PKG00246821-instructions.pdf

Overview: POA-CESU 19-01 Natural Resources Support Nellis Air Force Base Nevada. Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit.

1. Create Draft Work Plan.

2. Monitor Wetlands.

3. MGT, Species at Risk.

4. MGT, Species, Migratory / Neo-Tropical Bird.

5. MGT, Species, Candidate Species.

6. MGT, Habitat, Unique Habitats & Rare Plants.

See Scope of Work for detailed information.

Period of Performance is: 18 months from date of award.

Estimated Total Funding: $616,500 Anticipated Number of Awards: 1

Contents of Full Text Announcement I. Funding Opportunity Description 1. Project description, objectives & background II. Award Information 2. Project Tasks and Requirements III. Eligibility Information 3. Logistics IV. Application Information 4. Government Furnished Info &

Equipment V. Application Review Information 5. Data Collection & GIS Requirements

6. Deliverables

7. Period of Performance

8. Points of Contact

Contact Information: Questions that are related to Grants.gov including registration and system requirements should be directed to the Grants.gov contact center at 1-800-518-4726. For assistance with this funding Opportunity Announcement please contact Olen.R.Northern@usace.army.mil

Funding Agency:

US Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District 2204 3rd street

JBER, AK. 99506

Funding Instrument: Cooperative Agreement Funding Opportunity No: POA-CESU-19-01 CFDA No: 12.632 Program Title: Legacy Resource Management Program, Sikes Act 670c-1

Issue Date: 8 December 2018 Application Due Date: 7 January 2019

Instructions to Applicant: The complete Funding Opportunity Announcement, application forms and Instructions can be downloaded directly from Grants.gov.

Applications in response to this Funding Opportunity Announcement must be submitted by 2:00PM Alaska time, on the Application Due Date shown above. Applications may be submitted by mail, e-mail, or via the internet through Grants.gov. Each applicant is responsible to ensure their application has been received timely.

Applicants will have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, and registered

See section IV of the Funding Opportunity Announcement for complete application submission information.

Section I: Funding Opportunity Description

POA-CESU 19-01 Natural Resources Support Nellis Air Force Base Nevada.

Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit.Section II: Award Information

Cooperative Agreement, $616,500 with a 18 month period of performance Beginning on the date of award.

Section III: Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants – CESU participants.

Section IV: Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

The complete funding opportunity announcement, application forms, and instructions are available for download at Grants.gov. USACE is not responsible for any loss of internet connectivity or for an applicant’s inability to access documents posted at the referenced website.

The administrative point of contact is Olen Northern, (907) 753-2525, Olen.R.Northern@usace.army.mil.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

All mandatory forms and any applicable optional forms must be completed in accordance with the instructions on the forms and the additional instructions below.

a. SF 424 - Application for Federal Assistance

b. SF 424 A – Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs

c. SF 424 B – Assurances – Non-Construction Programs

d. Program Narrative – Brief program description illustrating applicant’s ability to meet the goals and objectives described in Section I of the announcement.

Application shall be submitted NO LATER THAN 7 January-2019

3. Submission Instructions

Applications may be submitted via e-mail and, or the internet.

a. Internet:

Applicants are required to submit proposals through Grants.gov. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their Grants.gov proposal submission is received in its entirety. The Government bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission of conversion processes associated with electronic submissions. The Government will bear no responsibility for delays in submissions due to technical difficulties at or with the Grants.gov website.

All applicants using Grants.gov to submit proposals must be registered and have and account with Grants.gov. It may take up to three weeks to complete Grants.gov registration. For more information on registration, go to http://www.grants.gov/ForApplicants.

b. E-mail:

If there is an issue with submission to Grants.gov, please contact the Corps at the email addresses below. Format all documents to print on Letter (8 ½ x 11”) paper.

E-mail proposal to Olen.R.Northern@usace.army.mil

Section V: Application Review Information

1. Evaluation for Selection to receive consideration for award, the proposal must meet the requirements set forth in this FOA and be presented with adequate detail to assure the evaluator(s) have a good understanding of the proposed requirement(s). All proposals will be evaluated to determine the extent to which each offeror demonstrates a clear understanding of the requirements of the announcement, Scope of Work (SOW), and

FOA.

Each potential recipient shall submit a proposal that completely addresses all evaluation criteria and specifically identifies how each requirement will be satisfied. Technical proposal shall be no longer than 15-pages, font 12 (This page limitation is in addition to all required forms). All questions shall be submitted no later than 17 December 2018 at 2:00PM Alaska time.

2. Basis of Award: The selection decision will be based on the NFE offering the best overall value to the Government, with consideration given to all factors described below (weighted in descending order of importance). Proposals will not be ranked. The Government will not award a Cooperative Agreement to a grantee whose proposal contains a deficiency. The selection will not be based on lowest proposed cost, it will be based on an analysis of each criteria listed below. The proposal document shall be outlined as shown below.

SCOPE OF WORK

NATURAL RESOURCES SUPPORT

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE (NAFB)

COOPERATIVE ECOSSYSTEM STUDIES UNIT (CESU)

Project Cost Ceiling: $616,500

1. GENERAL

Projects for execution under this CA by USACE do not include any functions to be performed that are inherently governmental. This determination is made with the assessment that places emphasis on the degree to which conditions and facts restrict the discretionary authority, decision-making responsibility, or accountability of Government officials using recipient services or work products.

This CA shall not be used for performance of personal services. These tasks provided by the customer for execution under this CA by USACE do not include functions to be performed that are personal services.

Any modifications to Cooperative Agreement activities as outlined by this SOW must be coordinated through the Grants Officer’s Technical Representative (GOTR) and approved by the Grants Officer (GO) prior to Non-Federal Entity (NFE) implementation.

2. OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the work to be performed under this cooperative agreement are to conduct natural resource tasks on the federal lands belonging to Nellis Air Force Base (AFB), and to prepare reports detailing the results of this work for submission to the USACE Alaska District point of contact (POC), AFCEC Nellis Installation Support Section (ISS) POC, and Nellis Natural Resource POC.

3. MAJOR REQUIREMENTS AND TASKS

3.1. MONITOR WETLANDS (RKXF197312)

This study will expand upon work started on surveying the surface waters of the Nellis Test and Training Range (NTTR) for seeps and springs as authorized under the Sikes Act. This study will determine location using Global Positioning System (GPS); in addition a survey will be made to see if there are any rare, threatened or endangered plants and animals as defined under the Endangered Species Act at these locations. The Sikes Act authorizes the Secretary of Defense to develop lands for conservation and rehabilitation of military reservations. The Endangered Species Act provides a means whereby the ecosystems upon which endangered and threatened species depend may be conserved, and to provide a program for the conservation of these species. Increased pressures from the Southern Nevada Water Authority and other agencies interested in using waters on Air Force lands make the need for this study urgent.

The purpose of this task is for the NFE to conduct seeps/springs survey and inventory on various areas on the NTTR. Areas to be studied will be prioritized based on these areas of the NTTR where outside pressures pose the largest risk to natural resources. The NFE will have adequate experience in working on wetlands/seeps/springs and determining water quality.

Based on range access restrictions and mission training activities, field work will often be required to be conducted on weekends and holidays, in addition to normal weekdays. Required field work must be completed during biologically accepted activity (breeding, migratory, wintering, nesting, blooming,) seasons, based on range access availability. Surveys may be required to be conducted outside of the normal seasons if stipulated by various land/wildlife managing agencies and as approved by AFCEC/Nellis ISS and the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager.

Scope The overall purpose of this project is to continue to map, photograph, survey, and determine water quality and volume of each seep/spring survey on the NTTR, and provide best management practices to sustain military air training operations and readiness through ecosystem management. The project’s product will be the continuation of mapping seeps and spring locations, water quality, and condition. GIS data such as spring or seep designation, location, surrounding vegetation and wildlife use will be collected and entered into the Natural Resources GIS data base.

NFE personnel must be able to obtain clearance for NTTR and will be escorted by a Government employee/escort at all times while on the range. All specialized equipment must be cleared for use on the range prior to start of the project. The NFE will use rental or company vehicles, or helicopters, and as available Government owned vehicles (GOVs) for use on the range. No privately owned vehicles (POVs) are allowed on the range. Areas for surveys will be determined based on scheduled activities and range access.

Required photographs will be taken by a Government employee and not released for NFE use until after being cleared through the NTTR XPN office.

Initial Meeting Within 30 days of award of this task order, the NFE will schedule an initial project kick off meeting with all parties involved (Nellis AFB, AFCEC/Nellis ISS, NFEs, etc.) to develop a project work schedule to implement the SOW. All deliverables/tasks will be submitted within the required timeframes as identified.

The NFE shall work with the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager to establish priority areas of survey areas to evaluate, map, and monitor seeps and springs on the NTTR. This determination should be made based on mission priority, range access, or by habitat priority as determined by the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager. Due to NTTR mission and training prioritization schedules and access restrictions, implementation of fieldwork activity/schedules may be required to be changed, as agreed upon as necessary by the NFE, AFCEC/Nellis ISS and the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager.

Review Existing Data/Fieldwork Preparation The NFE shall review historic wetlands, seeps, and springs data and information for the NTTR.

Utilize existing datasets and GIS layers/aerial imagery to plan out locations for fieldwork and coordinate proposed locations with the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager by submitting a proposed schedule for the year. The schedule shall be updated by the first of each month. Field requests and maps shall be submitted at least 30 days prior to each field event for coordination and approval.

Coordinate with the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager to arrange and prepare for supplies, equipment, personnel, transportation, range access information, etc. in preparation for field events. Certain equipment and supplies must be picked up at Nellis AFB from the Natural Resources Program Office. Equipment may be checked out at the start of the field season or as needed and returned after the field season is completed.

Fieldwork The NFE will perform fieldwork for this project in order to conduct wetlands, seeps, and spring surveys and monitoring on the NTTR. Protocols for surveys will be coordinated with the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager during the initial meeting and submitted prior to the start of field work.

Draft/Draft Final/Final Project Reports Three (3) copies of a draft project report will be submitted within 60 days of the conclusion of the field season. Nellis AFB will coordinate and consolidate Air Force comments/corrections on the draft within 30 days. Upon receipt of comments/corrections, on the draft project report, 3 copies of a final draft project report will be submitted within 30 days for final review. Air Force review and comments on the final draft project report will be conducted within 30 days.

Ten (10) hard copies and ten (10) electronic copies of the final project report will be due within 30 days upon receipt of Nellis AFB comments on the final draft project report. The reports shall be submitted on a staggered schedule with no more than three reports submitted per week.

If more than three reports are submitted in a week, then additional time will be needed for governmental review. The project report format and contents will be approved during the initial project meeting by the Air Force. The report will include but is not limited to an executive summary, site characterization, survey methods, field notes and data sheets, results, population trend data where applicable, discussion and management recommendations, and military mission implications. Maps and drawings will be provided. All documents shall be provided in Microsoft Word and pdf formats. All photographs, data, and original data forms will be provided to 99 CES/CEIEA.

3.2. MGT, SPECIES, SPECIES AT RISK (RKXF196314)

This study will continue the process of surveying the NTTR, Nellis AFB, and Creech AFB for populations of wildlife species at risk as authorized under the Sikes Act and to determine if there are any rare, sensitive species of concern, threatened or endangered species, as defined under the Endangered Species Act, present on the NTTR, Nellis AFB, and Creech AFB. The Sikes Act authorizes the Secretary of Defense to develop lands for conservation and rehabilitation of military reservations. The Endangered Species Act provides a means whereby the ecosystems upon which endangered and threatened species depend may be conserved, and to provide a program for the conservation of these species. Currently, NTTR, Nellis AFB, and Creech AFB contain habitats for species such as northern shrike, Swainson’s hawk, greater short-horned lizard, Gilbert’s skink, rosy boa, round tail ground squirrel, ringtail and other species. There is some baseline data regarding habitat, species abundance, or existing conditions. Additional data is needed for the Air Force use to support or oppose potential habitat listings, resulting in the State, federal and other agencies dictating courses of action under the Endangered Species Act. Failure to investigate these resources could result in land restrictions impacting the military mission of the NTTR, Nellis AFB, and Creech AFB.

The purpose of this task is for a NFE to conduct wildlife species at risk surveys on areas on the NTTR, Nellis AFB, and Creech AFB determined as suitable habitat. Areas to be studied will be prioritized based on habitat, vegetation types and areas which might be developed in the future for military test and training missions. The NFE will have adequate experience in performing wildlife surveys, plant identification, and habitat mapping. Based on range access restrictions and mission training activities, field work will often be required to be conducted on weekends and holidays, in addition to normal weekdays. Required field work must be completed during biologically accepted activity (breeding, migratory, wintering, nesting, blooming,) seasons, based on range access availability. Surveys may be required to be conducted outside of the normal seasons if stipulated by various land/wildlife managing agencies and as approved by the AFCEC/Nellis ISS and Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager.

Scope The overall purpose of this project is to continue to document species at risk populations and seasonal habitat use on the NTTR, Nellis AFB, and Creech AFB, and provide best management practices to sustain military air training operations and readiness. The project’s product will be the continuation of mapping and updating the NTTR, Nellis AFB, and Creech AFB species at risk and populations, habitat use, and seasonal distribution. GIS data such as species occurrence, seasonal habitat use, and estimated population densities will be collected and entered into the Natural Resources GIS data base.

NFE personnel must be able to obtain clearance for the NTTR and will be escorted by a Government employee at all times while on the range. All specialized equipment must be cleared for use on the range prior to start of the project. The NFE will use only rental or company vehicles, or GOVs as available, or helicopters for use on the range. No POVs are allowed on the range. Areas for wildlife surveys will be determined based on scheduled activities and range access.

Required photographs will be taken by a Government employee and not released for NFE use until after being cleared through the NTTR XPN office.

Initial Meeting Within 30 days of award of this task order, the NFE will schedule an initial project kick off meeting with all parties involved (Nellis AFB, AFCEC/Nellis ISS, NFEs, etc) to develop a project work schedule to implement the SOW. All deliverables/tasks will be submitted within the required timeframes as identified.

The NFE shall work with the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager to establish priority areas of survey areas to evaluate, map, monitor, and document species at risk populations and seasonal habitat on the NTTR, Nellis AFB, and Creech AFB. This determination should be made based on mission priority, range access, or by habitat priority as determined by the Nellis- Natural Resources Program Manager. Due to the NTTR mission and training prioritization schedules and access restrictions, implementation of fieldwork activity/schedules may be require to be changed, as agreed upon as necessary by the NFE, AFCEC/Nellis ISS, and the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager.

Review Existing Data/Fieldwork Preparation Review historic species at risk population data, and habitat use on the NTTR, Nellis AFB, and Creech AFB. Utilize existing datasets and GIS layers/aerial imagery to plan out locations for fieldwork and coordinate proposed locations with Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager by submitting a proposed schedule for the year. The schedule shall be updated by the first of each month. Field requests and maps shall be submitted at least 30 days prior to each field event for coordination and approval.

Coordinate with the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager to arrange and prepare for supplies, equipment, personnel, transportation, range access information, etc. in preparation for field events. Certain equipment and supplies may be checked out from Nellis AFB Natural Resources Program Office prior to the field season and returned after the field season is completed.

Fieldwork Required field work must be completed during biologically accepted seasons (breeding, migratory, wintering, nesting) as delineated for each type of survey listed below, based on range access availability. Surveys may be required to be conducted outside of the normal seasons if stipulated by various land/wildlife managing agencies and as approved by the Nellis- Natural Resources Program Manager. Approved survey protocols will be followed where possible, while ensuring compliance with Range access/restrictions. Adjustments to the protocols will be documented and submitted with data sheets.

The NFE will conduct live mammal trapping. Each trapping session will be coordinated with the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager. Trapping sessions on the NTTR will be scheduled based on range availability and weather to minimize mortality of trapped animals.

Trapping protocols and locations will be coordinated and approved by the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager prior to initial trapping session.

The NFE will conduct Anabat type recording nights for call detection/analysis. A recording night equals one (1) Anabat type device recording for one (1) night. Recordings may be conducted from April thru October. Locations of recording will be focused at water sources, caves and mines, or targeted habitats as approved by the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager.

Surveys will be conducted for specific species as approved by the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager. This determination should be made based on mission priority, range access, or by species priority as determined by the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager.

Seasonal timing, survey protocols, and locations of surveys will be approved on a case my case basis. Survey types may include but are not limited to avian point counts, diurnal field surveys, night driving/spotlighting surveys, live trapping, call recordings, mist netting, etc. The NFE will conduct fieldwork on the NTTR. All adjustments to the protocols will be documented and submitted with data sheets to the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager.

The NFE will set up, maintain and evaluate trail cameras for species specific utilization of springs/water sources, or species targeted locations on the NTTR. Locations, orientation, and settings will be approved by Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager and coordinated with the NTTR prior to installation of the cameras, ensuring compliance with Range access/restrictions The cameras will be checked at least once every three (3) months, where camera cards (and batteries as necessary) will be replaced and camera functionality/orientation will be checked.

Draft/Draft Final/Final Project Reports Three (3) copies of a draft project report will be submitted within 60 days of the conclusion of the field season. Nellis AFB will coordinate and consolidate Air Force comments/corrections on the draft within 30 days. Upon receipt of comments/corrections, on the draft project report, 3 copies of a final draft project report will be submitted within 30 days for final review. Air Force review and comments on the final draft project report will be conducted within 30 days.

Ten (10) hard copies and ten (10) electronic copies of the final project report will be due within 30 days upon receipt of Nellis AFB comments on the final draft project report. The reports shall be submitted on a staggered schedule with no more than three reports submitted per week.

If more than three reports are submitted in a week, then additional time will be needed for governmental review. The project report format and contents will be approved during the initial project meeting by the Air Force. The report will include but is not limited to an executive summary, site characterization, survey methods, field notes and data sheets, results, population trend data where applicable, discussion and management recommendations, and military mission implications. Maps and drawings will be provided. All documents shall be provided in Microsoft Word and pdf formats. All photographs, data, and original data forms will be provided to 99 CES/CEIEA.

All new findings and data analysis conducted for specific species studied during this project will be incorporated into the existing Special Status Species Management Guidelines, a living document used by the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager for ecosystem management of the base and range.

3.3. MGT, SPECIES, MIGRATORY/NEO-TROPICAL BIRD (RKXF196312)

Migratory bird migration routes pose a major Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) potential to military air operations during fall and spring bird migrations. Resident birds and raptors are also a BASH concern on the NTTR, Nellis AFB, and Creech AFB. The NTTR is one of the military’s largest air operations training range. Major raptor (birds of prey) migration routes are known to traverse Nevada following the mountainous ridge tops in the north/south directions. The Goshute Mountain Range (northern Nevada) and Spring Mountain Range (southern Nevada) are two known and documented migration routes. The NTTR, Nellis AFB, and Creech AFB are located between these two (2) known migration routes.

The purpose of this task is for the NFE to conduct migratory bird surveys on areas on the NTTR, Nellis AFB, and Creech AFB. The NFE will have adequate experience in working with migratory birds in the western United States. Based on range access restrictions and mission training activities, field work will often be required to be conducted on weekends and holidays, in addition to normal weekdays. Required field work must be completed during biologically accepted activity (breeding, migratory, wintering, nesting, blooming,) seasons, based on range access availability. Surveys may be required to be conducted outside of the normal seasons if stipulated by various land/wildlife managing agencies and as approved by the USACE-PM/COR, AFCEC/Nellis ISS and the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager.

Scope The overall purpose of this project is to continue to document the migratory bird and raptor populations and seasonal habitat use on the NTTR, Nellis AFB, and Creech AFB, and provide best management practices to sustain military air training operations, readiness and reduce potential BASH issues. These best management practices will provide awareness of habitat use for nesting and major migration activities to increase mission training safety. The project’s product will be the continuation of mapping and updating the NTTR, Nellis AFB, and Creech AFB migratory bird and raptor populations, habitat use, and seasonal distribution. GIS data such as bird species occurrence, seasonal habitat use, average species migratory population densities, and known nesting areas will be collected and entered into the Natural Resources GIS data base.

NFE personnel must be able to obtain clearance for NTTR and will be escorted by a Government employee/escort at all times while on the range. All specialized equipment must be cleared for use on the range prior to start of the project. The NFE will use rental or company vehicles, or chartered helicopters, and as available GOVs for use on the range. No POVs are allowed on the range. Areas for surveys will be determined based on scheduled activities and range access.

Required photographs will be taken by a Government employee and not released for NFE use until after being cleared through the NTTR XPN office.

Initial Meeting Within 30 days of award of this task order, the NFE will schedule an initial project kick off meeting with all parties involved (Nellis AFB, AFCEC/Nellis ISS, NFEs, etc) to develop a project work schedule to implement the SOW. All deliverables/tasks will be submitted within the required timeframes as identified.

The NFE shall work with the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager to establish priority of survey areas to evaluate migratory bird and raptor species populations, habitats, foraging and nesting areas, seasonal use and species distribution on the NTTR, Nellis AFB, and Creech AFB. This determination should be made based on areas needed for future training and range access. Due to NTTR mission and training prioritization schedules and access restrictions, implementation of fieldwork activity/schedules may be require to be changed, as agreed upon as necessary by the NFE, the AFCEC/Nellis ISS, and the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager.

The NFE shall review historic migratory bird population data and habitat use on the NTTR, Nellis AFB, and Creech AFB. Utilize existing datasets and GIS layers/aerial imagery to plan out locations for fieldwork and coordinate proposed locations with Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager by submitting a proposed schedule for the year. The schedule shall be updated by the first of each month. Field requests and maps shall be submitted at least 30 days prior to each field event for coordination and approval.

Coordinate with the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager to arrange and prepare for supplies, equipment, personnel, transportation, range access information, etc. in preparation for field events. Certain equipment and supplies may be checked out at Nellis AFB from the Natural Resources Program Office prior to the field season and returned after the field season is completed.

Fieldwork Required field work must be completed during biologically accepted seasons (breeding, migratory, wintering, nesting) as delineated for each type of survey listed below, based on range access availability. If optics restrictions are in place, surveys will be cancelled for that day and rescheduled. Surveys may be required to be conducted outside of the normal seasons if stipulated by various land/wildlife managing agencies and as approved by the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager.

The NFE will conduct Great Basin Bird Observatory (GBBO) and raptor nesting surveys on the NTTR during the breeding season (South Range: 25 April – 30 June / North Range: 25 May – 10 July). Survey protocols from GBBO will be followed where possible, while ensuring compliance with Range access/restrictions. Adjustments to the protocols will be documented and submitted with data sheets.

The NFE will conduct stationary point count surveys on the NTTR during the breeding season (South Range: 25 April – 30 June / North Range: 25 May – 10 July), fall migration and Christmas Bird Count. These surveys can be done after the completion of a GBBO survey in the morning hours. Protocol for stationary point count surveys will be provided by the Nellis- Natural Resources Program Manager during initial meeting. Stationary point counts may be conducted at developed waters, springs, seeps, or high quality habitat, as appropriate and based on range availability.

The NFE will conduct raptor driving surveys on the NTTR, twice a year. Raptor driving surveys will be conducted on established survey routes on the North range, and surveys will be conducted on the South Range on established survey routes. The raptor driving surveys will be conducted once in the winter (January – February) timeframe and once in the summer (May- June) timeframe. Protocol for raptor driving surveys as well as location of established routes will be provided by the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager during initial meeting.

The NFE will conduct stationary point counts on Nellis AFB and Creech AFB, four (4) times a year. These stationary surveys will be conducted in February, May, August, and November.

Protocol for base stationary point count surveys as well as locations of surveys will be provided by the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager during initial meeting.

Draft/Draft Final/Final Project Reports Three (3) copies of a draft project report will be submitted within 60 days of the conclusion of the field season. Nellis AFB will coordinate and consolidate Air Force comments/corrections on the draft within 30 days. Upon receipt of comments/corrections, on the draft project report, 3 copies of a final draft project report will be submitted within 30 days for final review. Air Force review and comments on the final draft project report will be conducted within 30 days.

Ten (10) hard copies and ten (10) electronic copies of the final project report will be due within 30 days upon receipt of Nellis AFB comments on the final draft project report. The reports shall be submitted on a staggered schedule with no more than three reports submitted per week.

If more than three reports are submitted in a week, then additional time will be needed for governmental review. The project report format and contents will be approved during the initial project meeting by the Air Force. The report will include but is not limited to an executive summary, site characterization, survey methods, field notes and data sheets, results, population trend data where applicable, discussion and management recommendations, and military mission implications. Maps and drawings will be provided. All documents shall be provided in Microsoft Word and pdf formats. All photographs, data, and original data forms will be provided to 99 CES/CEIEA.

3.4. MGT, SPECIES, CANDIDATE SPECIES (RKXF197314)

This study will continue the process of surveying the NTTR, Nellis AFB, and Creech AFB for populations of wildlife candidate and special status species as authorized under the Sikes Act and to determine if there are any rare, sensitive species of concern, threatened or endangered species, as defined under the Endangered Species Act, present on the NTTR, Nellis AFB, and Creech AFB. The Sikes Act authorizes the Secretary of Defense to develop lands for conservation and rehabilitation of military reservations. The Endangered Species Act provides a means whereby the ecosystems upon which endangered and threatened species depend may be conserved, and to provide a program for the conservation of these species. Currently, NTTR, Nellis AFB, and Creech AFB contain habitats for species such as sage grouse, pygmy rabbits, Gila monster, snowy plover, southwest willow flycatchers, pallid kangaroo mouse, dark kangaroo mouse, pallid bat, Townsend’s big eared bat, and other species. There is some baseline data regarding habitat, species abundance, and existing conditions. Additional data is needed for the Air Force use to support or oppose potential habitat listings, resulting in the State, federal and other agencies dictating courses of action under the Endangered Species Act.

Failure to investigate these resources could result in land restrictions impacting the military mission of the NTTR, Nellis AFB, and Creech AFB.

The purpose of this task is for a NFE to conduct candidate or other special status species surveys on areas on the NTTR, Nellis AFB, and Creech AFB determined as suitable habitat.

Areas to be studied will be prioritized based on habitat, vegetation types and areas which might be developed in the future for military test and training missions. The NFE will have adequate experience in performing wildlife surveys, plant identification, and habitat mapping. Based on range access restrictions and mission training activities, field work will often be required to be conducted on weekends and holidays, in addition to normal weekdays. Required field work must be completed during biologically accepted activity (breeding, migratory, wintering, nesting, blooming,) seasons, based on range access availability. Surveys may be required to be conducted outside of the normal seasons if stipulated by various land/wildlife managing agencies and as approved by the AFCEC/Nellis ISS and Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager.

Scope The overall purpose of this project is to continue to document candidate and other special status species populations and seasonal habitat use on the NTTR, Nellis AFB, and Creech AFB, and provide best management practices to sustain military air training operations and readiness.

The project’s product will be the continuation of mapping and updating NTTR, Nellis AFB, and Creech AFB candidate and special status species and populations, habitat use, and seasonal distribution. GIS data such as species occurrence, seasonal habitat use, and estimated population densities will be collected and entered into the Natural Resources GIS data base.

All new findings and data analysis conducted for specific species studied during this project will be incorporated into the existing Special Status Species Management Guidelines, a living document used by the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager for ecosystem management of the base and range.

NFE personnel must be able to obtain clearance for NTTR and will be escorted by a Government employee at all times while on the range. All specialized equipment must be cleared for use on the range prior to start of the project. The NFE will use only rental or company vehicles, or GOVs as available, or helicopters for use on the range. No POVs are allowed on the range. Areas for wildlife surveys will be determined based on scheduled activities and range access.

Required photographs will be taken by a Government employee and not released for NFE use until after being cleared through the NTTR XPN office.

Initial Meeting Within 30 days of award of this task order, the NFE will schedule an initial project kick off meeting with all parties involved (Nellis AFB, AFCEC/Nellis ISS, NFEs, etc) to develop a project work schedule to implement the SOW. All deliverables/tasks will be submitted within the required timeframes as identified.

The NFE shall work with the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager to establish priority areas of survey areas to evaluate, map, monitor, and document candidate or priority species populations and seasonal habitat on the NTTR, Nellis AFB, and Creech AFB. This determination should be made based on mission priority, range access, or by habitat priority as determined by the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager. Due to NTTR mission and training prioritization schedules and access restrictions, implementation of fieldwork activity/schedules may be require to be changed, as agreed upon as necessary by the NFE, AFCEC/Nellis ISS, and the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager.

Review historic candidate species population data, and habitat use on the NTTR, Nellis AFB, and Creech AFB. Utilize existing datasets and GIS layers/aerial imagery to plan out locations for fieldwork and coordinate proposed locations with Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager by submitting a proposed schedule for the year. The schedule shall be updated by the first of each month. Field requests and maps shall be submitted at least 30 days prior to each field event for coordination and approval.

Coordinate with the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager to arrange and prepare for supplies, equipment, personnel, transportation, range access information, etc. in preparation for field events. Certain equipment and supplies may be checked out at Nellis AFB from the Natural Resources Program Office prior to the field season and returned after the field season is completed.

Fieldwork Required field work must be completed during biologically accepted seasons (breeding, migratory, wintering, nesting) as delineated for each type of survey listed below, based on range access availability. Surveys may be required to be conducted outside of the normal seasons if stipulated by various land/wildlife managing agencies and as approved by the Nellis- Natural Resources Program Manager. Approved survey protocols will be followed where possible, while ensuring compliance with Range access/restrictions. Adjustments to the protocols will be documented and submitted with data sheets.

The NFE will conduct live mammal trapping. Each trapping session will be coordinated with the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager. Trapping sessions on the NTTR will be scheduled based on range availability and weather to minimize mortality of trapped animals.

Trapping protocols and locations will be coordinated and approved by the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager prior to initial trapping session.

The NFE will conduct Anabat type device recording nights for call detection/analysis. A recording night equals one (1) Anabat type device recording for one (1) night. Recordings may be conducted from April thru October. Locations of recording will be focused at water sources, caves and mines, or targeted habitats as approved by the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager.

Surveys will be conducted for specific species as approved by the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager. This determination should be made based on mission priority, range access, or by species priority as determined by the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager.

Seasonal timing, survey protocols, and locations of surveys will be approved on a case my case basis. Survey types may include but are not limited to avian point counts, diurnal field surveys, night driving/spotlighting surveys, live trapping, call recordings, mist netting, etc. The NFE will conduct fieldwork on the NTTR. All adjustments to the protocols will be documented and submitted with data sheets to the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager.

The NFE will set up, maintain and evaluate trail cameras for species specific utilization of springs/water sources, or species targeted locations on the NTTR. Locations, orientation, and settings will be approved by Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager and coordinated with the NTTR prior to installation of the cameras, ensuring compliance with Range access/restrictions The cameras will be checked at least once every three (3) months, where camera cards (and batteries as necessary) will be replaced and camera functionality/orientation will be checked. Survey protocols will be followed where possible, while ensuring compliance with Range access/restrictions. Adjustments to the protocols will be documented and submitted with data sheets to the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager.

Draft/Draft Final/Final Project Reports Three (3) copies of a draft project report will be submitted within 60 days of the conclusion of the field season. Nellis AFB will coordinate and consolidate Air Force comments/corrections on the draft within 30 days. Upon receipt of comments/corrections, on the draft project report, 3 copies of a final draft project report will be submitted within 30 days for final review. Air Force review and comments on the final draft project report will be conducted within 30 days.

Ten (10) hard copies and ten (10) electronic copies of the final project report will be due within 30 days upon receipt of Nellis AFB comments on the final draft project report. The reports shall be submitted on a staggered schedule with no more than three reports submitted per week.

If more than three reports are submitted in a week, then additional time will be needed for governmental review. The project report format and contents will be approved during the initial project meeting by the Air Force. The report will include but is not limited to an executive summary, site characterization, survey methods, field notes and data sheets, results, population trend data where applicable, discussion and management recommendations, and military mission implications. Maps and drawings will be provided. All documents shall be provided in Microsoft Word and pdf formats. All photographs, data, and original data forms will be provided to 99 CES/CEIEA.

3.5. MGT, HABITAT, UNIQUE HABITATS & RARE PLANTS (RKXF197313)

Currently, Nellis AFB, Creech AFB, and the NTTR contain habitats for species such as burrowing owls, pygmy rabbits, bats, southwest willow fly catchers, and other species. There is some baseline data regarding habitat, species abundance, or existing conditions. Additional data is needed for the Air Force use to support or oppose potential habitat listings, resulting in the State, federal and other agencies dictating courses of action under the Endangered Species Act.

The purpose of this task is for the NFE to conduct unique habitat delineation and rare plant surveys on areas on Nellis AFB, Creech AFB, and the NTTR. The NFE will have adequate experience in working with vegetation in the western United States. Based on range access restrictions and mission training activities, field work will often be required to be conducted on weekends and holidays, in addition to normal weekdays. Required field work must be completed during biologically accepted activity (breeding, migratory, wintering, nesting, blooming,) seasons, based on range access availability. Surveys may be required to be conducted outside of the normal seasons if stipulated by various land/wildlife managing agencies and as approved by the AFCEC/Nellis ISS and Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager.

Scope The overall purpose of this project is to conduct surveys and inventory the unique habitats/rare plants on Nellis AFB, Creech AFB, and the NTTR and provide best management practices to sustain military air training operations and readiness through ecosystem management. The project’s product will be the continuation of mapping unique habitats as well as rare plants and updating the Unique Habitat/Rare Plants Management program guidelines with the most current data collected/ analyzed during this project. GIS data such as unique habitat designations and boundaries, rare plant species population locations and densities, will be collected and entered into the Natural Resources GIS data base.

NFE personnel must be able to obtain clearance for the NTTR and will be escorted by a Government employee/escort at all times while on the range. All specialized equipment must be cleared for use on the range prior to start of the project. The NFE will use rental or company vehicles, or helicopters, and as available GOVs for use on the range. No (POVs are allowed on the range. Areas for surveys will be determined based on scheduled activities and range access.

Required photographs will be taken by a Government employee and not released for NFE use until after being cleared through the NTTR XPN office.

Initial Meeting Within 30 days of award of this task order, the NFE will schedule an initial project kick off meeting with all parties involved (Nellis AFB, AFCEC/Nellis ISS, NFEs, etc) to develop a project work schedule to implement the SOW. All deliverables/tasks will be submitted within the required timeframes as identified.

The NFE shall work with the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager to establish priority areas of survey areas to evaluate and map unique habitats and rare plant populations and distributions on Nellis AFB, Creech AFB, and the NTTR. This determination should be made based on mission priority, range access, or by habitat priority as determined by the Nellis- Natural Resources Program Manager. Due to NTTR mission and training prioritization schedules and access restrictions, implementation of fieldwork activity/schedules may be require to be changed, as agreed upon as necessary by the NFE, AFCEC/Nellis ISS, and the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager.

Review Existing Data/Fieldwork Preparation Review historic unique habitats maps and rare plant population data on Nellis AFB, Creech AFB, and the NTTR. Utilize existing datasets and GIS layers/aerial imagery to plan out locations for fieldwork and coordinate proposed locations with Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager by submitting a proposed schedule for the year. The schedule shall be updated by the first of each month. Field requests and maps shall be submitted at least 30 days prior to event for coordination and approval.

Coordinate with the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager to arrange and prepare for supplies, equipment, personnel, transportation, range access information, etc. in preparation for field events. Certain equipment and supplies may be checked out at Nellis AFB from the Natural Resources Program Office prior to the field season and returned after the field season is completed.

Fieldwork Required field work must be completed during biologically accepted seasons (breeding, migratory, wintering, nesting) as delineated for each type of survey listed below, based on range access availability. If optics restrictions are in place, surveys will be cancelled for that day and rescheduled. Surveys may be required to be conducted outside of the normal seasons if stipulated by various land/wildlife managing agencies and as approved by the AFCEC/Nellis ISS and Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager.

The NFE will conduct unique habitat delineation and rare plant surveys Nellis AFB, Creech AFB, and the NTTR. Dates for these surveys will be dependent on range access availability.

The unique habitat delineation and rare plant surveys may require fieldwork utilizing a helicopter during surveys on the NTTR. Adjustments to the protocols will be documented and submitted with data sheets to the Nellis-Natural Resources Program Manager.

Draft/Draft Final/Final Project Reports Three (3) copies of a draft project report will be submitted within 60 days of the conclusion of the field season. Nellis AFB will coordinate and consolidate Air Force comments/corrections on the draft within 30 days. Upon receipt of comments/corrections, on the draft project report, 3 copies of a final draft project report will be submitted within 30 days for final review. Air Force review and comments on the final draft project report will be conducted within 30 days.

Ten (10) hard copies and ten (10) electronic copies of the final project report will be due within 30 days upon receipt of Nellis AFB comments on the final draft project report. The reports shall be submitted on a staggered schedule with no more than three reports submitted per week. If more than three reports are submitted in a week, then additional time will be needed for governmental review. The project report format and contents will be approved during the initial project meeting by the Air Force. The report will include but is not limited to an executive summary, site characterization, survey methods, field notes and data sheets, results, population trend data where applicable, discussion and management recommendations, and military mission implications.