SOW_PreSolic_Draft_SAM_RDCTD.pdf

US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Statement of Work

Support of research and operations at the Marcell Experimental Forest

Contents Project General Information

1.0 Scope of Work

2.0 Background

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

4.0 Government Furnished

5.0 Deliverables / Schedule

6.0 Travel

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

8.0 Security Requirements

9.0 Data Rights

10.0 Section 508 – Electronic and Information Technology Standards Attachment

Project Research and operational support at the Marcell Experimental Forest.

General Information

1.0 Scope of Work

Labor is needed to support the long-term hydrological and meteorological monitoring and scientific research program at the Marcell Experimental Forest (MEF), northern Minnesota. Work will occur at dispersed outdoor sites within 10 miles of the Marcell Research Center and the site is generally remote from population centers in Itasca County, Minnesota.

Operational tasks include maintenance of grounds and infrastructure. Research related tasks include specialized knowledge of multiple types of measurements and hydrological instruments. The contractor must have the capacity to provide consultation regarding troubleshooting and operation of instruments and infrastructure that is unique to the

MEF.

2.0 Background

The Marcell Experimental Forest (MEF) is headquartered at the Marcell Research Center, 43122 Wilderness Trail, Bovey, Minnesota 55709. Work will occur at dispersed outdoor sites within 10 miles of the Research Center.

Technical contact:

BACKGROUND:

The contractor must possess a wide range of skills, including specific knowledge of hydrological and meteorological measurement systems that are used at the MEF, and how to access and maintain infrastructure at the MEF. The skills cross multiple job categories that include equipment operator, common laborer, landscaping equipment operator, sawyer, and carpentry along with specialized knowledge of scientific instruments that are used in the scientific research program at the MEF.

Many tasks will support general operations at the MEF, including maintaining infrastructure (including, but not limited to weirs, shelters, support structures, stilling wells, measurement transects, runoff collectors, and an extensive network of boardwalks), removing hazard trees, grading roads, brush removal to maintain trails and roads, other grounds work, and distributing propane tanks for heating shelters. There may be work of a similar nature. These tasks are expected to be about 87% of the contracted work. The work must be performed in a variety of outdoor conditions including inclement weather during winter months and the presence of ticks, mosquitoes, and biting flies at other times.

Other aspects of the work involve technical consultation with our staff, providing logistical support, and limited assistance with long-term measurements that are part of the MEF research program. Strick adherence to standard protocols and standard methods established for the MEF will be essential and required for continuity of the long-term research and monitoring program. Many of the 60+ year old instruments require specialized knowledge to operate and maintain. Importantly, some instruments are no longer manufactured, and operation is no longer commonly taught in training or educational programs. Instrument manuals may not be available or have limited availability. Accordingly, knowledge of these instruments has been transferred on an as needed basis from a limited number of individuals with the proficiency and experiential knowledge of how to 1) troubleshoot and fix instruments, and 2) instruct on the operation of the instruments. Staff at the MEF are currently trained in the general operation of the devices and little to no consultation may be needed during the period of performance. However, consultation from a contractor with specific expertise will be vital if unexpected problems arise, there are staffing changes, and when vacant positions are filled since new personnel need initial training and may have occasional questions. The contractor may on an emergency basis be requested to make other measurements in direct support of research. Cumulatively, consultation and measurements are expected to be 13 or less of the contract.

The contractor typically works independently after receiving information, such as location and nature of work, from Forest Service personnel associated with the MEF. In general, work occurs during normal Monday-Friday except federal holidays and during normal business hours (8:00 to 16:30 CDT). With prior consent of Forest Service personnel associated with the MEF, the contractor may work after normal business hours and on weekends. The contractor will need to respond with a day of notice to complete a required task. Some work is infrequent but scheduled based upon season and environmental conditions (e.g., soil moisture measurements). Some jobs are flexible in timing and may be scheduled based on our need and the contractor’s availability. Some work is conditional and not predictable in advance yet, requirements need timely attention to assure that government need is met. Examples include storms that result in a need for road repair or tree removal, and unforeseen needs for troubleshooting and repair of instruments.

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

1. Communication about work is initiated by Forest Service personnel associated with the MEF, particularly Stephen Sebestyen (Project Leader and Research Hydrologist). Other MEF partners will consult with the contractor to provide specific location information and other guidance about the nature of any particular, requested task. The contractor may suggest tasks (e.g., seeing an obstructing, fallen tree while working on another task) and discuss with Forest Service personnel issues that arise from observation or related to a requested activity.

2. The contractor ensures minimal environmental disturbance at work locations, including peatlands. Strategies to minimize disturbance in peatlands include: using existing permanent boardwalks or installing temporary boardwalks;

minimizing personnel to avoid excessive traffic; minimizing movement over the surface of the peatland when boardwalks are not available, using the most direct route, and limiting traffic to as few areas as possible; minimizing disturbance to vegetation; removing all unnatural materials during or upon completion of work; avoiding particularly sensitive times such as when there is standing water; staging work on surrounding upland mineral and only entering a peatland as needed before returning to dry, stable ground.

3. The contractor must annually review all associated Forest Service job hazard analyses associated with the work activities and complete required trainings as specified in section 8.

4. The contractor provides many hand or power tools for work but is provided access to government-owned tools that are used in the upkeep and maintenance of sites, instruments, trails, and roads. The contractor provides transportation, except as specified in section 3.4.f. The contractor seeks clearance to use government-provided tools and property, informs Forest Service MEF personnel of what items are needed, and provides a general timeline for use and return. The contractor must be approved by the Grand Rapids, MN, Facility Operation Specialist in the use of government-provided hand and power tools.

5. As needed based upon request of Forest Service MEF personnel, the contractor:

a. Uses a tractor and/or dump trailer as required to maintain roads, trails, and access to research sites as well as contribute to general operation and possibly snow removal at the MEF. These types of tasks occur up to several times a year. This work may include spreading class 5 gravel to resurface, filling low spots, or recontouring roads and trails. In addition to road/trail work, jobs requiring the tractor may include moving materials, improving drainage, or excavating to prepare sites or scientific experiments. The contractor must be trained and qualified to operate a John Deere 4200 Series tractor using forks, a front loader bucket, or adjustable back blade, or provide equivalent or better equipment. The contractor must be trained and qualified to operate a dump trailer. The tractor and a dump trailer are provided unless the contractor provides equivalent or better equipment.

b. Clears trees and brush to maintain accessibility of roads, trails, instruments, and research areas. This task is expected to occur on an as needed basis throughout a typical year. The contractor provides a chainsaw, fuel, and bar, chain oil, and associated personal protective equipment. The Forest Service provides a brush mower, the 4-wheel all-terrain vehicle (ATV), and a ATV-use helmet that is needed for brush removal, unless equivalent or better equipment is provided by the contractor. The contractor must be ATV-use certified and wear a helmet. The contractor must complete the Minnesota ATV Safety Education Course for Ages 15 and older (https://www.atvcourse.com/usa/minnesota/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw65-zBhBkEiwAjrqRMBfL5-lshgL1P7FN32OZNdT11LtIQwJIF9qdcKQdOGuVTo_fCavkehoCjAMQAvD_BwE) and provide the certificate of completion to the Technical Representative or Contracting Officer’s Representative prior to operating the government owned ATV. This task is expected to occur throughout a typical year.

c. Deconstruct and remove defunct infrastructure. This task is expected to occur on an as needed basis. One particular example is the removal from a peatland of an irrigation system constructed of 2” to 5” PVC pipe. The distribution system includes horizontal distribution pipes that were installed on the surface of the peatland and 1-m tall sections rise every ~12 m along the distribution pipes within a 2.5-acre area. Any work in peatlands, which are sensitive wetland ecosystems, needs to minimize disturbance. While some boardwalks exist and should be preferentially used when and where reasonable, the irrigation system is largely not accessible from those boardwalks. Care is needed to minimize disturbance associated with displacing vegetation that has grown over the horizontal portions of the pipe. Pipe and all associated debris need to be removed and stored until hauled to a garbage dump. A dump trailer is available for transport.

d. Troubleshoots and repairs instrumentation, which may involve carpentry, basic masonry, basic plumbing, use of hand and power tools, and hauling/moving heavy objects.

e. Consults with Forest Service staff and MEF cooperators to operate, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation of the MEF, including training of MEF personnel. This task may be infrequent but is a critical aspect that is required of the contractor. The contractor must know how to operate and maintain instruments including each of the following: Belfort FW-1 and Stevens Type A-35 (or similar/equivalent) strip chart recorders as well as collection devices (Aerochem Metrics wet/dry collectors, ETI Instruments NOAH IV digital precipitation gages, National Weather Service standard rain gages) associated with the National Trends Network and Mercury Deposition Network of the National Atmospheric Deposition Program. The contractor must also have knowledge of each of the following instruments and basic techniques of hydrological measurement: stream stage at 120-degree v-notch weirs, point gage measurements at weirs, precipitation amount using National Weather Service standard precipitation gages, thermocouples for soil temperature, water table elevation in wells and from datums on sheltered standing water pools, and runoff collector volumetric estimation.

f. Safely hauls propane tanks to dispersed field locations. This task is needed every year. All empty or partially filled propane tanks are refilled prior to freezing air temperatures of autumn and winter, and as needed when propane is consumed. Some sites have limited access and are located up to 1 mile from road access points. The contractor places tanks for pickups/drop-offs from Bottle Range Gas (the local contracted supplier) to refill propane tanks. The Forest Service full-size pickup (Northern Research Station vehicle #2005) with lift gate and mounting racks (unless a functionally equivalent option is provided by the contractor) is required for the safe and effective transport of 100-lb propane tanks. Propane must be securely fastened to a mounting rack when being transported. The contractor must have a valid driver’s license and be self-insured, provide a driver’s license copy and proof of insurance to the Facility Operations Specialist, review associated Forest Service job hazard analysis materials, and have completed defensive driving training within the past four years to operate the government-owned vehicle.

6. Measures soil moisture three times each year using the neutron probe (Troxler Series 4300 Depth Moisture Gauge) and gravimetric techniques. No staff associated with the Marcell Experimental Forest could teach use of the device, including the permit holder ( ). It vitally important that a contractor is knowledgeable and experienced in making measurements. This task is expected to amount to about 18 to 24 hours per year. This activity requires the use of a portable radiation source at a network of ten existing soil moisture access tubes. In addition to possessing knowledge of the measurement technique and the specific interest that is available, the contractor must complete and pass the required neutron gauge training, and be listed as a permitted user or as an associate user to a permitted user ( , Project Leader and Research Hydrologist) on a Radiation Source Use Permit from the USDA Office of Homeland Security Radiation Safety Division.

Individuals who operate nuclear gauges receive radiation safety training every three years to ensure proper use of the equipment. The contractor must know and follow best use and required handling protocols for the instrument as specified by the Radiation Safety Program, which provides training materials and tests as needed through the permitted user. The contractor performs semi-annual leak tests and submits samples to the Grand Rapids Forestry Sciences Laboratory for shipment to the Radiation Safety Division, and wears radiation monitoring dosimeters that are to be submitted to Landauer Inc (the vendor that the Radiation Safety Divisions uses). The neutron probe gauge must be transported in the approved case and doubly secured during transport and when in storage.

Shipping papers must be within reach of the driver when the device is transported. Readings are taken at least several days after the most recent rain fall each year just prior to leaf out of trees, at the time of leaf off, and just prior to freeze up. These times roughly correspond to May, September, and November, but exact measurement days and months vary depending on the year, weather, and length of the growing season. The readings are taken at 1 ft (0.3 m) depth intervals to a maximum depth of 9.8 ft (3 meters). For the top 6 in (15.2 cm) of soil where the neutron probe gauge is not used for measurements, the gravimetric technique is used. A T-bar sampler is used to collect a 0-15.2 cm mineral soil sample from three randomly selected points around an access tube(s). The soil samples are placed into separate aluminum soil cans, brought back to the Marcell Research Center, and weighed prior to and after oven drying for 48 hours at 105 degrees C to obtain a gravimetric moisture content.

7. Invoicing will be based on actuals as they occur. Invoice to the 15-minute interval. Two hours and 10 minutes would be invoiced as 2.25 hours. Invoices are to be itemized identifying specific tasks/requirements as related to contract line-item number (CLIN) and submitted/attached in the IPP Platform when processing electronic invoices.

8. Resume to include:

• Standard resume input regarding jobs and years of experience.

• Skills that are relevant to tasks in sections 3.5 to 3.6. Specify if there is proficient knowledge to operate and maintain each of the following instruments or techniques: Belfort FW-1 and Stevens A-series strip chart recorders, Aerochem Metrics wet/dry collectors, ETI NOAH IV digital precipitation gages, National

Weather Service standard precipitation gages, Troxler Series 4300 Depth Moisture Gauge, the neutron probe technique for soil moisture measurement, and measurement of stream stage at v-notch weirs, point gages, thermocouples for temperature, water table elevation, and runoff collectors.

• Possession and dates of licenses and certifications (e.g. Class D or government drivers licenses, defensive driver training, ATV operation certification, USDA OHS Radiation Safety training and permit for portable sealed-source radioactive devices for soil moisture measurement).

4.0 Government Furnished

The contractor receives basic to detailed information from Forest Service personnel associated with the MEF. The information may be:

• location and nature of work for road trail work, tree removal, and other operations-related tasks.

• a request to get propane tanks refilled.

• a request to repair or troubleshoot a particular device or piece of infrastructure.

• a request for consultation regarding infrastructure or for training to be provided to MEF personnel.

• a request to make a measurement.

The contractor is provided the door access code for the Marcell Research Center (headquarters of the MEF) and allowed to access the site operator’s office as needed. See section 8. The Forest Service maintains at the Marcell Research Center a binder with job hazard analysis (JHA) documents and the associated record of whom has signed the documents. The JHAs can also be provided in printed document format (PDF) upon request.

The contractor is provided a Forest Service lock key to access gated roads and locked instrument shelters. See section 8.

The contractor is provided access to instruments and infrastructure at the MEF.

The contractor is provided access to manual, power, portable electric, and portable gas-powered tools that are used in the upkeep and maintenance of sites, instruments, trails, and roads. The Forest Service Facility Operation Specialist in Grand Rapids, MN provides one-time approval to use government provided hand and power tools. Upon recommendation of the contractor and with approval of a Project Leader or Assistant Director of Research or another budgetary line officer, the Forest Service purchases and provides replacement parts/supplies/materials that are needed to repair instruments or infrastructure.

Once certified to use the tractor by the Grand Rapids, MN Facilities Operations Specialist, the contractor is provided access to use a John Deere 4200 Series tractor as availability allows.

The Forest Service provides a brush mower and the 4-wheel all-terrain vehicle (ATV) for brush removal as availability allows.

A dump trailer that does not require a certified driver’s license, ATV, and brush mower are provided as availability allows. Costs of disposal of debris from construction or deconstruction will be paid by the Forest Service.

The Forest Service owns the propane tanks and will make available tools and a 2-wheel cart that is used to transport tanks along trails and boardwalks.

Once having provided evidence of possessing a valid Class D driver’s license and current insurance, the contractor may drive the NRS full-size pickup (Northern Research Station vehicle #2005) with lift gate and mounting racks for the specified purpose (i.e., only for the safe transport of propane tanks) as availability allows. Once every four years, the contractor must complete the National Safety Council Online Defensive Driving Course 4-hour module (https://training.safetyserve.com/nscretails/nsc.html). The Forest Service pays for the defensive driving training modules.

The contractor is provided wipe tests and dosimeters, and access to a Troxler Series 4300 Depth Moisture Gauge. Upon completing required training supplied by the USDA Radiation Safety Program and successfully completing exams at least every three years, the contractor is listed by the OHS Radiation Safety Division as an associate user on the Radiation Source Use Permit issued to . All supplies, required equipment, field data and laboratory sheets, a drying oven, and electronic balance are provided for gravimetric soil moisture measurements. The Forest Service pays for and arranges shipping of dosimeters and leak tests.

5.0 Deliverables / Schedule

The contractor in written or verbal communication provides timely updates on the status of requested work or when parts are needed for repair/replacement of instruments or infrastructure.

Propane tanks are delivered prior to freezing seasonal air temperatures to dispersed locations where heaters are needed.

On days of measurements, soil moisture data are entered on paper field data sheets and returned to Marcell Experimental Forest personnel or placed on the site operator’s desk at the Marcell Research Center. Leak tests and dosimeters are returned to as specified by OHS Radiation Safety Division requirements within three days of the tests being made.

The contractor informs Forest Service personnel of the need for tools, equipment, and any temporary-use government property with adequate notice to receive approval. The contractor returns tools, vehicles, and other government furnished property at the end of the day or when any task is completed for a project that occurs over several consecutive days.

The contractor repairs or operates instruments, identifies needed repairs, or instructs Forest Service Marcell Experimental Staff as needed.

In general, work occurs during normal Monday-Friday except federal holidays and during normal business hours (8:00 to 16:30 CDT). With prior consent of Forest Service personnel associated with the MEF, the contractor may work after normal business hours and on weekends.

6.0 Travel

Travel requirements are at the expense of the contractor which may include travel, lodging, meals and incidentals.

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

The contractor must know how to operate and maintain instruments including Belfort FW-1 and Stevens Type A-35 (or similar/equivalent) strip chart recorders as well as collection devices (Aerochem Metrics wet/dry collectors, ETI Instruments NOAH IV digital precipitation gages, National Weather Service standard rain gages) associated with the National Trends Network and Mercury Deposition Network of the National Atmospheric Deposition Program. The contractor must also have knowledge of each of the following instruments and basic techniques of hydrological measurement: stream stage at 120-degree v-notch weirs, point gage measurements at weirs, precipitation amount using National Weather Service standard precipitation gages, thermocouples for soil temperature, water table elevation, and runoff collector volumetric estimation. Existing knowledge of and expertise with these scientific techniques and instruments is a primary consideration.

The contractor measures soil moisture using the neutron probe technique (Troxler Series 4300 Depth Moisture Gauge), which requires familiarity with the technique. The contractor must be trained, complete, and pass the required USDA Radiation Safety Division neutron gauge training and be listed as a permitted or associate user to a permitted user ( , Project Leader and Research Hydrologist) on a Radiation Source Use Permit from the USDA Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Coordination. The contractor must know and follow best use and required handling protocols for the instrument, as specified in the required training. The contractor performs semi-annual leak tests and submits samples to the Grand Rapids Forestry Sciences Laboratory for shipment to the Radiation Safety Division, and wear radiation monitoring dosimeters that are to be submitted to Landauer Inc (the vendor that the Radiation Safety Divisions uses). The neutron probe gauge must be transported in the approved case and secured with two independent means during transport and when in storage. Shipping papers must be within reach of the driver when transported. There is no one on our staff who is qualified or knowledgeable of the operation of the neutron probe gauge.

The contractor must possess the knowledge and skill to operate the gauge.

8.0 Security Requirements

The Contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all Government property provided for Contractor use. At the close of each work period, the government facilities, equipment, and materials shall be secured in a manner designated by the government.

8.1 Key Control. The Contractor shall establish and implement methods of making sure all keys/key cards issued to the Contractor by the Government are not lost or misplaced and are not used by unauthorized persons. NOTE: All references to keys include key cards. No keys issued to the Contractor by the Government shall be duplicated. The Contractor shall develop procedures covering key control that shall be included in the Quality Control Plan. Such procedures shall include turn-in of any issued keys by personnel who no longer require access to locked areas. The Contractor shall immediately report any occurrences of lost or duplicate keys/key cards to the Contracting Officer.

Contractor shall prohibit the use of Government issued keys/key cards by any persons other than the Contractor’s employees. The Contractor shall prohibit the opening of locked areas by Contractor employees to permit entrance of persons other than Contractor employees engaged in the performance of assigned work in those areas, or personnel authorized entrance by the Contracting Officer.

8.1.1 Lost keys shall be reported to the COR and the CO. In the event keys, other than master keys, are lost or duplicated, the Contractor shall, upon direction of the Contracting Officer, re-key or replace the affected lock or locks.

In the event a master key is lost or duplicated, the contractor will be responsible for replacement of all locks and keys for that system/facility.

8.1.2 Keys and Building Access Codes

Keys and building access codes will be provided by the COR. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to keep keys in a safe location and return keys as required by the COR. If the Contractor fails to return keys within two weeks of end of contract or upon determination that keys have been lost, the Government reserves the rights to change all door locks and withhold said expenses from the Contractor’s pay. Contractor shall control keys and not allow duplication of facility keys. Duplication of keys issued may result in termination for cause of contract if CO determines facility security has been compromised.

8.2 Contractor Background Checks

Background checks are required to comply with Presidential Directive HSPD-12 that requires “for unescorted entry into a federal facility, the individual will have a background investigation on file.” Within ten calendar days of contract award or a new employee being selected for work on this contract, provide a complete list of the name, address, social security number, date of birth and work phone of each employee involved in the performance of this contract.

Information shall be submitted only to the identified Government PIV Sponsor.

8.3 Contractor Mandatory Training

Training requirement for contractor personnel with unescorted access. The contractor must ensure their employees (including subcontractor personnel) complete the training course(s) listed below in the frequency identified. The contractor must maintain records of course completion and provide them to the Contracting Officer or Contracting Officer Representative upon request.

Course Name Frequency (Once, Quarterly, Annually, etc.)

Method of Training

Length of Training

Completion Date

Understanding and Interrupting Unconscious Bias

Annually AgLearn 90 minutes 90 days after assignment in AgLearn

Anti-Harassment Training:

Identifying and Preventing

Workplace Harassment

Annually AgLearn 60 minutes 90 days after assignment in AgLearn

Information Security Awareness Annually AgLearn 60 minutes 1 year since last completion date

USDA Records Management Annually AgLearn Or Paper-based

60 minutes 60 days after assignment

Section 508 Annually AgLearn 60 minutes 45 days after assignment

9.0 Data Rights

Soil moisture and any other field data sheets are returned Marcell Experimental Forest Staff or returned to the site operators office in the Marcell Research Center on the day that measurements are made. There are no concerns regarding the use or disclosure of the data.

10.0 Section 508 – Electronic and Information Technology Standards

Not Applicable

Attachment

Not Applicable