance, high intensity surveillance, or eradication area surveys as dictated by the CCP.

1) Very small-to-small surveys in designated exotic free systems - Very small-to-small surveys are those for which the study areas are defined as less than or equal to 5,000 m2.

2) Medium surveys in exotic free systems - Medium surveys are those for which the study areas are defined as greater than 5,000 m2 and less than or equal to 20,000 m2.

3) Large surveys in exotic free systems - Large surveys are those for which the study areas are defined as greater than 20,000 m2 acres and less than 30,000 m2.

4) Extra large surveys in exotic free systems - Extra large surveys are those for which the study areas are defined as greater than 30,000 m2.

5) Very small surveys in infected systems - Very small surveys are those for which the study areas are defined as less than or equal to 2,500 m2.

6) Small surveys in infected systems - Small surveys are those whose study areas are defined as greater than 2,500 m2 and less than or equal to 5,000 m2.

7) Medium (A) surveys in infected systems - Medium (A) surveys are those for which the study areas are defined as greater than 5,000 m2 and less than or equal to 10,000m2.

8) Medium (B) surveys in infected systems - Medium (B) surveys are those whose study areas are defined as greater than 10,000 m2 and less than or equal to 20,000 m2.

9) Large surveys in infected systems - Large surveys are those for which the study areas are defined as greater than 20,000 m2 acres and less than 30,000 m2.

10) Extra large surveys in infected systems - Extra large surveys are those for which the study areas are defined as greater than 30,000 m2.

A. Exotic marine vegetation and alga surveys were conducted at the appropriate time of year to maximize the probability of detection and to allow identification of applicable species.

B. Exotic marine vegetation and alga surveys were conducted at the appropriate time of day or night to maximize the probability of detection.

C. Temporal spacing and frequency of survey effort maximized probability of detection.

D. Species observed were identified to the appropriate level of taxonomic classification (including subspecies or variety when of biological and/or regulatory significance).

E. If applicable, survey adhered to most recently issued survey protocol by Federal (and, as appropriate, State, or Local) Resources Agencies.

F. If applicable, standardized survey protocol was followed, survey was conducted and report was prepared per standardized protocol/reporting requirements.

G. Collection, analysis and/or reporting of survey data support the application of the survey data (as specified in the Performance Objective for this Spec. Item).

H. All diving operations were in accordance with EM 385 1-1 Section 30 Diving Operations.

Spec Item 4.1.3 Marine Species Monitoring (without vessel support) Description:

The Contractor shall conduct visual marine species surveys from a vessel that is not provided by the Contractor or from shore.

Performance Objective A. The Contractor shall provide qualified Marine Species Monitors (MSMs) to visually detect, identify, and record all marine mammal and/or sea turtle observations.

B. MSMs will directly report to the onsite project manager or coordinator, and report real time marine species observations to ensure environmental compliance.

C. Surveys shall be conducted in optimal weather conditions for detecting marine species, if appropriate.

D. All surveys conducted shall be near shore (within 3 NM of the shoreline).

E. As is possible, digital photographs and/or video shall be taken of all observations to assist in-situ or post-survey species identification.

F. Any line transect surveys shall adhere to standard scientific protocol used in distance sampling methodology and techniques (Buckland et al. 2001, 2004; Kinsey et al., 2002; Strindberg et al., 2004;

Thomas et al., 2007; Dawson et al., 2008). Transects shall be designed for the most optimal coverage of the study area following accepted distance sampling methods (Buckland et al. 2001). In order to facilitate comparison of data across different surveys and periods, surveys will be conducted at the best speed to maintain consistency with boat-based line-transect survey methodology.

G. Reported observations of marine species should be taken to the best extent possible to support calculation of at-sea density and shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

1) Location (latitude and longitude), time of initial sighting, sighting duration, and distance of sighting from track line if applicable.

2) Species identification of all marine mammal(s) and sea turtle(s).

3) Number of individuals, group size and/or pod composition including number of calves, if present.

4) The best possible detailed description of behavior, disposition and reaction/no reaction to vessel, direction of travel.

5) Photographs and/or video, if needed.

6) Tide state and moon phase on the day of any survey.

7) Environmental information associated with sighting event (water depth, water surface temperature, Beaufort Sea State, wave height, swell direction, wind direction, wind speed, glare, percentage of glare, percentage of cloud cover, etc.).

H. Marine species surveys shall be conducted at one of the following levels.

1) Small surveys - Small surveys are those for which the length of all transects are defined as less than or equal to 17 km.

2) Medium surveys - Medium surveys are those for which the length of all transects are defined as greater than 17 km and less than or equal to 34 km.

3) Large surveys - Large surveys are those for the length of all transects are defined as greater than 34 km.

A. Marine species surveys were conducted at the appropriate time of year to maximize the probability of detection and to allow identification of marine species.

B. Marine species surveys were conducted at the appropriate time of day to maximize the probability of detection.

C. Temporal spacing and frequency of survey effort maximized probability of detection.

D. The appropriate tools and instruments were employed based on the environment and data to collect to maximize the probability of detection

E. Species observed were identified to the appropriate level of taxonomic classification (including subspecies or variety when of biological and/or regulatory significance).

F. Collection, analysis and/or reporting of survey data support the application of the survey data (as specified in the Performance Objective for this Spec. Item).

G. Monitoring was conducted by qualified, trained marine species observers, with prior training and experience in conducting marine species monitoring, and who has the ability to identify marine species and describe relevant behaviors that may occur in proximity to in-water activities.

Spec Item 4.1.4 Marine Species Monitoring (with vessel support) Description:

The Contractor shall conduct visual marine species surveys from a vessel provided by the Contractor.

Performance Objective A. The Contractor shall provide qualified MSMs to visually detect, identify, and record all marine mammal observations, as well as an appropriately sized vessel and vessel operator.

B. The Contractor-Provided Vessel Operator shall hold either the appropriate U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) license (depending on the size of the vessel) or are Navy certified as a small boat coxswain. An active USCG deck license or U.S. Merchant Marine Able-Bodied Seaman rating is acceptable.

C. MSMs will directly report to the onsite project manager or coordinator, and report real time marine species observations to ensure environmental compliance.

D. Surveys shall be conducted in optimal weather conditions for detecting marine species, if appropriate.

E. All surveys conducted shall be nearshore (within 3 NM of the shoreline).

F. As is possible, digital photographs and/or video shall be taken of all observations to assist in-situ or post-survey species identification.

G. Any line transect surveys shall adhere to standard scientific protocol used in distance sampling methodology and techniques (Buckland et al. 2001, 2004; Kinsey et al., 2002; Strindberg et al., 2004;

Thomas et al., 2007; Dawson et al., 2008). Transects shall be designed for the most optimal coverage of the study area following accepted distance sampling methods (Buckland et al. 2001). In order to facilitate comparison of data across different surveys and periods, surveys will be conducted at the best speed to maintain consistency with boat-based line-transect survey methodology.

H. Reported observations of marine species should be taken to the best extent possible to support calculation of at-sea density and shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

1) Location (latitude and longitude), time of initial sighting, sighting duration, and distance of sighting from track line if applicable

2) Species identification of all marine mammal(s) and sea turtle(s)

3) Number of individuals, group size and/or pod composition including number of calves, if present

4) The best possible detailed description of behavior, disposition and reaction/no reaction to vessel, direction of travel

5) Photographs and/or video, if needed

6) Tide state and moon phase on the day of any survey

7) Environmental information associated with sighting event (water depth, water surface temperature, Beaufort Sea State, wave height, swell direction, wind direction, wind speed, glare, percentage of glare, percentage of cloud cover, etc.)

I. Marine species surveys shall be conducted at one of the following levels.

1) Small surveys - Small surveys are those for which the length of all transects are defined as less than or equal to 17 km.

2) Medium surveys - Medium surveys are those for which the length of all transects are defined as greater than 17 km and less than or equal to 34 km.

3) Large surveys - Large surveys are those for the length of all transects are defined as greater than 34 km.

Performance Standard A. Marine species surveys were conducted at the appropriate time of year to maximize the probability of detection and to allow identification of marine mammal species.

B. Marine species surveys were conducted at the appropriate time of day to maximize the probability of detection.

C. Temporal spacing and frequency of survey effort maximized probability of detection.

D. The appropriate tools and instruments were employed based on the environment and data to collect to maximize the probability of detection.

E. Species observed were identified to the appropriate level of taxonomic classification (including subspecies or variety when of biological and/or regulatory significance).

F. Collection, analysis and/or reporting of survey data support the application of the survey data (as specified in the Performance Objective for this Spec. Item).

G. Monitoring was conducted by qualified, trained marine species observers, with prior training and experience in conducting marine species monitoring, and who has the ability to identify marine species and describe relevant behaviors that may occur in proximity to in-water activities.

Spec Item 4.1.5 General Marine Biology Support Description:

The Contractor shall provide field support on marine biological studies and field surveys to ensure compliance with environmental laws, Terms and Conditions of Biological Opinions and avoidance, minimization and mitigation measures included in relevant NEPA documents, Biological Assessments and Storm Water Prevention Plans.

Performance Objective A. The Contractor shall provide personnel qualified to complete the tasks and goals of this Spec Item to include marine related activities in the field or laboratory.

B. Field support may consist of surveys performed outside in the marine ecosystem with varying environmental conditions.

C. If there is a specific target species, the marine biology support personnel shall have the appropriate experience working with the target species in its natural habitat.

D. The Contractor shall provide all basic field/laboratory apparel required unless otherwise indicated in the TO. Marine biology field support shall be provided at the following levels:

1) Principal Investigator (PI) support – PI support is defined as a person with a PhD degree from an accredited university in marine biology or a directly related field or equivalent experience if approved by the COR.

2) Scientific Investigator (SI) support – SI support is defined as a person with a Master’s degree from an accredited university in marine biology or a directly related field or equivalent experience if approved by the COR.

3) Scientific Technician support – Technician support is defined as a person with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in marine biology or a directly related field or equivalent experience if approved by the COR.

4) Vessel Operator Support - Vessel Operator shall hold either the appropriate USCG license (depending on the size of the vessel) or are Navy certified as a vessel operator. An active USCG deck license or U.S. Merchant Marine Able-Bodied Seaman rating is acceptable.

5) Large Vessel Support – A large vessel is defined as being suitable for marine species surveys including visual and passive acoustics and be capable of minimum 3 day endurance in the open ocean. Facilities for collecting oceanographic and biological data are also required. Vessel should have an observation platform or flying bridge capable of providing good field of view and visual range for multiple observers. Must be capable of deploying a towed passive acoustic array.

6) Small Vessel Support – A small vessel is defined as being suitable for marine species surveys in coastal and offshore waters within roughly 3 nautical miles of the coast. Vessels must be able to accommodate scientific crew of 3-5 personnel (minimum). May be capable of single overnights on station. Vessel should have an observation platform or flying bridge capable of providing good field of view and visual range for multiple observers. Must be capable of deploying a towed passive acoustic array.

A. Personnel had the appropriate level of education to perform the marine surveys.

B. Marine Biology Support Personnel was onsite at the required times and locations.

Spec Item 4.1.6 Waters of the U.S. Reconnaissance Description:

The Contractor shall conduct a water reconnaissance survey of the number of acres specified in the Task Order to determine what water resources occur within the area and whether any are potentially regulated.

Performance Objective A. The Contractor shall provide personnel qualified to complete the tasks and goals of this Spec Item, including but not limited to the following:

1) Provide a Wetland Delineator with the minimum qualifications identified in Annex 2 to perform work under this Spec Item.

B. Prior to initiating the field effort, the Contractor shall examine relevant topographic maps, orthorectified aerial photographs, vegetation maps, maps of previously delineated wetlands and non-wetland waters of the U.S., soil surveys, National Wetland Inventory Maps and any additional water resources mapping, i.e.

SANDAG or INRMP data, ACOE regulations, guidance (National and Regional), and regulatory guidance letters to focus and plan delineation effort under Task Order.

C. Start and end date requirements shall be specified in the Task Order.

Reconnaissance shall be provided at the following levels:

1) Small: Up to 25 acres in 1 location

2) Medium: Up to 50 acres in up to 2 locations

3) Large: Up to 100 acres in up to 3 locations

D. The following shall be collected or created as part of this Spec Item, and submitted to the COR with the Draft and Final Reports:

1) The Contractor shall notify the COR via e-mail of all significant findings with draft report to follow within 30 days or as specified within the TO. The Contractor shall arrange a site visit with the COR within one week of notification to review findings in the field.

2) The Contractor shall record the following information for each water resource: the location, aquatic resource type and dimensions (e.g., wash width, depth, substrate, slope, etc.); presence of Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) indicators; flow characteristics and functions; dominant vegetation; and general site conditions

3) The Contractor shall provide data forms, the number of data points and forms as appropriate based on environmental conditions including size of resource, and provide a brief description and recommendation, including supporting data and justification based on #2 above, of jurisdictional status for each resource based on current and appropriate guidance.

4) The Contractor shall prepare a map depicting the locations of all water resources, regardless of jurisdictional status. Two color hard copies and two electronic copies.

5) A GIS database containing all survey information.

6) The Contractor shall prepare their findings in writing. The written findings shall include the map depicting potential waters of the U.S., including wetlands. Two color hardcopies and two electronic copies.

A. Reconnaissance surveys were conducted at the appropriate time of year and in temporal relation to rain events to maximize the probability of observe evidence of hydrology and to allow detection and identification of applicable species.

B. Reconnaissance surveys were conducted at the appropriate time of day or night to maximize the probability of detection.

C. Temporal spacing and frequency of reconnaissance survey effort maximized probability of detection.

D. Species observed were identified to the appropriate level of taxonomic classification (including subspecies or variety when of biological and/or regulatory significance).

E. Reconnaissance surveys adhered to most recently issued and regionally-appropriate survey protocols as specified in this Spec Item.

F. Relevant background research was conducted prior to initiating field effort.

G. Notification, inclusive of the required information, was provided to the COR within 30 days of conducting the wetlands reconnaissance or as identified in the project-specific TO.

H. If requested, the Contractor met in the field with the COR to review findings.

I. Contractor personnel were appropriately qualified in accordance with regulatory agency and industry standards and as specified in the base contract, Spec Item, and Task Order.

Spec Item 4.1.7 Project Level Delineation of Jurisdictional Waters of the U.S., including Wetlands Description:

The Contractor shall conduct a Delineation of Jurisdictional Waters of the U.S. over the areas specified in the Task Order. Delineation of water resources must be detailed enough to support an approved jurisdictional delineation and a USACE permit application. An accurate and legally defensible justification of whether each water resource is connected and/or has a significant nexus per current guidance in the context of ephemeral/intermittent drainages.

Performance Objective A. The Contractor shall provide personnel qualified to complete the tasks and goals of this Spec Item, including but not limited to the following:

1) Provide a Wetland Delineator with the minimum qualifications identified in Annex 2 to perform work under this Spec Item.

B. The Contractor shall conduct a Delineation of Jurisdictional Waters of the U.S. over the areas specified in the Task order. Delineation must be detailed enough, and submitted in the appropriate formats, to support a permit application.

C. The Contractor shall identify all water resources on site, whether they think they are WOUS or non-jurisdictional, and include a detailed description of the type of habitat, flow regime, dominant plant species in each canopy.

D. The Contractor shall also identify functions and services provided by each water resource in support of a significant nexus determination.

E. The Contractor shall analyze each feature and make a recommendation of whether or not the feature is jurisdictional based on regulations and pertinent guidance. Only the ACOE can make a definitive call whether or not something is jurisdictional.

F. The Contractor shall gather and document evidence to support a significant nexus in situations via topological review, visited, and photographed, in order to determine whether there is a significant nexus for a water within the project site.

G. The Contractor shall obtain the most recent version from the Army Corps of Engineers, and provide all information necessary to fill out the “Approved Jurisdictional Determination Form”.

H. Delineations must be according to, and incorporating all industry standard guidance, including but not limited to the following:

1) Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (January 1987).

2) Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineer’s Wetland Delineation Manual: Arid West Region and/or other appropriate regional supplements for the area surveyed.

3) December 2, 2008 guidance: Clean Water Act Jurisdiction Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s Decision in Rapanos v. United States and Carabell v. United States.

4) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jurisdiction Determination Form Instructional Guidebook.

5) Regional Guidance Letters, including: Questions and Answers following SWANCC: Solid Waste Agency in Northern Cook County (SWANCC) v. USACE Decision and Isolation Calls.

6) Army Corps of Engineers Final Summary Report: Guidelines for Jurisdictional Determinations for Waters of the U.S. in the Arid Southwest (June 2001), or similar appropriate to region of concern.

7) All Army Corps of Engineers guidance pertaining to delineating the ordinary high water mark in non-wetland waters of the U.S.

I. Delineation of Jurisdictional Waters shall be provided at the following levels:

1) Small: ≤ 500 linear feet (with 50 feet on either side) of riparian/riverine habitat AND ≤ 0.5 acres, in ≤ 2 locations.

2) Medium: ≤ 1,000 linear feet (with 50 feet on either side) of riparian/riverine habitat AND ≤ 1.0 acres, in ≤ 3 locations.

J. The following shall be collected or created as part of this Spec Item, and submitted to the COR with the Draft and Final Reports:

1) The Contractor shall map all water features and then analyze the potential for each feature to be jurisdictional.

2) The final report shall include a vicinity map, location map, a map of the entire survey area, a map of the data points and photos taken (see comment above), and photos depicting other pertinent information such as bed and bank, or lack thereof, wetland areas, evidence of hydrology, etc.

3) Summary (in the main body of the report) and full descriptions of the areas reviewed topographically, visited, photographed, and inspected for significant nexus relationships shall be included in the reporting, sufficient for submission to ACOE to support a permit application.

4) All delineations under this Spec Item require a detailed delineation sufficient to support a permit application at the project/site level. Jurisdictional Determination Reports must include the following:

a. Introduction with project summary and location

b. Methods

c. Literature Review

d. Discussion:

o Regulations that regulate proposed project activities;

o Discussion of relevant off-site water resources (nearest relatively permanent water, nearest traditional navigable water, significant nexus call, etc);

o Definition of flow regime for each drainage within the project site as ephemeral, intermittent, or perennial;

o Assessment of functions and services (e.g. groundwater recharge, habitat corridors, flood/flow retention) for each water resource, including discussion of guidance following the Rapanos decision;

o Isolation (SWANCC) discussion if applicable.

e. Conclusions:

o Whether each water resource on site is jurisdictional

f. Data Forms:

o Completed “Approved Jurisdictional Determination Form” for each water resource within the project site, including a map indicating locations for all data points taken;

o Wetland Delineation Data Forms for the appropriate Regional Supplement;

o Wetland Delineation photo point description (angle, height, direction, lense/camera used) and photos and mapped photo points on an aerial image

g. Figures:

o Vicinity map of the region being studied o Vicinity map of immediate surrounding area with local nearby water resources, including relatively permanent waters, traditional navigable waters, flow patterns of drainages, and Hydrologic Units);

o National Wetlands Inventory data for the proposed project site;

o Soils map for proposed project site, with notation on whether soils are considered potentially hydric soils;

o Aerial images with proposed action limits and mapped limits of the potentially jurisdictional waters with characterizations of the type of waters identified and describing the basis of potential jurisdiction (e.g. mean high water mark, significant nexus, etc);

o Aerial images with mapped likely local limits of the potential ACOE jurisdiction (outside the project) in relation to the project area and identifying connections to navigable waters off site to address the SWANCC and Rapanos issue;

o Aerial images with mapped likely limits of the ACOE jurisdictional waters within the project site, with characterizations of the type of habitats, flow regimes, vegetation classifications, and waters types found at the project site to provide understanding of the system type, permanent, temporary, and indirect loss if affected, and sensitive species potentially present;

o Pre- and (if applicable) proposed post-construction maps, both indicating the limits of likely ACOE jurisdiction, habitat and water resource types to be impacted, etc. within the project areas;

o If applicable, documentation to support Army Corps of Engineers and Water Quality Control Board Application.

A. Delineation surveys were conducted at the appropriate time of year to maximize the probability of detection and to allow identification of applicable species.

B. Delineation surveys were conducted at the appropriate time of day or night to maximize the probability of detection.

C. Temporal spacing and frequency of delineation survey effort maximized probability of detection.

D. Species observed were identified to the appropriate level of taxonomic classification (including subspecies or variety when of biological and/or regulatory significance).

E. Delineation surveys adhered to most recently issued survey protocols as specified in this Spec Item.

F. Relevant background research (including but not limited to literature reviews, topographical information available from agencies, and digital elevation models) was conducted prior to initiating field effort.

G. Findings were presented in writing, covering all required and relevant information, and sufficient in format and content to support a permit application.

H. Information necessary to fill out the “Approved Jurisdictional Determination Form” was supplied and fully supported with evidence sufficient for an approved jurisdictional determination to accompany a permit application, including but not limited to: distance to the nearest traditionally navigable water (TNW) or Relatively Permanent Water (RPW), watershed size, etc.

I. Type of connection to the nearest TNW and/or RPW was determined and fully supported with evidence sufficient for an approved JD Form submittal to the ACOE.

J. All data necessary for a permit application was supplied in an appropriate format in reporting, as raw data forms, and as part of the project GIS database.

K. Contractor personnel were appropriately qualified in accordance with regulatory agency and industry standards and as specified in the base contract, Spec Item, and Task Order.