Performance_Work_Statement_1.pdf

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

Lahontan Basin Area Office (LBAO) Newlands Project Ongoing Support Features Resolution of Adverse Effects

1.0 Background

The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) approved the demolition and disposal of two deteriorated dam-tender residential complexes on the Newlands Project near Sparks and Fallon, Nevada. The demolition and disposal of the complexes, located on Reclamation lands, constituted an undertaking as defined in 54 United States Code (U.S.C.) § 300320 and 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 800.16(y). The Nevada State Historic Preservation Officer concurred with Reclamation in a letter dated December 17, 2014, that the undertaking would have an adverse effect to the Newlands Project. Reclamation, as the underlying federal landowner, is responsible for ensuring compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA; 54 U.S.C. § 300101, et seq.) for such undertakings, as outlined in the implementing regulations at 36 CFR Part 800.

The Memorandum of Agreement Between the Bureau of Reclamation and the Nevada State Historic Preservation Officer Regarding the Resolution of Adverse Effects to the Newlands Project Historic District from the Removal of Ongoing Support Feature Property Types, Newlands Project, Nevada (MOA), was executed on November 9, 2015, with a duration of five (5) years (November 9, 2020). The MOA included stipulations to take into account the effect of the undertaking on historic properties. On October 14, 2020, the MOA was amended (MOA Amendment One) to extend the MOA for an additional three (3) years (duration through November 9, 2023). On September 21, 2023, the MOA was again amended (MOA Amendment Two) to extend the MOA for an additional three (3) years (duration through November 9, 2026).

In order to fulfill the terms of the MOA, Reclamation plans to contract a Cultural Resources Management (CRM) firm (herein referred to as “Consultant”) to develop a historic context document, design public-facing webpage content, and develop an informational trifold brochure.

2.0 Scope

Cultural resources documentation services will be performed under this contract. Services include archival research and developing a historic context document, designing a public-facing webpage content, and developing an informational trifold brochure, using existing archival information and records, to assist in completion of NHPA Section 106 compliance. See 9.0 Tasks below for a more detailed description of the scope.

3.0 Type of Contract

The government intends to award a Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) type of contract for services.

4.0 Period of Performance

The period of performance for this contract will be twelve (12) months. The period of performance reads as follows:

March 1, 2026, through February 28, 2027.

5.0 Administrative Information

5.1 Recognized Holidays

In rare instances, the Consultant may be required to perform work on recognized holidays, including the following:

New Year’s Day Labor Day Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day Presidents’ Day Veterans’ Day Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day Juneteenth Christmas Day Independence Day

5.2 Hours of Operations

Business must be conducted between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday when on private property. Work may be conducted outside of these hours through mutual agreement with the Consultant and Reclamation on an as-needed basis (e.g., conducting a 10-day field rotation). Work hours on Reclamation-owned property can be conducted outside of these hours through mutual agreement with the Consultant and Reclamation.

The Consultant must maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this PWS at all times. When hiring personnel, the Consultant will keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the workforce is essential.

5.3 Place of Performance

The work described under this contract will be performed at Consultant’s facilities and field locations.

5.4 Security

No security clearances are required.

The Consultant will be responsible for safeguarding all government equipment, information, and property provided for their use by Reclamation.

5.5 Delivery

It is anticipated that there will be four deliverables. Table 1, below, summarizes the anticipated deliverables and schedules outlined in the tasks.

Table 1. Schedule of Major Milestones

Task Deliverable Due Date

1.7 Progress reports with schedule updates Monthly

2.1 Draft historic context report August 31, 2026

2.2 Final historic context report 15 calendar days after

Reclamation acceptance of final draft historic context document

3.1 Draft website content September 30, 2026

Task Deliverable Due Date

3.2 Final website content 15 calendar days after

Reclamation acceptance of final draft trifold brochure

4.1 Draft trifold brochure September 30, 2026

4.2 Final trifold brochure 15 calendar days after

Reclamation acceptance of final draft trifold brochure

6.0 Government-Furnished Property

6.1 Services

The government will provide direction from the Contract Officer’s Representative (COR).

6.2 Facilities

The government will provide no facilities.

6.3 Utilities

The government will not provide any utilities.

6.4 Equipment

The government will not provide any equipment.

6.5 Materials

The government will not provide any materials beyond information required for the completion of tasks.

Information provided includes relevant archival reports and photographs, as available. This will include documents available at the CGB Regional Office in Sacramento including:

a. Memorandum of Agreement Between the Bureau of Reclamation and the Nevada State Historic

Preservation Officer Regarding the Resolution of Adverse Effects to the Newlands Project Historic District from the Removal of Ongoing Support Feature Property Types, Newlands Project, Nevada, executed on November 9, 2015;

b. Unpublished and incomplete draft historic context for the Ongoing Support Features and associated photographic documentation of the ditchrider and dam-tender houses removed from the Newlands Project;

c. Any related research records recovered from the Nevada Historical Society and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) on file at the CGB Regional Office;

d. Any applicable reporting and appended Historic Resource Inventory Forms/Building; Structure, and Object Records which will include, but not limited to:

i. July 2021 Bureau of Reclamation’s Guide for Implementing the Multiple Property Documentation Form: Evaluating the National Register of Historic Places Eligibility of Newlands Project Built- Environment Resources

ii. March 2009 Cultural Resources Report for the Disposal of Four Ditchrider Residential Complexes (Project Tracking No. 07-LBAO-049)

iii. May 2010 Cultural Resources Report for the Disposal of Five Ditchrider Residential Complexes (Project Tracking No. 09-LBAO-345)

iv. October 2014 Cultural Resources Report for the Disposal of Two Dam-tender Residential Complexes (Project Tracking No. 14-LBAO-066)

7.0 Applicable Publications (Current Editions)

The Consultant will obtain appropriate reference materials and regulations, as referenced in this PWS, at their own cost.

8.0 Objectives

The objective of this task order is to provide services to Reclamation to meet their Section 106 of the NHPA mitigation obligations for the Ongoing Support Features Project.

9.0 Tasks

The Consultant will develop a historic context document, design public-facing webpage content, and develop an informational trifold brochure. These deliverables will describe the purpose and function and convey the significance of the property type defined as "Ongoing Support Features" in Reclamation's 2002 Newlands Project Multiple Property Listing (MPL; Appendix A). This property type includes, but is not limited to, ditchrider houses, dam-tender houses, service yards, and administration buildings on the Newlands Project.

This PWS is intended to support the historic property mitigation efforts for compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA (54 U.S.C. § 300101, et seq.) and its implementing regulations at 36 CFR Part 800 (see Appendix B).

a. The development of the historic context document will include archival research. When available, historic and contemporary photographs of typical views of extant features will be included in the document. This document will utilize existing reports, documentation, and archival information on the importance of this property type to Reclamation. All relevant original construction reports, original drawings, or original construction photographs that describe or illustrate the construction of these features on the Newlands Project will be included in the historic context document, as appropriate. Photographs for removed features from the Newlands Project may be included, if available, and will consist of medium black and white film and/or digital formats instead of the Standards guideline of 35mm black and white film.

b. The webpage content will be based on the historic context document content and contain photographs, both historic and contemporary, and drawings, if available, of the Ongoing Support Features property type.

It will also contain a section to publish the historic context document and a link to the informational trifold brochure. The webpage will be designed to

c. The informational trifold brochure will also be based on the historical context document content. The brochure will be distributed by Reclamation to applicable organizations.

Reclamation will review and provide comments on the historic context document, webpage content, and informational trifold brochure. The Consultant will revise the deliverables accordingly, as appropriate. Upon acceptance, Reclamation will submit the Consultant-prepared deliverables to the Nevada State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) for review and comment as part of the MOA compliance efforts. The Consultant will be provided a project tracking number by Reclamation cultural resources staff. This number is to be put on all reports in the subtitle and in the subject line on formal correspondence.

Task 1 Project Management and Compliance

The Consultant will provide general project management/administration activities in support of this contract including but not limited to the following:

Task 1.1 Project Master Schedule

Developing a master schedule of all research and documentation tasks for the current list of deliverables with a project-specific schedule for each.

Task 1.1.1 Update Project Master Schedule

Consultant will update the project master schedule as needed throughout the duration of the contract.

Task 1.2 Project-Specific Schedule

Develop individual schedules for each deliverable package. Consultant will create a more detailed project-specific schedule for each deliverable effort (e.g., Schedule for archival research and deliverable development).

Task 1.3 Coordination and Communication with Reclamation Project Team

Coordination with Reclamation’s Project Manager and/or technical cultural resource specialists to communicate when delays or cultural resource requirements may prove a critical path item to the completion of the overall project.

Task 1.4 Daily Project Task Activity Coordination

Coordination of daily task order activities by the Consultant’s staff and consultant team, document review, and quality assurance/quality control of work prepared for this contract.

Task 1.5 Management and Maintenance of Electronic Documents

Management and maintenance of an electronic document library providing bound hard copies of reporting and documentation upon request.

Task 1.6 Monthly Progress Meeting

The Consultant’s Project Manager and/or Project Coordinator will participate in monthly virtual contract status and coordination meetings (preferred, but not limited to, Microsoft (MS) Teams platform) to review progress (or as needed) and plan for upcoming activities with the Reclamation Project Manager, Regional Cultural Resource Officer, cultural resources specialist(s), and other Implementing Agency staff, as appropriate.

Meetings will outline activities of the previous month by sub-task, activities anticipated for the current month by sub-task, and address any issues or topics of concern.

Table 2. Task 1 – Project Management and Compliance Deliverable Timeline

Task Deliverable Delivery Method & Format Due Date

1.1 Master schedule Via email or FTP; in Adobe

Acrobat (.pdf) and/or Microsoft (MS) Word (.docx)

30 days after contract kick-off meeting

1.1.1 Updated master schedule Via email or FTP; in Adobe

Acrobat (.pdf) and/or MS Word (.docx)

As needed

1.2 Project-specific schedule Via email or FTP; in Adobe

Acrobat (.pdf) and/or MS Word (.docx)

30 days after contract kick-off meeting

Task Deliverable Delivery Method & Format Due Date

1.6 Progress reports Via email Monthly, following

virtual coordination meetings

Task 2 Historic Context Document

Task 2.1 Archival Research

The Consultant will conduct a records search specific to relevant records of the Newlands Project’s "Ongoing Support Features" property type, as defined in the MPL, at the appropriate state facility (such as the California Historical Resources Information System [CHRIS] or Nevada Cultural Resource Information System [NVCRIS]). Other appropriate archival research sources will be conducted, which may include university and public libraries, city halls, county courthouses, historical societies (e.g., Nevada Historical Society), museums (e.g., Churchill County Museum), local entities (e.g., Truckee-Carson Irrigation District), and historic maps (Task 3.1). Other research resources, such as Reclamation’s cultural resources files, may also be utilized.

Reclamation will provide the Contractor with existing previously identified relevant files and documents.

Task 2.1.1 Summary Brief of Record Search Results

Consultant will provide Reclamation with a summary of their archival research results during monthly coordination meetings.

Task 2.2 Develop Historic Context Document

The Consultant will develop and write a comprehensive historic context document for the Newlands Project’s "Ongoing Support Features" property type, as defined in the MPL. This property type includes ditchrider houses, dam-tender houses, service yards, and administration buildings on the Newlands Project. When available, historic and contemporary photographs of typical views of these extant features will be included in this historic context. The historic context will utilize existing reports, documentation, and archival information on the importance of this property type to Reclamation. All relevant original construction reports, original drawings, or original construction photographs that describe or illustrate the construction of these features on the Newlands Project will be included in the documentation, as appropriate. Photographs for removed features from the Newlands Project may be included if available and will consist of medium black and white film and/or digital formats instead of the Standards guideline of 35mm black and white film. The historic context document will also include a summary of the archival research.

Example Historic Context Document Outline

I. Introduction: description, purpose, and goal of the historic context document.

II. Background Contexts: discussion of local and regional history.

III. Geographic Area: discussion of the location of the Newlands Project and geographical setting.

IV. Newlands Project Context: discussion of the history of construction and operation of the Newlands

Project.

V. Time Periods: discussion of significant phases of the Newlands Project.

VI. "Ongoing Support Features" property types: discussion of features including, but not limited to, ditchrider houses, dam-tender houses, service yards, and administration buildings, as defined in the

MPL.

VII. Significance: discussion of contribution of "Ongoing Support Features" property types’ individual significance and contribution to the Newlands Project.

VIII. Research Design: discussion of research themes and questions.

IX. Evaluation: discussion of application of NRHP Criteria.

X. Conclusion: summary of historic context document main points.

This report should meet the Secretary of Interior Standards and Guidelines, Nevada SHPO’s reporting guidelines, and Reclamation’s Directives and Standards for cultural resource management (LND 02-01 [http://www.usbr.gov/cultural/recpolicies.html]). Reporting submitted for review should be subject to a quality assurance/quality control review prior to transmittal to the Reclamation cultural resource technical specialist.

Task 2.3 Historic Context Document Review and Finalization

The Consultant will submit a draft historic context document to Reclamation for review and comment. The draft document will be in MS Word and PDF format and will be transferred to Reclamation via email or file transfer protocol (FTP) through coordination with the Reclamation cultural resource technical specialist.

Reclamation will review the draft historic context document and provide any comments to the Consultant through either ‘Tracked Changes’ in MS Word or a comment matrix. The Consultant will revise the document accordingly, as appropriate, and provide a revised draft historic context document to Reclamation for review.

Within fifteen (15) calendar days of acceptance of the final draft historic context document by Reclamation, the Contractor will provide one (1) digital and two (2) bound hard copies through coordination with the Reclamation cultural resource technical specialist. Digital files will be in MS Word and PDF format, and also include copies of all supporting photographs, maps, and other archival records not supplied by Reclamation.

All digital documents and data will be transferred to Reclamation via email or FTP.

Table 3. Task 2 – Archival Research Deliverable Timeline

Task Deliverable Delivery Method & Format Due Date

2.1.1 Summary brief of archival

research findings Virtually during virtual coordination meetings

Monthly

2.2 Draft historic context document Digital copy via email or FTP, in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) and/or MS Word (.docx)

TBD

2.3 Final historic context document 2 hard copies via standard mail;

digital copy via email or FTP; in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) and/or MS Word (.docx)

15 calendar days after Reclamation acceptance of final draft historic context document

Task 3 Webpage Content

Task 3.1 Develop Webpage Content

The Consultant will produce and submit to Reclamation for review a design for a public-facing webpage. The webpage content will be based on the historic context document content and contain photographs, both historic and contemporary, and drawings, if available, of the Ongoing Support Features property type. The webpage will contain a section to publish the historic context document and a link to the informational trifold brochure.

Task 3.2 Webpage Review and Finalization

The Consultant will submit a draft webpage design with content to Reclamation for review and comment. The draft document will be in MS Word or MS PowerPoint format, or other mutually agreed upon format, and will be transferred to Reclamation via email or FTP through coordination with the Reclamation cultural resource technical specialist. Reclamation will review the draft webpage and provide any comments to the Consultant through either ‘Tracked Changes’ in MS Word or a comment matrix. The Consultant will revise the webpage design accordingly, as appropriate, and provide a revised draft webpage to Reclamation for review.

Within fifteen (15) calendar days of acceptance of the final draft webpage design by Reclamation, the Contractor will provide one (1) digital copy of the design to Reclamation through coordination with the Reclamation cultural resource technical specialist. All digital documents and data will be transferred to Reclamation via email or FTP.

Table 4. Task 3 – Webpage Content Deliverable Timeline

Task Deliverable Delivery Method & Format Due Date

3.1 Draft webpage design Digital copy via email or FTP; in

Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) and/or MS Word (.docx)

TBD

3.2 Final webpage design Digital copy via email or FTP; in

Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) and/or MS Word (.docx)

15 calendar days after Reclamation acceptance of draft website design

Task 4 Trifold Brochure

Task 4.1 Develop Informational Trifold Brochure

The Consultant will produce and submit to Reclamation for review an informational trifold brochure based on the historical context document content.

Task 4.2 Trifold Brochure Review and Finalization

The Consultant will submit a draft informational trifold brochure to Reclamation for review and comment. The draft brochure will be in MS Word and PDF format, or other mutually agreed upon format, and will be transferred to Reclamation via email or file transfer protocol (FTP) through coordination with the Reclamation cultural resource technical specialist. Reclamation will review the draft trifold brochure and provide any comments to the Consultant through either ‘Tracked Changes’ in MS Word or a comment matrix. The Consultant will revise the document accordingly, as appropriate, and provide a revised draft trifold brochure to Reclamation for review.

Within fifteen (15) calendar days of acceptance of the final draft trifold brochure by Reclamation, the Contractor will provide one (1) digital copy of the brochure to Reclamation through coordination with the Reclamation cultural resource technical specialist. Digital files will be in MS Word and PDF format, or other mutually agreed upon format. All digital documents and data will be transferred to Reclamation via email or

FTP.

Table 5. Task 4 – Trifold Brochure Deliverable Timeline

Task Deliverable Delivery Method & Format Due Date

4.1 Draft trifold brochure Digital copy via email or FTP; in

Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) and/or MS Word (.docx)

TBD

4.2 Final trifold brochure Digital copy via email or FTP; in

Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) and/or MS Word (.docx)

15 calendar days after Reclamation acceptance of final draft trifold brochure

Task 5 Performance Assessment and Disincentives

a) Monitoring Performance: During the course of the evaluation period, the COR will track the Consultant’s performance. Interim (mid-term) evaluations may be provided to identify strengths and weaknesses in the Consultant's performance during the period being evaluated. At the end of the period, the COR will assess the Consultant's performance in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) and report to the Contracting Officer.

b) Consultant Self-Assessment: Following each evaluation period, the Consultant may provide a written self-assessment of their performance to the COR to be considered in its report to the Contracting Officer. The self-assessment will be submitted not later than five (5) working days after the end of each evaluation period and will not exceed one page per Performance Requirement Summary (PRS) element. The self-assessment will address both the strengths and weaknesses of the Consultant's performance during the evaluation period. Where deficiencies in performance are noted, the Consultant will describe the actions planned or taken to correct such deficiencies and avoid their recurrence. The self-assessment itself will NOT be the basis for the Disincentives determination.

c) COR Recommendation: The COR will consider all evaluations and any other pertinent information, including the Consultant self-assessment, and will prepare a report to the Contracting Officer with findings and recommendations. The Consultant will be provided a copy of the draft findings and recommendations of the COR and will be afforded the opportunity to identify factual errors. The COR's draft recommendation is not subject to negotiation and the COR will not engage in discussions with the Consultant. Any errors identified by the Consultant will be addressed by the COR in its final report. The Consultant will be provided a copy of the final COR report at the same time the report is submitted to the Contracting Officer.

d) Payment Determination: The Contracting Officer may meet with the COR to discuss the COR's report. The Contracting Officer will make a final determination in writing as to the percentage of work successfully completed and the resulting payment to be made. A copy of the determination will be provided to the Consultant no later than forty-five (45) calendar days after the end of the period being evaluated. All Contracting Officer decisions regarding Disincentives are unilateral decisions made solely at the discretion of the government.

e) Deduction: Notwithstanding any other clause of this contract, deduction of the disincentive will be made within of sixty (60) calendar days after the end of the evaluation period or thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of an approved invoice.

f) Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan: The QASP is one evaluation method the government uses to surveil performance to determine whether the Consultant meets the standards of performance as defined in the PWS. The absence of a QASP for any contract requirement, however, will not detract from its enforceability or limit the rights or remedies of the government under any other provision of the contract in determining the quality of the Consultant’s performance.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY AND

QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVIELLANCE PLAN

Performance Requirement Summary

Acceptable Quality Level

Method of Surveillance Deduction

Timeliness

Deliverables are provided in a timely manner and are submitted by the date required 98% of the time.

Comparison of the submittal date to the need date.

Periodic COR surveillance.

Consultant does not meet 98% timeliness threshold in “Acceptable Quality Level,” or a deliverable has to be substantially revised to meet Section 106 requirements.

2% deduction to the month’s invoice.

Quality Deliverables do not require rewriting by the government to meet Section 106 standards, guidelines, and regulations as described in the tasks above.

Review of deliverables by Reclamation cultural resources staff.

Periodic COR surveillance.

A deliverable has to be substantially revised to meet Section 106 requirements.

Rejection of the month’s invoice for failing to meet the terms of the contract.