RFP_Liberty_Rare_Plant_Survey_updated_rev_01292024.pdf

Auburn University Request for Proposal

SURVEY FOR RARE, THREATENED, AND ENDANGERED PLANT SPECIES, FORT

LIBERTY, NORTH CAROLINA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page Section I: Request for Proposal 2

Statement of Purpose 2 Scope of Work 2

1. General 2

1.1. Description of Services/Introduction 2

1.2. Scope 2

1.3. Period of Performance 2

1.4. General Information 2

2. Acronyms 7

2.1. Acronyms 7

3. Government Furnished Items and Services 8

4. Service Provider Furnished Items and Responsibilities 9

4.1. General 9

4.2. Materials 9

5. Specific Tasks 9

6. Applicable Publications 15

7. Attachment/Technical Exhibit List 16 Technical Exhibit 1- Fort Liberty/Camp Machall Plant List 17 Technical Exhibit 2- Map 23 Technical Exhibit 3- Rare Plant Survey Form 24 Section II: Instructions to Proposers 27 Section III: Form of Proposal 28 Section IV: Evaluation Criteria 29 Section V: Calendar of Events 30 ATTACHMENT A – Pricing Sheet 31 ATTACHMENT B – Insurance Addendum 32

Section I. Request for Proposal

Statement of Purpose

Auburn University is seeking to contract with a service provider capable of surveying for rare and endangered plant species at Fort Liberty, North Carolina and providing the requested documentation for new and past occurrences.

Scope of Work

1. GENERAL: This is a non-personnel services agreement to survey for rare and endangered plant species at Fort Liberty, North Carolina. The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the Auburn service provider performing the services herein. Such service providers shall be accountable solely to the Auburn who, in turn is responsible to the Government. Auburn, in turn, shall be accountable to the Government for Auburn service provider personnel.

1.1. Description of Services/Introduction: the service provider shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform the rare plant survey, as defined in this Scope of Work (SOW), except for those items specified as government furnished property and services. The service provider shall perform to the standards in this task order. Specific tasks can be found in Part 5 of this SOW.

1.2. Scope: The Rare Plant Survey is the primary method through which new rare plant sites are found and known rare plant sites are checked. There are three federally listed endangered plants which are known to occur on Fort Liberty, and three others which occur in nearby areas. No activities aside from plant site management may take place in the well-marked, Federal rare plant sites in Fort Liberty’s training areas. Aside from Federally listed plants, there are six Army Species-At-Risk (SAR) plants which have the potential to impose further restrictions should their conservation status elevate to the Federal level.

There are 36 other plants with state conservation legal statuses, some of which are currently being petitioned for Federal listing. Seventy-two other species have been identified by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program as being Significantly Rare, or on a rare watch list. The service provider will use specific knowledge of Sandhills plant communities and the local fire history to survey areas with the highest likelihood of new federal and SAR occurrences. The service provider will also check all known SAR and state plant sites.

Throughout the course of the survey, the service provider will record the location for any significant occurrences of the invasive species Lespedeza bicolor. See Specific Tasks Section 5. 5 for more details, along with the accompanying survey maps.

1.3. Period of Performance: The period of performance is 1 June 2024 to 31 May 2025.

1.4. General Information

1.4.1. Quality Control: Quality Control is the responsibility of the service provider and Auburn. The service provider is ultimately responsible for the delivery of quality services/supplies to the Government.

1.4.1.1. Quality Control Program: The Government is committed to a highly interactive relationship between quality control by the service provider and quality assurance by the Government recipient of services. This relationship shall be achieved through an effective Prevention Based Quality Control Program (QPC) dedicated to ensuring the best possible products and services to end users.

1. 4. 1. 1. 1. The service provider’s quality program shall demonstrate its prevention-based outlook by meeting the objectives stated in the SOW throughout all areas of performance.

The QCP shall be developed to specify the service provider’s responsibility for management and quality control actions to meet the terms of the task order. The QCP at a minimum shall address continuous process improvement; procedures for scheduling, conducting and documentation of inspection; discrepancy identification and correction;

corrective action procedures to include procedures for addressing Government discovered non-conformances; procedures for root cause analysis to identify the root cause and root cause corrective action to prevent re-occurrence of discrepancies; procedures for trend analysis; procedures for collecting and addressing customer feedback/complaints.

1. 4. 1. 1. 2. The service provider shall provide all reports generated as a result of service provider’s quality control efforts. This shall include any summary information used to track quality control, including any charts/graphs within 24 hours of completion or upon request from the Intergovernmental Service Agreement Manager (IGSA-M) or the Technical Representative (TR).

1. 4. 1. 1. 3. The service provider’s QCP shall be incorporated into and become part of this task order after the plan has been accepted by Auburn, the IGSA-M and TR. Proposed changes made after acceptance shall be submitted in writing through Auburn, the TR to the IGSA-M for review and acceptance prior to implementing any revision. The service provider’s QCP shall be maintained throughout the life of the task order and shall include service provider’s procedures to routinely evaluate the effectiveness of the plan to ensure the service provider is meeting the performance standards and requirements of the contract.

1.4.2. Recognized Federal Holidays: The service provider shall not be required to perform services on recognized federal holidays. The recognized federal holidays include:

New Year’s Day Labor Day

Martin Luther King Jr’s Birthday Columbus Day

President’s Day Veteran’s Day

Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day

Juneteenth Christmas Day

Independence Day

1.4.3. Hours of Operation: The service provider shall be responsible for conducting business normally between the hours of 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM; Monday through Friday, except federal holidays or when the government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings or similar government directed facility closings. The service provider shall at all times maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this PWS when the government facility is not closed for the above reasons. The service provider is allowed to work flexible hours (weekends and after normal duty hours) in order to conduct surveys that do not interrupt military training.

1.4.4. Place of Performance: The work to be performed under this agreement will be accomplished at Fort Liberty and Camp Mackall Military Installations.

1.4.5. Security Requirements: Service provider personnel shall comply with all applicable security and safety regulations, guidance, and procedures, including local, referenced in this SOW and in effect at the work sites. All personnel must meet requirements IAW DOD Directive 8570.

1.4.5.1. Physical Security: The service provider shall be responsible for safeguarding all government equipment, information and property provided for their use. At the close of each work period, government facilities, equipment, and materials shall be secured.

1.4.5.2. Release of Information: The service provider will not publicize, nor release in any manner, information, or data in regard to projects on which they may be working or negotiating with this office, nor discuss prior to public release by this office, a project, any future project/program, or any planning with anyone not directly concerned with the project. Any inquiries regarding these matters will be referred to the IGSA-M or TR.

1.4.5.3. Fraud, Waste, and Abuse: In accordance with AR 11-2, Internal Management Controls, the service provider shall be responsible for maintaining proper conduct and good discipline within their work areas. Service provider personnel shall be encouraged to be alert to and report to designated representatives suspected situations of fraud, waste, and abuse or other intentionally dishonest conduct observed during or in the performance of contract.

1. 4. 6. Key Control: N/A

1. 4. 7. Special Qualifications.

1. 4. 7. 1. General:

1. 4. 7. 1. 1. The service provider shall be responsible for ensuring all personnel performing work under this task order possess and maintain current certifications as indicated in the

SOW.

1. 4. 7. 1. 2. Service provider personnel performing work under this task order shall be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language to effectively carry out all contract requirements. They shall have a command of both the written and spoken English language to properly clearly, and effectively communicate in person or via electronic devices (telephone or Email) with co-workers, customers, and the general public.

1. 4. 7. 1. 3. Service provider personnel performing work under this task order shall be U.

S. citizens unless the provisions of Army Regulation 25-2, Information Assurance have been fully completed and approval has been granted by the Government for the non-U. S.

citizen to perform the required support.

1. 4. 7. 1. 5. Access and General Protection/Security Policy and Procedures: All service provider personnel performing work under this task order shall comply with applicable installation, facility and area commander installation/facility access, local security policies and security procedures provided by the Security Manager Government representative.

Service provider personnel shall provide all information required for background checks to meet installation access requirements to be accomplished by the installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services or Security Office. Service provider personnel must comply with all personal identity verification requirements as directed by DOD, HQDA or local policies. In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by this task order, should the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) at any individual facility or installation change, the Government may require changes in service provider’s security matters or processes.

1. 4. 7. 2. Other Qualifications:

Many of the target species are narrowly endemic to the Sandhills region of North Carolina;

therefore, specialized knowledge of Sandhills ecology shall be required of the service provider to conduct this survey. The service provider personnel conducting the survey shall possess a graduate degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) from an accredited college or university in botany or ecology, or related field, with a strong botanical and GIS background. The service provider personnel shall also have a minimum of 5 years of experience in the identification of rare, threatened and endangered plants in the Sandhills region of North Carolina, and be able to demonstrate proficiency in the use of ArcGIS

1. 4. 7. 2. 1. The Program Manager shall possess the same qualification as that described in

1. 4. 7. 2 plus 5 years’ experience in program management.

1. 4. 8. Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings: The service provider agrees to attend any post award conference convened by Fort Liberty IGSA-M and TR. The IGSA- M, TR, and Auburn may meet periodically with service provider to review performance.

At these meetings the IGSA-M, TR will apprise the service provider of how the Government views the service provider’s performance and service provider will apprise the Government of problems, if any, being experienced. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the Government.

1. 4. 9. Technical Representative (TR): The TR will be identified by separate letter of appointment. The TR monitors all technical aspects of the task order and assists in its administration. The TR is authorized to perform the following functions: Assure that the service provider performs the technical requirements of the task order; perform inspections necessary in connection with task order performance; maintain written and oral communications with service provider concerning technical aspects of the task order; issue written interpretations of technical requirements, including government drawings, designs, specifications; monitor service provider’s performance and notifies both the IGSA-M and service provider of any deficiencies; coordinate availability of government furnished property, and provide site entry of service provider personnel

1. 4. 9. 1. Responsibilities: The service provider shall perform all work and services for the described project in accordance with established criteria, standards, and instructions.

Service provider shall assume all responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the work. Should the service provider receive any directions or instructions which are beyond the scope of work, the service provider shall not proceed with such directions or instructions, and will notify the IGSA-M in writing within 10 calendar days. If such a request has any influence or impact on survey efforts, the service provider will include a description in the notification. The service provider will not modify, add, delete, or change the instructions stated in the SOW in any way without obtaining written approval from Auburn and the IGSA-M.

1. 4. 10. Key Personnel:

1. 4. 10. 1. The following are considered key personnel by the Government: Service provider shall provide a Program Manager (PM) who shall be responsible for the performance of the work under this task order. The name of this person shall be designated in writing to Auburn during the proposal and the IGSA-M and TR at the post award conference. The PM shall have full authority to act for the service provider on all task order matters relating to daily operation of this task order. The PM shall be available between the hours of 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, except federal holidays or when the government facility is closed for administrative reasons.

1. 4. 11. Service Provider Personnel:

1. 4. 11. 1. Identification of Service Provider Personnel: All service provider personnel attending meetings, answering government telephones, and working in other situations where their status is not obvious to third parties, are required to identify themselves as such to avoid creating an impression in the minds of members of the public that they are government officials. They must also ensure that all documents or reports produced by the service provider are suitably marked as service provider products or that service provider participation is appropriately disclosed.

1. 4. 11. 1. 2. The service providers shall provide each employee an ID badge on the task order start date or on the employment start date. The ID badge shall, at a minimum, have the employee’s name and the name of the service provider. All service provider personnel on duty shall wear identification badges on the upper front quadrant of the outer garment at all times when performing work under this task order. If wearing the badge in the designated location should constitute a safety hazard, the service provider shall designate an alternate location for display of the badge for the employee affected.

1. 4. 11. 1. 3. The service provider shall develop, maintain, and provide Auburn, the IGSA- M, and TR an updated roster which shall include names and positions of all service provider personnel. The service provider shall submit initial roster to the TR within five

(5) calendar days after the award of the task order.

2. DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS

2. 1. DEFINITIONS:

2. 1. 1. SERVICE PROVIDER PERSONNEL. Service provider employee, contractor or subcontractor employees performing work under this task order.

2. 1. 2. DEFECTIVE SERVICE. A service output that does not meet the standard of performance associated with the Scope of Work (SOW).

2. 1. 3. DELIVERABLE. Anything that can be physically delivered, but may include non-physical things, such as meeting minutes or reports.

2.1.4. INTERGOVERNMENTAL SUPPORT AGREEMENT MANAGER: Government employee appointed by the Garrison Commander to administer the Intergovernmental Support Agreement task order.

2. 1.5. KEY PERSONNEL. Service provider employees who are critical for achieving SOW objectives. Key personnel shall meet position qualification and experience requirements indicated in the SOW.

2. 1.6. PHYSICAL SECURITY. Actions that prevent the loss or damage of government property.

2. 1.7. QUALITY ASSURANCE. A planned and systematic pattern of all actions necessary to provide confidence that adequate technical requirements are established;

products and services conform to established technical requirements; and satisfactory performance is achieved. For the purposes of this document, quality assurance refers to actions by the Government.

2. 1.8. QUALITY CONTROL. All necessary measures taken by the service provider to assure that the quality of an end product or service shall meet contract requirements.

2. 1.9. SUBCONTRACTOR. One that enters into a contract with the service provider. The Government does not have privity of contract with the subcontractor.

2.1.10. TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE: Government employee appointed by the Garrison Commander to provide technical direction to Auburn and service provider, as long as that direction is within the scope of the task order, does not constitute a change, and has no funding implications. This individual does NOT have authority to change the terms and conditions of the task order.

2. 1.11. WORKDAY. The length of time during a day in which services are provided in accordance with the contract.

2. 1.12. WORK WEEK. Monday through Friday, unless otherwise specified.

2. 2. ACRONYMS:

AR Army Regulation CFR Code of Federal Regulations DA Department of the Army DOD Department of Defense IGSA-M Intergovernmental Service Agreement Manager ODC Other Direct Costs POC Point of Contact PWS Performance Work Statement QA Quality Assurance QAP Quality Assurance Program QC Quality Control QCP Quality Control Plan TE Technical Exhibit TR Technical Representative

3. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES:

3. 1. Government Furnished Items

The Fort Liberty Endangered Species Branch will provide the following items:

a. List of target rare species to be identified during survey (Word file)

b. Known rare plant occurrences and conservation statuses from previous survey efforts (ESRI shp file)

c. The project boundary, training areas, paved roads, unpaved roads, streams and bodies of water (ESRI shp files)

d. Aerial photography of survey area (MrSID file)

e. Prescribed fire burn plan maps for the current year (pdf)

f. Prescribed fire maps for previous years (pdf)

g. Fort Liberty Regulation 350-6, Installation Range Regulation (pdf)

h. Fort Liberty and Camp Mackall Military Installation Maps (pdf)

i. Flora of the NC Coastal Plain by Alan Weakley (pdf)

j. NC Natural Heritage Program’s Guide to the Natural Communities of NC by Michael Schafale (pdf)

4. SERVICE PROVIDER FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES:

4. 1. General: The service provider shall furnish all supplies, equipment, facilities and services required to perform work under this task order that are not listed under Section 3 of this SOW.

4. 2. Materials: The service provider shall provide all materials, supplies, and equipment necessary to complete the preparation and planting of the conversion areas.

5. SPECIFIC TASKS:

5. 1. Basic Services:

5. 1. 1. Description of Survey Area and Background.

This five-year rare plant survey will begin in FY24. This contract is for Year 1 only. Fort Liberty contains approximately 110,000 managed acres, with each year of the survey covering roughly one fifth of the area.

The FY24 survey area covers 22,435 acres located in the northern section of Fort Liberty, referred to as the Northern Training Area (NTA), and the undeveloped portions of Linden Oaks housing area. Referenced on the Fort Liberty Military Installation Map, the area is contained in training areas NTA1, NTA2, NTA3, NTA4, NTA5, NTA6, NTA7, NTA8 and the wooded area surrounding Linden Oaks. For the purposes of this document, the term “NTA” will include the training areas and the Linden Oaks area. The NTA is in the Sandhills region of the Coastal Plain physiographic province, centered at UTM coordinates 17S 677577m E 3899067m N. The property is located primarily in Harnett County, with areas extending south into Cumberland County and southwest into Moore County. Primary access is provided by Hwy 690 (Vass Rd), Hwy 24/87 (N Bragg Blvd), and Overhills Road. Aside from these paved roads, there are numerous unpaved roads and firebreaks throughout the survey area. Much of the NTA survey area was purchased in 1997 and includes the former Rockefeller Estate, known as the Overhills. The property was surveyed for rare plants in the same year, resulting in several element occurrence records for species with federal or state status. In 2006, several rare plant sites were lost to the 1,100-acre Linden Oaks housing area, which previously was undeveloped training lands (NTA 5).

5. 2. Training Area Requirements:

5.2.1. Scheduling. Work scheduling will defer to training needs without exception. The service provider shall conduct all activities in a way that will not disrupt or distract military training. Weekend and late afternoon/early evening work may sometimes be necessary in the case of access conflicts.

5.2.2. Range Pass. The service provider shall request and secure a range pass from Range Control before entering the training areas. The service provider shall provide the names of all field personnel and a description of any vehicles with tag numbers used during the survey. No personally owned vehicles will be allowed in the training areas.

5.2.3. Restricted Areas. The service provider shall observe all signs and map symbols, as certain areas may be restricted or off-limits. These areas are clearly marked on the Fort Liberty Military Installation Map.

5.2.4. Unexploded Ordnance. Unexploded ordinance (UXO) may be present in the survey area; therefore, the service provider shall not pick up or disturb any non-natural item.

5.2.5. Special Clothing. During hunting seasons, the service provider shall be required to wear a blaze orange hat and shirt or vest. A hunting calendar maintained by the Fort Liberty Wildlife Branch can be found at https://Liberty. isportsman. net.

5.2.6. Official Regulations. The service provider shall comply with all applicable provisions of Fort Liberty Regulation 350-6, Installation Range Regulation. All operations in training areas are subject to changes or termination at the direction of Range Control.

5.2.7. Restrictions. The service provider shall not travel off of maintained roads, firebreaks and trails to access project sites. Additionally, the service provider shall not park a vehicle in a way that blocks the road, firebreak or trail.

5. 3. Tasks.

5.3.1. Task One – Check Known Rare Plant Sites

The service provider shall check all known Army Species-At-Risk (SAR) training area plant sites and provide a stem count. Across the installation, there are 669 SAR plant sites:

50Amorpha georgiana, 123 Astragalus michauxii, 45 Lilium pyrophilum, 81 Lindera subcoriacea, 312 Pyxidanthera brevifolia , and 58 Stylisma pickeringii. It will not be required that service provider check federally endangered plant sites.

The service provider shall also check all other known plant sites that have only a state status, with no overlapping Federal or SAR status. These include state Endangered (SE), Threatened (ST), Species of Concern (SSC), Significantly Rare (SR) and Watch List (SWL). Across the installation, there are 629 plant sites with a state conservation status.

a. The service provider shall record the number of stems present of the given species at each SAR site, and provide an estimation of abundance at each state status plant site. At both SAR and state status sites, general notes will be taken about the condition of the plants or the overall site. A GIS layer will be provided to Auburn showing the location of all plant sites along with relevant data.

https://bragg.isportsman.net/

b. When the plants are absent from the EO site, the polygon for the site will remain in the current GIS layer.

5.3.2. Task Two – Survey for New Plant Sites

The service provider shall survey the training areas for new occurrences of rare plants with either federal, SAR, or state status. Fort Liberty and Camp Mackall has 53 rare plant species across the installation. There are more which are known to occur in Cumberland, Hoke, Harnett, Moore, Richmond, and Scotland Counties, but have not yet been found on Fort Liberty. A list of target species accompanies this document and will be provided to the service provider.

a. The service provider shall use his or her experience in the Sandhills to systematically survey all suitable habitat in the most productive manner. Aerial photos and prescribed fire burn data will be provided to the service provider to aid in identifying high priority areas.

b. The service provider shall refer to communities following the NC Natural Heritage

Program’s Guide to the Natural Communities of North Carolina, 4th Approximation, by Mike Schafale, and taxa following Alan Weakley’s Flora of the NC Coastal Plain.

c. New occurrences shall be recorded using NC Natural Heritage Program Standards.

d. The area occupied by new occurrences shall be recorded by GPS to the nearest meter.

e. In cases where the areas occupied by two or more species overlap, each species EO will have its own separate polygon.

f. Significant occurrences of the invasive species Lespedeza bicolor will be recorded in all survey areas.

5.3.2. Deliverables.

5.3.2.1. By the end of each month for the duration of the period of performance, the service provider shall provide Auburn and the Fort Liberty Endangered Species Branch a brief summary of plant sites checked, areas surveyed for new occurrences and data for any new rare plants found.

5.3.2.2. Element Occurrence Records. Data for new rare plant occurrences will be recorded on the NC Natural Heritage Program Endangered and Rare Plant Field Survey Form (See Appendix A). For each month of the period of performance, the forms will be submitted by the service provider to the NC Natural Heritage Program (NC NHP), who will assign an element occurrence number for each new find. A copy of the forms sent to NC NHP will be submitted to Auburn and the Fort Liberty Endangered Species Branch along with the monthly progress reports. The service provider will also communicate element occurrence numbers assigned by NC NHP on a monthly basis.

5.3.2.3. GIS File. By the end of the period of performance, the service provider shall provide the Fort Liberty Endangered Species Branch a GIS layer showing the status of known plant sites and all new rare plant sites. The layer shall meet Army data standards, with the following attribute table fields being most critical:

a. Species ID: a four letter species code comprised of the first two letters of the genus and the first two letters of the specific epithet (e. g. , RHMI for Rhus michauxii).

b. Element Occurrence Number: The element occurrence number added to the species ID as assigned by the NC Natural Heritage Program. Until the number is assigned, the new occurrence can be marked NEW (e. g. , RHMI327 or RHMINEW).

c. Subpopulation Letter: When occurrences are closely grouped, they are often determined by NHP to be subpopulations, designated by a letter.

d. Plant Number: This will be a four digit expression comprised of the species ID, element occurrence number and subpopulation letter (e. g. , RHMI327C).

e. Scientific Name: The genus, species and any infraspecific names of the taxon.

f. Common Name: The commonly used name or names of the taxon.

g. PA19: Presence or absence of populations checked in 2019. The number 1 will be used to indicate the plant or plants are still present, and 0 when they are absent. New occurrences will be marked with a 1.

h. Notes: General observations on abundance, any flowers or fruits present and abnormalities or issues at the plant site.

i. x: the UTM easting x coordinate of the approximate center point of occurrences.

j. y: the UTM northing y coordinate of the approximate center point of occurrences.

5.3.2.4. End of Survey Summary. By the end of the period of performance, the service provider shall provide Auburn and the Fort Liberty Endangered Species Branch with a final report for the survey. The report shall include a summary of the known site checks, and of the new occurrences found. It shall also include any relevant notes about the overall condition of the training areas, dominant communities, significant features, potential threats to the site and management recommendations.

5.3.2.5. GIS Data Standards for Deliverables. GIS technology provides a computerized mechanism for capturing, verifying, storing, manipulating, querying, analyzing, and displaying geospatial data referenced to their location on earth.

Service provider’s services include, but are not limited to, the accurate (GPS and/or surveyed) recording of the actual location of geographic spatial data; the collection of attributes related to the features above and the production of GIS products (shapefiles, databases, DGN, etc. ). The digital media shall be formatted to conform to Fort Liberty’s GIS standard and delivered to function as an integral part of the GIS. The database of the GIS is populated with attribute data. All GIS data (including geospatial data acquisition and map development for use in a GIS) shall conform to the most current release of the Spatial Data Standard for Facilities, Infrastructure, and Environment (SDSFIE). The most current release of the SDSFIE is available for download from the SDSFIE Organization internet website at http://www. sdsfie. org/. During the project period Fort Liberty will use the 3. 0 Spatial Data Standard for Facilities, Infrastructure, and Environment (SDSFIE) standard, plus the non-standard data. All delivered digital GIS data files shall also be submitted in strict compliance with the SDSFIE for the target GIS software system. The service provider shall ensure that all digital files and data (e. g. , base files, reference files, symbol libraries, etc. ) are compatible with the government's target GIS and adhere to the standards and requirements specified herein. The term “compatible” means that data can be accessed directly by the target system without translation, preprocessing, or post-processing of the digital data files. It is the responsibility of the service provider to ensure this level of compatibility.

All GIS work performed as part of this agreement shall conform to the following standards for accuracy, content, and structure: All spatial data generated as part of this agreement shall be ArcGIS version 10. 4 or greater compliant; adhere to most recent SDSFIE version;

and utilize the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (CSDGM) version 2. 6 or greater. Data Quality shall comply with the Army’s Installation Geospatial Information & Services (IGI&S) standards for Flora Endangered/Rare/Threatened Species (FloraERT). Auburn shall submit a written request for approval of any deviations from the government's established standards. Map layers (features) shall be provided in the applicable zone of the Projected Coordinate System:

ArcGIS GeoDatabases WGS 1984 UTM Zone 17S. Elevation units shall be MSL GRS80 U. S. Survey Feet. Due north [grid north] on the map will be as viewed from the bottom of the map. Rotations shall not be allowed nor will orientation to magnetic north. Acceptable shape geometry includes: polygon, polyline, point, polygon Z, polyline Z, and point Z.

The GIS data to be provided to the service provider showing known rare plant occurrences will be in the most recent SDSFIE data standard. To obtain this data, along with the project boundary, training areas, roads and streams layers the service provider shall contact the Fort Liberty Endangered Species Branch. All data will transmitted only after signing an official data request and non-disclosure agreement.

5.3.2.6. Reference Standards / Publications.

a. GIS Publications

b. Spatial Data Standard for Facilities, Infrastructure, and Environment (SDSFIE)

c. Via Internet: http:/prd.sdsfie.org

d. Information concerning the FGDC can be obtained from the FGDC Internet homepage at http://www.fgdc.gov

5.3.2.7. Delivery Media and Format. The service provider shall provide a copy of all data and files developed under this agreement and shall be delivered to the government in http://prd.sdsfie.org http://www.fgdc.gov/ digital format at project completion. All digital files shall be provided on compact disk, read-only memory (CD or DVD) in ISO-9660 format, compatible with the government’s Target GIS. Use of the internet to transfer files between the service provider and the government is an option, as approved by the Project Manager. The digital media used will be fully compatible with the government's target GIS.

5.3.2.8. Transmittals. The service provider shall provide a transmittal letter containing, as a minimum, the following information which shall accompany each digital media submittal to the government. The transmittal letter shall be dated and signed by the appropriate service provider's representative. The transmittal letter shall be provided to the Government on 8-1/2 by 11 inch paper. A digital copy of the transmittal letter in a PDF format shall also be provided on the digital media submitted to the government.

a. The information included on the external label of each media unit (e. g. , disk, tape), along with the total number being delivered, and a list of the names and descriptions of the files on each one.

b. Brief instructions for transferring the files from the media to the Government’s target

GIS.

c. Certification that all delivery media are free of known computer viruses. A statement including the name(s) and release date(s) of the virus-scanning software used to analyze the delivery media, the date the virus scan was performed, and the operator's name will also be included with the certification. The release or version date of the virus-scanning software will be the current version which has detected the latest known viruses at the time of delivery of the digital media.

d. A statement indicating that the service provider shall retain a copy of all delivered digital media (with all files included) for at least one year and, during this period of time, shall provide up to two additional copies of each to the government, if requested, at no additional cost.

5.3.2.9. Enclosures or Attachments to the Transmittal Letter. The following documentation information shall be provided to the government on 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper as an enclosure or attachment to the transmittal letter provided with each digital media submittal. A digital copy of the documentation information in a PDF format shall also be provided on the digital media submitted to the government.

a. Description of how the data was acquired and input into the GIS.

b. Brief development history for each graphic and non-graphic file on the submitted digital media (e. g. , content, when developed, modified, etc. ).

c. A list of all deviations from the government’s specified or provided standards.

5.3.2.10. Ownership. The government, for itself and such others as it deems appropriate, shall have unlimited rights under this agreement to all information and materials developed under this agreement and furnished to the government and documentation thereof, reports, listings, and all other items pertaining to the work and services pursuant to this agreement including any copyright. Unlimited rights under this agreement are rights to use, duplicate, or disclose text, data, drawings, and information, in whole or in part in any manner and for any purpose whatsoever without compensation to or approval from the service provider.

The government will at all reasonable times have the right to inspect the work and will have access to and the right to make copies of the above-mentioned items. All text, digital files, data, and other products generated under this agreement will become the property of the government.

5.3.2.11. Conversation Confirmation Notices. The service provider shall provide a record, in electronic format, within 5 days of occurrence of all discussions, verbal directions, and telephone conversations participated in by the service provider or his/her representative on matters relative to this delivery order. These records, entitled "Confirmation Notices" will be numbered sequentially and will fully identify participating personnel, subject(s) discussed, and any conclusions reached.

5.3.3. Coordination and Points of Contact. During the execution of the work under this contract Task Order, the service provider shall keep in close liaison with Auburn and the Government Program Manager who will coordinate the work with the Fort Liberty COR.

The service provider shall be fully responsible for coordinating the fieldwork needs with the appropriate individuals. The points of contact will be:

Fort Liberty

Stacy Huskins, Project Manager Endangered Species Branch Bldg O-9125 McKellars Road Fort Liberty, NC 28310

(910) 642-7030

Anneliese Hitcho, GIS Specialist Environmental Management Branch

(910) 396-1493

Kevin Sweatt, Environmental Protection Specialist Environmental Management Branch

(910) 432-8873

6. APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS (CURRENT EDITIONS):

6. 1. The service provider shall abide by all applicable regulations, publications, manuals, and local policies and procedures.

AR 25-2 Information Assurance

AR 530-1 Operations Security (OPSEC)

AR 200-1 Environmental Protection and Enhancement

FB Reg 350-6 Installation Range Operations

N/A Endangered Species Act

N/A DoD Instruction 4715. 03

N/A Fort Liberty’s Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan

N/A Army Species at Risk Management Guidelines

N/A Natural Resources Management Plan

7. ATTACHMENT/TECHNICAL EXHIBIT LIST:

7. 1. Technical Exhibits:

Technical Exhibit 1: Fort Liberty Rare Plant List

Technical Exhibit 4 Rare Plant Survey VI

Appendix A Rare Plant Survey Form

Technical Exhibit 1

Fort Liberty/Camp Mackall Rare Plant List Updated Oct 2021

Total Rare Plants: 56 Federally Listed: 3 Army Species-At-Risk (SAR): 6 State Status: 42+14 || State Watchlist: 59

Scientific Name Common Name

Conservation Status

(Fed / State) or (State)

State Rank

Lysimachia asperulifolia Rough-leaf Loosestrife E / E S3

Rhus michauxii Michaux's Sumac E / E S2

Schwalbea americana American Chaffseed E / E S1

Amorpha georgiana var. georgiana Georgia Leadplant SAR / E < P > S2

Astragalus michauxii Sandhills Milkvetch SAR / SC-V S3

Lilium pyrophilum Sandhills Lily SAR / E S2

Lindera subcoriacea Bog Spicebush SAR / SC-V < P > S2

Pyxidanthera brevifolia Sandhills Pyxie-moss SAR / T S2

Stylisma pickeringii var. pickeringii Pickering’s Dawn Flower SAR / SC-V S3

Carex exilis Coastal Sedge E S2

Carex tenax Wire Sedge E S1

Crocanthemum carolinianum Carolina Sunrose E S1

Eriocaulon texense Texas Hatpins E S1

Gaillardia aestivalis var. aestivalis Sandhills Blanket-flower E S2

Hypericum fasciculatum Peelbark St. John’s-wort E S1

Lobelia boykinii Boykin’s Lobelia E < P > S1S2

Myriophyllum laxum Loose Water-milfoil E S2

Orthochilus ecristatus Spiked Medusa E S1

Platanthera nivea Snowy Orchid E SH

Pseudognaphalium helleri Heller’s Rabbit-Tobacco E S2S3

Solidago tortifolia Twistleaf Goldenrod E S1

Stylisma aquatica Water Dawnflower E S2

Warea cuneifolia Carolina Pineland-cress E S1

Crocanthemum rosmarinifolium Rosemary Sunrose T S2

Dionaea muscipula Venus Flytrap T S2

Galactia mollis Soft Milk-pea T S2

Parnassia caroliniana Carolina Grass-of-Parnassus T S2

Rhynchospora crinipes Alabama Beaksedge T S1

Rhynchospora macra Southern White Beaksedge T S2

Ruellia ciliosa Sandhills Wild-petunia T S2

Sagittaria isoetiformis Quillwort Arrowhead T S2

Sagittaria macrocarpa Streamhead Sagittaria T S2

Solidago verna Spring-flowering Goldenrod T S3

Utricularia olivacea Dwarf Bladderwort T S2

Vaccinium macrocarpon Cranberry T S2

Eleocharis robbinsii Robbins’ Spikerush SC-V S2S3

Eriocaulon aquaticum Seven-angled Pipewort SC-V S2

Muhlenbergia torreyana Pinebarren Smokegrass SC-V S2

Scleria reticularis Netted Nutrush SC-V S2

Thalictrum macrostylum Small-leaved Meadowrue SC-V S2

Utricularia geminiscapa Two-flowered Bladderwort SC-V S1

Xyris scabrifolia Harper’s Yellow-eyed-grass SC-V S2

Scientific Name Common Name

Conservation Status

[State]

State Rank

Asemeia grandiflora Showy Milkwort SR-P S2 arex disjuncta Silvery Sedge SR-P S2

Carex socialis Social Sedge SR-P S1

Crataegus munda var. munda Batesburg Hawthorn SR-T S2?

Danthonia epilis Bog Oatgrass SR-T S3

Desmodium fernaldii Fernald’s Tick-trefoil SR-P S1

Eupatorium resinosum Pine Barren Boneset SR-O S3

Hexalectris spicata Crested Coralroot SR-P S2

Hypoxis rigida Stiff-leaved Yellow Stargrass SR-P S2

Potamogeton confervoides Conferva Pondweed SR-D S2

Schoenoplectus etuberculatus Canby’s Bulrush SR-P S3

Spiranthes eatonii Eaton’s Ladies’-tresses SR-P S2

Trichostema setaceum Narrowleaf Bluecurls SR-T S2

Xyris chapmanii Chapman’s Yellow-eyed-grass SR-D S3

State Watchlist Species

Agalinis aphylla Scale-leaf Gerardia W1 S3

Agalinis decemloba Piedmont Gerardia W1 S3

Andropogon tracyi Tracy's Bluestem W7 S2

Anthenantia rufa Purple Silkyscale W1 S2

Asclepias tomentosa Sandhills Milkweed W1 S3

Bartonia paniculata ssp. paniculata Twining Screwstem W1 S2S3

Burmannia biflora Northern Bluethreads W1 S2S3

Calamovilfa brevipilis Pinebarren Sandreed W1 S3

Carex collinsii Collin's Sedge W1 S3

Carex mitchelliana Mitchell's Sedge W1 S2

Carex turgescens Pinebarren Sedge W1 S3

Cladium mariscoides Twig-rush W1 S3

Comptonia peregrina Sweet Fern W1 / W6 S3

Dalea pinnata Eastern Prairie-clover W1 S2

Dichanthelium dichotonum var.

roanokense Roanoke Witch Grass W1 S2

Drosera rotundifolia Roundleaf Sundew W6 S3

Eriophorum virginicum Cottongrass W1 S3

Habenaria repens Water-spider Orchid W1 S2

Isoetes hyemalis Winter Quillwort W7 S2S3

Isotria verticillata Large Whorled Pogonia W1 S2S3

Kalmia buxifolia Sand Myrtle W6

Kalmia cuneata White Wicky W1 S3

Liatris secunda Sandhill Blazing-star W7 S2

Lobelia batsonii Streamhead Lobelia W1 S3

Lycopus amplectens Clasping Bugleweed W1 S3

Nuphar sagittifolia Narrowleaf Cowlily W1 S2

State Watchlist Species (Continued)

Onosmodium virginianum Virginia Marbleseed W1 S3

Orbexilum lupinellum Lupine Scurfpea W1 S3

Panicum tenerum Southeastern Panic Grass W1 S3

Parthenium integrifolium var.

mabryanum Mabry's Wild Quinine W1 S3

Paspalum bifidum Pitchfork Crown Grass W1 S3

Paspalum praecox Early Crown Grass W1 S2S3

Pediomelum canescens Buckroot W1 S3

Phaseolus sinuatus Sandhills Bean W1 S3

Physalis lanceolata Sandhills Ground Cherry W1 S2?

Pinguicula caerulea Blueflower butterwort W6 S3

Platanthera blephariglottis White-fringed Orchid W1 S3?

Pleea tenuifolia Rush False-aphodal W6 S3

Polygonella americana Southern Jointweed W4 SU

Prunus umbellata Hog Plum W7 S2

Rhynchospora cephalantha var.

attenuata Small Bunched Beaksedge W1 S3

Rhynchospora leptocarpa Brownish Beaksedge W1 S3

Rhynchospora oligantha Feather-bristle Beaksedge W1 S3

Rhynchospora pallida Pale Beaksedge W1 S3

Rhynchospora scirpoides Long-beak Beaksedge W1 S3

Rhynchospora stenophylla Littleleaf Beaksedge W1 S3

Rhynchospora wrightiana Wright's Beaksedge W1 S3

Sagittaria engelmanniana Engelmann's Arrowhead W1 S2

Schoenoplectus subterminalis Swaying Bulrush W1 S3

Smilax pseudochina Long-stalk Greenbrier W1 S3?

Solidago gracillima Graceful Goldenrod W1 S3

Solidago pulchra Carolina Goldenrod W1 S3

Solidago salicina Round-leaved Goldenrod W1 S2?

Sporobolus pinetorum Carolina Dropseed W1 S3

Tridens carolinianus Carolina Triodia W1 S3

Vaccinium virgatum Small-flower Blueberry W7 S2?

Viola villosa Carolina Violet W7 S2

Xyris flabelliformis Savanna Yellow-eyed-grass W1 S3

Xyris smalliana Small's Yellow-eyed-grass W1 S3

Notes:

1. FSC category discontinued- no longer used by FWS, species (9) went to state categories

2. < P > added for species currently being petitioned for federal listing (4)

3. State PCP status (legal protection) differentiated from NHP status (no legal protection)

4. Statuses & Rankings follow NC NHP Rare Plant List, October 2021

Technical Exhibit 2

Technical Exhibit 3. Rare Plant Survey Form

Natural Heritage Program Endangered and Rare Plant Field Survey Form

Send to: NC Natural Heritage Program Nature Research Center 121 West Jones Street 1651 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1651 www. ncnhp. org

Species: Common name: Survey date:

EO Number (if updating existing EO):

County: 7. 5' Quad Map:

Coordinates: Datum: Elevation:

Site Name: Previously known? (Y/N)

Site location and directions:

[Please attach copy of map with site marked or sketch site on back of form]

Endangered and Rare Plant Field Survey Form Continued

Number of individuals: Define individual (stem, clump, etc. ):

Size of area in which population occurs:

Estimate whether the entire population was surveyed, or only a portion:

Estimated Population Viability (circle one): Excellent Good Fair Poor Unknown Failed to find population

Viability comments:

Phenology (include % or # in each stage): vegetative bud flower

Evidence of reproduction (circle one): fruit seedlings clonal/vegetative

Reproduction Comments:

Habitat (NC NHP natural community name and description, if known & include quality, soils, geology, etc. ):

Associated species:

Invasive species noted & degree of threat from invasive species:

Endangered and Rare Plant Field Survey Form Continued

Area of apparently suitable habitat (suitable for, but not necessarily occupied by the species):

If the population is within a right-of-way, does suitable habitat exist outside right-of-way?

Topographic position (e. g. crest, mid slope, alluvial, etc):

Moisture regime (e. g. inundated, dry, seasonally wet, etc):

Light (e. g. open, woodland, closed canopy, etc):

Other information:

Protection / management needs and opportunities:

Landowner(s), if known:

Person making this report, Address, & Phone:

Other observers:

Section II. Instructions to Proposers

Proposal Response

• Proposals should be submitted to the Procurement & Business Services Sourcing Event Portal on or before the time and date set for closing.

• Pursuant to the provisions of the State of Alabama Competitive Bid Law rules and regulations adopted there under, sealed bids will be received on the items noted herein by Procurement and Business Services of Auburn University, until the date and time stated.

• All bids are to be "F.O.B. Destination - Freight Prepaid and Allowed."

• Alabama law (Section 41-4-116, code of Alabama 1975) provides that every bid submitted and contract executed shall contain a certification that the vendor, contractor, and all of its affiliates that make sales for delivery into Alabama or leases for use in Alabama are registered, collecting, and remitting Alabama state and local sales, use, and/or lease tax on all taxable sales and leases into Alabama. BY SUBMITTING THIS

BID, THE BIDDER IS HEREBY CERTIFYING THAT THEY ARE IN FULL

COMPLIANCE WITH ACT NO. 2006-557, they are not barred from bidding or entering into a contract pursuant to 41-4-116, and acknowledges that the awarding authority may declare the contract void if the certification is false. Bidder certifies that neither it, nor any of its employees who will provide or perform services under this contract have been debarred, suspended or declared ineligible as defined in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR 48 C.F.R. Ch. 1 Subpart 9.4). Bidder will immediately notify the University if the Bidder or any of its employees who will provide or perform services under this contract is placed on the Consolidated List of Debarred, Suspended, and Ineligible Bidders.

• AU reserves the right to award in whole or in part, by line item, or make multiple awards, where such action serves Auburn University’s best interest.

• Proposers may withdraw proposals at any time prior to the time and date set for opening.

• The University reserves the sole and exclusive right to reject or accept any or all proposals and to waive any informality in proposal. The best interest of the University and their subsequent facilities shall be considered as the number one determining factor in selecting or not selecting a Proposer.

• No department, school, or office at the University has the authority to solicit official proposals other than Procurement and Business Services. All solicitations are performed under the direct supervision of the Director of Procurement and Business Services and incomplete accordance with the University policies and procedures.

• The University reserves the right to conduct discussions with proposers, and to accept revisions of proposals, and to negotiate price changes. The University will make reasonable efforts to protect proprietary information but all records are subject to State of Alabama open records laws.

• Proposers submitting proposals which meet the selection criteria and which are deemed to be the most advantageous to the University may be requested to give an oral presentation to a selection committee. Procurement and Business Services will schedule the presentations.

• The University is committed to the development of Small Business and Small Disadvantaged business (SB & SDB) suppliers.