Performance Work Statement.pdf

US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Performance Work Statement

Contents Project Title General Information

1.0 Background and Purpose

2.0 Definitions

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

4.0 Deliverable / Schedule

5.0 Government Furnished

6.0 Travel

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

8.0 Security Requirements

9.0 Data Rights

10.0 Section 508 - Electronic and Information Technology Standards

11.0 Performance Requirement Measures

Project Title Ottawa National Forest - GROSBECK and SILVER RIVER BOTANY FIELD SURVEYS

General Information

1.0 Background and Purpose

The purpose of the contract is to survey specified areas of the Ottawa National Forest for the presence of Regional Forester’s Sensitive plants, State of Michigan listed plants, other plants of potential viability concern, and priority non-native invasive plants (see lists in attachments). Surveys of the selected areas will be conducted one to two times (depending on cover type): both survey rounds in 2022 for Grosbeck Project and either twice during the 2022 growing season, or once in 2022 and once in 2023 field seasons for Silver River Project. The Contractor shall progressively accomplish the work at a rate that will result in completion of the contract within the time specified. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, supplies, and incidentals (except items designated as Government-furnished listed in Section 5).

2.0 Definitions

COR – Contracting Officer’s Representative (The Contracting Officer will designate a Contracting Officer's Representative at the time of award.)

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

The Contractor and the Contractor's employees (if applicable) must be able to identify all the species of vascular plants on the included list of rare plants and the included list of invasive plants of the Ottawa National Forest. (The Regional Forester’s Sensitive Species list for the Ottawa National Forest includes several bryophytes and lichens; these are not required survey species under this contract.) These specifications will pertain to all tasks contained within this performance work statement.

The Contractor will complete the following tasks:

3.1. Pre-field review

3.1.1. The Contractor shall review topographic maps, aerial photographs, terrain (lidar) maps (these types of maps can be provided at the pre-work meeting), compartment maps, stand type and other information prior to field work to select the most likely rare plant habitat areas within the survey stands.

Species abstracts (e.g., from Michigan Natural Features Inventory at https://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/publications/abstracts); floras; and other relevant information should be used to determine which listed species are likely to occur in the survey areas.

3.1.2. The Contractor shall select access routes and check with Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) if there are access concerns. Access in the west side of the Grosbeck project area is generally good, with drier soils and frequent existing roads, but the east side is quite lacking in road access. This area was previously owned by American Can Company and has not been managed by the Forest Service since it was acquired. Long hikes or ATV or mountain bike rides may be needed to access survey stands. Access in the Silver River project is mixed. The northeast part has few roads, and the main road through, FR 1360, is not suitable for passenger vehicles after about 2.5 miles north of FR 1300. The survey area southwest of the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness is also poorly roaded. The part of the Silver River project south of Hwy.

28 has better road access.

3.1.3. Cross-country OHV travel is not permitted on the Ottawa National Forest. The Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for the Ottawa shows roads that are open for use by vehicle class; contractors are expected to follow this map unless negotiated otherwise with the District Ranger through the COR for administrative use of selected roads. Requesting this use (e.g. for ATV) may be desirable to shorten some hiking distances.

3.2. Field surveys

3.2.1. The Contractor shall determine habitat relationships and phenology for each of the taxa on the included lists and survey most intensively within the project area stands where and when the species under consideration are likely to be found. The Contractor shall make a good faith effort to distribute searches throughout all potential community types or habitats where rare plant taxa may be found, and to do so at the times of the year appropriate to identify the plants. A good faith effort will require two field visits to the mesic areas in order to cover the various blooming periods (phenology) of vascular plants in the survey timeframes described above. Note that the division of survey stands into “mesic” and “dry” is based on information in the Ottawa National Forest’s stands database. There may be mapping errors such that a “dry” stand is actually a wetland, etc.

3.2.2. The Contractor will conduct surveys on a controlled intuitive or meander basis. That is, crisscross the stand while detouring to the most likely habitats for listed plants, such as rich forest areas, inclusions of rock outcrops, wetlands, etc. The Contractor will provide a list of plants and characteristics of the communities for the project area using Ottawa National Forest Botany Program forms (see attachments). The Contractor will record survey routes with a handheld GPS unit (using datum NAD83) and submit routes electronically in a format compatible with Ottawa GIS and computer systems (format will be discussed at pre-work meeting). All routes for the first survey window for a line item may be combined into one file (with the attributes showing survey date and surveyor), and all routes for the second survey window also may be combined, unless keeping each day separate is more convenient for the Contractor.

3.2.3. If a rare plant population is located, information about the plant identity, number of individuals, precise location, area of coverage by population, and habitat characteristics will be recorded on Michigan Natural Features Inventory's (MNFI) special plant forms. Field notes or field-completed paper forms must be transcribed by the contractor onto the MNFI fillable (pdf) form for submission to the Ottawa NF, and should be submitted electronically to the COR. These forms will be shared with MNFI for state-listed species. Vouchers and/or photographs will be collected as appropriate and will be given to the Forest.

3.2.4. Rare plant locations must be recorded using a GPS unit in NAD83 decimal degrees format (handheld, readily available GPS unit; survey grade is not required but can be used). Locations of the previously documented rare plant populations in the project area will be provided to the contractor at the pre-work meeting and are not included in the solicitation. These include for Grosbeck: Botrychium mormo, B. oneidense, B. rugulosum, Carex assiniboinensis, Cypripedium parviflorum, Dryopteris expansa, D. fragrans, Hierochloe odorata, Huperzia selago, Littorella uniflora, Myriophyllum farwellii, Phegopteris hexagonoptera, Potamogeton vaseyi, Ranunculus gmelinii, and planted experimental populations of Vaccinium cespitosum as well as rare lichens Ahtiana aurescens, Caloplaca parvula, Menegazzia terebrata, and Sticta beauvoisii. Cypripedium reginae and Petasites sagittatus are mapped just outside the project.

These include for Silver River: Myriophyllum farwellii and Viola lanceolata. Calamagrostis lacustris, Viola novae-angliae v. grisea and Usnea longissima are mapped just outside the project area, and there are seeded areas of wild rice in some project area lakes.

3.2.5. If a population of an Ottawa non-native invasive plant (NNIP) species of concern is found, information about the plant identity, number of individuals, location, infestation extent and habitat characteristics will be recorded on the Ottawa National Forest Weed Reporting form (see attachments).

Alternatively, an Excel spreadsheet may be used; this option would need to be discussed with COR at the pre-work meeting. See included NNIP list for reporting requirements by invader species including which species require locations to be recorded using a GPS unit. Locations of documented NNIP will be provided to the contractor.

3.3. Provide at the pre-work meeting a survey plan, to include approximate dates for surveys and survey locations; approximate acreage to be covered daily; surveyor names; vehicle make, model and license number; and so on. Vehicle information is needed in case of emergency and because the public may report the same vehicles being found frequently in a given area to our law enforcement officers.

3.4. Report survey progress to the COR on a bi-weekly basis by e-mail or telephone. Have surveyed routes available for review during contract inspections, to demonstrate stand survey coverage.

3.5. Complete the Forest data sheets as directed in the protocol: final copies typed; electronic versions of the forms will be provided to the selected contractor and electronic form submission is required, including noting the presence of unusual communities. Note that the species list form and weed reporting forms may be completed by hand and then scanned into a pdf file for submission while the other forms should be typed.

3.6. For locations of plants on the 2022 Ottawa “rare plant list”, complete the Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) special plant forms to provide data on population size, vigor, threats, etc. Associated species should be listed by scientific name to species epithet, not to genus unless distinguishing features (flowers/fruits) are lacking. Non-vascular plants may be listed as “moss”, “lichen” if no further identification can be made. Directions should be adequate that the site could be relocated, including description of landmarks that could be used in relocation (see below for monumenting directions). Habitat description should be detailed, conveying a mental image of the features rather than “rich hardwoods” or similar brief descriptions. Completion of the form includes providing a copy of a topographic map with population location shown. Final copies of the forms must be typed into the MNFI fillable (pdf) form. Blank forms are available from the MNFI website at https://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/species/report, and a master copy will be provided to the contractor. Rare plant discoveries should be reported to the COR within 2 weeks, along with a GPS reading for the site and number of individuals. The MNFI form does not have to be completed within the 14 days, although it is often easiest to complete a draft field form when the population is found.

3.7. If the rare species population can support it (based on Contractor's professional judgment), the Contractor will collect and prepare one good quality voucher specimen (unmounted) with label for submission to the Forest (it will be forwarded to the University of Michigan Herbarium). Labels must be typed and follow standard format (a sample label is shown below). If the contractor holds a Michigan collection permit, include the number on the label and provide a copy of the permit with the season’s vouchers. Refer to Voss 1999 (The Michigan Botanist 38:57-63) for more information on label preparation.

PLANTS OF THE OTTAWA NATIONAL FOREST (MICHIGAN)

Penthorum sedoides L.

Gogebic Co.: T48N R44W Section 23

Common on edge of backwater in Presque Isle River at Highway 28 crossing, southeast side. With Scirpus cyperinus, Polygonum sp., Acer rubrum seedlings. Fruits reddish.

A.B. Smith 557 12 July 1999

Label width is no more than approx. 4 inches wide

3.8. Mark rare plant locations in the field with color-coded flagging provided to the Contractor, in a visible but discreet manner.

3.9. For small populations, where, in the Contractor’s professional judgment, it would be difficult to relocate the population using handheld GPS readings (accurate to about 50 feet under tree canopy) and description of landmarks, complete an additional monumenting process as follows. Locate three live and healthy-appearing witness trees, at least 5 inches in diameter at breast height, close to the rare plant population but in varying directions from the population. Record the species and dbh of these witness trees.

Then measure and record the distance from the population to each of the three trees, and the bearing from the population to the tree. For example, the site record might read “8 inch red maple at 34 feet and 70 degrees, 12 inch white spruce at 25 feet and 180 degrees, 5 inch balsam at 15 feet and 290 degrees”. At the base of the three witness trees, nail a metal tag in the direction facing the population. Tags and nails will be supplied to the contractor. (Contractor must supply compass and measuring tape.)

3.10. Provide 3-5 good quality, higher resolution digital photographs of each rare plant taxon located, with 2-3 showing the plant and diagnostic characters in detail and 1-2 showing the plant in its habitat. Provide photos in .jpg format at resolution about 2400x3000 pixels (less is fine for habitat photos). Provide additional photos if the identity of the plant is enigmatic (e.g. Botrychiums). Smart phone cameras may not have the resolution needed, contractor will have to check their phone or tablet’s settings and may need to carry a separate camera to take photos at 7-10 mp especially for difficult species where close focus is needed.

3.11. Notify the COR of any high priority or new invader weed locations within 2 weeks of observation (unless they are already documented, and information on documented sites will be provided to Contractor at pre-work meeting).

3.12. A stand tracking form shall be completed for each line item, showing dates surveyed and habitat notes for all stands included in the contract. See attachments for sample form. This must be submitted in electronic form as an Excel spreadsheet (the sample in the solicitation attachments is a 2-page pdf to show the data fields; the Excel version will be provided to the selected contractor at the pre-work meeting). This is the most important data form (other than MNFI special plant forms); data expectations for this form will be discussed at the pre-work meeting. Since it must be typed, rows and columns can be made larger by the contractor to accommodate lengthy comments.

3.13. If the stand seems to have high potential for rare plants, and additional surveys (beyond the 1 or 2 specified in the contract) should be conducted to fully evaluate the stand, please note that in the relevant column.

3.14. If white, bur, or scarlet/northern pin oak trees are observed (Quercus alba, Q. macrocarpa, Q.

coccinea/ellipsoidalis complex), record the approximate number and species of trees and take a GPS reading for the location. Include this information on the stand tracking form.

3.15. If more than about 50 Asclepias species plants are observed in a patch, record the milkweed species on the stand tracking form along with a note as to abundance. These milkweeds are the host plant for the at-risk monarch butterfly; the Forest seeks information on distribution.

3.16. If Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica) is observed growing as an extensive “lawn” in the stand, record this in the stand notes with a comment as to the approximate percentage of the stand with this lawn.

This sedge inhibits tree regeneration and may require the stand to have special treatment.

3.17. If evidence suggests the presence of earthworms, record this by stand on the stand tracking form.

Evidence could include well-depleted or missing duff in areas where it would be expected (for example, no duff is expected in a small drainway); earthworm castings; or worms observed (in heavily wormed areas, kicking the leaves away or digging down slightly often exposes a worm). Please also note the type of evidence observed on the stand tracking form. All earthworms on the Ottawa NF are non-native and invasive; the

Forest seeks information on their distribution. (The COR can show photos of infested ground or show samples in the field.)

3.18. If rock outcrops, cliffs or boulders larger than about 8 ft. diameter are observed, please record the type (outcrop, cliff, boulder, etc.) and abundance of rock features in the relevant column (e.g. “many small outcrops” or “one large cliff at coordinates”).

3.19. Other items to record in stand-by-stand comments include very large trees, fire scars, extent of down wood, presence of embedded wetlands, steep slopes, deer blinds or other human debris, type of understory, anything unusual. Alternatively, a stand may be very typical of its type with nothing to record other than “typical sugar maple stand”.

3.20. The Contractor shall report all the information requested on the survey forms (which will be provided as Excel or MS Word files or fillable pdfs at the pre-work meeting. Field versions shall be typed, or the species and weed reporting pages marked in dark pencil or ink and scanned and submitted electronically by email or submitting all files on a thumb drive. These completed forms showing stand survey coverage; habitats surveyed; and listing all species found by habitat; comprise the final reports for each project. Vouchers, photographs, MNFI special plant forms and NNIP forms shall be submitted by the end of September in each survey year. Habitat/general forms, species list forms, and stand tracker forms should be submitted in the year that the line item is completed.

3.21. During the performance of this contract, the Contractor is requested to contact the COR to report any unusual sightings such as large stick nests, artifacts or heritage sites (that are not already marked with flagging or in obvious ways), or other special features.

4.0 Deliverable / Schedule

Key Deliverables

Item No.

Deliverable Reference task(s) Delivery Format Due By

1 Survey plan 3.3 verbal At pre-work meeting 2 Surveyor names and vehicle info 3.3

3 Stand Tracker spreadsheets 3.12 MS Excel 9/30/2022 for Grosbeck

9/30/2022 or 9/30/2023 for Silver

4 Habitat (general) Forms for each line item 3.20 Typed (preferred) will accept hand written and scanned 5 Species Lists for each habitat in each line item 3.5 & 3.20 hand written and scanned

6 NNIP reports (weed reporting form or spreadsheet) 3.2.5 & 3.20 typed or hand written and scanned

9/30 each year for those tasks completed that year

7 Special Plant (MNFI) Forms 3.2.3 & 3.6 & 3.20 typed into the fillable pdf 8 Plant vouchers with typed labels 3.7 Electronic file (such as MS Word or Access) or as hard copy

9 Digital photos of special plants and habitats 3.10 .jpg file format

10 GPS tracks for survey routes 3.2.2 See reference 11 Reports of rare plants 3.6

Email or phone

Within 2 weeks of observation

12 Reports of previously unmapped high priority or new invader weeds

3.11

13 Reports of other items of note and general check-ins on progress

3.4 & 3.21 Biweekly when working on this contract

5.0 Government Furnished

The Government will provide the following items to the Contractor for use in the performance of this contract.

Items to be returned to the Government are stated below.

5.1. Ottawa National Forest map.

5.2. Ottawa National Forest current Motor Vehicle Use Maps covering the project areas.

5.3. Compartment/stand maps for the line items (same as attached in solicitation).

5.4. Topographic maps, 1 copy of each quad covering the line items. For Grosbeck: Beaton, Black Oak Lake, Cup Lake, Gogebic, Marenisco, Marshall Creek, Stateline Lake, Tenderfoot Lake, Thayer, Thousand Island Lake. For Silver River: Covington, Echo Lake, Glitter Lake, Marten Lake, Sidnaw, Tunis and Vista Falls. Please return maps at end of contract unless worn out.

5.5. Aerial photography and terrain mapping (lidar) for the survey stands if Contractor wants this.

5.6. Shapefiles or img files of stand outlines to upload to GPS units (we have tested this process with various Garmin units, but do not know if it will work with other brands of mapping GPS units). Alternatively, centroids for survey stands can be provided for uploading to GPS units.

5.7. Flagging to mark rare plant locations (return excess at end of contract).

5.8. Tags and nails for monumenting small populations (return excess at end of contract).

5.9. Master paper copies of the data sheets to be used, which may be photocopied by Contractor for use in the field, as well as the electronic data forms for final reporting.

5.10. List and map of documented rare plants and NNIP in project area.

5.11. The Ottawa National Forest Botany Program is starting to move toward mobile data collection. If the selected Contractor is interested, it may be possible to provide data layers such as aerial photographs, topography, terrain, roads locations and survey stands in a format that can be uploaded to Contractor’s tablet or phone. Possibly some of the data sheets can also be provided in a format that would allow the Contractor to enter data in the field. These options may be discussed at the pre-work meeting.

6.0 Travel

N/A

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

Contractor must provide sufficient personnel to complete all technical requirements/tasks and deliverables within the contract period. Refer to sections 3 and 4 for details.

8.0 Security Requirements

N/A

9.0 Data Rights

Data collected and reports prepared under this contract are the property of the USDA Forest Service. Data publication is prohibited without prior consent of the USDA Forest Service, Ottawa National Forest and the USDA Forest Service reserves the right to edit any potential publications. The USDA Forest Service will be acknowledged in any publications using such data.

See also: “Data Rights – General” in Section C

10.0 Section 508 - Electronic and Information Technology Standards N/A for contractor. If deliverable, electronic documents under this performance work statement are not Section 508 compliant, it will be the Government’s responsibility to make them so.

11.0 Performance Requirement Measures

11.1 Inspection

Inspection will be done as work progresses to ensure compliance with contract terms, conditions, and specifications. This will include the COR or alternate COR joining the Contractor periodically during field surveys and reviewing field data sheets and GPS routes of completed surveys. Contractor should be prepared to show coverage of stands and may submit completed GPS routes electronically to the COR prior to the inspection, in order for the COR to make a map showing coverage, if that is helpful to Contractor. Any work not being properly performed will be brought to the immediate attention of the Contractor. The Contractor shall take prompt corrective action for any deficiencies or deviations that may occur under this contract.

After the Contractor informs the Government that work has been completed, the Government will perform a prompt final inspection and advise the Contractor of acceptance or rejection of the work performed.

11.2 Acceptance

Acceptance of work for all line items requires that all contract requirements are met including field reporting sheets are completely filled out, species identifications fall within known or likely distribution ranges (or vouchers are collected), and any voucher specimens are correctly and completely prepared and labeled.

Submitted GPS routes should show passage through all stands. If original inspection results are unacceptable, the Contractor must continue work until results are acceptable or request a re-examination. This request must be made in writing within 5 days of notice of unacceptable work.