Sol_140L4323Q0035.pdf

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02/27/2023 1500 PS

02/14/2023

(503) 808-6294Kim Karalus (No collect calls)

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140L4323Q0035

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MEDFORD OR 97504

3040 BIDDLE ROAD

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ITEM NO.

NORTHERN SPOTTED OWL SURVEYS - MEDFORD 2023

VENDOR POC: _______________________________

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ITEM NO.

Delivery: 09/30/2023

Period of Performance: 03/15/2023 to 09/30/2023

00010 MEDFORD NSO FY23

Product/Service Code: R499

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69 2 of

MEDFORD NORTHERN SPOTTED OWL SURVEY 2023 SOLICITATION NO. 140L4323Q0034

JACKSON, JOSEPHINE,DOUGLAS, COOS,

AND CURRY COUNTIES, OREGON Page 3 of 69

SERVICES AND PRICES

This requirement will result in one purchase order award for a Firm Fixed Price Commercial Services contract for Northern Spotted Owl (NSO) surveys in Medford, Oregon. Locations include areas in Jackson, Josephine, Douglas, Coos and Curry Counties.

See 2023 Contract Areas Map (attached) for specific locations.

Award will be made to the lowest price for each Unit quoted on.

Unit 1 - Bear Grub (3 visits)

Item Description Est Qty Unit Unit Cost Total Cost A1 Activity Center Search 12 each A2 Calling Station Visits 633 each A3 Walk-in over 1/2 mile surcharge 1 each A4 Day Follow-up Visits 3 each

Unit 2 - Rogue Gold (3 visits)

Item Description Est Qty Unit Unit Cost Total Cost B1 Activity Center Search 15 each B2 Calling Station Visits 273 each B3 Walk-in over 1/2 mile surcharge 1 each B4 Day Follow-up Visits 5 each

Unit 3 - Trail Creek (3 visits)

C1 Activity Center Search 13 each C2 Calling Station Visits 270 each C3 Walk-in over 1/2 mile surcharge 1 each C4 Day Follow-up Visits 2 each

Unit 4 - South Clark (3 visits)

D1 Activity Center Search 9 each D2 Calling Station Visits 273 each D3 Walk-in over 1/2 mile surcharge 1 each D4 Day Follow-up Visits 2 each

Unit 5 - Late Mule (6 visits)

E1 Activity Center Search 9 each E2 Calling Station Visits 534 each E3 Walk-in over 1/2 mile surcharge 1 each

AND CURRY COUNTIES, OREGON Page 4 of 69

E4 Day Follow-up Visits 3 each

Unit 6 - Oh Henry (3 visits)

F1 Activity Center Search 7 each F2 Calling Station Visits 141 each F3 Walk-in over 1/2 mile surcharge 0 each F4 Day Follow-up Visits 3 each

Est Qty = Estimated Quantity

Period of Performance 03/15/2023 – 09/30/2023. See also section 5.1.1

(End of Services and Prices)

AND CURRY COUNTIES, OREGON Page 5 of 69

STATEMENT OF WORK

1.0 GENERAL

1.1 Description of Work, Objectives, and Methods - The Contractor shall conduct field surveys according to the 2012 revision of the “Protocol for Surveying Proposed Management Activities that may Impact Northern Spotted Owls” (referred to as “2012 Revised NSO Protocol”) (Attached ) and as supplemented, modified or described in the specific tasks by Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The objectives include determining occupancy status, color band identification, nesting, and reproductive status of northern spotted owls (Strix occidentalis caurina) (referred to as NSO or STOC). In addition, documenting detections of barred owls (Strix varia) and other owl species shall be required. Visit results, station summaries, and owl observation data shall be collected and entered into datasheets.

1.1.1 Contractor understands and agrees that provisions in the contract that supplement, modify or contradict those in the “Protocol for Surveying Proposed Management Activities that May Impact Northern Spotted Owls,” revised January 2012 (Protocol) are contract terms that Contractor must follow.

1.1.2 For work completed within areas where Port Orford Cedar (POC) root rot disease is present or could be present, the Contractor must wash their boots if traversing off-road, as well as their vehicle, including the underside, whenever leaving infected areas prior to entering uninfected POC watersheds. This would only be required during the wet season (generally prior to June 15.)

Infected and uninfected POC watersheds will be identified during prework.

1.2 General Location and Description of Survey Areas

1.2.1 All work is located on the Medford District. Surveys will be conducted in the following counties: Jackson County, Josephine County, and/or Douglas County, OR. Detailed maps will be provided by the BLM at the pre-work conference. Vicinity maps are included in Attachments. Most of the stations are located on existing roads, accessible by vehicle. Some of the stations will require walk-in on non-drivable roads, trails, or overland hiking.

1.2.2 Survey and Project Area boundaries will not be physically identified on the ground. Some boundaries will require interpretation of physical features on aerial photos and topographic maps that will be provided by the BLM at the pre-work meeting.

1.2.3 Maps of the Project Areas, Survey Areas and Calling Stations, with Global Positioning System (GPS) location data, will be provided by the BLM. BLM retains the option to provide maps and stations in PDF format for use in Avenza maps or similar application. BLM may also require information to be received in this way too. Some substitutions or elimination of stations may occur as planning objectives or survey priorities change. Stations may be added, deleted, or their location modified by BLM based on project changes, habitat conditions, survey outcomes, or other reasons. Any additional stations will be identified and agreed upon by Contractor Officer’s Representative (COR) and BLM and issued via contract modification.

1.2.4 Access- Most of the stations are located on existing roads accessible by vehicle. Some of the stations will require walk-in on non-drivable roads, trails, or overland hiking. Closed or bermed roads may not be reopened or maintained solely for the purpose of providing access for the Contractor. Surveyors may be required to access calling stations by walking.

1.2.5 Access to survey areas may be difficult or limited in the beginning of the season due to downed

AND CURRY COUNTIES, OREGON Page 6 of 69 trees or snow in higher elevation areas. Early season reconnaissance is highly recommended to mitigate early season downfall. The Contractor shall notify the COR if access is restricted. The BLM will work with the Contractor to clear roads of downed trees. Notwithstanding Government attempts, the Contractor shall be ultimately responsible for gaining access to the survey sites designated.

1.2.6 Line Item “Walk-in Surcharge ” provides a method of compensation for calling station visits that require walk-ins over ½ mile. This also provides a method of compensation for additional miles due to unplanned restricted access. Walk-ins will be assigned and approved by the BLM. If station access changes, the Contractor shall notify the COR within 48 hours of discovering the change. The distance shall be agreed upon by government and contractor in writing before walk-in occurs.

1.2.7 Activity Center (AC) Searches, and Follow-Up Visits are not conducted solely from roads and typically require overland hiking for proper coverage. These daytime stand searches usually cover a half mile radius within the core area of a historic site for AC searches, or a half-mile radius within a response, and may not cover all suitable habitat within a home range. Much of the terrain is steep, covered with dense vegetation, and can be difficult to walk through.

1.2.8 Gates - Some work may occur behind locked gates. Locked gates shall always remain locked other than when the Contractor is passing through them. Access is granted only to complete tasks.

1.2.9 Keys to BLM gate locks for access will be issued to the Contractor, through a DI-105 (Receipt for Property) at the BLM field offices. The Contractor shall return all gate keys to the respective BLM field office upon completion of field surveys. Final payment will be withheld until keys are returned. Contractor will be charged $100.00 for each lost master key and $25 for each lost route key.

1.2.10 Private Lands – Due to mixed land ownership, travel through private lands is typically needed to access BLM lands. As a result, access may be restricted by gates, access agreements, and notification requirements. BLM will provide contractor copies of access agreements and a briefing of the terms at the pre-work meeting. Private landowners may require any or all of the following: notification prior to crossing their lands, a gate key deposit, and/or an access agreement. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to gain and maintain access through private lands by following the terms of agreement, by following all public laws, and by maintaining a good working relationship with landowners.

1.2.11 The BLM will maintain the authority to restrict access across any road. Recommended and required road access information will be provided on BLM maps. Adjustments to survey routes can be suggested by contractor, subject to BLM approval.

1.2.12 The Medford District often experiences closures due to wildfire from July through September. A Contractor may start in one area and be moved to another area should a closure occur. If an emergency shutdown occurs, resulting in the missing spotted owl survey protocol requirements, the Contractor shall immediately contact the Contracting Officer and Contracting Officer Representative to determine the best course of action.

1.2.13 It is the responsibility of the Contractor to determine and document local conditions affecting access to survey areas. Snow, adverse weather, and downed trees can affect access early in the season, while fire level closures may affect access during the later season. The contractor shall notify the BLM within a week of work areas that are inaccessible to determine the best course of

AND CURRY COUNTIES, OREGON Page 7 of 69 action and if it will affect payment

1.2.14 Work completed outside of the protocol season would require detailed information on why surveys were not completed to protocol and may not be biologically valid.

2.0 DEFINITIONS

2012 NSO Survey Protocol - Any and all references to the term “protocol” in this document are referring to the “Protocol for Surveying Proposed Management Activities that may Impact Northern Spotted Owls” 2012 revision, available at:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (fws.gov)

Activity Center (AC) Searches—A daytime stand search and calling within 0.5 mi of activity centers in historic NSO sites is to be completed for each known activity center in the survey area as a component of the 2012 NSO Protocol Survey. These daytime searches shall occur as the initial visit to the survey area and shall occur in late March or early April. Similar to Follow-up visits.

Contractor shall take at least 4 hours to perform an Activity Center Search unless adequate numbers are reached earlier.

Additional Owl Species – Owl species, other than NSO, STUN species, NSO-barred hybrid or barred owl, that respond during a NSO survey. A list of additional owl species is located in section C.5.6.1.1. Additional owl species detections shall be recorded in the appropriate section on the Spotted Owl Visit Form.

Additional Visits (2012 NSO Survey Protocol, Sections. 5.6 and 7.0) –Visits (beyond 3- or 6-Visit annual total) conducted for the purposes of gathering more information on occupancy, nesting status, and /or reproductive success. Additional Visits are conducted using the same procedure as required for protocol Visits (e.g., night time spot calling from established stations).

Barred Owl Site Numbers (BSNO) – Barred owl detections are assigned to a unique BSNO hexagonal grid developed for the BLM corporate database.

Calling – Broadcasting vocalizations of northern spotted owls to elicit a response/detection from northern spotted owls using a digital player.

Calling Station – A discrete point from which calling occurs to elicit a response/detection from a NSO. A minimum of 10 minutes of calling is required at each calling station.

Calling Station Visit – A single Visit to a calling station.

Complete Survey – The Survey Area has been surveyed according to protocol guidelines, including the required number, spacing, and methodology of Visits. This includes a combination of Activity Center Searches, Calling Station Visits, and any required Follow-Up Visits or Additional Visits.

See page 31 of the protocol.

Complete Visit—A single Visit is defined as a single day and/or nighttime visit to NSO survey sites to search for owls. A Complete Visit consists of one or more Visits to complete a Survey Area within 7 days.

Continuous Monitoring Surveys-Survey locations needing 3 complete visits by June 30, with at

AND CURRY COUNTIES, OREGON Page 8 of 69 least one visit in April, one in May, and one in June.

Detection - An auditory or visual response indicating the presence of NSO or other owls that occurs at any point during the survey and associated travel times.

EPE – “Estimated Position Error” by which Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates is acquired and appears on a hand-held GPS unit.

GPS tracking device - a device (e. g. smart phone or dedicated GPS unit) using a satellite network to provide text messaging and GPS tracking.

Follow-Up Visit (equivalent to “Follow-Up Outing”, section 6.0 of USFWS survey protocol) – Walk-in road and hiking Visits conducted during the day following a NSO (and some STUN or NSO-barred hybrid owls) detection Follow-Up Visits are conducted to determine occupancy, band status, nesting status, and/or reproductive success of NSO’s.

Initial Visit – The first of the 3 or 6 visits that the contractor makes to a known NSO site during the day.

Known Northern Spotted Owl Sites/Activity Centers –Areas of NSO activity that have been identified through previous survey efforts. Sites are given a Master Site Number (MSNO), associated with subsequent surveys.

Mousing – The purpose of mousing is to determine if spotted owls are nesting and reproducing. By offering one or more live mice to spotted owls, their nesting status can be determined based on the behavior of the adult spotted owl. Additionally, mousing can be used to determine NSO band status, pattern, and colors. Mousing procedures and NSO associated behaviors are described in the 2012 NSO Survey Protocol.

Nesting or Reproductive Success Status Visit – A Visit to determine the nesting status or reproductive success of a known pair of northern spotted owls.

NSO – Northern spotted owl, or spotted owl.

Project Area - An area equal to or smaller than a Survey Area defined by a known NSO site, planned project, or timber sale.

Response - See definition of detection.

Species of Interest – These species are of interest to the Medford District. Observations of these species shall be recorded in the comments section on the appropriate Spotted Owl Visit Form.

(Section 5.6.1.1).

STOC/NSO – Strix occidentalis caurina (Northern Spotted Owl) STUN – Strix Unknown (unknown Strix owl species) STVA – Strix Varia (Barred Owl) SBOH – Strix occidentalis caurina X Strix varia (Spotted X Barred Hybrid)

Survey Area – The area extending one provincial median annual home range radius from the perimeter of the project area (e.g., harvest units) or NSO site center (2012 NSO protocol Section 3.1). An area containing one or more Project Areas.

Survey Season – The general survey period for the Northern Spotted Owl survey season is March

AND CURRY COUNTIES, OREGON Page 9 of 69

15 through August 31.

Target Species – Species which respond to Northern Spotted Owl calls and shall be recorded on Spotted Owl Visit Forms, Survey Area Detail Maps, and Survey Area Summary Forms (see Section J-3). These species include the NSO, Barred Owl, Spotted-Barred hybrids, STUN species. Barred Owl detections will not be followed up with daytime site Visits.

Temporary Site Number (TSNO) – Temporary site numbers that are assigned to BLM projects (e.g., timber sale units) and/or areas with past NSO detections that do not warrant permanent known site status.

Visit – A single day and/or nighttime outing recorded on the Spotted Owl Visit form.

Also see definition of Complete Visit

Walk-in - The BLM does not guarantee vehicle accessible roads to all calling stations. Surveyors may be required to access calling stations by walking. If there are multiple stations on the same walk-in route and it is over ½ mile, only one walk-in surcharge would be billed per visit. Walk-ins will be assigned by BLM at beginning of the survey season. Walk-in mileage needs to be agreed upon by government in writing before walk-in occurs.

3.0 CONTRACTOR-FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES

3.1 The Contractor shall furnish all labor, transportation, supervision, tools, and materials (except those designated as Government-furnished) and incidentals to perform all work necessary to conduct NSO surveys within the biological window.

3.2 The Contractor shall provide for each surveyor:

Compass with correct declination set GPS tracking device (e.g. smart phone or GPS unit) capable of + 30 feet EPE, collecting time stamped waypoints and/or tracklogs.

Chronometer (smart phone, wristwatch, or stopwatch) Binoculars Lighting; flashlight and/or headlamp and batteries with extra batteries.

Permanent Marker (i.e., Sharpie) to mark flagging in the field Flagging (Government furnished to Contractor) Survey Area Detail Maps Copies of the Spotted Owl Visit Forms (see Section J) Calling Equipment: NSO recordings with both male and female owls endorsed by NSO protocol and ending in a tone playback; CD or MP3 player, or similar device, and a Wildlife game caller (similar to or better than FoxPro caller Fx3 or Wildlife Technologies Mighty Atom MA21).

Calling equipment provided by the Contractor for field use must be approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

Live mice for mousing northern spotted owls A 4x4 or all-wheel drive capable vehicle.

3.3 Contractor’s Key Personnel - Key personnel are those personnel (Project Leader, Crew Leaders and Owl Surveyors) considered essential to successful Contractor performance. All key personnel shall have completed formal training, with an educational background and experience with emphasis on Northern Spotted Owl survey techniques or similar work. Note that minimum requirements under this contract is above that described in Appendix 4 of the 2012 NSO Survey Protocol.

AND CURRY COUNTIES, OREGON Page 10 of 69

Both Crew Leaders and Owl Surveyors must have the physical ability to work in mountainous terrain and willingness to work during nighttime conditions. In some cases, Crews Leaders and Surveyors may be asked to conduct both day and nighttime work. Orienting skills, including the use of map and compass is essential. Surveyor safety should be of primary importance.

3.3.1 Project Leader – Is responsible for the performance of survey crew.

3.3.2 Minimum requirements: A bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology or related field, such as wildlife ecology or zoology with three years/seasons of NSO survey experience; utilizing the 2012 NSO Survey Protocol. This experience must include calling, identifying owl detection by species, sex, and age class (when possible), and call type, mousing, follow-up surveys, survey techniques in relation to NSO behavior, data collection and use of GPS technology.

3.3.3 Crew Leader - Supervises survey crew and data collection, including quality control of data collection. Provides the most current/updated maps of the work area. Writes survey results, evaluates the data, and is ultimately responsible for the performance of the survey crew.

Minimum requirements: A bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology or related field, such as wildlife ecology or zoology with two years/seasons of NSO survey experience; utilizing the 2012 NSO Survey Protocol. This experience must include calling, identifying owl detection by species, sex, and age class (when possible), and call type, mousing, follow-up surveys, survey techniques in relation to NSO behavior, data collection and use of GPS technology. Additionally, the crew supervisor must be capable of hearing within the normal range (0-20Db).

3.3.4 Owl Surveyors - Conducts owl surveys and collects data.

Minimum requirements: Trained in survey techniques required to implement the 2012 NSO protocol and at least one field season of spotted owl survey experience, Preferably working closely with other biologists in conducting successful spotted owl surveys.

These techniques include, but are not limited to, calling, identifying owl detection by species, sex and age class (when possible), and call type, mousing, conducting follow-up surveys, data collection, and use of GPS technology.

3.4 Replacing Key Personnel - Key personnel are considered essential to successful contractor performance.

3.4.1 The Contractor shall immediately notify the COR when key personnel are unavailable for work under this contract for a continuous period exceeding 5 field survey days. If requested by BLM, the Contractor shall immediately replace such personnel with personnel of equal qualifications once accepted by the CO.

3.4.2 The Contractor will designate a Crew Supervisor prior to implementation of the contract. This Crew Supervisor, if authorized, may act on behalf of the Contractor in communications with the COR or designated PI(s), Project Inspector (PI), or BLM Biologist and will be responsible for inspecting and approving all documentation submitted to the BLM.

3.5 The Contractor shall be liable for all loss or damage of Government-furnished property as determined upon completion and final acceptance of work required under this contract. Contact the COR at the Medford District Office, 3040 Biddle Rd., Medford, Oregon, 97504 during regular business hours (7:45 - 4:30, Monday through Friday) to request Government-furnished items listed.

AND CURRY COUNTIES, OREGON Page 11 of 69

3.5.1 Work Plan Schedule – The Contractor shall provide the number of employees available for the contract, a preliminary work schedule which includes the production rate to meet the delivery schedule of the contract. The plan shall include a contingency plan for maintaining field work production to include maintaining qualified survey staff.

3.5.2 Quality Control Plan - The Contractor shall provide a quality control plan for the project at the pre-work meeting to include:

Contractor self-inspection of field crew survey protocol compliance Inspection documentation Technical assistance available to field crews GPS or survey data management Plan for problems/rework

3.5.3 Safety Plan – The Contractor shall have a safety plan at the pre-work meeting to include:

Radio contact for field crews Distribution of updated aerial photos and maps to the field crews Written safety procedures plan for crew safety, check-in/check-out procedures, and emergency procedures.

4.0 GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED ITEMS

4.1 The BLM shall furnish the following items:

1. Maps to perform the contract (e.g., District road maps, Survey Area Detail Maps, variable scale). The maps may be provided in digital or hard paper format (PDF and/or Shapefile).

2. Original and digital copy of the Spotted Owl Visit Form.

3. Station database in Excel format. Station points may also be made available in digital format

(GPX file) suitable for upload to most GPS devices.

4. Keys for BLM gates, on a check-out basis.

5. Flagging to mark call stations and nest trees.

6. Contact lists (for example of private landowners to request access permission, if necessary;

adjacent survey personnel; law enforcement; etc.)

7. Camping authorizations for BLM lands only.

8. Other government property or service the COR may deem necessary to provide for safety or efficiency.

4.2 A ll Government furnished items will remain property of the Government. Any un-used items to complete the contract shall be returned to the Government.

5.0 SPECIFIC TASKS: Unless otherwise specified, the timing, methods and spacing of all work shall be done in compliance with techniques detailed in 2012 NSO Survey Protocol “Protocol for Surveying Proposed Management Activities that May Impact Northern Spotted Owls”, and additional requirements specified by the BLM, including techniques to achieve BLM corporate data standards.

On occasion, the government may use survey methods that deviate from the 2012 NSO protocol.

For instance, the COR may request only three (3) visits versus six (6) visits needed for monitoring in particular units. Visits to a particular survey area may be determined to be discontinued by the COR with concurrence with the CO, if a site is determined to be occupied or if the survey area falls

AND CURRY COUNTIES, OREGON Page 12 of 69 outside of the scope of the project.

All Calling Stations associated with a Survey Area must be completed within 7 calendar days. The BLM may grant exceptions to this requirement for unusually large Survey Areas with COR approval.

All Follow-Up Visits, Calling Station Visits, and mousing procedures shall be documented on Spotted Owl Visit Forms and Survey Area Detailed Maps. The Detailed Maps shall include documentation of areas searched and all detections of NSO, barred, NSO-barred hybrids, and STUN species.

5.1 SEASON AND TIMING OF WORK

5.1.1 Surveys will be accomplished during the period March 15, 2023 through September 30, 2023.

The timing and sequence of work will be authorized by the COR at the pre-work conference.

Certain Survey Areas or portions of Survey Areas may be designated by the COR as higher priority.

The BLM will specify and authorize any needed surveys to occur after August 31. If additional visits cannot be completed prior to the end of the survey season (while still maintaining intervals required between visits), they may be conducted as soon as necessary to stay within the normal survey season, or up to as late as September 30.

The general timing of work is as follows:

The Medford District currently implements two survey types when surveying for Northern spotted owl: Full Protocol (6 visit) surveys, and Continuous Monitoring (3 visit) surveys in accordance with the USFWS.

On survey routes where 6 survey visits are required, visits must be completed with at least 1 visit in April, 1 visit in May, and 1 visit in June by June 30; and at least 3 visits between July and August by August 31. In areas of Continuous Monitoring surveys, three complete visits must be accomplished before June 30; including 1 visit each in April, May, and June.

The Contractor shall conduct a daytime Activity Center Search as part of the initial visit to areas requiring these daytime stand searches and shall occur in late March or early April.

If additional visits are required and cannot be completed by protocol deadlines, they may be conducted as soon as necessary to stay within the normal survey season, or up to as late as September 15, 2023, while maintaining standards (timing, temporal spacing of visits, weather condition limitations, etc.) as specified in the Northern Spotted Owl Survey Protocol..

Contractor shall conduct 3-6 Complete Visits to each Survey Area by either June 30 or August 31, depending on the number of visits needed to each survey area. A fewer or greater number of visits will be based on COR approval and 2012 NSO Protocol and BLM database needs.

Survey Areas must be completed within 7 days. Contractor will make all reasonable attempts to complete a Survey Area on 1 (preferably) or 2 Visits/Days. Exceptions to the maximum amount of Visits within 7 days will be granted by the government for larger Survey Areas. If weather conditions do not allow completion of a Survey Area in 7 days, the Survey will need to restart.

Each Complete Visit to a Survey Area must be separated by at least 1 week. Complete Visits must be completed at a rate of at least 3 Visits before June 30; including 1 Visit each month in April, May, AND CURRY COUNTIES, OREGON Page 13 of 69 and June.

5.1.2 The survey season is described in the 2012 NSO Survey Protocol and Section 5.1. Contractors may be required to attend an inter-party coordination meeting set up by the BLM and will maintain coordination with the BLM COR throughout the survey season.

5.1.3 The Contractor shall be responsible for scheduling of all surveys to ensure they meet the required timing and methods requirements. Surveys may be conducted during the day if there are no roads or foot trails to traverse at night, or other safety concerns. Day surveys of areas unsuitable for night calling shall be conducted during the late afternoon or evening just before sunset.

5.1.4 Required nesting, reproductive success visits, and optional day time stand searches will count as Follow-up Visits for payment.

5.1.5 Surveys shall not be conducted during inclement weather conditions such as moderate to high winds (>15 mph), moderate to heavy rain or snow, or high noise levels (e.g., stream noise, machinery) which would prevent the surveyor from detecting owls. Where weather changed during a visit and a complete visit becomes impossible, the contractor shall discontinue surveys and notify the COR who will work with the CO to decide how to readdress the survey and contracting need.

5.2 FIELD PROCEDURES THAT MAY BE REQUIRED BY MORE THAN ONE ITEM:

5.2.1 Color Band Identification:

During mousing or luring (using vocal cues or artificial prey lure) northern spotted owls, the surveyor shall observe to see if any color leg bands can be detected. Band color, pattern, tab, and leg (left or right) shall be recorded on the Spotted Owl Visit Form.

5.2.2 Nest Tree Marking:

When a NSO nest is found, the tree shall be clearly flagged. The location of the tree shall be accurately mapped with a GPS and recorded on Survey Area Detail Map. GPS locations of NSO nest trees shall be collected with a GPS unit capable of + 30 feet or better (EPE).

5.2.3 Owl Capturing:

Capturing, handling, and banding northern spotted owls is not authorized for any work completed under this contract.

5.2.4 Mousing: Mousing will also be used to locate nests (and brooding female owls) by inducing the male spotted owl to lead the surveyor to the nest tree and, later in the nesting season, can be used to locate and count young spotted owls recently out of the nest. The BLM will provide additional information regarding the minimum number of mice and surveyor effort to establish nesting and reproductive success status.

5.3 ACTIVITY CENTER SEARCHES: As described in the NSO Survey Protocol and 2.0 Definitions.

BLM will determine where Activity Center Searches will occur (i.e., not all known sites will require Activity Center Searches). Soft whistles and squeaks are recommended when conducting AC searches, however if playback is used to try to elicit a response, it should be done at half-volume, or at a volume that would not carry beyond the area being searched.

5.3.1 The government will provide maps of historic activity centers to be covered by the Activity Center Search and habitat to survey within 0.5 mile of the activity center to the Contractor prior to survey initiation at prework. Surveyors shall be prepared to locate and mouse any NSO or Unknown Strix detected during this survey.

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5.3.2 Surveyors will complete the Activity Center (AC) Search following the methods in the 2012 NSO

Survey Protocol. Surveys shall be documented on Spotted Owl Visit Forms and Survey Area Detail Maps, denoting locations of stations called, owl detections (location owl heard from and estimated location of owl) and walking routes surveyed. AC searches are considered part of the initial visit to an historic NSO survey site and should be avoided during the heat of the day when birds are less likely to respond.

5.4 CALLING STATION VISITS:

A Complete Visit typically includes calling at all Calling Stations within a Survey Area, unless a NSO is detected (or other applicable situations). Contractors should attempt to complete a Survey Visit in 1, but no more than 2, visits to NSO survey areas.

Each Complete Visit to a Survey Area must be separated by at least 1 week. Complete Visits must be completed at a rate of at least 3 Visits before June 30; including 1 Visit each month in April, May, and June. Detailed explanation is available in the 2012 NSO Survey Protocol.

Visits are predominately conducted at night from pre-designated Calling Stations as described in the Night Time Spot Calling and Spotted Owl Calling Procedures sections of the 2012 NSO Survey Protocol. Unlike the protocol, leapfrog surveys are not allowed under this contract, all sites must be visited in order. Calling Stations covered by the Activity Center Search walkthrough do not need to be called to protocol during the initial (first) visit because stations within the search area are covered during the walkthrough. After the first visit, all Calling Stations shall be called according to the 2012 NSO Protocol. All other stations, including walk-ins on roads or those including overland hiking, shall be called for a minimum of 10 minutes according to the 2012 NSO Protocol.

5.4.1 Visits will be applied to full 6-Visit survey method as described in the 2012 NSO Survey Protocol, or a 3-Visit Continuous Monitoring method as agreed upon by the USFWS. The type of survey required for each Calling Station will be identified by the COR.

5.4.2 The COR will provide Calling Stations associated with each Survey Area by March 1st of the survey year. The Contractor is responsible for locating the Calling Stations using provided maps. Calling Stations will be flagged by the Contractor with BLM furnished red/white dot wildlife flagging for delineating station visits and will place new flagging (12” long-strip) at each station for each visit (i.e up to 6 pieces of flagging for survey areas needing 6 visits). The Station ID, survey date, surveyor initials, and visit number shall be written by contractor in Sharpie on each piece of placed flagging for each visit.

5.4.3 If flagging becomes damaged or lost, it shall be replaced by the contractor at the time it is noticed.

When new flagging is required, the COR will be notified. Changes to Calling Station locations must be approved by the COR prior to survey initiation.

5.4.4 Contractor shall document visitsappropriately on Spotted Owl Visit Forms and Survey Area Detail Maps provided by BLM. Section 5.6 describes the required forms and maps.

5.4.5 In instances where the contractor believes the Calling Station is considered unsuitable for night calling, they should notify the COR, for day calling approval.

5.4.6 Surveyors shall use contractor-provided GPS units to record a tracklog of the survey route for each Visit. Tracklogs shall start upon starting the route and shall end upon completion of the Visit.

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5.4.7 If a barred owl is detected, contractor shall follow the 2012 NSO Protocol for barred owl detections with respect to conducting a Complete Visit. All barred owl detections shall be recorded on the Spotted Owl Visit Form by the contractor. Barred owl hexagons and identifiers will be provided by the COR on survey maps.

5.4.8 Every effort shall be made to identify the owl detections to species. If the species cannot be identified, the surveyor shall record information about the bird’s location, and any behavior and vocalizations. Birds identified to the Strix genus (no species identification) are recorded as STUN and a Follow-Up Visit may be required if directed by the COR.

5.5 FOLLOW-UP VISITS: The BLM may request Follow-Up Visits not be conducted in situations where survey results are already adequate for the year (e.g., occupany, pair and band status has already been achieved for both members of an NSO pair at a site).

Follow-Up Visits are completed after NSO or STUN (and likely NSO-barred hybrid) detections unless otherwise specified by the COR. All Strix detections-excluding barred owls-may warrant a Follow-Up Visit; including most nighttime detections. Nesting or Reproductive Visits and optional day time stand searches shall be included within the Follow-up Survey line item.

5.5.1 Follow-Up Visits: If a NSO or STUN is detected during the survey, the Contractor shall notify the BLM within 24 hours. The Follow-up visit shall be conducted within 24 hours but no later than 48 hours of initial detection. The objective is to locate spotted owls by conducting an intensive search within the general vicinity (approximately 0.5 mile radius) of the original detection to determine one or more of the following: occupancy status, band status, nesting status and/or reproductive success. Follow-Up Visits typically involve an extensive walk-through o f h a b i t a t in the vicinity of detections, nest trees, and/or centers of activity. If no spotted owls are located within 4 hours of search time, the Follow-Up Visit is complete and generally conclude a visit. Daytime follow-up surveys shall be documented on Spotted Owl Visit Forms (see Section J) and Survey Area Detail Maps; and shall show Calling Stations surveyed, any walking routes surveyed, owl detections, and estimated locations. Contractor shall provide a tracklog of the follow-up route.

5.5.2 Nesting/Reproductive Success Visits: These are Follow-Up Visits completed to determine nesting status, and subsequent reproductive status. Visits conducted to determine nesting status shall occur between April 15 to June 1. Reproductive success visits determine fledgling success and are completed between June 1 and July 15 (or later if deemed necessary by BLM). For the purposes of this contract, Visits conducted solely to determine nesting or reproductive success shall be considered as Follow-Up Visits. The BLM may request Nesting or Reproductive Success Visits not be conducted in situations where surveys have adequately determined these status outcomes at a site for the year.Survey protocols and outcomes are described in the 2012 NSO Survey Protocol.

5.6 DOCUMENTATION: Contractor shall submit survey data on appropriate datasheets provided by the COR.

5.6.1 Datasheets: Survey data shall be entered on the appropriate datasheet(s): Spotted Owl Visit Form and mapped on the Survey Area Detailed Map. Data submitted must be legible, accurate, and complete. All forms are available in Section J. Two different spotted owl visit forms are provided (Form A and Form B). The COR will designate the Visit Form to be used.

5.6.2 Spotted Owl Visit Form: Every Visit must have at least one corresponding Spotted Owl Visit form for each MSNO/TSNO. All coordinate data shall be recorded in Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM), based on the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83), Zone 10.

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Recording owl species other than NSO: Barred owls will be noted on the Spotted Owl Visit form, with the detection specifics recorded on the Visit Form and Survey Area Detailed Map. Barred owl detections do not require follow-up surveys. Detections of additional owl species, listed in the table below, are entered in the designated portion of the Spotted Owl Visit Form. Include species, sex, call type, owl location coordinates and other details from the detection. Additional owl species do not need to be mapped on the Survey Area Detailed Map and require no follow-up surveys.

Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus Long-eared Owl Asio otus Great Grey Owl Strix nebulosa

Observations of Species of Interest shall be recorded in the comments section on the appropriate Spotted Owl Survey Form. Comments shall include species detected, approximate coordinates of the individual and notes about the detection. Species of Interest include nesting raptors (i.e.

peregrine falcons, northern goshawks, eagles), and forest carnivores (i.e. fishers and martens). No additional surveys are required for these species, only records of observations. The COR can provide a list of Species of Interest upon request.

5.6.3 Survey Area Detailed Map: Maps are provided by the COR at the beginning of the survey season.

For Calling Station Visit surveys, estimated owl detection locations shall be mapped by the Contractor on a Survey Area Detail Map. If multiple owls are detected on a single Visit, all detections may be included on the same map (as long as map remains legible). Owl detections shall be labeled with the four-letter species code (NSO, STUN, STVA, SBOH) and a symbol for male, female, and unknown sex.

The Survey Area Detailed Map is also required for Activity Center Searches and Follow-Up Visits.

The survey route shall be delineated on the map by the Contractor. All estimated locations of NSO, STUN, STVA and SBOH individuals shall be included on the map.

5.6.4 GPS Data: GPS survey data, either in the form of waypoints or tracklogs as described in section

5.4.6. GPS data shall be submitted in GPX file format, or an alternate format authorized by the COR. Tracklogs shall be named with the surveyor’s name and the start date of the survey route.

Two Week Summary Report : A Summary Report shall be submitted every two weeks that includes copies/scans of all data forms obtained from surveys completed during the collection period. This report shall contain a summary indicating Survey Areas and Sites (MSNO/TSNO) surveyed, Visit number for those Sites and whether or not the site Visit was completed by the submission, number of NSO, Strix unknown (STUN) species, NSO-barred hybrid, and barred owls detected, and comments regarding any pertinent survey details. Survey details include; alterations to the proposed survey schedule, and justifications for the alterations, adverse conditions encountered, missing GPS data with justifications, and other comments relevant to the submitted surveys.

Common Name Scientific Name Northern Saw-whet Owl Aegolius acadicus Western Screech Owl Megascops kennicottii Northern Pygmy Owl Glaucidium gnoma

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5.6.5 A summary of survey activities shall be maintained throughout the term of the contract on Survey

Area Summary Forms (See Section J). For each date on which any survey work is conducted under the terms of the contract, this summary will indicate: Survey Area name, survey date, surveyor(s), number of stations surveyed, begin time, end time, Northern Spotted Owl results, nesting status, location of any responses, other Target Species or Species of Importance observed, and any pertinent comments or notes.

5.6.6 Annual Summary Report: A single report shall be due on September 30th of the survey year, summarizing all survey activities for the year completed under the contract.

5.6.7 All records, data (physical or digital), maps, and other information produced by this project are the property of BLM and are confidential. This information may not be released by the Contractor or the Contractor’s employees to anyone, other than BLM, without the expressed written approval of BLM. The Contractor shall notify the COR of any third-party requests for information, and shall forward such requests to the COR.

5.6.8 All documentation shall be reviewed by the Contractor before submission to the BLM to ensure that all required forms are legibly, accurately, and properly filled out.

5.7 COMMUNICATION

5.7.1 Communication concerning contract activity, stipulations and documentation shall be directed to the COR by the Contractor or a Contractor-designated Crew Supervisor.

5.7.2 Every two weeks, the Contractor shall meet , in person, through email, or on the phone, with the COR or designated BLM contact to provide the two week report as described in C.5.6.3 and discuss work progress, logistical issues, or other concerns. Meetings may occur less often if the COR agrees to an alternate schedule, that is agreed upon by the CO.

5.7.3 During the survey season, the Contractor shall notify (by email, text, or phone) the COR of any spotted owl detection and its UTM coordinates within 24 hours.

(End of Statement of Work)

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INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

The following clause is incorporated by reference:

Clause Title Date

52.246-4 INSPECTION OF SERVICES – FIXED PRICE AUG 1996

1.0 INSPECTION

1.1 Every two weeks completed copies of Spotted Owl Visit Forms, Survey Area Summary, and Survey Area Detailed Maps shall be submitted to the COR by the Contractor. Visit Forms will be reviewed by the COR within one week of reception.

1.2 On-the-ground field inspections: The COR will conduct on-the-ground field inspections of each Survey Area to evaluate the work quality and ensure compliance with all contract specifications. On-the-ground inspections will focus on, but are not limited to, compliance with flagging protocols and adherence to environmental thresholds and survey quality.

1.3 Inspection of Documentation: Survey schedules, and changes to the schedules, will be used to verify survey methods, spacing, and timing to meet requirements in the 2012 NSO Survey Protocol and associated BLM corporate data/form standards. Spotted Owl Visit Forms must be legible, accurate, and complete. In addition, Survey Area Detail Maps must accurately and legibly, reflect detection data recorded on Visit data forms. Submitted GPS information must verify station visit dates with the flagging notation. Inspection of Survey Effort documentation will be 100%.

1.4 As previously stated, the Contractor shall inform the BLM of any NSO, NSO-barred, or STUN species detections within 24 hours by methods agreed to at the pre- work meeting (phone and/or email and/or text). The BLM may refuse to pay (or reduce pay) for incorrect or unnecessary work done by the Contractor based solely on not meeting this requirement (e.g., unnecessary Nesting or Reproductive Success Visits or Follow-Up Visits).

2.0 WORK QUALITY

2.1 Unless otherwise specified, all work must be completed to the standards of the Contract, which incorporates the 2012 NSO Survey Protocol by reference and contains provisions differing from the that protocol.

2.2 All required documentation and data compilation must be properly completed before acceptance.

2.3 Unsatisfactory Work Quality

2.3.1 Incomplete, illegible, contradictory, or otherwise unsatisfactory documentation will be returned to the Contractor for rework. Alternatively, the BLM may refuse to pay (or reduce pay) for unsatisfactory work done by the Contractor.

2.3.2 If the survey coverage of the Survey Area is found not to be in accordance with Statement of Work, the Contractor may be required to redo/rework the Survey and/or

AND CURRY COUNTIES, OREGON Page 19 of 69 to survey additional Calling Stations during subsequent Visits in order to bring the overall survey effort in compliance with Statement of Work. If surveys do not meet the 2012 NSO Survey Protocol and associated BLM data form standards due to contractor error, corrective surveys are at the cost to the contractor.

2.3.3 Inspection…