Updated Statement of Work For Noxious Weed Inventory_20220818.docx

Solicitation 1240LQ22Q0050

Objective:

The primary objective of this contract is to inventory all noxious weeds listed by the “Colorado Weed Management Association” as well as any watch list species, if detected, within the defined project area. Some high priority species that are already known to occur in the area include: Downy brome/Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens), Oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), Perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium), yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris), Hoary cress (Cardaria draba), and musk thistle (Carduus nutans). Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of noxious species that could be encountered, therefore a 2018 version of the Colorado weed publication will be provided to the contractor.

The project area and survey priorities are shown in attached map. Approximately 10,000 acres are proposed for survey under this contract and shall be prioritized based on the table shown below.

Trail Gulch Project Area (~5,500 total acres)

Fox Creek (~5,029 total acres)

Protocol & Required Equipment:

Surveys shall take place during the appropriate time of year for the majority of species. Surveys along roadsides shall include a 50 ft buffer along either side of the road. The remaining acreage will be gridded (in a manner agreed upon by the Forest Service) to cover the entire project area. If the terrain becomes too steep or otherwise unsafe to survey an area, please communicate this information to Rachel Hosna (desk:719-652-6025 or cell:719-581-0226).

When target species are detected, the boundary of the infestation shall be mapped. Mapping of infestations shall be done using the ESRI Survey123 application on a wifi compatible mobile device (i.e. android/apple tablet or phone) provided by the contractor. The Forest Service will provide a Survey123 form which includes all required data fields that are to be collected in addition to a data dictionary, as well the necessary shapefiles to locate survey areas. Additionally, a US Forest Service GIS specialist will be available to help assist with help set up the program and go over the collection and download procedures. Vehicles used for surveys must stay on designated, open routes.

Once data are collected, the contractor shall sync their data at least once a week. The contractor will coordinate with Rachel Hosna on a bi-weekly basis, to notify her when data has been synced/uploaded so she can verify that the data are being collected correctly. The contractor and Rachel Hosna may alter these bi-weekly meetings in certain circumstances if they have discussed and agreed on an alternate plan for the weeks. Any plans that change the amount of work, price, timeline, or scope of work will need to be discussed with the CO and CS.

Rachel Hosna will be available for site visits, as time allows, to make sure the inventory is being conducted as required. She will also be available to help guide and answer access questions or other needs to keep the project moving. Rachel Hosna will work closely with the Contracting Officers Representative (COR) and the Contractor during this project.

The timeline for the project completion is from the date the contract is issued until September 30, 2023.