Statement_of_Work_MIM_2025.pdf

Statement of Work

2025 Lewistown Multiple Indicator Monitoring

Bureau of Land Management Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument

Lewistown Field Office

1.0 BACKGROUND

The contractor shall collect riparian health data at Designated Monitoring Areas (DMAs) in accordance with Multiple Indicator Monitoring (MIM) protocol on Bureau of Land Management administered land in

Petroleum and Fergus Counties in Montana.

The basis for the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) MIM protocol will use the latest version of

Technical Reference 1737-23. The 2024 version is available and should be utilized to determine adjustments to re-survey DMA’s.

The Technical Reference 1737-23 and Data Modules are available for download at:

https://www.blm.gov/documents/national-office/blm-library/technical-reference/multiple-indicator-monitoring-mim-stream

Collection and analysis of multiple indicators enables the BLM to address multiple short- and long-term indicators on the streambank and in the channel. MIM procedures measure the most important indicators relevant to detecting change, improve management efficiency through the use of electronic data collection, and yield statistically acceptable results within realistic time constraints. Data analysis within the MIM protocol addresses precision and minimizes observer variability and subjectivity through an emphasis on strict compliance with rule sets and required training. This riparian monitoring effort will produce information for standard deviation calculations that yield detection of upward or downward trends in the functioning condition of riparian zones. Trend determinations will aid the BLM’s efficacious pursuit of resource management strategies for riparian reaches across the BLM’s Lewistown Field Office.

The DMA is the location on the stream where all monitoring procedures described in the MIM protocol occur. All DMAs that will be used for monitoring within this contract have been delineated by the BLM, have been previously surveyed, and can be found in Appendix A and B. Some of the DMA reaches specified in this contract are only accessible through private property and will require landowner permission to be obtained. See the Reference Material and the Requirements sections below for protocol and methodologies for data collection.

Only some sites can be accessed by pick-up truck. ATVs or UTVs could be used to access all sites to within 1 mile, many are much closer. Use of these vehicles may be a preferred access method for some contractors. Conditions of two-track routes described as potential access routes in Appendix A are not guaranteed to be accessible by a full-sized vehicle. Most hiking distances are less than 1 mile of roads or of potential two-track access routes.

2.0 QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Offerors shall submit a one-page resume of all key personnel proposed for this contract. The following positions have been determined as key personnel: the project manager, and a field crew made up of a minimum of two personnel including a field crew lead.

The project manager must have experience equal to the field staff, and in addition, should have experience reviewing monitoring data for quality control, coordinating with agency personnel, and producing deliverables similar to those specified in this contract. The project manager may serve as the field crew lead if they are on site during data collection.

https://www.blm.gov/documents/national-office/blm-library/technical-reference/multiple-indicator-monitoring-mim-stream https://www.blm.gov/documents/national-office/blm-library/technical-reference/multiple-indicator-monitoring-mim-stream

At a minimum the field crew must have two vegetation specialists OR a vegetation specialist and water resource specialist. The field crew lead will have a 4-year Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Natural Resources /

Environment degree with 3 years of professional experience in related field data collection and analysis, or a graduate degree with 2 years of professional experience in related field data collection and analysis.

The field crew lead will have a strong technical background and experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting quantitative data related to the assessment items specific to vegetation monitoring.

All field crew members must have formal training for MIM. Formal training for MIM must include a certificate of completion from a full 3-day course in Riparian MIM or proof of journey level experience conducting MIM in multiple areas. Field staff must be skilled in the production and use of GPS data, digital forms, and maps. The staff conducting field work and analysis must be sufficiently versed in plant identification, measuring channel morphology, natural resource inventorying, and correct application of natural resource monitoring protocols (e.g., MIM of Stream Channels and Streamside Vegetation). It is highly preferred that field crew members have experience in the types of watersheds being assessed

(Northern Rocky Mountain Montane Forest and Shrubland/Grassland and Inter-Mountain Sagebrush

Steppe vegetation types, etc.).

The contractor shall make no substitutions of key personnel specified in the contractor’s offer unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death, or termination of employment. The contractor shall notify the

Contracting Officer at least 15 days prior to making any permanent team member substitutions. The contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the Contracting Officer. Proposed substitutes should have comparable qualifications to those of the person(s) being replaced. The Contracting Officer will notify the contractor of approval/denial within 15 calendar days after receipt of all required information of the decision on substitutions. If the Contracting

Officer determines that the proposed substitute personnel are unacceptable, or that there could be a reduction of effort so substantial as to impair the success of this contracting effort, the contractor may be subject to default action.

3.0 PAST PERFORMANCE

Offerors shall submit a list of clients for past and present similar projects covering the past three (3) years.

Provide: contact name, address, phone number, e-mail address. The Government may survey these clients to obtain past performance information (quality, timeliness, cost control, business relationships) related to

Offerors current and past work.

4.0 REFERENCE MATERIALS

1. Riparian area management: Multiple indicator monitoring (MIM) of stream channels and streamside vegetation. Technical Reference 1737-23. For the latest version, see https://www.blm.gov/documents/national-office/blm-library/technical-reference/multiple-indicator-monitoring-mim-stream

2. Data Entry and Data Analysis Modules are available online (must use the latest version).

https://www.blm.gov/documents/national-office/blm-library/technical-reference/multiple-indicator-monitoring-mim-stream https://www.blm.gov/documents/national-office/blm-library/technical-reference/multiple-indicator-monitoring-mim-stream

5.0 REQUIREMENTS

5.1 TASKS/SCHEDULES

I. Schedule 1 – Base requirement DMAs.

The Priority 1 DMAs consist of eight (8) previously monitored DMAs. See specific requirements for tasks stated below in the corresponding Requirements section.

A. Complete application of Technical Reference 1737-23 at eight (8)) DMA in Fergus

County. See Appendix A for list of DMAs and locations.

B. The field work and reporting must be completed by the timelines detailed in section 5.0

Deliverables.

II. Schedule 2 – Base requirement DMAs AND Priority 2 DMAs.

Priority 2 DMAs would be included in addition to the Base requirement DMAs. Priority 2 DMAs consist of an additional six (6) new DMAs in Fergus and Petroleum Counties.

A. Complete application of Technical Reference 1737-23 at fourteen (14) DMAs in Fergus and Petroleum Counties. See Appendix A.

B. The field work and reporting must be completed by the timelines detailed in section 5.0

Deliverables.

5.2 REQUIREMENTS FOR MIM of BASE REQUIREMENT and PRIORITY 2 DMAs

I. For all DMAs, find access routes to each monitoring point (Appendix A). Notify private landowners/grazing lessees when you will be conducting the assessments to gain access across private land if applicable.

II. For DMAs outlined in Appendix A, GPS coordinates for the upper and lower ends have been provided to assist field crews in re-locating the monitoring reaches. The coordinates for the re-survey DMAs are based off of the older 110 meter reach.

A. Define the Lower and Upper end of the DMA.

The DMA shall be at least 110 m long or adjusted in accordance with the direction from to the latest version of the Technical Reference 1737-23 and utilizing the upstream and downstream Latitude and Longitude provided in Appendix A. When originally installed, most (but not all) of the DMAs had Reference Point markers installed using orange plastic monument marker or green t-post. These may still be in place for assisting in re-locating the DMAs.

B. Take Photographs

i. After the Lower and Upper Ends of the DMA have been documented, photographs should be taken before data is collected because the monitoring process may result in some visible disturbance to the site. At a minimum, nine

(9) photographs shall be taken:

a) From the lower marker looking upstream

b) From the lower marker looking across the stream (perpendicular)

c) From the lower marker looking downstream

d) Across the stream from the lower marker, looking toward the lower marker

(perpendicular)

e) From the upper marker looking upstream

f) From the upper marker looking across the stream (perpendicular)

g) From the upper marker looking downstream

h) Across the stream from the upper marker, looking toward the upper marker

(perpendicular).

i) If the Reference Marker is still in place: Looking at the Reference Marker, taken in a way that the photograph helps future crews located it (ie background has easily identifiable features).

ii. Take additional photographs as needed and describe the location of each photo in relation to the downstream marker.

iii. Photography metadata information will be completed after the photographs have been downloaded from the camera:

a) Title Field (Required) : Descriptive title of what the picture portrays

b) Author Field (Required) : Photographer Name or Company

c) Comments Field (Optional) : Any other relevant information

C. Identify and Record the Timing of MIM in Relation to Grazing. This will be documented in the Header tab under the Narrative section of the Data Entry and Data

Analysis modules.

- Pre-grazing Monitoring

- Monitoring During Grazing

- Post-grazing Monitoring

D. Follow Monitoring Guidelines and General Procedures

i. Bed material sampling (substrate) and Residual Pool Depth and Pool Frequency will NOT be conducted on the following DMAs (See summary table in

Appendix A):

Schedule 1 – Base Requirement DMAs

AC02013-1, Armells Creek

BY02609-1, Brickyard Creek

DC15124-4, Dog Creek

DC15124-10, Dog Creek

JR20051-1, Judith River

Schedule 2 – Priority 2 DMAs

DC15013-1, Drag Creek

DC15052-2, Drag Creek

MH04894-1, McDonald Creek Trib

MC09703-1, Melton Coulee

SC02559-1, Soda Creek

ii. Residual Pool Depth and Pool Frequency will be completed ONLY on the following DMAs (See summary table in Appendix A):

Schedule 1 – Base Requirement DMAs

FC12601-1, Fords Creek

FC12601-2, Fords Creek

FC12700-1, Fords Creek

Schedule 2 – Priority 2 DMAs

CC09683-1, Coffee Creek

iii. Bed material sampling (substrate) will be completed ONLY on the following

DMAs (See summary table in Appendix A):

CC09683-1, Coffee Creek

E. Use the MIM Modules

i. The Data Entry Module is for entering data into handheld computers using Windows

Mobile in the field.

a) A brief narrative that describes the DMA, its type, and location will be included in the “Header” tab under the Narrative section.

b) Timelines for delivery of the draft and final Data Entry Modules are detailed in

Section 6.0 Deliverables.

ii. The Data Analysis Module will be completed using data collected in the Data Entry

Module.

a) Timelines for delivery of the draft and final Data Analysis Modules are detailed in Section 6.0 Deliverables.

F. Flooded Greenline

If monitoring of the greenline is not possible under the MIM protocol due to flooded conditions, the site would be evaluated at a later date under this contract. Deliverable due date alterations would be made in consideration of any constraints that seasonal flooding may impose.

G. Additional Notes and Comments Can be Obtained in the Field

i. Notes and comments could include any observations and other pertinent information not included on the forms such as observed wildlife, apparent unauthorized disturbance, and/or other unique conditions and findings. These should be documented in the Comments tab of the MIM Modules.

ii. Note if milkweed is observed in the riparian area, and which species if identifiable.

6.0 DELIVERABLES

Data Disclaimer Message - Any records (photographs, data, notes, etc.) generated and/or created for the purposes of this contract are owned by the BLM and require review and permission prior to release of any information. The contractor cannot copyright, sell, release, or reproduce any of this material. Images will not be protected from release through Freedom of Information Act requests.

1. Field Surveys

All field surveys will be completed between a June 30 to September 30 field window. Surveys must be completed no later than September 30, 2026.

2. Draft MIM data

All draft MIM data will be completed and submitted for review to the BLM by November 30, 2026. Submit one (1) complete set of all data on a USB memory device. All Data Entry and Data

Analysis modules and photographs shall be submitted in an electronic format that is compatible with BLM systems. Maps of the monitoring configurations at a 1:1,000 scale with WGS 1984 can be formatted and delivered as either a PDF or JPEG.

3. Final Reports

The final report(s) will consist of the corrected Data Entry and Data Analysis modules, photographs, and maps. Submit one (1) complete set of all data on a USB memory device. All

Data Entry modules, Data Analysis modules, and photographs shall be submitted in an electronic format that is compatible with BLM systems. Maps of the monitoring configurations at a 1:1,000 scale with WGS 1984 can be formatted and delivered as either a PDF or JPEG.

A. The final report for data will be submitted to the BLM by December 31, 2026.

7.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

1. Hard copy and/or digital versions of maps and previous survey information will be provided to the contractor.

2. Permittee/landowner contact information will be provided in order to aid with acquiring access to

DMAs which require private landowner permission. This information is NOT public, and the confidentiality of this information is to be maintained.

3. A grazing schedule will not be provided to bidders or to the contractor; the timing of MIM in relation to grazing will be recorded by the contractor as observed in the field at the time of survey, as outlined under 5.2.II.C of the Requirements section of this document.

8.0 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED PROPERTY

1. The contractor is responsible for obtaining landowner permission and acquiring legal access to all

BLM parcels and stream reaches. Contractor should be prepared for hiking and driving in rough terrain, hot and cold temperature extremes, rattlesnakes, etc..

2. 8 megapixel or greater camera with geo-reference capability. If a tablet or similar device is used, verify resolution settings are correct.

3. Equipment, tools, materials, supervision, and other items needed to complete the field work protocols outlined in the requirements section above.

4. 4-wheel drive vehicle or UTV/ATV for transportation. The contractor will be responsible for making sure all vehicles, 4 wheelers, or UTV’s are washed regularly to reduce the spread of noxious weed seeds.

5. The contractor will be responsible for carrying necessary fire extinguishers and any other safety/ first aide equipment.

9.0 TELECONFERENCES AND CORRESPNDANCE

1. An initial pre-work teleconference will occur after award of the contract.

2. Other “as-needed” teleconferences, phone calls, or email correspondence with BLM shall be conducted whenever requested by the COR or the contractor in which questions relating to the project need to be discussed.

10.0 PAYMENT

Payment shall be made in accordance with the contract requirements at the price per DMA (with supporting forms, photographs, and maps completed). Measurement for payment will be based on completed, reviewed and accepted products by the COR. Invoices can be submitted following the timelines and deliverables outlined in Section 6.0 Deliverables.

Fifty percent of the payment per DMA will be paid upon completion of the field surveys and when list of completed sites is provided to the COR. This is intended to document that the survey is complete for the various reaches.

The remaining 50% will be paid after BLM acceptance of the final report(s).

Appendix A Site Information

DMA Site Information

Schedule Stream Name County DMA I.D. Allotment Original

Survey

Special

Monitoring

Criteria

S ch ed u le

Armells Creek Fergus AC02013_1 West Indian Butte 2019

Brickyard Creek Fergus BY02609_1 Little Box Elder 2021

Dog Creek (lower) Fergus

DC15124-

Dog Creek 2018

Dog Creek (lower) Fergus DC15124-4 Dog Creek 2018

Fords Creek Fergus FC12601_1 Little Dam 2018 pool

Fords Creek Fergus FC12601_2 Little Dam 2021 pool

Fords Creek Fergus FC12700_1 Forgy Common 2021 pool

Judith River Fergus JR20051_1 Judith River Ranch 2017

S ch ed u le

Coffee Creek Fergus CC09683-1 Coffee Creek new pool, substrate

Drag Creek Petroleum DC15052-2 Two Crow new

Drag Creek Petroleum DC15013-1 Drag Creek new

Melton Coulee Fergus MC09703-1 Melton Coulee new

McDonald Creek Trib Petroleum MH04894_1 Marsh Hawk new

Soda Creek Petroleum SC02559-1 Soda Creek new

Schedule 1 DMA’s:

AC02013-1

Drainage: Armells Creek

Location: T21N, R22E, Sec 24

Allotment Name: West Indian Butte (#02013)

HUC12: Sourdough Creek – Armells Creek (100401040504)

Upstream: 47.58098, -108.84482

Downstream: 47.58124, -108.84327

Comments: Originally assessed in 2019.

Access: Will require access through along old two track that is very rough and may be difficult without

UTV/ATV. Access will also require cross country travel approximately 1.5 miles.

BY02609-1

Drainage: Brickyard Creek

Location: T16N, R23E, Sec 17

Allotment Name: Little Box Elder (#02609)

HUC12: Brickyard (100402040304)

Upstream: 47.156589, -108.8321860

Downstream: 47.156106, -108.831714

Comments: Originally assessed in 2021. DMA upland marker is a green t-post.

Access: Access is a gravel road, Box Elder Road/Fox Lane. Hike is less than 0.1 mile.

DC15124-4

Drainage: Dog Creek

Location: T22N, R17E, Sec 06

Allotment Name: Dog Creek (#15124)

HUC12: Jones Cone- Dog Creek (100401010508)

Upstream: 47.706030, -109.5926610

Downstream: 47.706826, -109.593527

Comments: Originally assessed in 2018. No upland marker.

Access: Will require access through private (American Prairie). Access requires multiple miles along old two track is very rough and may be difficult at stream crossings depending on spring flows so a

UTV/ATV recommended.

DC15124-10

Drainage: Dog Creek

Location: T22N, R17E, Sec 09

Allotment Name: Dog Creek (#15124)

HUC12: Jones Cone- Dog Creek (100401010508)

Upstream: 47.685048, -109.5593120

Downstream: 47.685924, -109.559776

Comments: Originally assessed in 2018. No upland marker.

Access: Will require access through private (American Prairie). Access requires multiple miles along old two track is very rough and may be difficult at stream crossings depending on spring flows so a

UTV/ATV recommended.

FC12601-1

Drainage: Fords Creek

Location: T16N, R22E, Sec 25

Allotment Name: Little Dam (#12601)

HUC12: Middle Fords Creek (100402040303)

Upstream: 47.118322, -108.868700

Downstream: 47.119112, -108.868215

Comments: DMA was established and last surveyed in 2018.

Access: Easiest route is from the west through private and would require less than 0.1 mile hike.

However, if access is not able to be obtained, there is a two-track route from the northeast through BLM.

FC12601-2

Location: T16N, R22E, Sec 26

Allotment Name: Little Dam (#12601)

HUC12: Middle Fords Creek (100402040303)

Upstream: 47.119255, -108.889297

Downstream: 47.119752, -108.888330

Comments: DMA was established and last surveyed in 2021.

However, if access is not able to be obtained, there is a two-track route from the northeast through BLM.

FC12700-1

Location: T16N, R23E, Sec 30

Allotment Name: Forgy Common (#12700)

HUC12: Middle Fords Creek (100402040303)

Upstream: 47.113608, -108.844722

Downstream: 47.113919, -108.844069

Comments: DMA was established and last surveyed in 2021

However, if access is not able to be obtained, there is a two-track route from the northeast through BLM.

JR20051-1

Drainage: Judith River

Location: T20N, R17E, Sec 17 and 20

Allotment Name: Judith River Ranch (#20051)

HUC12: Fivemile Coulee – Judith River (100401031406)

Upstream: 47.492319, -109.586011

Downstream: 47.493816, -109.584802

Comments: DMA was established and last surveyed in 2017.

Access: Access off Threemile Road. Private landowner permission required for a 1 mile hike. Site can also be accessed via a very steep two track only suitable for use by ATV or UTV with care but minimal hike. Third access option is from the west but would require private landowner permission and wading the river.

Schedule 2 DMA’s:

CC09683-1

Drainage: Coffee Creek

Location: T20N, R15E, Sec 05

Allotment Name: Coffee Creek (#09683)

HUC12: Lower Coffee Creek (100401020304)

Upstream: 47.530920, -108.837642

Downstream: 47.531386, -109.836729

Comments: New DMA

Access: Will require access through private (Jeff Schafer). Access requires multiple miles along a rough two track is too narrow and steep for a truck so a UTV/ATV is required.

DC15013-1

Drainage: Drag Creek

Location: T19N, R28E, Sec 26

Allotment Name: Drag Creek (#15013)

HUC12: Drag Creek (100402050802)

Upstream: 47.376996, -108.105581

Downstream: 47.376111, -108.105711

Comments: New DMA.

Access: Will require access along an old two-track so UTV/ATV recommended or cross country travel about 1.5 miles.

DC15052-2

Drainage: Drag Creek

Location: T19N, R28E, Sec 27

Allotment Name: Two Crow (#15052)

HUC12: Drag Creek (100402050802)

Upstream: 47.385355, -108.122654

Downstream: 47.3846541, -108.122149

Comments: New DMA.

Access: Will Requires access along an old two-track so UTV/ATV recommended or cross country travel about 0.5 miles.

MC09703-1

Drainage: Melton Coulee

Location: T20N, R15E, Sec 09

Allotment Name: Melton Coulee (#09703)

HUC12: Lower Coffee Creek (100401020304)

Upstream: 47.516361, -109.818754

Downstream: 47.516525, -109.820172

Comments: New DMA.

Access: Access is along a two track only suitable for use by UTV/ATV. Cross country travel about 0.5 miles. Will require access across private (Jeff Schafer).

MH04894-1

Drainage: Unnamed McDonald Creek Tributary

Location: T14N, R25E, Sec 02 and 11

Allotment Name: Marsh Hawk (#04894)

HUC12: Whites Coulee-McDonald Creek (100402040603)

Upstream: 46.995883, -108.513307

Downstream: 46.996128, -108.512082

Comments: New DMA.

Access: Cross country travel about 0.5 miles. Will require access across private (Nick Shultz).

SC02559-1

Drainage: Soda Creek

Location: T21N, R29E, Sec 30

Allotment Name: Soda Creek (#02559)

HUC12: Soda Creek (100401041106)

Upstream: 47.550409, -108.049204

Downstream: 47.550361, 108.0479676

Comments: New DMA.

Access: Cross country travel about 0.75 miles. Will require access across private (Soda Creek Permittee:

5 Mountain Ranch LLC)