Attach 1 -PWS Col River Lark Monitoring draft.pdf

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

COLUMBIA RIVER PLACEMENT SITE STREAKED HORNED LARK MONITORING

1. PROJECT BACKGROUND. The federally listed Streaked Horned Lark (SHLA) occurs on dredged material deposition islands and mainland sites in the lower Columbia River (LCR). In 2024, USACE completed a consultation with USFWS for effects to SHLA resulting from Columbia River channel maintenance activities.

As part of the consultation, USACE is required to assess occupancy and abundance surveys of the lark population at all placement sites throughout LCR every 3 years (starting in 2026). The tasks in this contract are required to satisfy the following Terms and Conditions:

a. Term and Condition 4.1(b): Engage a highly qualified biologist that has demonstrated experience surveying and monitoring streaked horned larks and assessing occupancy and abundance to complete statistically rigorous abundance surveys of the lark population at all placement sites throughout the lower Columbia River every 3 years (starting in 2026). This information is critical to evaluating the long-term effect of the Corps’ proposed action on the streaked horned lark regional population to ensure placement activities are not causing declines in the regional population.

b. Term and Condition 4.1(d): Provide survey and monitoring data to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Wildlife Species Data Management specialist for inclusion with other regional data for regular trend analyses. Data should be submitted through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife ArcGIS Online Account.

c. Term and Condition 4.2: Gather habitat data to assess the habitat succession model used to map habitat suitability and validate assumptions regarding availability and use of habitat by the regional streaked horned lark population.

2. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED INFORMATION. At contract award, the COR (Contracting Officer’s Representative) will provide GIS shape files of the dredged material placement sites, transects for all survey sites, and site access information/points of contact. By 1 September 2026, the COR will provide Habitat Suitability Maps (HSM) in PDF and the preferred geospatial data format (i.e. Shapefile, GDB, KMZ).

3. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED. Furnish all personnel, equipment, materials, vehicles, boats, supervision, and other items and services necessary to perform the work. Note: many sites are on islands and are not connected with the mainland. The following tasks shall be completed:

a. Task 1: Occupancy and Abundance Surveys (2026 Breeding Season). All occupancy surveys and abundance monitoring should adhere to the most recent version of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife survey protocol (Pearson, S.F., M. Linders, I. Keren, H. Anderson, R. Moore, G. Slater, and A.

Kreager. 2016. Survey protocols and strategies for assessing streaked horned lark site occupancy status, population abundance, and trends. Wildlife Science Division, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), Olympia, Washington) (WDFW 2016, pp.25; WDFW 2022, p.8). The contractor (KTR) should have an adequate number of qualified biologists that can cover entire sites with correct spacing as defined in the protocol above. Each site will require an average of approximately 3 surveyors, Rice Island will require 6 surveyors to cover the entire width of the island. In addition, due to the large presence of colonial piscivorous waterbirds on Rice Island, the KTR shall coordinate closely with the COR on survey timing to ensure waterbird presence is reduced to enable KTR to collect auditory and visual data on SHLA. Conduct presence/absence (occupancy) surveys at placement sites listed in Table 1 where larks have not recently been detected. Offerors shall include in their bid how they plan to mitigate double counting issues of SHLA detections. Conduct abundance surveys at sites where larks were detected during previous surveys and where occupancy surveys detect individuals during the present breeding season, to estimate population abundance and inform population trends. Per the WDFW protocol above, there must be a minimum of three (3) surveys per site. Surveys must be at least two (2) weeks apart and must follow the transects provided by the COR. If site conditions changed significantly to prevent specific transect(s) from being completed, the KTR shall work with the COR to determine alternate transects and note any transect deviations in the interim and final reports, including the alternate transect being shown on applicable maps. Where SHLA observations occur, the KTR shall, to the greatest extent practicable, collect data on the habitat suitability for the location SHLA are observed in, and all necessary data to populate the provided data sheet (Attachment 1) in addition to forms filled out in the field per the WDFW protocol. Both field data sheets and the Attachment 1 data sheet will be submitted as appendices with the interim and final reports. The locations of all SHLA observations will be collected with GPS equipment with sub-meter accuracy. For visual observations of SHLA nests and individuals, the locations should be collected within 2 meters of where they were last initially observed. For auditory observations, the surveyor shall to the best of their ability collect the location and include the offset distance used from the surveyor’s location, not to exceed 5 meters.

Coordinates collected are to be submitted into the data sheets in decimal degrees (DD) format. Interim and final reports should contain the percentage of SHLA observations that occurred in each habitat type, both per site and as an overall percentage, to better inform habitat usage by SHLA at placement sites.

Table 1 is the anticipated summary of surveys to be conducted in 2026. The KTR shall furnish a vessel, vessel operator/captain, and have sufficient space for a maximum of two (2) USACE employees to accompany the KTR to the survey sites. The KTR will coordinate and develop a workplan with the COR and submit it for approval. The workplan must be approved by the COR prior to start of work. The KTR will notify points of contact for each site as directed by the COR at least one (1) week prior to each survey. The KTR shall participate in two (2) one-day meetings in-person to discuss plans and results. One meeting will be at the USACE office to discuss plans and another at the annual SHLA working group meeting to present results of all surveys. Task 1 period of performance 1 Apr-2026 to 31-Mar-2027.

Table 1: Dredged material placement sites and anticipated surveys during the 2026 breeding season

Placement Site Occupancy Protocol Abundance Protocol Rice Island (W-21.0-UP) X Miller Sands Island

(O-23.5-BN)

X

Pillar Rock Island

(O-27.2-UP)

X

Welch Island

(O-34.0-UP)

X1

Tenasillahe Island

(O-38.3-UP)

X

James River

(O-42.9-UP)

X1

Brown Island

(W-46.3-UP)

X

Crims Island

(O-57.0-UP)

X

Hump Island

(W-59.7-UP)

X

Lord Island

(O-63.5-UP)

X

Dibblee Point (O-64.8-

UP)

X

Dibblee Point

(O-64.8-ADD2)

X2

Howard Island

(W-68.7-UP)

X

Placement Site Occupancy Protocol Abundance Protocol Cottonwood Island

(W-70.1-UP)

X1

Cottonwood Island

(W-70.1-ADD1)

X2

Cottonwood Island

(W-70.1-ADD2)

X2

Cottonwood Island

(W-70.1-ADD3)

X2

Lower Deer Island

(O-77.0-UP)

X

Sand Island

(O-86.2-BN)

X

Austin Point

(W-86.5-UP)

X2

Gateway (W-101.0-UP) X1 West Hayden Island

(O-105.0-UP)

X1

1No larks were detected at site in 2022 or 2023 monitoring should begin with occupancy protocol.

2New site, monitoring should begin with occupancy protocol.

b. Task 2: SHLA Habitat Assessment. At all placement sites, the KTR shall complete a walk-through survey and a visual estimation, backed up with sufficient geospatial data and field observations to characterize and map the entire site’s SHLA habitat condition (by category: early, optimal, and late suitable). Where SHLA observations occurred (Task 1), for each habitat type within a given site, the KTR shall collect data that accurately characterizes each habitat condition, including percent cover of all vegetation (relative percent cover), species composition, and average vegetation height. Photo point locations should be collected using GPS with sub-meter accuracy. Photos, including their metadata (time, GPS location, etc.) should be provided as an appendix to the interim and final reports. Results of the habitat assessment should be displayed in tabular format, with percentage of accuracy to the HSM and maps of each site that contain SHLA observation locations, photo points, a KTR-observed habitat condition map, and the government furnished HSM geospatial data. The KTR will coordinate and develop a workplan with the COR and submit it for approval. The workplan must be approved by the COR prior to start of work. The KTR will notify points of contact for each site as directed by COR. Task 2 period of performance 16-Mar-2026 to 31-Mar-2027.

4. ANTITERRORISM/OPERATIONS SECURITY.

a. Pre-screen candidates using E-Verify Program. The KTR must pre-screen Candidates using the E-verify

Program (http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify) website to meet the established employment eligibility requirements. The Candidate must have two valid forms of Government issued identification prior to enrollment to ensure the correct information is entered into the E-verify system. Provide an initial list of verified/eligible Candidates to the COR no later than 3 business days after the initial contract award.

b. Access and General Protection/Security Policy and Procedures. All KTR and all associated sub-KTR employees shall comply with applicable installation, facility and area commander installation/facility access, and local security policies and procedures (provided by government representative). The KTR shall also provide all information required for background checks to meet installation/facility access requirements to be accomplished by installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services or Security Office. KTR workforce must comply with all personal identity verification requirements (FAR clause 52.204-9, Personal Identity Verification of contractor Personnel) as directed by DOD, HQDA and/or local policy. In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the changes clause of this contract, should the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) at any installation or facility change, the Government may require changes in KTR security matters or processes.

5. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS.

a. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The following general requirements are common to each of the mandatory tasks. These items should be included in offeror estimates for each mandatory task.

It is required that the selected KTR has experience conducting SHLA occupancy and abundance surveys per the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife survey protocol cited above.

b. PROJECT MANAGEMENT, PLANNING, AND IN-PERSON MEETINGS The KTR will provide project management services including: KTR and Sub-KTR staff management, invoice preparation, etc. The KTR will provide meeting agendas for planning and progress review meetings (including meetings to resolve questions/ issues and review deliverables). Meetings between the KTR, Sub- KTRs, and USACE will be held on an ad-hoc basis. Meeting date, time, and duration shall be mutually agreed to by the COR and the KTR. The KTR shall furnish the meeting agendas and identify action items with input from the COR.

The KTR shall submit the documents required to the COR to administer the contract and meet USACE accounting requirements. These shall include:

• Monthly Invoices on ENG 93 or as needed

• Monthly Progress Reports (as needed)

• Monthly Expenditure Reports (as necessary)

• Final Invoice and Release of Claims

c. WORK PLAN (WP) & QUALITY CONTROL PLAN (QCP):

USACE assumes that one WP/QCP will be cover the mandatory tasks listed in this PWS. Within ten (10) working days post-receipt of the notice to proceed (NTP) for this task order, the KTR shall develop a WP/QCP that includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Matrix of all KTR and Sub-KTR personnel working on this project and their roles and responsibilities, including all review personnel

• Project objectives and a plan on how to meet those objectives

• Information on project organization, and

• Project schedule based on completion date requirements. The schedule shall include all work items, milestones, durations, predecessors, source materials and study requirements, data delivery dates, completion dates, deliverables, review processes including all during requirements for responses, and all coordination activities.

USACE shall provide comments on the WP/QCP within five working days after receipt. The KTR shall submit a final schedule within five working days after receipt of USACE review comments.

The QCP is a management plan for executing a quality product or service, on schedule and within budget.

The KTR shall prepare and submit a QCP within seven calendar days from notice to proceed. The QCP shall be in accordance with USACE Engineering Regulation 1110-1-12, “Quality Management”. An example QCP can be provided upon request. USACE Engineering Regulation 1110-1-12 can be viewed at the following website: https://planning.erdc.dren.mil/toolbox/library/ERs/er1110-1-12.pdf https://planning.erdc.dren.mil/toolbox/library/ERs/er1110-1-12.pdf

d. HEALTH AND SAFETY PLAN (HASP)

The HASP will cover field activities along a portion of the LCR (RM 21.0 to 105.0).

e. FIELD AND OFFICE EQUIPMENT AND STAFF The selected KTR is responsible for providing ALL field and office equipment and qualified staff necessary to perform the mandatory tasks that are awarded during the period of performance.

Sampling Vessel(s): The KTR shall furnish sampling vessel(s), operator/captain, and crew for surveys.

• Tasks 1 and 2: Offerors shall include vessel/equipment mobilization, demobilization, and sufficient time to complete all surveys in their bid. Time should be allocated for environmental delays.

f. DELIVERABLES

• Interim survey reports will include the number of larks observed per site per survey, an evaluation of habitat conditions where larks are observed, site occupancy status, detection locations (if applicable), and a summary of behavior, particularly focused on determining breeding behaviors and habitat usage. Interim maps must show locations of all SHLA observations.

Interim and final reports should include results from the habitat assessment included as maps and a write-up section of SHLA habitat observed compared to the HSM maps provided. Appendices to interim and final reports shall include field data, photos, a photo points map showing locations and, direction photos are taken in.

• The final report will contain a summary of methods and findings, a population estimate and trends relative to the existing baseline data and current year observations, all raw data from the surveys, and all GIS data including lark detections, photo points, and habitat survey data. The final maps of each site will contain SHLA observation locations, KTR-observed habitat condition map, and the government furnished HSM geospatial data (see Figure 2 for a habitat map example). For each occupied site, include: the maximum and average count of males, maximum and average count of females, and average relative abundance. In addition, the final report will include a discussion of the monitoring season and recommendations for the timing and location of future monitoring, should it be needed. Provide all data collected under this contract with the final report, including field reports and GIS files with metadata using best management practices. Electronic Data Deliverable (EDD) includes submission of all survey and monitoring data to the WDFW’s Wildlife Species Data Management specialist for inclusion with other regional data for regular trend analyses. Data is required to be submitted through WDFW’s ArcGIS Online account.

6. SCHEDULE.

a. Survey workplans must be submitted by the 10th day following contract award.

b. Surveys will occur between 15 April and 31 July of 2026.Timing of surveys must be 30 minutes prior to sunrise and no later than 11:00am each survey day, per survey protocol mentioned above.

c. Interim survey reports must be provided at a minimum:

i. Within two weeks of completion of the first round of occupancy and abundance surveys.

ii. Within four weeks of the final survey.

d. Provide a draft final report to USACE in Word format along with files containing all data collected under this contract and allow 14 days for review and comment. Results from the surveys must be presented at the annual SHLA working group meeting in Fall 2026 (date TBD). The final report and data must be submitted within 180 days following the start of sampling (15 April 2026).

e. Coordinate one (1) in-person meeting with COR. The other meeting will be at the annual SHLA working group meeting in Fall 2026, date TBD. These meetings do not include frequent coordination needed with the COR. The offeror should include sufficient time in their bid for ad hoc field coordination calls and communication.

Table 2. Contract table of tasks and schedule

Task Deliverables Description Due Date (calendar days) Delivery Method

5.0 a.-b.

General Requirements:

quarterly invoices; final invoice & release of claims

Project Management, Meetings; Field and Office Equipment and Staff

Invoices: quarterly from the NTP Final invoice: within 15d after end of period of performance

Meetings: via telephone/Microsoft

Teams Minutes: via email (draft in MS Word; final pdf) Quarterly & final invoices:

via email (pdf)

5.0 c.

General Requirements:

Quality Control Plan/Work Plan

Management plan for executing a quality product or service, on schedule and within budget

Award + 10d via email (draft in MS Word; final pdf)

5.0 d. General Requirements:

Health and Safety Plan

Identifies potential hazards & documents safe operating procedures and identifies nearest hospital/clinic

Award + 10d via email (draft in MS Word; final pdf)

Task 1 (SHLA Occupancy and

Abundance Surveys)

Field Surveys, Interim and final reports; WDFW Data

Submittal

Draft and final reports with COR comments addressed, field data in both Shapefile and KMZ format, EDD to WDFW

Sampling (started): 15 April 2026 Draft Report: 15 April + 150d

Final Report and Data Entry: 15 April + 180d

EDD: End POP minus 30d

Reports and field data via email (docx, pdf, and xlsx)

Proof of submission to WDFW data submittal via email Task 2 (SHLA

Habitat Assessment)

Habitat Assessment Habitat Assessment, field data in both Shapefile and KMZ format

Sampling (started): 15 April 2026 Draft Report: 15 April + 150d Final Report: 15 April + 180d

Field data, results and maps incorporated into interim and final reports

7. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY. These are the criteria against which the performance will be evaluated. Work shall be considered not to have been performed when any one of the following conditions exists in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

Performance Objective

Performance Standard

Allowed Number of

Discrepancies Surveillance

Streaked horned lark monitoring services, including interim reporting

Perform work (surveys and interim reports) on schedule. All sites surveyed using WDFW protocol, as specified.

Surveys may be conducted +/- one week of planned dates.

Field inspections.

Streaked horned lark habitat assessment

Perform work (surveys and data submittal) on schedule

Surveys may be conducted +/- one week of planned dates.

Field inspections.

Final report and data analysis

Final report completed with required content and delivery of all data (GIS layers, etc.) on schedule.

All content must be correct in final report submission.

100% review and approval of written report and data.

Figure 1. Survey Site Overview

Figure 2. SHLA Habitat Assessment example map

Attachment 1. Survey Data Submittal Format

Survey Type (O or

A) Site Name Survey Date Visit # Start Time End Time Temp_F Wind Total SHLA Observer Transect Age Sex Initial_detection

If_Vocal (Song or call)

Habitat Condition Activity Notes

Example: Abundance

Brown Island (W- 46.3-UP) 2026-05-14 2 0755 0851 51 0 20 INT South A M Aural Song Late Suitable Foraging

No band, near #16