Amendment W912WJ25QA024-0002.pdf

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers is extended. is not extended.

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing items 8 and 15, and returning copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER.

If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER

NUMBER IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print) 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

16C. DATE SIGNED

Previous edition unusable STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016) Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT 1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER 3. EFFECTIVE DATE 4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUISITION NUMBER 5. PROJECT NUMBER (If applicable)

6. ISSUED BY CODE 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6) CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (X) 9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

CODE FACILITY CODE

J 1 13

0002 19 MAY 2025

W912WJ

W2SD ENDIST NEW ENGLAND

KO CONTRACTING DIVISION, 696 VIRGINIA ROAD

CONCORD, MA 01742-2751

UNITED STATES

JENNIFER SAMELA, EMAIL: JENNIFER.M.SAMELA@USACE.ARMY.MIL TELEPHONE:

978-318-8324

SCD: PAS:

W912WJ25QA024

08 MAY 2025

SEE CONTINUATION

AMENDMENT IS NECESSARY TO PROVIDE RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS FROM INDUSTRY. QUESTIONS/RESPONSES #6-#11ARE APPLICABLE TO THIS AMENDMENT.

RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS #2 AND #4 ARE HEREBY REVISED. AMENDMENT WILL ALSO PROVIDE A REVISED PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT.

CLOSING IS EXTENDED UNTIL MAY 29, 2025 AT 2:00 PM EASTERN.

ALL OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS REMAIN THE SAME.

JENNIFER SAMELA

19 MAY 2025

SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Solicitation/Contract Form Continuation

The following changes have been made:

INFORMATION FROM TO

Response Due Date 20 May 2025 29 May 2025

Miscellaneous text in this section has been modified to:

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

Question 1. Have there been any previous surveys for Rare, Threatened, or Endangered (RTE) species conducted at West Thompson Lake?

Response 1: Previous surveys are listed in the Performance Work Statement "12. References".

Question 2. If so, would you be able to share any related reports or methodologies? Access to this information would help ensure consistency with past efforts.

Response 2: Previous survey information will be provided to the awarded Contractor, however, all work shall be performed in accordance with the requirements, specifications, and methodologies included in

.revised Performance Work Statementthis solicitation

Question 3. Do you have any available GIS data delineating the project boundary? This would assist with accurate planning and mapping.

Response 3: Yes. GIS data of project boundary will be provided to the awarded Contractor. Attached is a map showcasing the project boundary.

Question 4. Are there seasonal timing requirements or preferred survey windows for any of the species, particularly for the optional tasks (e.g., birds, insects, or plants)? If applicable, would you like repeat surveys to cover multiple seasons or migratory periods (avian surveys)?

Response 4: No repeat surveys are required. The Contractor shall make informed decisions about the Contractor shall conduct all surveys during appropriate seasons to potential for habitat for RTE species.

increase probability in detecting species. Surveys shall take place during times which the targeted species can be observed and identified, such as flowering period for plants, or breeding season for birds. Timing requirements are discussed in Part 2 Service Requirements, section B. Surveys. See additional information in question/response #10.

Question 5. Will the optional tasks (birds, reptiles, invertebrates, plants, and invasive plants) be awarded at the time of contract inception, or could they be activated later through contract modification?

W912WJ25QA0240002

Response 5: Option tasks may be exercised at the time of award or at a later date through a modification to the Purchase Order.

Question 6: Section I, Subsections 4.c and 4.d., indicates work shall be performed Monday-Friday, 7 am

- 3:30 pm, and not on weekends. Can work be conducted outside of those hours? Specifically, bat surveys are generally conducted at night, and it would be helpful to be able to work consecutive days, including weekends.

Response 6: Surveys shall take place during times which the targeted species can be observed and identified. All onsite field work shall be coordinated and approved by the TPOC, work outside of normal business hours can be coordinated and approved by the Technical Point of Contact at time of award. Please refer to the revised Performance Work Statement for additional information.

Question 7: Section I, Subsection 7, indicates that the project manager and QC personnel will be physically present for the pre-work conference. Is the location of that meeting at the West Thompson Lake project site?

Response 7: Yes, pre-work conference location will be at the West Thompson Lake Project Site, at a time agreeable to the Government and Contractor, within 21 days of contract award.

Question 8: Will the entire area of West Thompson Lake, the Quinebaug River and associated tributaries /streams outlined in blue on the Attachment be considered the survey area for mollusk surveys?

Response 8: Yes. For any survey, the Contractor shall perform a physical inspection of the 1,773 acre project as included on the Attachment Map. This includes the hydrology within that boundary.

Question 9: Are there any required or preferred methodologies for each survey type excluding protocol survey methods for listed species? For example, reptile surveys could consist of ocular surveys, drift fences, AhDriFT fences, or a combination of these and other methods.

Response 9: Survey methodologies have been added to the Performance Work Statement, please refer to the Revised Performance Work Statement for requirements.

Question 10: Are there any requirements for surveys across multiple seasons (spring, summer, fall)? For example, RTE/invasive plant surveys would ideally occur over multiple seasons to capture different phenologies.

Response 10: Surveys may take place across multiple seasons in order to increase the probability of detecting, observing, and identifying targeting species. Surveys shall be conducted in accordance with the revised Performance Work Statement.

Question 11: Do you know how wadeable / walkable the lake margins and Quinebaug River within the project area are? This would be important for the methodology they are proposing to use for mollusk surveys.

Response 11: Lake margins of the lake as well as the Quinebaug River are wade-able/walkable. Access to certain areas may be best achieved by kayak or canoe, at the discretion of the Contractor.

Continuation of Description

Miscellaneous text in this section has been modified to:

SECURITY REQUIREMENTS:

General security requirements and guidance: The security requirements described below apply to all contract personnel (including employees of the prime Contractor ("Contractor") and all subcontractor employees) supporting the performance requirements of this contract. The Contractor is responsible for compliance with these security requirements. Questions regarding security matters shall be addressed to the designated Government representative (eg., Contracting Officer Representative (COR), Requiring Activity (RA) representative, or Contracting Officer (if a COR or other RA representative is not appointed)). Contract personnel are critical to the overall security and safety of US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) installations, facilities and activities, and security awareness training contributes to those efforts. The Department of Defense (DoD) and Army security training requirements specified below, if applicable, are performance requirements; all applicable contract personnel shall complete initial training within 30 days of contract award or the date new contract personnel begin performance on the contract. Within five business days from the completion of training, the Contractor shall provide written documentation (e.g., email or memorandum) to the Government representative. The documentation shall include the names of contract personnel trained and which training they completed;

the Contractor shall maintain training records as part of their contract files and be prepared to provide copies of training certificates to the Government representative. Contractor personnel and vehicles are subject to search when entering federal installations. Additionally, all contract personnel shall comply with Force Protection Condition (FPCON) measures, Random Antiterrorism Measures (commonly referred to as "RAMs"), and Health Protection Condition (HPCON) measures. The Contractor is responsible for meeting performance requirements during elevated FPCON and/or HPCON levels in accordance with applicable RA plans and procedures -this includes identifying mission essential and non-mission essential personnel. In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the changes clauses of this contract, should FPCON or HPCON levels at any individual facility or installation change, the Government may implement security changes that affect contract personnel. The Contractor shall ensure all contract personnel are aware of their security responsibilities, including any site-specific requirements identified in local policies or procedures.

Suspicious Activity Reporting training (e.g. iWATCH, CorpsWatch, or See Something, Say Something):

All contract personnel shall receive initial and annual refresher training from the RA representative on the local suspicious activity reporting program. This locally developed training provides contract personnel with general information on suspicious behavior, and guidance on reporting suspicious activity to the project manager, security representative or law enforcement entity.

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT:

RARE, THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES SURVEYU.S. ARMY CORPS OF

ENGINEERSWEST THOMPSON LAKEN. GROSVENORDALE, CT

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT REVISED

I. GENERAL

1. Scope:

Contractor shall provide all labor, equipment, materials, transportation, and permits to conduct a Federal and State listed rare, threatened, and endangered (RTE) species survey for mammals on approximately 1,773 acres at West Thompson Lake. Maps and comprehensive reports shall be submitted for all inventory work and analysis.

In addition, the Government may choose to exercise at the time of award optional tasks to conduct RTE species surveys of birds, reptiles, invertebrates (mollusks and insects), and plants on approximately 1,773 acres at West Thompson Lake. Maps and comprehensive reports shall be submitted for all inventory work and analysis.

Additionally, the Government may choose to exercise at the time of award an optional task to conduct an invasive terrestrial plant survey on approximately 1,773 acres at West Thompson Lake. Maps and comprehensive reports shall be submitted for all inventory work and analysis.

2. Location:

The required services shall be performed at the West Thompson Lake Project located in Thompson, Connecticut. The West Thompson Lake Project Office is located at 449 Reardon Road in North Grosvenordale, Connecticut.

3. Site Visit:

Contact the Technical Point of Contact (TPOC), Park Ranger, Mariah Deyo (508-838-4163) or Mariah.E.

Deyo@usace.army.mil to arrange a site visit.

4. Schedule:

a. The period of performance is 360 days and will begin on the day of contract award.

b. The Contractor shall provide a minimum of seven days' notice prior to the start of work. The anticipated schedule is as follows:

i. Comprehensive Report [DRAFT] Completed: 60 days after field work

ii. Government Review of Draft Report Completed: 15 days after Comprehensive Draft Report

iii. Comprehensive Report [FINAL] Completed: 30 days after Government review

c. Work shall be performed Monday through Friday 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM unless otherwise approved by the TPOC. All onsite field work shall be coordinated and approved by the TPOC.

d. No work shall be done on weekends or Government holidays. All onsite field work shall be coordinated and approved by the TPOC, work outside of normal business hours can be coordinated and

.approved by the Technical Point of Contact at time of award

e. All pre-work submittals shall be submitted within 21 days of contract award. The Government reserves up to 21 days for review and acceptance on each submittal/resubmittal from the date of receipt. If revisions are necessary to the submittals/resubmittals, the Contractor shall make such revisions and shall be resubmitted to the Government in an acceptable form within 14 days of the Government's response, unless additional time is granted by the Government in writing. No field work may proceed prior to the acceptance of pre-work submittals.

5. Safety Requirements

a. General:

All work shall be conducted in accordance with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Safety and Occupational Health Requirements (EM 385-1-1, most recent edition), and all applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), federal, state, and local safety and health requirements. A copy of EM 385-1-1 can be accessed electronically at the following link: https://www.publications.usace.

army.mil/Portals/76/EM%20385-1-1%20_EFFECTIVE%2015March2024.pdf

Project staff reserve the right to cease work at any time should the safety of employees, Contractors, and /or the public become jeopardized.

b. Accident Prevention Plan (APP):

The Contractor shall prepare a site-specific Accident Prevention Plan. The APP must be written by a Competent Person (CP) and document the specific work processes, equipment, materials to be used, hazards and applicable control measures.

The mandatory ENG Form 6293 (Accident Prevention Plan Worksheet) must be submitted and accepted prior to beginning on site work:

https://www.publications.usace.army.mil/Portals/76/Eng_Form_6293_2023Aug31.pdf

A preparatory meeting shall be conducted by the Prime Contractor to discuss the APP contents with all effected onsite employees. The Prime Contractor is responsible for informing the subcontractors of the safety provisions under the terms of the contract, the penalties for noncompliance, and inspecting subcontractor operations to ensure that accident prevention responsibilities are being carried out.

Daily safety meetings shall be held and documented. Records shall be available to the Technical Point of Contact upon request.

c. Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA):

An AHA shall be submitted and accepted for each definable feature of work (DFOW) in accordance with EM 385-1-1, Chapter 2-6. A DFOW is defined as any task, which is separate and distinct from other tasks, has separate control requirements, or is identified as different trades or disciplines. The AHA shall be continuously reviewed and revised to address changing site conditions as appropriate.

For a non-mandatory formatted outline of an AHA, see ENG Form 6206 (Activity Hazard Analysis) https://www.publications.usace.army.mil/Portals/76/Eng_Form_6206_2023Aug24.pdf

d. Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO) Requirements:

The Contractor shall employ a minimum of one person to function as a Level 3, SSHO. A Level 3 SSHO is a designated employee with collateral duty safety and occupational health (SOH) responsibilities that meets the requirements of EM 385-1-1, Chapter 2-3.b and 2-4.b.

Level 3 SSHOs must possess training, knowledge, and/or experience identifying hazards and implementing controls for the work being performed.

The SSHO shall be present at the project site and be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the prime Contractor's SOH program. Contractor shall designate all SSHOs on a mandatory ENG Form 6282 (Site Safety and Health Officer Designation Letter):

https://www.publications.usace.army.mil/Portals/76/Eng_Form_6282_2023Aug28.pdf

e. First-Aid and CPR Personnel Requirements:

For shifts with multiple employees, provide at least two employees that are certified to administer First Aid and CPR. When employees work alone, they must be certified in First Aid and be provided an effective means of communication to call for assistance in the event of an emergency. Minimum First Aid and CPR qualifications are outlined in EM 385-1-1, Chapter 3-3.

f. Additional Personnel Requirements:

Other Competent or Qualified Persons may be required per EM 385-1-1 and/or other sections of this Performance Work Statement, based on the definable features of work for this project.

g. Accident Reporting:

All accidents and near misses shall be investigated by the Contractor and reported to the Technical Point of Contact in accordance with EM 385-1-1, Table 2-1.

The mandatory ENG Form 3394 shall be completed and submitted to the Technical Point of Contact within seven (7) days of an incident: https://www.publications.usace.army.mil/Portals/76/Publications /EngineerForms/Eng_Form_3394_2021Aug.pdf

h. Employee Exposure Data:

The Contractor shall electronically report total employee work hours (including subcontractors) to the Technical Point of Contact by close of business on the 10th calendar day of the following month.

6. Flooding:

The West Thompson Lake Project provides flood risk management, as such occasional retention of floodwaters may inundate portions of the property or access roads in the areas covered by this contract.

The TPOC will notify the Contractor as areas are closed as a result of floodwaters. When flooding ends and waters recede, the TPOC will notify the Contractor as areas reopen and services may resume.

7. Pre-Work Conference Prior to the start of any work, the TPOC will schedule and conduct a pre-work conference. The Contractor's Project Manager and Quality Control Personnel will be physically present to attend this meeting. The Contractor shall directly oversee all work on the project and the Project Manager and Quality Control Personnel shall have the authority to act for the Contractor. This conference will be held at the time and location agreeable to the Government and Contractor. Pre-work conference location will be at the West Thompson Lake Project Site, at a time agreeable to the Government and Contractor, . No work may be performed under this contract prior to this conference. within 21 days of contract award The purpose of the conference is to enable the TPOC to outline the procedures that will be followed by the Government in its administration of the contract, and to discuss the performance that will be expected from the Contractor. This conference will allow the Contractor an opportunity to ask questions about the Government's administration and inspection of contract work or obtain other pertinent information that might be required. At the pre-work conference the Contractor shall provide the name of the project superintendent with a telephone number for project coordination.

The following is a general list of items for discussion during this pre-work conference:

Authority of The Technical Point of Contact and Quality Assurance Inspectors Contractor's Safety Program (including sub-Contractors) Activity Hazard Analysis Accident Prevention Plan (ENG Form 6293) SSHO Requirements Safety Meetings (Documented on NED Form 251) Accident Reporting (ENG Form 3394) Correspondence, Communication and Administrative Procedures Invoice and Payment

8. Permits:

The Contractor shall, without additional expense to the Government, be responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses, permits, and letters of certification. The Contractor shall comply with any applicable federal, state, county, and municipal laws, codes, and regulations in connection with the performance of the work specified under this contract.

9. Security:

The Contractor will comply with all established security policies at West Thompson Lake. Due to periods of heightened security that may affect the access to the areas covered under this contract, areas may be subject to periodic closures, which in turn may reduce or inhibit the Contractor's ability to access certain areas. During periods of heightened security, the Government reserves the right, at any time, to close any property or portion of property and reschedule and/or cancel any subsequent service in an area. When possible, the Contractor shall be given at least 24-hour notice of any such closure.

For the duration of the contract, the Contractor will be provided one (1) key to provide access to gates at areas being serviced. This key is to be used only for contract purposes. This key will not be utilized to provide access for any individuals not performing contract specific work. During the contract period, the Contractor is assumed responsible for the key. At the end of the service period, the key must be returned to the TPOC. Final payment is contingent on return of USACE access key.

10. Payment:

Payment shall be made on a per task basis. After final inspection and acceptance by the Government of each task, the Contractor must submit an invoice to the TPOC. The invoice shall include the invoice date, contract number, date of service, and description of work, quantities, process, and a total amount due per line item. For jobs greater than 30 days the Contractor may request multiple payments. The invoice must also include the company letterhead, and this must match the data that is registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) registry.

The invoices will be delivered to:

West Thompson Lake ATTN: Mariah Deyo 449 Reardon Road North Grosvenordale, CT 06255 Email: Mariah.E.Deyo@usace.army.mil

II. Technical Part 1 General:

1. Summary:

Contractor shall provide all labor, equipment, materials, transportation, and permits to conduct a Federal and State listed rare, threatened, and endangered (RTE) species survey for mammals on approximately 1,773 acres at West Thompson Lake. Maps and comprehensive reports shall be submitted for all inventory work and analysis.

In addition, the Government may choose to exercise at the time of award optional tasks to conduct RTE species surveys of birds, reptiles, invertebrates (mollusks and insects), and plants on approximately 1,773 acres at West Thompson Lake. Maps and comprehensive reports shall be submitted for all inventory work and analysis.

Additionally, the Government may choose to exercise at the time of award an optional task to conduct an invasive terrestrial plant survey on approximately 1,773 acres at West Thompson Lake. Maps and comprehensive reports shall be submitted for all inventory work and analysis.

2. Existing Conditions The West Thompson Lake Project resides in the Thames River Basin and is a multi-use project. The project contains a mixture of developed recreation and flood control areas, forest, agricultural fields, grasslands, streams, ponds, wetlands, the Quinebaug River and 200-acre West Thompson Lake.

Many invasive species are known to exist on the property and the primary treatment method is chemical herbicides. Some mechanical and hand removal of invasive plants is also practiced.

3. Clean Up and Waste Disposal The Contractor shall practice good housekeeping to maintain a safe job site. The Contractor shall keep the work area, including any storage areas, free from the accumulation of waste materials. Upon completion of work, the Contractor shall clean up the job site to the satisfaction of the Government.

4. Other Contracts The Government may undertake or award other contracts for additional work not related to this contract, and the Contractor shall fully cooperate with other Contractors and Government employees. The Contractor shall not commit or permit any act, which will interfere with the performance of work by another Contractor or by Government employees.

5. Damage to Government and Private Property The Contractor shall be responsible for restoring any Government facilities or structures damaged as a result of the Contractor's actions. The Contractor shall also be responsible for any damage to private property or injury to any person as a result of the company's operations. The Contractor shall notify the Technical Point of Contact immediately of damage to Government and private property and injury to any person resulting from the Contractors' operation. Also, the Contractor shall notify the TPOC of damage to Government facilities due to vandalism or other causes on the day such damage is first noticed. The Contractor shall also restore features (roadways, culverts, vegetation, etc.), which are damaged or destroyed by the company's operation.

6. Environmental Protection Water, air, and land resources shall not be adversely impacted during the course of the work. Contractor will take necessary steps to ensure all federal, state, and local environmental regulatory requirements are met.

7. Government Resources The Contractor is responsible for providing all materials and equipment to complete the project. Unless specified in the contract, the Government will not provide any equipment, telephone services or other resources.

8. Omissions This contract may not cover all specified activities, steps, and procedures required to supply the contract product. In case of omission, the normal industry, state, or federal standards, practices, specifications, and /or guides shall prevail. In no instance shall an omission be reason to produce less than an acceptable product.

9. Receiving and Storing Materials The Contractor is responsible for receiving and unloading of delivered goods. Government employees will not receive material or supplies for the Contractor and will not be responsible for damage to the Contractor's equipment or materials.

10. Required Personnel, Experience and Education

i. Contractor shall have sufficient personnel to adequately perform the tasks outlined in this scope and meet the deadline.

ii. Field biologists shall have a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited university in Natural Resources/Biology/Ecology or related field.

iii. Contract personnel must have at least 2 years of professional experience with GIS and be capable of producing high quality professional maps.

iv. Contractor must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in conducting rare, threatened, and endangered species surveys and produce completed studies of similar scope

v. Contractor must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in conducting invasive species surveys and produce completed studies of a similar scope prior to contract award.

vi. Contractor must provide proof of qualifications and acceptable examples/samples of past similar scopes of work upon request prior to contract award.

vii. This contract requires field work in remote wooded locations, foot travel over uneven terrain, exposure to insects, poison ivy and possible inclement weather.

11. Submittals:

Although the Government reviews submissions required by this Performance Work Statement, it is emphasized that the Contractor's work must be completed using proper internal controls and review procedures. The Government reserves up to 21 days for review and acceptance on each submittal /resubmittal from the date of receipt. If revisions are necessary to the submittals, the Contractor shall make such revisions and shall resubmit to the Government in an acceptable form within 14 days of the Government's response, unless additional time is granted by the Government in writing.

The documents identified below must be prepared in accordance with the applicable standards, submitted to the TPOC for review and must be accepted by the Government.

a. Pre-work Submittals: Submitted within 21 days of contract award. Submittals must be accepted prior to the commencement of any field work.

ENG Form 6293 (Accident Prevention Plan Worksheet)

Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA) ENG Form 6282 (Site Safety and Health Officer Designation Letter) First Aid/CPR Certifications

b. Other Submittals: The documents identified below must be submitted by the completion of the contract work:

Monthly status reports - due the 1st of each month Digital Data: GIS map data and shapefiles (compatible with ESRI product ArcGIS Pro). Spatial requirements: NAD 1983 (2011) StatePlane Connecticut FIPS 0600 (US Feet) Include PDF's, Word and Excel files, GIS Files, and final maps with points (at completion of surveys) Any inventory data and field forms; include acreage totals in graphical format, including species count, location and acreage impacted, per project and overall Photo documentation Documentation of any rare species/communities that are present Documentation of any invasive species/communities that are present Final Report - Include all findings, notes, maps and management recommendations (2 hard copies and 1 digital copy); Prioritize species by management importance, risk and current infestation level and provide strategic long-term management goals and recommendations.

Formal out-briefing on contract and final report

NOTE: All data, materials, submittals, and maps gathered and/or developed in the performance of this contract shall be the property of the Government.

12. References

a. Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (42 USCA (S)(S) 4321-4370c)

b. Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Natural Diversity Data Base (CT

DEEP NDDB)

c. Connecticut Invasive Plants Council Invasive Plant Species List (October 2024 or most recent)

d. West Thompson Lake Property Survey of Mansfield Hollow Lake and West Thompson Lake for Rare and Protected Species and Outstanding Natural Communities (2000)

e. Ecological Studies Final Report: West Thompson Lake and Mansfield Hollow Lake by CME Associates, Inc. October 2008

f. USACE Potential Target Species List

Part 2 Service Requirements:

1. Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species Mammals Survey (Base Task) The Contractor shall perform the base task of conducting a RTE Species survey for mammals that shall include the physical inspection and survey of 1,773-acre West Thompson Lake Project and the following requirements.

a. Review of Records- Contractor shall review past inventories to identify locations of previous species found and identify other areas that may provide suitable habitat for RTE species. Other available information databases, such as soils, aerial photos, National Wetlands Inventory, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Connecticut Natural Diversity Data Base, topography and hydrology should be evaluated for potential additional areas to be surveyed.

i. Rare and significant natural communities will be mapped and classified by quality and quantity of habitat available to support RTE species.

ii. Vegetation Community Analysis - Species should be listed and relative abundance described. The assessment should consider vegetation components that may be important to RTE species.

iii. Location, size, and type of vegetation where RTE species are found should be identified and described.

The Contractor shall make informed decisions about the potential for habitat for RTE species. Habitat assessments must consider all the different types of habitats that are necessary for the survival of the RTE species. For example, critical habitat for a particular bird species should include those areas necessary for feeding, nesting and breeding. Such areas may encompass both uplands and wetlands.

b. USACE conducted background research of records from USFWS, CT DEEP NDDB, and prior USACE surveys and identified 7 mammals, 34 birds, 6 reptiles, 49 invertebrates (3 mollusks and 46 insects), and 62 plants that could potentially occur on West Thompson Lake property. See attached reference document, USACE Potential Target Species List, for detailed species listings that should be focused on during the survey.

c. Surveys- Contractor shall perform a physical survey of all areas of the project. The goal is to identify the location of where RTE species can be found and create a new baseline database of what RTE species exist at West Thompson Lake. Base surveys, or level 1 surveys were conducted over 25 years ago, but the methodology used did not provide a comprehensive overview of species on site.

Contractor shall conduct all surveys during appropriate seasons to increase probability in detecting species. Surveys shall take place during times which the targeted species can be observed and identified, such as flowering period for plants, or breeding season for birds. Potential target species for each survey type have been identified (see attached USACE Potential Target Species List). Any additional RTE species identified while conducting surveys shall be documented.

i. Survey methods should make use of survey techniques appropriate for the species and may include techniques such as trapping, netting, call surveys, winter tracks or other appropriate methods.

ii. Surveys shall be designed to have sufficient duration and timing to reasonably indicate the likely presence or absence of a species if a species is not found during the surveys.

iii. Limitations, either because of steep slopes or access will be noted.

Methodology:

Contractor shall conduct all surveys during appropriate seasons to increase probability in detecting species. Surveys shall take place during times which the targeted species can be observed and identified, such as flowering period for plants, or breeding season for birds. Known occurrences shall be reviewed and rare species profiles of potential CT-listed species shall be consulted to target RTE species.

1. Mammals

a. Bats

i. Acoustic monitoring

ii. Recording technique shall follow USFWS (2023) and the USDA's North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat) guidance (Loeb et al., 2015).

iii. Combination of point-survey passive recordings and mobile transect recordings

b. Southern bog lemming

i. Conduct meander surveys within potentially suitable habitats to locate and document bog lemming activity (runways and tunnels, browse clippings on graminoid vegetation, bunches of leaf blades, and piles of cut stems that litter their runways, and bright green fecal pellets), as well as searching for the animals themselves

ii. Trapping is not authorized due to high amount of incidental take of other species and low chance of capturing southern bog lemming

2. Birds

a. Combination of point counts and transects within identified suitable habitat for each potential target RTE bird listed on USACE Potential Target RTE Species List

i. Count duration should span 5 to 20 minutes at each station

ii. Tape playback surveys shall be used

3. Reptiles

a. After pre-survey consultation of literature and previous element occurrences, direct observation surveys for reptiles and amphibians shall involve targeted visual searches of known locations, visual searches of potential habitats, and vernal pool searches

b. Special attention shall be paid to upland/wetland interface areas, habitat edges (e.g., woodland and grassland), basking areas along banks of and on protruding objects in bodies of water, and sandy/gravelly areas during nesting season.

c. Searches may be performed on foot or by kayak

d. Binoculars shall be used for basking species

e. Species shall also be recorded as encountered incidentally while surveying for other taxa

4. Invertebrates

a. Mollusks

i. Surveys must be conducted during June through September, during periods of low flows, and only during periods lacking significant rainfall

ii. Searches may be performed on foot or by wading

iii. Visual inspections and tactile searches shall be used

iv. Current conditions: spent mussel shells are commonly seen while walking along or kayaking in the Quinebaug River and along the perimeter of West Thompson Lake.

b. Insects

i. Pre-survey consultation of literature and CT-listed species shall consider habitat preferences, host plants, and known ranges to identify targeted survey areas

ii. Insects shall be recorded as encountered

iii. Overnight light-lure surveys shall also be conducted for lepidopterans

iv. Net-capture can be used for unusual specimens, and all specimens shall be released after

5. Plants

a. Plant surveys shall be conducted using a combination of field work and data analysis to identify, locate, and assess the status of RTE plant species

b. Systematic walking transects as well as meander surveys shall be utilized

c. Surveys must be conducted during the optimal time of year for each species, based on their phenology (flowering, fruiting, etc.)

d. No plant specimens shall be collected. Any examination shall be done in the field or through photographs.

d. Comprehensive Reports - Contractor shall prepare and deliver written reports of all findings from the field inspection /survey including:

i. Methodology

ii. Observations and findings from field surveys

iii. Recommendations for management of conservation, preservation and enhancement of the species and habitat found

iv. Tables summarizing data including common and scientific names

v. Digital photographs of RTE's and any other pertinent habitat or species observed

vi. GIS Maps Maps specifically identifying current RTE species areas, which are color coded and labeled Maps specifically identifying potential habitat for RTE species observed

2. Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species Additional Surveys (Optional Tasks) The optional tasks to conduct RTE species surveys of birds, reptiles, invertebrates (mollusks and insects), and plants that shall include the physical inspection and survey of 1,773-acre West Thompson Lake Project. The Government may exercise some or all the options at the time of award. Optional tasks not exercised at time of award will not be exercised. All options shall have the same period of performance and service requirements as the base task.

3. Invasive Terrestrial Plant Survey (Optional Task) There is an optional task for the Contractor to perform a physical inspection and survey of the 1,773-acre West Thompson Lake Project for invasive terrestrial plants. The Government may choose to exercise this option at the time of award. If the Optional task is not exercised at time of award, it will not be exercised.

The optional task for an invasive terrestrial plant survey will have same period of performance as the base task and the following requirements.

a. Review of Records- Contractor shall review available information databases, such as National

Wetlands Inventory, Connecticut Natural Diversity Data Base Connecticut Invasive Plants Council, soils, aerial photos, topography and hydrology should be evaluated for potential additional areas to be surveyed.

b. Surveys- Contractor shall conduct all surveys during appropriate seasons to increase probability in detecting invasive species. Surveys shall take place during times which the targeted species can be observed and identified, such as flowering season for plants.

i. Survey methods should make use of survey techniques appropriate for the species.

ii. Surveys shall be designed to have sufficient duration and timing to reasonably indicate the likely presence or absence of a species if a species is not found during the surveys.

iii. Limitations, either because of steep slopes or access will be noted.

c. Comprehensive Report The Contractor shall prepare and deliver written reports of all findings from the field inspection/survey including:

i. Methodology

ii. Observations and findings from field surveys

iii. Recommendations for treatment and control measures

iv. Tables summarizing data including common and scientific names, and acreages affected

v. Digital photographs of invasive species and any other noteworthy species observed

vi. GIS Maps

vii. Maps specifically identifying current invasive species areas, which are color coded and labeled, and acreages listed

ATTACHMENTS: Please refer to the attachments included with this solicitation for additional information

WAGE DETERMINATION:

The Wage Determination for this project can be found at:

https://sam.gov/wage-determination/2015-4097/30

Wage Determination No.: 2015-4097 Modification No.: 30 Date: 23 December 2024