Synopsis Soliciation.pdf

(i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial service prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

(ii) The solicitation number 127EAY23Q0025 is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ).

(iii) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-97.

(iv) This is a 100% Small Business Set-aside under NAICS code 541620 Environmental Consulting Services; the small business size standard is $15.0 mil; the Product/Service code is F019 Natural Resources / Conservation – Other Wildlife.

(v) This solicitation has multiple line items See attached Schedule of Items.

(vi) The Government is seeking to establish a purchase order contract for Upper Thomes Fuels and Hammerhorn Restoration Spotted Owl Survey on the Mendocino National Forest.

(vii) Services provided on routine and scheduled basis. A site visit is recommended. See statement of work and schedule of items.

(viii) The provision at 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition.

The Government intends to evaluate quotes and offer an award based on the quote submission; therefore, the quote should contain the best terms from a price and technical standpoint. The following are

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

1) Solicitation Number (127EAY23Q0025)

2) Offers due 22 March 2023 / 1300hrs Pacific Standard Time

3) Contractor name, address, and DUNS or UEI number

4) Pricing on the contract statement of work / schedule of items

5) Narrative Response to evaluation factors (if applicable)

(ix) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

1) Pricing of Service.

2) Relevant Past Performance: Past Performance is a measure of the degree to which an offeror has satisfied its customers, complied with contract terms and conditions in addition to applicable laws and regulations. The Government may contact individuals and firms that you have performed services for, to evaluate your experience and past performance record.

3) Certifications and Professional Experience: Provide any California certifications/resumes.

(x) Responses shall submit a completed copy of 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications -- Commercial Items, unless it has an active entity registration with the certifications through the System for Award Management (SAM) website. (www.sam.gov ) http://www.sam.gov/

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address (es):

http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html http://www.va.gov/oamm/oa/ars/policyreg/vaar/index.cfm

(xi) The clause at FAR 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS--COMMERCIAL ITEMS applies to this contract Addenda to this clause are as follows:

(xii) The clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders -- Commercial Items (JAN 2018), applies to this acquisition with the following clauses checked 52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintence (OCT 2018) 52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance (AUG 2020) 52.204-21 Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems (JUN 2016)

52.209-6 Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (JUN 2020).

52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2011) (15 U.S.C. 644).

52.222-3, Convict Labor (JUN 2003) (E.O. 11755).

52.222-19, Child Labor - Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (JAN 2018) (E.O. 13126) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (APR 2015).

52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (SEP 2016) (E.O. 11246).

52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (OCT 2015) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUL 2014) (29 U.S.C. 793).

52.223-18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (AUG 2011) (E.O.

13513).

52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System for Award Management (JUL 2013) (31 U.S.C 3332).

52.222-41 Service Contract Labor Standards. (AUG 2018)

52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

52.222-43 Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts). (AUG 2018).

52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons 52.222-55 Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658.

52.222-62 Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706.

52.228-5 Insurance-Work on a Government Installation. (JAN 1997) 52.237-1 Site Visit (APR 1984) 52.242-15 Stop-Work Order. (AUG 1989) 52.249-4 Termination for Convenience of the Government (Services) (APR 1984) 52.252-2 Clauses incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998).

http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html http://www.va.gov/oamm/oa/ars/policyreg/vaar/index.cfm https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/current/far/html/52_223_226.html#wp1188603 https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/current/far/html/52_222.html#wp1153423 http://uscode.house.gov/ http://uscode.house.gov/ http://uscode.house.gov/

Provisions:

52.204-7, System for Award Management 52.204-16, Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting 52.209-7, Information Regarding Responsibility Matters 52.209-12, Certification Regarding Tax Matters 52.222-56, Certification Regarding Trafficking in Persons Compliance Plan

(xiii) Use of Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) is Required

The "Submit Invoice-to" address for USDA orders is the Department of Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). All invoices shall be submitted via the electronic Invoice Processing Platform. This platform is managed by the U.S. Department of Treasury and additional information is available at this website:

https://www.ipp.gov/ index .htm.

(xv) Response Due Date and Contact Information:

Offers are due on 22 March 2023 no later than 1:00 pm. Pacific Daylight Time.

(xvi) Quotations must be emailed to Tod Gohl; tod.gohl@usda.gov by the date and time above. Enter the solicitation number in the subject line of emails.

Point of Contact:

Tod Gohl Purchasing Agent tod.gohl@usda.gov Phone: 530-685-0765 SouthWest Zone CSA #1 https://www.acquisition.gov/content/part-52-solicitation-provisions-and-contract-clauses#i1063838 https://www.acquisition.gov/content/part-52-solicitation-provisions-and-contract-clauses#i1064275 https://www.acquisition.gov/content/part-52-solicitation-provisions-and-contract-clauses#i1062621 https://www.acquisition.gov/content/part-52-solicitation-provisions-and-contract-clauses#id186IE0DE0Y4 https://www.acquisition.gov/content/part-52-solicitation-provisions-and-contract-clauses#i1056889 http://www.ipp.gov/index.htm

Schedule of Items

Description Qty Type Unit Price Total Pre-Survey Activities

Pre-Survey Document Review 1 Task $ $ Pre-Survey Reconnaissance 1 Task $ $ Approved Survey Plan 1 Document $ $

Pre-Survey Activities Total: $ Fieldwork

Activity Center Searches 20 Visits $ $ Call Point Surveys (118 Stations) 6 Visits $ $

Fieldwork Total: $ Reports

Weekly Reports (All) 1 Document $ $ DRAFT Final Report (Interim) 1 Document $ $ Final Report (Final) and Geographic Information System (GIS) Data

1 Document $ $

Reports Total: $

GRAND TOTAL: $

2023 UPPER THOMES FUELS AND HAMMERHORN RESTORATION

PROJECTS FOR NORTHERN SPOTTED OWL SURVEY

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

I. INTRODUCTION

II. SCOPE

III. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Duration and Schedule

Location

Project Areas and Accessibility

IV. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

V. OTHER STANDARDS

VI. DELIVERABLES

1. Survey Plan

2. Weekly Reports

3. Interim Final Report (Draft)

4. Final Report

VIII. LIST OF ATTACHED DOCUMENTS AND EXHIBITS

Government-Furnished Property

Evaluation Factors

Response Instructions

Vicinity Map ....................................................................................................... Separate Document

Project Area Maps ............................................................................................. Separate Document

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

I. INTRODUCTION

This survey will facilitate the implementation of the Mendocino National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan by identifying owl locations, reproductive status and Activity Center statuses. The results will assist land managers in managing the resources within the Grindstone and Covelo Districts.

Primary Target Species: Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) Secondary Target Species: Barred Owl (Strix varia)

II. SCOPE

The contractor shall provide all labor, equipment, supplies, services, permits, and licenses necessary to collect field data and report on the presence or absence of northern spotted owl and their nests in accordance with applicable documents found herein.

Information on northern spotted and barred owl locations and activity centers in the project areas is available upon request. Recent surveys followed the 2012 protocol.

III. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Duration and Schedule This scoping is intended to cover 2023 surveys in the Upper Thomes Fuels project and Hammerhorn Restoration project analysis area and owl territories on the Grindstone Ranger and Covelo Districts of Mendocino National Forest.

Contract Performance for the 2023 surveys shall occur between April 17th, 2023 (survey start date could change pending on weather and road conditions) and November 30th, 2023:

• Pre-Survey requirements shall be completed before surveys begin.

• Three Call Point Surveys to protocol shall be completed by June 30th, 2023.

• Three more Call Point Surveys to protocol, and all other fieldwork, shall be completed by August 31st, 2023.

• The Final Report (Draft) is to be submitted by October 30th, 2023.

• The Final Report (Final) is to be submitted by November 30th, 2023.

Please see VI: DELIVERABLES for more information.

Pre-work Kick-off Meeting and Coordination A pre-work meeting with the Mendocino National Forest (MNF) wildlife biologists, and Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) at the Supervisor’s Office in Willows, CA or a virtual meeting (due to COIVD or location restrictions) will be mandatory.

Unless otherwise stated, the Contractor’s project leader shall communicate with the COR first. The COR will relay requests/information to Forest Service personnel and will inform the Contractor as to when they can contact Forest Service specialists without going through the COR.

Location (s) – Upper Thomes Fuels and Hammerhorn Restoration Project Survey Areas

Upper Thomes Fuels Survey Area

Schedule of Items: Items consists of 108 NSO call points.

Map of Survey Area:

(see map attachment: 2023_Upper_Thomes_Survey_Area.pdf)

Description, Township and Range:

The Upper Thomes Project survey area items are located approximately 6 miles west of Paskenta, California, on the Grindstone Ranger District. The project area are in portions of T25N R9W Sec. 19, 28, 29, 30, 31; T25N R10W Sec. 25; T24N R10W Sec.

1, 2, 11, 12, 13, 24, 25, 26, T24N R9W Sec. 18, 21, 28, 30, 36; T24N R8W Sec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 13-17, 20-24, 25-28, 31-36; T23N R9W Sec. 1, 2; T24N R7W Sec. 17-19; T23N R8W Sec. 1, 4-6, MBD.

Hammerhorn Restoration Survey Area

Schedule of Items: Items consists of 10 NSO call points.

Description, Township and Range:

The Hammerhorn Restoration Project survey area items are located approximately 16 miles northeast of Covelo, California, on the Covelo Ranger District. The project area are in portions of T24N R10W Sec. 3,8,9,10, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 21, MBD.

Map of Survey Area:

(see map attachment: 2023_Hammerhorn_ Survey_Area.pdf)

Project Areas and Accessibility Access shall be by 2WD, 4WD, or walking, as determined by the Pre-Survey Reconnaissance. The Government will not plow roads or remove downed logs or woody debris, thus access on roads may require snowmobiles, cross country skis, snowshoes, mountain bikes, or all-terrain vehicles. The contractor may use a chainsaw to cut woody debris to allow access on the roadway. A road that has been bermed closed or gated shall be walked and not accessed with motorized vehicles.

Field surveys, that will require walking steep terrain, shall be conducted to ensure adequate coverage of the suitable habitat, as required to meet survey Protocol. The Government will not physically identify the calling stations on the ground; see Project Maps. Call points for the Upper Thomes and Hammerhorn call points have been identified through a GIS exercise and ground verification (Only Upper Thomes has been ground verified). Pre-surveys will evaluate the efficacy of all call points (e.g. distance between, and no-call buffers), and the contractor will make recommendations, if appropriate, to revise existing call points, or establish additional call points.

IV. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

The Protocol for Surveying Proposed Management Activities that May Impact Northern Spotted Owls, February 2, 2011, Revised January 9, 2012, shall be used to conduct surveys, determine owl locations, and determine reproductive status (i.e. non-nesting, nesting confirmed, etc.). The document can be found at the following website:

PROTOCOL FOR SURVEYING PROPOSED MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES THAT MAY

IMPACT NORTHERN SPOTTED OWLS | FWS.gov

This contract requires classifying nesting status (See 17.2 – 17.4). This contract does not require establishing the reproductive success (See 17.5) (i.e. we do not need to establish the number of fledglings etc.).

Other information necessary to meet the protocol includes the following:

Project Area Boundary Shapefile Known Activity Centers Shapefile NSO Call points Shapefile NAIP Images Electronic raster files Topographic Maps Electronic and/or paper

Reports and electronic files should be designed to provide all the information found in the Data Dictionary Standard (For Call Stations and Detections).

V. OTHER STANDARDS

Flagging – Use any of the following or combinations thereof. Red flagging normally marks property boundaries but it can be used if it is in combination with the flagging below to provide better visibility.

Resource Area Flagging Colors Universal (Notes) White Wildlife Exclusion Pink with Black Stripes Wildlife nest & Call points White with Red Dots https://www.fws.gov/media/protocol-surveying-proposed-management-activities-may-impact-northern-spotted-owls https://www.fws.gov/media/protocol-surveying-proposed-management-activities-may-impact-northern-spotted-owls

Surveyor Qualifications – Crew leaders and surveyors must meet the recommended qualifications in Appendix 4 of the protocol.

Pre-Survey Literature Review - The Contractor shall review the literature supplied as Government Furnished Property, including Applicable Documents, before writing the Survey Plan.

Standard: The Contractor shall review all information supplied by the Government as directed by the “Applicable Documents” and consider:

(1) known locations of survey objectives supplied by the Government,

(2) typed vegetation maps,

(3) aerial photos, and

(4) final reports for adjacent surveys as available from the Government.

Pre-Survey Reconnaissance - Prior to the start of surveys the contractors shall conduct a daytime field reconnaissance (pre-surveys) of the survey area to familiarize themselves with the project area and determine whether the call points provided are sufficient or in need of revision and/or additions. All call point locations will be recorded as a point feature with Global Position Satellite (GPS) device and a shapefile provided as part of the survey plan. All call points will be flagged with the associated number written in permanent weatherproof ink on the flagging. Impassable roads, locked gates, downed trees, etc., shall be noted.

Standard: The Pre-Survey Reconnaissance shall utilize information obtained during the Document Review to aid in a field review of the significant terrain features, access, known territories, and special habitat components. During the kick-off meeting, strategies for locked gates and downed trees blocking roads shall be discussed with the designated Government Representative prior to conducting the Pre-Survey Reconnaissance. Knowledge gained from the Pre- Survey Reconnaissance shall be incorporated into the Survey Plan.

Quality Control Planning - The Contractor shall plan Quality Control Activities to insure that the survey and deliverables meet the Government’s Quality Assurance Plan Standards. The Quality Control Activities shall be documented in the Solicitation Proposal and titled “Quality Control Plan”. After award the Quality Control Plan (QCP) becomes a part of the Survey Plan and the Contractor’s QC activities are specified by the QCP. A QCP that does not catch errors shall be redesigned.

Standard: The Contractor’s Quality Control Activities shall test all activities and deliverables against:

• The Government’s Quality Assurance Plan: See VII. ACCEPTABLE

QUALITY LEVELS, GOVERNMENT’S QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN.

• This Work Statement: See I. INTRODUCTIONS thru VII. ACCEPTABLE

QUALITY LEVELS,

• The Protocol: See IV. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS.

Activity Center Searches Follow the methods in the protocol at 8.0 Activity Center Searches with Survey Area.

Standard: Visits shall be to protocol. Visits shall be recorded on the Field Data Collection Form (or similar forms approved by the Forest). Completed forms for daytime stand searches of known activity centers shall be supplemented with a map and GIS shapefiles shall be provided as one of the deliverables, showing the area surveyed (recorded as a track feature with GPS) as well as any visual or aural observations which need to be recorded as a point feature with a GPS.

Upper Thomes and Hammerhorn Survey Areas Surveys to protocol were completed in 2022 for the Upper Thomes area. The 2023 surveys being requested here is expected to meet the 2-year survey protocol. Call points were established in 2022 through a GIS exercise with some points modified as surveys began based on ground verification and reconnaissance.

Surveys to protocol have not been completed in the Hammerhorn area. There are no previously established call points from prior projects or surveys in this survey area. The call points have been established for 2023 through a GIS exercise and have not been verified on the ground.

Call Point Surveys Follow the 2012 Protocol six visit survey procedure. Start the surveys as soon as possible within the parameters of the protocol; and dependent on weather and road conditions. Three complete visits shall occur after completion of the Activity Center Search and before June 30, 2023. Another three complete visits shall be completed prior to August 31, 2023. See Duration and Schedule for Call Point Survey Dates. The contractor shall call all stations according to protocol. A minimum of seven days are required between visits to any particular station (see Survey Protocol example 5.5. at 3.

Temporal Spacing of Visits). Surveys shall be conducted between sunset and sunrise.

The Contractor shall provide a digital broadcast player for calling northern spotted owls.

The contractor shall conduct follow-ups to protocol for all detections. Calling stations shall not be added or deleted without Government approval, but their locations may be adjusted (with agreement) to improve their effectiveness; location adjustments shall be discussed in the Progress Reports.

Depending on survey results, additional visits may be required (See survey protocol at

5.6 Additional Visits).

By the end of the contract period all changed or added call stations shall be recorded by a GPS device. All surveyors shall meet the qualifications for NSO Surveyor or be covered by an approved trainee plan.

Standard: Visits shall be to 2012 Protocol standards. Visits shall be legibly recorded on the Field Data Collection Form and other forms supplied by the forest (or similar forms approved by the Forest). Forms for nighttime calling surveys shall be indexed to the Survey Map that shows the numbered stations.

The digital caller shall broadcast ¼ to ½ mile.

Detections, Follow-ups, and Activity Center Discoveries (for Northern Spotted Owls). Detections, Follow-ups, and Activity Center Discoveries shall be recorded on the Nest Location Form (or similar forms approved by the Forest) and shall be recorded with GPS and mapped. Azimuth and horizontal distance of all aural detections will be recorded on the survey form and oriented from a GPS verified reference point. All detections shall be followed up to protocol to determine pair status, nesting status, and reproductive status.

1. Follow-Up at the Project Survey Area: For follow-up procedures, refer to the protocol. Follow-ups that start inside the project survey area shall continue outside the project survey area on to Government land. Follow-ups prescribed by the protocol may be conducted on private land after obtaining permission of the landowner. When protocol requires a follow-up on private land, the contractor shall document the situation (including the proof of permission obtained by the landowner) and report to the Government (person to person) within 24 hours.

2. Follow-Up Timing: Follow-ups shall be completed the next morning after an owl is detected, but with good cause, no later than 48 hours after detection. Follow-ups on detections shall be initiated at sunrise and completed within 4 hours after sunrise, or initiated no earlier than 4 hours before sunset and be completed by sunset.

Nighttime follow-ups shall not be conducted.

3. Follow-up moussing: The contractor shall make every effort to retain control of all mice used for follow-ups and will remove all live mice from the Forest after the follow-up is completed. With the exception of attempting to illicit an owl response, mice will not be intentionally set free under any circumstances. Every effort will be made to maintain visual or aural contact with any spotted owl that flies off with a mouse.

4. Roost Discovery: The contractor shall GPS, flag, and label the locations of daytime roosting sites discovered during a follow-up. This flagging will be removed once surveys and reports have been completed.

5. Nest Discovery: The contractor shall make voice contact with the Government within 24 hours when a nest is discovered. The contractor shall GPS, flag, and label the location of nest, for relocation during follow-up surveys and/or inspections.

6. Simultaneous Detections: When several detections are made, and it is not possible to discern the number or association of owls in an area, at least two surveyors shall simultaneously follow-up each potential activity center to determine the number of owls and their status.

7. Tour with the Government: When the Contractor is in the field and with a 48-hour notice from the Government, the Contractor shall accompany the Government Inspector to an Activity Center or Detection site if requested.

8. Photos: Daytime Digital images of the nest, nest tree, and surrounding habitat shall be submitted with the Draft Final and Final Report.

9. No-Call Buffer: The Contractor shall recommend a “no-call” buffer for all Activity

Centers that will be reviewed by the Government prior to installing the no-call buffer.

Photocopies of USGS 7.5 minute quadrangles shall be attached to the appropriate forms. “No call buffers” shall be adjusted by the contractor to include stations that fall within the sound shadow of ridges and other topographic or vegetation features.

A map is required of the no call buffer. The Government must approve all no call buffers before installation.

10. Forms: All field forms shall be legible and complete, including Maps, shapefiles, GPS, and UTM Coordinates. Copies of field forms shall be submitted with the Weekly Report. Originals shall be submitted with the Final Report.

10.1. Forms for follow up surveys shall include a map and GPS Track shapefiles showing the area surveyed as well as any visual or aural observations that were detected which need to be recorded as a point feature with a GPS. Follow up surveyors should record/discuss habitat conditions encountered during the survey.

Standard: All follow-ups shall be to Protocol. “No call buffers” shall be adjusted by the contractor to include stations that fall within the sound shadow of ridges and other topographic or vegetation features. A map is required of the no call buffer. The Government must approve all no call buffers before installation.

Mapping and GPS Requirements - The contractor shall map all call stations, follow up routes, roosting sites, nest sites, detections, and species of interest (especially barred owl detections). All of these shall be recorded by GPS or Avenza. Contractor shall list all GPS devices used in the Survey Plan and Final Report. Mapped locations of owl detections and call points shall be labeled in accordance with the data dictionary:

GPS Standard All GPS shall be with a resource grade GPS unit capable or use of the Avenza program capable of collecting signal data that can be differentially corrected, providing verified data within 10-meter accuracy at 68% probability.

Recreational GPS units are not acceptable.

The mapped locations shall be recorded in UTM Zone 10 North projection, North American Datum (NAD) 1983, Units in meters. Where GPS data cannot be obtained directly for a location, the contractor shall obtain verification the location by measuring the azimuth and horizontal distance of the field location from a GPS verified reference point.

The GPS mapped locations (call points, night detections, roost locations, nest locations, species of interest, etc.) shall be converted to ArcMap shapefiles, before they are submitted to the Government.

VI. DELIVERABLES

1. Survey Plan

Surveys may start immediately after award, however a Survey Plan disclosing the who, what, when, and where about the Contractor’s survey, shall be submitted for Government review within 15 days after award of the contract. During the contract, the Contractor shall keep all portions of the Plan up to date, and all changes shall be submitted with the Weekly Reports before they are adopted.

At a minimum the Survey Plan contains:

a. Schedule: Showing contractor’s work schedule and other commitments.

b. Survey Map: The Survey map, at least 1:24,000, with contours and numbered stations, with call points, Activity Centers, and any other information surveyors will need to conduct surveys.

c. Order of Work: The approximate order the project will be surveyed.

d. Equipment: A discussion of the transportation and survey equipment, including license plate numbers.

e. Crew: A discussion of crew hierarchy and resumes for any members not included in the solicitation proposal.

f. Emergency Measures: A discussion of emergency planning and communications between the Contractor’s office and field.

g. Quality Control Plan: Quality Control Plan and Forms.

h. GPS Equipment: type, and settings that differ from recommended; see VII

FIELD SURVEYS, 3. Mapping and GPS Requirements, Standards.

2. Weekly Reports

Between the start of pre-surveys and August 31, 2023, Weekly Reports shall be submitted by Wednesday, for any fieldwork performed during the previous Monday through Sunday period. An electronic version of the Report shall be sent via Email (5 megabytes maximum) to the Government. Photocopies of all draft forms and maps shall be included in either the US Postal mail or emailed as attachments to the report.

Mailed draft forms and maps shall be received no later than two days after the Weekly Report.

The weekly reports shall include, at a minimum:

1. Updated Survey Plan as necessary, as an attachment.

2. A summary of the previous week’s Quality Control Activities, including copies of forms.

3. Photocopies of Draft Field Forms and required maps.

4. Discussion of work completed.

5. A discussion of the planned work during the next week.

6. Discussion of Detections, Follow-Ups, Activity Centers, and No-Call buffers.

3. Interim Final Report (Draft)

One electronic copy of the Draft Final Report is due for Government review on Oct. 30, 2023. The Government reserves 15 days for review and comments before returning the Draft. The report shall be submitted electronically in MS Word format. All Maps shall be submitted at 1:24,000 scale and as Arc Map shape files. The contractor shall also submit the GPS core verification files used to build maps.

The Contractor’s Draft Final Report shall be in Microsoft Word and include at a minimum, but not be limited to:

1. A discussion of the methodology and findings of the surveys.

2. A copy of the Survey Map showing stations, detections, and activity centers with buffers.

3. A Quality Assessment of the Contractor’s work discussing how well the survey met Applicable Documents.

4. A Discussion of the Quality Control Activities.

5. Original Field data sheets and forms bound separately that are keyed to the

Survey Map.

6. A detailed discussion of the habitat for detections that do not result in an activity center and for all Activity Centers.

4. Final Report

The Final Report is due November 30, 2023. The Contractor shall incorporate all of the Government’s comments on the draft, into the final. The Final Report and Original Field Forms shall be bound separately. The Contractor shall submit one electronic version and two paper copies signed by the Senior Biologist.

Standard: The Final Report shall contain everything included in the draft plus the changes specified in the Government’s comments to the Draft.

VII. ACCEPTABLE QUALITY LEVELS

Government’s Quality Assurance Plan:

TASKS AND

CRITICAL

SUBTASKS

QUALITY

STANDARDS

ACCEPTABLE

QUALITY

LEVEL

MEANS OF

MEASUREMENT DEDUCTIONS INCENTIVES

Pre-Survey Activities

Document Review

Meets Literature Review Standard 100% Gov. Review of the Survey Plan.

Poor Performance

Review

Good Performance Review

Pre survey Reconnaissance

Meets Pre survey Recon.

Standard 100% Gov. Review of the Survey Plan

Poor Performance

Review Good Performance

Review

Survey Planning Meets Survey

Planning Standard

100% Gov. Review of the Survey Plan

Rework and Poor Performance

Review Good Performance

Review

Quality Control Plan

Meets Quality Control Planning

Standard 100% Gov. Review of the Survey Plan

Rework and Poor Performance

Review Good Performance

Review

Field Surveys

Activity Center Search

Conducted in accordance with approved survey plan, protocol.

97% of visits meet survey plan/protocol criteria.

Contractor’s QCP Inspection

Records, data, and reports.

Verification by the Government

Rework Good

Performance Review

Call Each Station

Required Number of

Times

Conducted in accordance with approved survey plan, protocol.

97% of visits meet survey plan/protocol criteria.

Contractor’s QCP Inspection

Records, data, and reports.

Verification by the Government

Rework Good

Performance Review

Follow-ups on Detections

Conducted in accordance with approved survey plan, specifications and protocol.

100%

Contractor’s QCP Records, data, and reports.

Verification by the

Government

Rework and or Poor

Performance Review

Drop call stations within no call buffer.

Good Performance

Review Deliverables

Survey Plan Meets Survey Plan Standard. 100%

Contractor’s QCP Records, data, and reports.

Verification by the

Government

Redo Good

Performance Review

Quality Control Plan

Meets Quality Control Plan

Standard 100% Gov. Review Rework Good Performance

Review

Weekly Reports Meets Weekly Report Standard 100%

Contractor’s QCP Records, data, and reports.

Verification by the

Government

Rework Good Performance Review

Field Forms Meets Field Form Standard

95% Compliance

Contractor’s QCP Records, data, and reports.

Verification by the

Government

Redo Good Performance Review

Interim Final Report*

Meets Interim Final Report

Standard 100% Gov. Review Redo Good Performance

Review

Final Report* Meets Final Report Standard 100% Gov. Review Redo Good Performance

Review *If the Final Report is submitted to standard at least 10 days early, the Contractor can earn an Exceptional Performance Review for timeliness.

VIII. LIST OF ATTACHED DOCUMENTS AND EXHIBITS

The attachments listed below form a part of this Request for Quotations and any resultant contract:

Title No. Of Pages Project Area Maps 2

Government-Furnished Property

The Government will provide the following item(s) of Government property to the Contractor for use in the performance of this contract. This property shall be used and maintained by the Contractor in accordance with provisions of FAR Clause 52.245-2 "Government Property (Fixed-Price Contracts)" hereby incorporated by reference into the contract in accordance with FAR clause 52.252-2 “Clauses Incorporated By Reference” found herein.

The following property will be furnished to the Contractor after award, and is available for viewing prior to receipt of quotes, by appointment only, at the Forest Supervisors Office, Mendocino National Forest. For information contact Joseph Chow at 530-934- 1136.

GOVT. FURNISHED PROPERTY/

MATERIALS/SERVICES QUANTITY WHEN WHERE

Project Area Maps Shapefile/ PDF Post Award Supervisor’s Office Known Site Centers (activity centers) Shapefile Post Award Supervisor’s Office

Visitor Maps (Forest Maps) 4 Paper Maps/ electronic Post Award Supervisor’s Office

USGS 7.5 min. Topographic quad maps of project area

1 set, paper and/or electronic Post Award Supervisor’s Office

If requested, aerial photos, with two weeks’ notice that may be photocopied at the contractor’s expense and returned in 5 days.

1 set Post Award Supervisor’s Office

If requested, known detections Shapefile Post Award Supervisor’s Office

Evaluation Factors The following four non-price factors will be considered in the “Best Value” award determination, the non-price factors when combined are approximately equal to price.

Non-Price (Technical)

1) Timeline and Contingency: Plan to account for unexpected circumstances.

Explain how protocol will be met, regardless of weather conditions or other circumstances.

2) Key Personnel: List the name(s) of the proposed Senior Biologist and/or Crew Leader with resume(s) documenting experience and education.

a. Proposed surveyors must provide at least three references with phone numbers or email of well-known and accomplished birders who can verify the surveying biologist’s knowledge of field biology and expertise in surveying for these species. If expertise cannot be verified, bids will not be considered.

3) Quality Control Plan: Describe your QCP to insure that all standards will be met or exceeded.

Price

4) Complete the Schedule of Items on Page 1 of this solicitation to establish the price for each task. Please also attach a Labor Breakdown of your own design with the completed Schedule of Items to show the level of effort and staffing supporting task pricing. Cost for contractor does play a factor, however, the primary basis for awarding this contract is based on evaluation of the quality of work expected.

Response Instructions Factors 1, 2, 3 shall make up the technical portion of your response. Please address each factor in your technical response using a format of your design.

Please submit Factor 4, Price, as a separate document. If you are responding by fax or hard copy, submitting the completed Page 1 (Including the Schedule of Items) and your Labor Breakdown on their own pages shall suffice. If you are responding by email, please attach your completed Page 1 and Labor Breakdown as a separate file.

There is no need to include any other portion of this solicitation in your response unless you have made responsive marks in that portion.

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2023 Hammerhorn Restoration Northern Spotted Owl (NSO) Survey Area

Legend Hammerhorn Restoration NSO Survey Area

!. 2023 Hammerhorn NSO callpoints [b NSO Current Center Of Activity

0 0.75 1.5 2.25 30.375 Miles

I 1:40,000

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2023 Upper Thomes Fuels Northern Spotted Owl (NSO) Survey Area

Legend Upper Thomes Fuels NSO Survey Area

!. 2023 Upper Thomes Fuels NSO Call Points [b NSO Current Center Of Activity

0 3.5 7 10.5 141.75 Miles

I 1:150,000

2 - Section 2 4 - Section 4

2 - Section 2

52.204-7 System for Award Management. (OCT 2018)

52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance. (OCT 2018)

52.204-16 Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting. (AUG 2020)

52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance. (AUG 2020)

52.204-21 Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems. (NOV 2021)

52.209-6 Protecting the Government's Interest When Subcontracting With Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (NOV 2021)

52.209-7 Information Regarding Responsibility Matters. (OCT 2018)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision-

Administrative proceeding means a non-judicial process that is adjudicatory in nature in order to make a determination of fault or liability (e.g., Securities and Exchange Commission Administrative Proceedings, Civilian Board of Contract Appeals Proceedings, and Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals Proceedings). This includes administrative proceedings at the Federal and State level but only in connection with performance of a Federal contract or grant. It does not include agency actions such as contract audits, site visits, corrective plans, or inspection of deliverables.

Federal contracts and grants with total value greater than $10,000,000 means-

(1) The total value of all current, active contracts and grants, including all priced options;

and

(2) The total value of all current, active orders including all priced options under indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity, 8(a), or requirements contracts (including task and delivery and multiple-award Schedules).

Principal means an officer, director, owner, partner, or a person having primary management or supervisory responsibilities within a business entity (e.g., general manager; plant manager; head of a division or business segment; and similar positions).

(b) The offeror [ ] has [ ] does not have current active Federal contracts and grants with total value greater than $10,000,000.

(c) If the offeror checked "has" in paragraph (b) of this provision, the offeror represents, by submission of this offer, that the information it has entered in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) is current, accurate, and complete as of the date of submission of this offer with regard to the following information:

(1) Whether the offeror, and/or any of its principals, has or has not, within the last five years, in connection with the award to or performance by the offeror of a Federal contract or grant, been the subject of a proceeding, at the Federal or State level that resulted in any of the following dispositions:

(i) In a criminal proceeding, a conviction.

(ii) In a civil proceeding, a finding of fault and liability that results in the payment of a monetary fine, penalty, reimbursement, restitution, or damages of $5,000 or more.

(iii) In an administrative proceeding, a finding of fault and liability that results in-

(A) The payment of a monetary fine or penalty of $5,000 or more; or

(B) The payment of a reimbursement, restitution, or damages in excess of $100,000.

(iv) In a criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding, a disposition of the matter by consent or compromise with an acknowledgment of fault by the Contractor if the proceeding could have led to any of the outcomes specified in paragraphs (c)(1)(i), (c)(1)(ii), or (c)(1)(iii) of this provision.

(2) If the offeror has been involved in the last five years in any of the occurrences listed in (c)(1) of this provision, whether the offeror has provided the requested information with regard to each occurrence.

(d) The offeror shall post the information in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) through (c)(1)(iv) of this provision in FAPIIS as required through maintaining an active registration in the System for Award Management, which can be accessed via https://www.sam.gov (see 52.204-7).

(End of provision)

52.209-12 Certification Regarding Tax Matters. (OCT 2020)

52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Products and Commercial Services. (NOV 2021)

52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products and Commercial Services. (DEC 2022)

The Offeror shall complete only paragraph (b) of this provision if the Offeror has completed the annual representations and certification electronically in the System for Award Management (SAM) accessed through https://www.sam.gov. If the Offeror has not completed the annual representations and certifications electronically, the Offeror shall complete only paragraphs (c) through (v) of this provision.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision-

Covered telecommunications equipment or services has the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

Economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) concern means a small business concern that is at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by, one or more women who are citizens of the United States and who are economically disadvantaged in accordance with 13 CFR part 127, and the concern is certified by SBA or an approved third-party certifier in accordance with 13 CFR 127.300. It automatically qualifies as a women-owned small business eligible under the WOSB Program.

Forced or indentured child labor means all work or service-

(1) Exacted from any person under the age of 18 under the menace of any penalty for its nonperformance and for which the worker does not offer himself voluntarily; or

(2) Performed by any person under the age of 18 pursuant to a contract the enforcement of which can be accomplished by process or penalties.

Highest-level owner means the entity that owns or controls an immediate owner of the offeror, or that owns or controls one or more entities that control an immediate owner of the offeror. No entity owns or exercises control of the highest level owner.

Immediate owner means an entity, other than the offeror, that has direct control of the offeror.

Indicators of control include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: Ownership or interlocking management, identity of interests among family members, shared facilities and equipment, and the common use of employees.

Inverted domestic corporation means a foreign incorporated entity that meets the definition of an inverted domestic corporation under 6 U.S.C. 395(b), applied in accordance with the rules and definitions of 6 U.S.C. 395(c).

Manufactured end product means any end product in product and service codes (PSCs) 1000- 9999, except-

(1) PSC 5510, Lumber and Related Basic Wood Materials;

(2) Product or Service Group (PSG) 87, Agricultural Supplies;

(3) PSG 88, Live Animals;

(4) PSG 89, Subsistence;

(5) PSC 9410, Crude Grades of Plant Materials;

(6) PSC 9430, Miscellaneous Crude Animal Products, Inedible;

(7) PSC 9440, Miscellaneous Crude Agricultural and Forestry Products;

(8) PSC 9610, Ores;

(9) PSC 9620, Minerals, Natural and Synthetic; and

(10) PSC 9630, Additive Metal Materials.

Place of manufacture means the place where an end product is assembled out of components, or otherwise made or processed from raw materials into the finished product that is to be provided to the Government. If a product is disassembled and reassembled, the place of reassembly is not the place of manufacture.

Predecessor means an entity that is replaced by a successor and includes any predecessors of the predecessor.

Reasonable inquiry has the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

Restricted business operations means business operations in Sudan that include power production activities, mineral extraction activities, oil-related activities, or the production of military equipment, as those terms are defined in the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110-174). Restricted business operations do not include business operations that the person (as that term is defined in Section 2 of the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007) conducting the business can demonstrate-

(1) Are conducted under contract directly and exclusively with the regional government of southern Sudan;

(2) Are conducted pursuant to specific authorization from the Office of Foreign Assets Control in the Department of the Treasury, or are expressly exempted under Federal law from the requirement to be conducted under such authorization;

(3) Consist of providing goods or services to marginalized populations of Sudan;

(4) Consist of providing goods or services to an internationally recognized peacekeeping force or humanitarian organization;

(5) Consist of providing goods or services that are used only to promote health or education; or

(6) Have been voluntarily suspended.

Sensitive technology-

(1) Means hardware, software, telecommunications equipment, or any other technology that is to be used specifically-

(i) To restrict the free flow of unbiased information in Iran; or

(ii) To disrupt, monitor, or otherwise restrict speech of the people of Iran; and

(2) Does not include information or informational materials the export of which the President does not have the authority to regulate or prohibit pursuant to section 203(b)(3) of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(3)).

Service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern-

(1) Means a small business concern-

(i) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans; and

(ii) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of a service-disabled veteran with permanent and severe disability, the spouse or permanent caregiver of such veteran.

(2) Service-disabled veteran means a veteran, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(2), with a disability that is service-connected, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(16).

Small business concern-(1) Means a concern, including its affiliates, that is independently owned and operated, not dominant in its field of operation, and qualified as a small business under the criteria in 13 CFR part 121 and size standards in this solicitation.

(2) Affiliates, as used in this definition, means business concerns, one of whom directly or indirectly controls or has the power to control the others, or a third party or parties control or have the power to control the others. In determining whether affiliation exists, consideration is given to all appropriate factors including common ownership, common management, and contractual relationships. SBA determines affiliation based on the factors set forth at 13 CFR 121.103.

Small disadvantaged business concern, consistent with 13 CFR 124.1002, means a small business concern under the size standard applicable to the acquisition, that-

(1) Is at least 51 percent unconditionally and directly owned (as defined at 13 CFR 124.105) by-

(i) One or more socially disadvantaged (as defined at 13 CFR 124.103) and economically disadvantaged (as defined at 13 CFR 124.104) individuals who are citizens of the United States; and

(ii) Each individual claiming economic disadvantage has a net worth not exceeding $750,000 after taking into account the applicable exclusions set forth at 13 CFR 124.104(c)(2); and

(2) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled (as defined at 13.CFR 124.106) by individuals, who meet the criteria in paragraphs (1)(i) and (ii) of this definition.

Subsidiary means an entity in which more than 50 percent of the entity is owned-

(1) Directly by a parent corporation; or

(2) Through another subsidiary of a parent corporation.

Successor means an entity that has replaced a predecessor by acquiring the assets and carrying out the affairs of the predecessor under a new name (often through acquisition or merger). The term "successor" does not include new offices/divisions of the same company or a company that only changes its name. The extent of the responsibility of the successor for the liabilities of the predecessor may vary, depending on State law and specific circumstances.

Veteran-owned small business concern means a small business concern-

(1) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more veterans (as defined at 38 U.S.C. 101(2)) or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more veterans; and

(2) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more veterans.

Women-owned business concern means a concern which is at least 51 percent owned by one or more women; or in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of its stock is owned by one or more women; and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women.

Wom…