A.07.23_Solicitation.pdf

SEE ADDENDUM

(No Collect Calls)

W912EF18R0031 27-Aug-2018

b. TELEPHONE NUMBER

509-527-7913

8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIME

09:00 AM 26 Sep 2018

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012)

Prescribed by GSA – FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

(TYPE OR PRINT)

(SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

ADDENDA X ARE

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Gov t. Use Only )

23.

CODE 10. THIS ACQUISITION IS

SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT

BELOW IS CHECKED

TELEPHONE NO.

W912EF9. ISSUED BY

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a. UNLESS BLOCK

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

a. NAME

BROOKE N FOWLER

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE 4. ORDER NUMBER

(TYPE OR PRINT)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a.UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

1 27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1. 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3. 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED.X

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

1. REQUISITION NUMBER

20.

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, AND 30

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

ARE NOT ATTACHED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

(BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

SET FORTH HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

% FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED OR X

SMALL BUSINESSX

17a.CONTRACTOR/ CODE FACILITY

OFFEROR CODE

USAED, WALLA WALLA - CONTRACTING DIV.

BROOKE FOWLER

201 N. THIRD AVENUE

WALLA WALLA WA 99362-1876

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

13b. RATING

CODE15. DELIVER TO CODE 960564 16. ADMINISTERED BY

12. DISCOUNT TERMS11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

X SEE SCHEDULE

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ IFB RFPX

ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

PERFORMANCE SPECIALIST

OPERATIONS DIVISION

201 NORTH 3RD AVENUE

WALLA WALLA WA 99362-1876

TEL: 509-527-7200 FAX: 000-000-0000

FAX:

TEL: 509-527-7913 SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

8(A)

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SIZE STANDARD:

1,000

NAICS:

541713

X

OFFER DATED

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF.

DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

EMAIL:

TEL:

31c. DATE SIGNED

SEE SCHEDULE

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/ SERVICESITEM NO. QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

24.22.21.19.

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS (WOSB)

ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

(CONTINUED)

PAGE 2 OF114

ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED: ______________________________________________________

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED

32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE 32f . TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

37. CHECK NUMBER

FINALPARTIALCOMPLETE

36. PAYMENT35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

34. VOUCHER NUMBER

FINAL

33. SHIP NUMBER

PARTIAL

38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER 39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER 40. PAID BY

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER 41c. DATE

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD) 42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012) BACK

Prescribed by GSA – FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

SEE SCHEDULE

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/ SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY UNIT

22. 23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

19.

ITEM NO.

Section SF 1449 - CONTINUATION SHEET

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

BIDDER INQUIRY:

Bidder/Offeror Solicitation Questions:

All inquiries regarding this solicitation must be submitted via the PROJNET Bidder Inquiry System. Telephone and email inquiries will not be accepted. Bidder Inquiry is a web-site that allows bidders to post questions regarding the solicitation and view all questions by other bidders and responses by USACE. Bidder Inquiry can be accessed through ProjNet at (https://www.projnet.org)

To submit and review inquiry items, prospective vendors will need to use the Bidder Inquiry Key presented below and follow the instructions listed below the key for access. A prospective vendor who submits a comment /question will receive an acknowledgement of their comment/question via email. Another email to the same address will notify the prospective vendor once the reply is available for viewing.

TIMING OF BIDDER INQUIRIES: Bidders/Offerors are encouraged to submit their bidder inquiries promptly.

The Government will make every effort to answer all bidder inquiries; however, the closer to the bid or proposal due date an inquiry is received, the less likely it is that a timely response can be provided

The Bidder Inquiry Key is: K8AJEF-DCDCPI Specific Instructions for ProjNet Bid Inquiry Access:

1. From the ProjNet home page linked above, click on Quick Add on the upper right side of the screen.

2. Identify the Agency. This should be marked as USACE.

3. Key. Enter the Bidder Inquiry Key listed above.

4. Email. Enter the email address you would like to use for communication.

5. Click Continue. A page will then open saying that a user account was not found and will ask you to create one using the provided form.

6. Enter your First Name, Last Name, Company, City, State, Phone, Email, Secret Question, Secret Answer, and Time Zone. Make sure to remember your Secret Question and Answer as they will be used from this point on to access the ProjNet system.

7. Click Add User. Once this is completed you are now registered within ProjNet and are currently logged into the system.

Instructions for Entering Questions:

1. After you are logged in click on the "post new inquiry", it is on the left side of the window under the Word "Submit" a.) This is the window where you will enter your questions b.) Comment Classification: Click on the down arrow to the right of the words “Please select from below”, select “Public” c.) Discipline: This is where you select who this question should be directed to. Example; if the question is about an electrical drawing or specification select: “Electrical” from the pull down list.

d.) Sheet. Enter the sheet number of the drawing you are asking about.

e.) Detail. Enter the detail name of the detail shown on the drawing that you are asking about.

f.) Specification. Enter the Specification number and paragraph number.

g.) File. Use this if you are going to attach a pdf file.

h.) Question. Enter your question here.

Specific Instructions for Future ProjNet Bid Inquiry Access:

1. For future access to ProjNet, you will not be provided any type of password. You will utilize your Secret Question and Secret Answer to log in.

2. From the ProjNet home page linked above, click on Quick Add on the upper right side of the screen.

3. Identify the Agency. This should be marked as USACE.

4. Key. Enter the Bidder Inquiry Key listed above.

5. Email. Enter the email address you used to register previously in ProjNet.

6. Click Continue. A page will then open asking you to enter the answer to your Secret Question.

7. Enter your Secret Answer and click Login. Once this is completed you are now logged into the system.

For questions about the ProjNet Bidder Inquiry, please contact the Call Center help desk toll free at 1-800- 428-HELP, which operates from 8AM to 5PM (Central US time zone). Bidder inquiry help questions can also be emailed to the helpdesk at staff@rcesupport.com.

Registration at www.sam.gov is required. If not registered, please do so. Step-by-step help information on how to register is detailed on the website, along with frequently asked questions (FAQs). Lack of registration in the SAM database will make an offeror ineligible for award.

Completion of the required FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications – Commercial Items is required. When you complete your SAM registration, the link to complete your Representations and Certifications is also available. Please do not hesitate to contact me or the SAM web site if you need assistance or have questions.

Please return all pages of this request for proposal. Be sure to also complete Blocks 17a, 30a, 30b, and 30c on page 1.

Name: _____________________________________________________________

Contact Telephone Number: ____________________________________________

Email Address: __________________________________________________________________

Company’s Federal Tax Identification Number: ____________________________________________

CAGE CODE: _________________________ DUNS Number ________________________________

The System for Award Management (SAM) is online. SAM replaces CCR/FedReg, ORCA, and EPLS.

If you have been using those systems, you should now go to www.sam.gov to find your information.

Lack of registration in the SAM Database will make an offeror ineligible for award. Information on how to register and the time required is detailed in the clause. Start by going to www.sam.gov, and then click on the SAM HELP tab. Under User Help you will find the full User Guide as well as Quick Start Guides and Helpful Hints that will help you create an account, migrate your roles, perform updates, and search for the information you need.

Completion of FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications–Commercial Items – Alternate 1 (May 2014). Electronic completion is encouraged (see http://farsite.hill.af.mil to download Representations and Certifications).

An offeror shall complete only paragraph (b) of this provision if the offeror has completed the annual representations and certifications electronically via https://www.acquisition.gov. If an offeror has not completed the annual representations and certifications electronically at the ORCA website, the offeror shall complete only paragraphs (b) through (i) of this provision.

In accordance with FAR Part 29.3 – State and Local Taxes, and per Title 4 of US Code 104-107, the Government is generally exempt from paying state and local taxes. Please see also FAR Clause 52.212-4(k). Exempt tax identification number 91-0828090.

PRICES QUOTED MUST BE VALID FOR 30 DAYS. Solicitation shall result in a firm-fixed-price contract.

All pricing shall include shipping FOB destination (include shipping cost in price).

ADDENDUM TO FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS – COMMERCIAL ITEMS

Submission of Price Quote – Contractor shall submit the following in 1 copy:

1. Signed and dated Standard Form 1449 (Solicitation/Contract/Order for Commercial Items)

2. Signed and dated Standard Form 30, if applicable, for any Amendments to the Solicitation

3. Completed schedule (pricing information) for all contract line item numbers

4. Completed Clause 52.212-3 and Alt I, “Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Items” as noted above.

5. Any information required to evaluate the quote, as stated in FAR Clause 52.212-2.

BUSINESS HOURS: The standard business hours for the Walla Walla District, Corps of Engineers are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding federal holidays.

ADDENDUM TO FAR 52.212-1

A. Proposal Composition General Requirements Proposals must set forth full, accurate, and complete information as required by this RFP. Proposals shall contain only data essential for evaluation of proposals to expedite both the RFP proposal preparation and evaluation.

To assure timely and equitable evaluation of proposals, offerors must follow the instructions contained herein and in accordance with FAR Clause 52.212-2 Evaluation of Commercial Items. Offerors are required to meet all solicitation requirements, including terms and conditions, representations and certifications, and technical requirements, in addition to those identified as evaluation factors. The Offeror shall submit in the proposal all requested information specified in this section of the RFP at or before the exact time specified for receipt of proposals. There will be no public opening of the proposals received as a result of this solicitation.

Proposal Expenses and Pre-Contract Costs: The Government is in no way responsible for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a proposal or for any other costs incurred prior to the execution of a formal contract.

B. Summary of Submission Requirements

1. Technical Volume

a. Factor 2 Technical Experience

b. Factor 3 Management Approach

c. Factor 4 Past Performance

2. Price Volume

a. Factor 1 Price (SF 1449)

NOTE: It is the Offeror’s responsibility to ensure that all past performance questionnaires as outlined under Factor 4 are completed on or before the closing date and time specified in the Request for Proposals.

C. Price Volume Include the following information in the price volume:

6. DUNS Number, CAGE Code, and Tax ID Number

7. Signed and dated Standard Form 1449 (Commercial Solicitation)

8. Section B - complete Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) with unit price, quantity, and extended price. All extensions of the unit prices shown will be subject to verification by the Government. In case of discrepancy between the unit price and the extended price, the unit price will govern.

9. Section K - Representations, Certificates and Other Statements of Offerors

10. Acknowledgement of any amendments issued (amendment number and date acknowledged by Offeror).

D. Proposal Submission

In an effort to reduce paperwork and reduce cost, all proposals shall be submitted electronically via the

AMRDEC SAFE website. All submissions shall be in Adobe PDF format with Optical Character Recognition (OCR) applied to all documents that will enable word searches to be conducted using Adobe-compatible PDF software. The two (2) volumes listed below shall be submitted as “SEPARATE” single files via AMRDEC.

Offerors may use compression utilities such as 7-Zip, WinZip or PKZip to reduce file size and facilitate transmission when using AMRDEC. Offerors are encouraged to send both files in the same AMRDEC transmission, if possible.

Submit in two separate volumes:

VOLUME TITLE

ELECTRONIC COPIES

Volume I – Technical Volume 1 Volume II – Price Volume 1

W9128F18R0031_Company Name_Volume_I_Technical

W9128F18R0031_Company Name_Volume_II_Price

(Note: Company name may be abbreviated)

Printing should be single spaced. Each paragraph shall be separated by at least one blank line. A standard, 12-point minimum font size applies. Arial or New Times Roman fonts- are required. Tables and illustrations may use a reduced font size no less than 8-point and may be landscape.

Format. The submission shall be clearly indexed and logically assembled. Each volume shall be clearly identified and shall begin at the top of a page. All pages of each volume shall be appropriately numbered and identified by the complete company name, date and RFP number in the header and/or footer. All files created in MS Word (doc) files shall use the following page setup parameters:

Margins – Top, Bottom, Left, Right – 1” From Edge – Header, Footer 0.5” Page Size, Width – 8.5” Page Size, Height – 11”

Content Requirement. All information shall be confined to the appropriate file. The offeror shall confine submissions to essential matters, sufficient to define the proposal in a concise manner, to permit a complete and accurate evaluation of each proposal. Each file of the proposal shall consist of a Table of Contents, Summary Section, and the Narrative discussion. The Summary Section shall contain a brief abstract of the file. Proprietary information shall be clearly marked.

To submit proposals electronically via AMRDEC SAFE, go to the following website:

https://safe.amrdec.army.mil/SAFE/ At the AMRDEC SAFE website select “Non-CAC Users” in order to register, access the site and submit your proposal(s). When completing the information for transmittal at the AMRDEC SAFE website, you will be asked to enter e-mail addresses for the recipients. When your proposal is submitted via the AMRDEC SAFE website, the website will provide notification of the submittal to the recipients. For this solicitation, the recipient will be:

Brooke N. Moore, Brooke.N.Moore@usace.army.mil

After submitting your information, you will receive two (2) disclaimers:

a) “The files were successfully uploaded.”

b) “Your files cannot be downloaded by recipients until you verify your email address. Please check your email for further instructions.”

***OFFERORS MUST FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS SENT TO YOUR EMAIL TO

COMPLETE THE SUBMITTAL PROCESS***

For the purposes of determining whether the proposal was received “late” in accordance with FAR 15.208, the date and time the file(s) are uploaded into the AMRDEC SAFE website as identified in the AMRDEC e-mail sent to the Contract Specialist(s)/Contracting Officer will be the time and date the Government received the proposal. Please note that the process involves two steps, after the proposal has been uploaded to the AMRDEC SAFE website the Offeror must verify its email address in order for the Government to receive access to the proposal uploaded onto the AMRDEC SAFE website. Do not assume that electronic communication is instantaneous. Please make allowances for delays in transmittal.

NOTE: ONLY in the unusual case that the AMRDEC website is “down” (not operational); the Offeror should email their proposal to the following individuals prior to the proposal due date and time: Brooke Moore whose email address is Brooke.N.Moore@usace.army.mil .

SUBMISSION DEADLINE - Proposals shall be received by the USACE Contracting Activity no later than the time and date specified in Block 8 of Standard Form 1449. Official time will be established by the clock located in the area where proposals are received. Late proposals will not be accepted.

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

This contract is for adult fish counting services at eight mainstem dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Portland District and Walla Walla District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). These projects include Bonneville, The Dalles, John Day, McNary, Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose, and Lower Granite dams.

1. General. The Corps has eight mainstem Columbia and Snake River projects with fish ladders and associated facilities for passing adult salmon, steelhead, shad, lamprey, and other migrating and resident species. These facilities allow adult fish to pass, volitionally via swimming, from the tailrace of each project (downstream side of the dam) to the forebay (upstream side of the dam). Fish are counted as they pass through count stations located in the fish ladders. The period of performance of each year is from March 1 through February 28. The Corps has specific requirements for counting adult fish passing at each of the projects. The primary fish counting season is April 1 through October 31 during which counts will be required for 16 to 24 hours per day. Fish numbers are greatly reduced during winter from November 1 through March 31. Counts of fish during winter will be required at specific dams during the contract period on a rotating basis. The Contractor shall count fish as they pass the viewing window while physically at the count station, via (live) video feed or via review of digital video recording. Counters shall identify fish by species group and tabulate them to a computer database.

Video fish counting entails the Contractor using a camera and digital recording equipment to record fish passing the counting window during periods of low fish numbers (e.g. nights and early and late in the passage season) for later review. Video records are reviewed by counting staff and fish are tabulated by species similar to real time counting or in combination with video processing/compression techniques used to decrease viewing time. Periods of time when video records are used for counting can vary by location and year depending on the numbers and timing of fish passing the dams. Normally daytime digital video count activities are between November 1 and March 31 (see Exhibit 1: Fish Counting Schedule). Fish counts at night occur at most projects from June 15 to September 30. Counts at night and during winter do not necessarily take place every year at each project during the course of this contract.

New for this contract relative to past contracts for these services, the contractor shall provide off-the-shelf or develop new software program(s) that records and electronically transfers tabulated fish counts from each count station to Corps-designated distribution and archival locations at least daily. This software shall be comparable and compatible to historical count software in that it will provide comparable functionality and archive and provide fish count data in a similar format as used historically. The Contractor shall provide labor and all equipment (computers, video cameras, DVR’s, etc.) in functional condition and any supplies required to conduct counting operations. The Contractor shall provide the means to electronically convey (internet connection, communications software, etc.) count information daily to Corps’ designated distribution and archival locations.

Fish counts shall be electronically posted to the designated web page host daily with a target delivery time of 0630 the next day. The daily fish count data and shift notes shall continue to be sent to the Corps Fisheries

Field Unit (FFU) personnel for review. The contractor shall provide automated notification to the Corps when fish counts cannot be posted to the web site host and where the break has occurred. The contractor shall address any break in service and produce fish count data within a 24-hour period. The contractor shall develop a statistically rigorous quality control program to assure accuracy of fish count data. The counting program has an overall requirement of maintaining 95 percent accuracy for identifying and counting of all salmonid species and 85 percent accuracy for American shad.

2. Counting Locations. The Contractor shall count fish at eight locations (15 fish ladders, 13 fish count stations) on the Lower Columbia and Lower Snake rivers.

2.1. Bonneville Dam is located in the Portland District on the Columbia River at river mile (RM) 145, near

North Bonneville, Washington. It has three fish ladders: Bradford Island ladder, located near the south or Oregon side of the river; Cascade Island ladder, located in the center of the river; and the Washington ladder, located on the north or Washington side of the river. The Cascade Island ladder has a tunnel part way up the ladder that connects it to the Washington ladder. Fish passing up the Cascade Island ladder are diverted through this tunnel to the Washington ladder, where they are counted. The Bradford Island and Washington ladders are counted separately. Fish counting does not take place at the Cascade Island ladder, unless the Washington ladder is out of service for maintenance and/or the upper end of the Cascade Island ladder is operated for passing adult fish. On rare occasions, counting is done at all three count stations and shall only be performed when directed in writing by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

2.2. The Dalles Dam is located in the Portland District on the Columbia River at RM 192, near The Dalles, Oregon. It has two fish ladders, located on the north and south sides of the river. Fish counters count at both ladders.

2.3. John Day Dam is located in the Portland District on the Columbia River at RM 216, near Rufus, Oregon. It has two fish ladders, located on the north and south sides of the river. Fish counters count at both ladders.

2.4. McNary Dam is located in the Walla Walla District on the Columbia River at RM 292, near Umatilla, Oregon. It has two fish ladders, located on the north and south sides of the river. Fish counters count at both ladders.

2.5. Ice Harbor Dam is located in the Walla Walla District on the Snake River at RM 9, near Burbank, Washington. It has two fish ladders, located on the north and south sides of the river. Fish counters currently count the south ladder by direct observation and simultaneously observes and count north ladder passage via closed circuit TV.

2.6. Lower Monumental Dam is located in the Walla Walla District on the Snake River at RM 41, near Kahlotus, Washington. It has two fish ladders, located on the north and south sides of the river. Fish counters currently count the north ladder by direct observation and simultaneously observe and count south ladder passage via closed circuit

TV.

2.7. Little Goose Dam is located in the Walla Walla District on the Snake River at RM 70, near Starbuck, Washington. It has one fish ladder, located on the south side of the river, where fish counters count fish.

2.8. Lower Granite Dam is located in the Walla Walla District on the Snake River at RM 107, near Almota, Washington. It has one fish ladder, located on the south side of the river, where fish counters count fish.

3. Work Period. The base year, option years, and fish counting schedule (Exhibit 1) are shown below.

Optional years may be exercised at the Government’s discretion.

Base Period 01 March 2019 to 28 February 2020 Option Year 1 01 March 2020 to 28 February 2021 Option Year 2 01 March 2021 to 28 February 2022 Option Year 3 01 March 2022 to 28 February 2023 Option Year 4 01 March 2023 to 28 February 2024

4. Personnel Requirements. The Contractor shall provide sufficient personnel to conduct the necessary fish counter training and periodic evaluation of the performance of all fish counters. Supervisory personnel shall have knowledge of fishery biology gained through education and/or experience, and a 4-year college degree in Fishery Biology, Wildlife Biology, General Biology, Zoology, Aquatic Science, or a related field from an accredited school.

These supervisory personnel shall oversee the fish counters. If the Contractor requires replacing any supervisory personnel they must have the approval of the Contracting Officer. Replacement supervisory personnel shall possess the qualifications that meet or exceed those stated in the specifications for the position of the individual they are replacing. Submit qualifications of new personnel at least 15 calendar days in advance of date of replacement.

The Contractor shall count fish as they pass the viewing window while physically at the count station, via (live) video feed or via review of digital video recording. The Contractor shall provide the necessary personnel to cover all fish counting shifts. The Corps overall intent is that no hours of fish counting are missed. To provide continuity and the desired level of counting accuracy through the contract period, the Contractor shall employ and retain counters with previous fish counting experience when possible and appropriate. All Contractor employees shall be U.S. citizens or otherwise legally permitted to work in the country. Employees of the Contractor are subject to a background check by the Corps before access is approved to the work site; a minimum 60-days’ notice to the COR is required annually and for all new employees during the count year. All employees must be able to speak, read, and understand English.

5. Fish Counting. Specific fish counting tasks to be performed by the Contractor are as follows:

5.1. Planning and Implementation. The Contractor shall participate with the Corps in an annual program to enumerate adult fish migrating through fish ladders at Corps projects. As detailed in the following sections the program will include development of an annual Fish Counting Plan, fish counting using visual (real time) and digital video recordings, data recording and transfer protocols, equipment and supplies procurement and maintenance, quality control to ensure fish are being properly identified and counted, weekly reports, and safety and security.

5.2. Fish Counting Plan. Soon after awarding of the contract, the contractor and Corps shall meet to outline a plan for transitioning into the adult fish counting services program. A detailed transition plan shall be submitted to the Corps within 30 days of the contract being awarded. There will be pre-work meetings between the Corps and Contractor around the period of February 1 for the base and each exercised option year in Walla Walla, Washington. By February 1, of the base and option year exercised, the Contractor shall present a draft Fish Counting Plan and be prepared to discuss it in detail with the Corps at the pre-work meeting. This plan shall include: a detailed staffing plan showing the Contractor’s organizational structure with the names/job titles/work stations of all employees and vacant positions; a staffing plan to fill vacant positions and future vacant positions; a training plan detailing how the Contractor plans to train fish counters in identification and counting of required species and procedures for data recording and transfer, a quality control plan indicating how accuracy of fish count data will be evaluated and reported (per Section 7); and a work schedule showing how the Contractor intends to accomplish fish counting activities for the base period or exercised option year. Other topics of the pre-work meeting will include all other aspects of the contract, including a demonstration of the count software(s) for the base year, and option years as needed, a safety and security briefing by the Corps that the Contractor shall incorporate into the training for all Contractor employees. By February 27, the Contractor shall submit a final Fish Counting Plan, to the COR, incorporating comments from the pre-work meeting for accomplishing work during the base period. Video fish counters must be trained by the time they begin fish counting on March 1 of the base and option year exercised. Visual fish counters must be trained prior to the time they start fish counting on April 1 on the base and every option year exercised.

To accommodate annual security training and background investigations, if needed, of fish counters that start fish counting on March 1 for video reading and later on April 1 visual counting of the base and option year exercised all such positions will be filled and all paperwork submitted per Section 8 below no later than mid- January, annually or 60 days prior to scheduled start date. All costs associated with participating in the meetings shall be included in the proposed price.

5.3. Visual Fish Counting Procedures.

5.3.1. The Contractor shall perform adult fish counting at locations and times as described in Exhibit 1. Fish counters shall sit in designated fish counting stations (as defined in section 2 above) watching a fish counting window, via (live) video feed or via video records of the fish viewing window. As target fish pass through a narrow counting slot in front of the counting window, fish counters will identify them to species and count them using fish tabulating equipment and software. During periods of heavy shad passage in the summer, counters may count shad in groups of 5 or 10 fish passing at a time. All visual fish counting shall be for 16 hours per day, per the schedule.

Fish shall be properly identified to species group as listed in Exhibit 2, FISH SPECIES TO BE COUNTED AT DAMS ON THE SNAKE AND COLUMBIA RIVERS. When requested in writing by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), counters shall also record head burns, cuts, symptoms of gas bubble trauma, oral tumors, other maladies [such as: descaling, tattered fins, cuts, pinniped scarring and marks/tags on target species. Visual fish counting shall include sufficient breaks to reduce fatigue that can lead to errors in fish counts. For example, currently visual counts occur for fifty minutes with a 10 minute break during each hour. Break times allow counters to stretch, use the restroom, etc.

5.3.2. At Ice Harbor and Lower Monumental dams, one fish counter shall count two (2) ladders simultaneously. Since most fish use the south-shore ladder at Ice Harbor Dam and relatively low numbers of fish pass through the north shore ladder, one fish counter can effectively count both ladders at the same time using a video feed of the north-shore count station. The situation at Lower Monumental is similar, although there the majority of fish pass the dam using the north-shore ladder and the south ladder is counted simultaneously via live video feed.

5.3.3. Fish counters shall use a computerized system and appropriate software for registering upstream and downstream fish counts for each hour in the counting period. The fish counting software shall automatically expand the counts to accommodate break periods to calculate hourly fish passage estimates. For example, currently 50-minute counts are expanded by a factor of 1.2 to estimate hourly counts. The software shall record the net expanded hourly counts per fish species/group. Fish counters shall also enter notes into the computer system comment section during each hourly period regarding fish counts and other data, problems encountered or errors that he/she cannot correct, and other relevant information to ensure count accuracy. The fish count software shall be programmed to automatically upload data and comments to Corps-designated locations for posting and archiving at the end of the counting day, with a target delivery time of 0630 hours the following day. Our goal is to have daily count information available to users no later than 0700 hours on the following day. Transmitted data files shall be comparable and compatible with formats used historically (see Exhibit 3). The software shall automatically backup count information once each hour and electronic copies of all fish count data files shall be retained by the Contractor and made available to the Corps for the duration of the contracted period.

5.3.4. The Contractor shall continuously record fish passage at each count station and maintain digital video records for at least 14 days (two weeks) of fish passage as a backup to visual counts. In the case of illness or absence of visual counters or loss of data due to other causes, the Contractor will review digital video records to correct for errors or missing count information. Video cameras shall be positioned in the count station to provide a clear recorded image of fish as they pass the viewing window. Video recordings should be made in 720p high definition (1,280 x 720 pixels) or equivalent format. Digital records can also be used for video counts (Section 5.4 below) and as part of the quality control program (Section 7 below).

5.3.5. The computer systems, UPS battery backups, software, internet connections, video cameras, digital video recorders, printers, fax machines, associated supplies and all other related equipment and supplies required to conduct fish counting services will be supplied by the Contractor. Internet connections shall be created and maintained by the Contractor and shall be of an adequate upload speed to accommodate the volume and data transmitted. The costs of equipment and supplies will be included in the proposed price. In-season maintenance of equipment to ensure continuous functionality shall also be the responsibility of the Contractor.

5.3.6. The contractor’s Fish Count Plan shall contain contingencies to deal with a computer or equipment malfunction, power outage, or other potential interruption in counting. Fish counters shall promptly notify their supervisor in an event of a problem so they can make arrangements to have the problem corrected as warranted. For example, if the computer system goes out of service, the fish counter can resume fish counting using: 1) Visual Fish Counting Forms (such as those in Exhibit 4 and 5), or 2) use a mechanical tally counter in conjunction with a Visual Fish Counting Daily Form. In the event of manual counting, data forms shall be faxed by the fish counter at the end of each shift to the Fish Field Unit and the original form shall be retained for at least two years for archiving.

5.3.7. If unusual fish behavior at a counting window or other observations (e.g. injuries, blockage, delays or debris) suggests a fish passage problem, then the Contractor shall promptly notify the Corps’ point-of-contact at the project (or other Corps employee) so that the Corps can take action, as warranted.

5.4. Digital Video Fish Counting Procedures.

5.4.1. Video fish counts are used as a means to reduce labor costs during periods of low fish passage, typically early and late in the passage season and at night, as demonstrated in Exhibit 1. The Contractor shall be responsible for digital video fish counting at each count station for the minimum of hours and days specified in Exhibit 1 Fish counting schedule. The contractor can propose deviations from the schedule described in Exhibit 1 but the contractor must demonstrate how deviations will not impact accuracy of fish counts or timeliness in which counts are reported. Fish passage will be counted, recorded, archived and transmitted similarly as described for visual fish counts (see Section 5.3). Video recordings should be made in 720p high definition (1,280 x 720 pixels) or equivalent format. The fish count software shall be programmed to automatically upload data and comments to Corps-designated locations for posting and archiving at the end of the counting shift (day or night) so count information is available for posting for users no later than 0630 hours the following day. As with visual counts, the software shall automatically backup count information once each hour and electronic copies of all fish count data files shall be retained by the Contractor and made available to the Corps for the duration of the contracted period. The Contractor is encouraged to incorporate video compression and/or other video processing techniques to improve efficiency of viewing and processing video records. The Contractor will be required to demonstrate accuracy and precision of video processing techniques (See Section 7. Quality Control, below).

5.4.2. All necessary video cameras, lights and digital video recording equipment will be supplied by the

Contractor. The costs of all equipment and supplies shall be included in the proposed price. The Corps will provide the Contractor with space in the counting room or another room at each project to use for interrogating video recordings.

5.4.3. In the event a computer is not available, or there is a power outage or equipment failure, counters should use the Video Fish Counting Daily Form, such as that in Exhibit 6, and use a mechanical tally counter, fax the Video Fish Counting Daily Forms for any video recording within two days of actual fish passage to Bonneville Dam (Fish Field Unit) and retain the forms for two years for archiving.

5.4.4. Digital video recording and counting shall be continuous in accordance with Exhibit 1, unless a fish ladder is out of service (unwatered) for winter maintenance or other purposes. Days proposed for digital video fish counting are subject to review by the Government’s Contracting Officer Representative (COR) to coincide with ladder outages as times approach. Bonneville Dam has three fish ladders but only two are normally operated at a time, primarily the Bradford Island and Washington shore ladders. When the Washington shore ladder is not operating, the Cascade Island ladder may be brought into service, as coordinated. On rare occasions, all three ladders operate simultaneously for up to two months. At the direction of the COR, the contractor shall count fish passage at the Cascade Island ladder in accordance with CLIN Items, 1001AD, 2001AD, 3001AE, 4001AD, and 5001AD. The Corps cannot always precisely predict the dates of fish ladder outages due to uncertainties involving weather conditions, scheduling of construction contracts, and other factors. Adult fish ladder outages occur during the winter maintenance season. Generally, all ladders are out of service for approximately 30 days during this period. Historically, ladders have been out for as little as two weeks to the entire winter work period. The Corps typically develop a preliminary fish ladder winter outage schedule in September/October. This schedule is fine-tuned as outage times approach. The COR will notify the Contractor in writing of tentative and finalized fish ladder outage schedules at least one month in advance of the outage. The COR will keep the Contractor informed of maintenance period schedule changes if they occur. And the COR will provide the Contractor with at least a 48 hour notice to resume digital video counting once a ladder is back in operation. No digital video recording or counting will occur on the day a ladder is unwatered or on the day it is watered up.

6. Training. The Contractor shall develop a fish counter training program to ensure that all regular and substitute fish counters are proficient in identifying, counting and recording all designated species in the numbers expected throughout the counting season to meet fish counting program goals Exhibit 7. Fish counting program goals. The training program shall cover all target species to be counted and common resident fish species present in the rivers.

Fish counters shall also be trained to recognize and record headburns, cuts, and other maladies (i.e.: surface scrapes;

bad eyes; oral tumors; descaling; tattered fins) and marks/tags on target species. Fish counters shall also be trained in use of count recording and data transfer procedures and equipment including video recording and processing procedures. Fish counters shall be trained on use of manual recording and reporting procedures to be used in case of equipment or internet outages. The Contractor shall be responsible for supplying all training aids and materials required for the training program to meet contract requirements. The Contractor shall provide monthly details of their training program in the training plan submitted to the COR. Throughout the contract period, the Contractor shall provide an agenda for each group training session (five or more trainees) to the COR at least one week in advance. The COR or other representatives of the Corps may attend any of the training sessions. All fish counters and supervisors shall have project security / access confirmed prior to the time they begin fish counting on March 1, for the base and each exercised option years. Costs for employee training, including travel to training locations, and online computer security training shall be included in the proposed price.

6.1. Transition Plan. The Contractor shall develop a transition plan to assure a seamless integration into the existing adult fish counting program. This transition plan will be developed and submitted prior to the annual fish counting plan and pre-work meeting with the Government, in February. The details of the plan will demonstrate the breath and knowledge of developing an annual adult fish counting program that is tailored to seasonal conditions present during this transition period, the methods and methodology – visual and video qualifications to perform counting requirements and goals of the program, computer and software usage and reporting requirements.

This plan shall include a detailed staffing plan showing the Contractor’s organizational structure with the names/job titles/work stations/shifts of all employees and vacant positions with recent training records for all adult fish counters.

7. Quality Control. The Contractor shall develop and conduct a continual quality control program, acceptable to the COR, to ensure that fish passing the operating projects are properly identified and counted, and to ensure all other relevant contract requirements are adhered to by all fish counters. The quality control program shall be tailored to determining how well the fish counters are meeting the identification and counting accuracy goals of the program of 95 percent for salmonid species and 85 percent for American shad (Exhibit 7. Fish counting program goals.) The quality control program shall include regular evaluation of the performance of all fish counters, and additional training to correct identified fish identification or counting problems. Details of the quality control program shall be included in the annual fish counting plan, PWS paragraph 5.2 and Exhibit 10.

7.1. The Contractor shall evaluate the fish identification and counting accuracy of all fish counters at least once per month and record these evaluations. If requested by the COR, these sessions will be recorded and delivered within 7 days to the COR for review. Fish counters with a known counting problem shall receive additional training by the contractor to correct the problem. An example of an acceptable quality control program is one where a supervisor or fellow counter reviews randomly selected sub-set of video recorded during a visual fish counter’s viewing period. Or, re-interrogates a video previously interrogated by a video fish counter. Then the supervisor calculates the accuracy of the fish counter. A suggested format for documenting quality control checks of visual and video counts is displayed in Exhibit 8 and Exhibit 9, Suggested Format for Documenting Quality Control Checks of Video Counting at Columbia and Snake River Projects.

The Contractor shall also ensure that fish counters properly fulfill all contract requirements. Regardless of the quality control methodology used, the Contractor shall promptly provide guidance to the fish counter to improve their performance, as necessary, and notify the COR of the results in a weekly report. The Contractor shall also notify the COR of the date and time of all scheduled checks of visual fish counters at least one week in advance so a Corps employee may attend for quality assurance purposes. The Contractor shall also provide the COR with the recordings or digital video files used for quality control if requested.

7.2. Weekly Reports. The Contractor shall provide the COR with weekly reports during the course of this contract as outlined in the QASP. Requirements for each weekly report shall consist of:

1) The first report of the base period will cover March 1 through March 10. Thereafter, the reports will cover a seven-day period from Friday through Thursday, including the option years if exercised.

2) These reports shall be submitted via electronic mail to the COR before the close of business of the following Monday.

3) The weekly report shall be a written report, to USACE District, detailing activities such as training, results of contractor quality control checks, missed counting hours/days, identifiable counting problems, observed problems with adult fish passage, personnel problems that affected fish counting, results of testing fish counters, physical fish counting problems (i.e. light source, window cleaning problems), suggestions for improvement of the fish counting experience by fish window, and scheduled weekly fish counter quality control locations.

7.3. In addition, the Government may allow an independent third party to oversee and/or observe the fish counting procedures. In the event this will be implemented, it will be coordinated through the COR.

8. Safety and Security. While on the projects, Contractor personnel shall follow all relevant Corps safety requirements in its Safety and Health Requirements Manual and other safety instructions from authorized Corps personnel and all changes posted on the web as of the effective date of this solicitation. EM385-1-1 is available at:http://www.usace.army.mil/publications/eng-manuals/em385-1-1/toc.htm The Contractor shall submit a written Activity Hazard Analysis per operating project by March 1 of the base period (and provide updates by March 1 of each option year exercised) for approval by the operating project, that describes potential hazards to Contractor personnel and actions to avoid injury (e.g. driving on project – drive slowly and obey traffic signs; falling on a stairway – walk slowly and use handrails; smoking – allowed in outdoor areas only; hazardous energy lockout/tagout devices and tags – do not tamper with; firearms and other weapons – not permitted on project; evacuation route at each project – be aware of the route, unforeseen hazards – notify Corps project personnel for correction as needed).

Hard hats and steel-toed shoes/boots are not required, although hard hats (other than white) are recommended for supervisors as a means of identification. The Contractor shall provide copies of the approved Activity Hazard Analysis to all Contractor personnel prior to March 1 of each option year. Activity hazards requirements and procedures may change in future years depending on activities at each operating project.

8.1. Security Requirements. Contractor personnel shall follow all Corps projects security requirements. All

Contractor personnel must carry photo identification (e.g. driver’s license or other state-issued identification) and wear a Corps-issued project pass or District Contractor identification above the waistline at all times. For safety concerns, fish counters shall contact the powerhouse operator or other project point-of-contact by telephone at the beginning and end of each work shift, so project personnel will know they are on the project. All Contractor vehicles, including personal vehicles used by fish counters, driven within project security areas must be clearly marked on both sides with easily visible signs indicating the Contractor’s business name and “Fish Counting.” Fish counting rooms and parking for Contractor vehicles are presently within security areas at all projects, except Little Goose and Lower Granite dams where the counting rooms and parking are accessible to the public in general. There may be delays when entering Projects due to locked gates, vehicle inspections, and personnel checks.