(02) SOW.pdf

National Forests & Grasslands in TX – Sam Houston National Forest Page 1 of 11 Baker Leave Tree and Timber Sale Unit boundary marking 12444224Q0007

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

SOW Table of Contents SOW Scope/details……………………………... Pages 1-6

TRACER PAINT ACCOUNTABILITY……...... Pages 7-11

General Description

1. SCOPE

The purpose of the proposed contract is to provide timber marking services to the Sam Houston Ranger District.

Timber marking will include timber sale boundary marking, leave tree marking and cut tree marking with sample tree cruising for approximately 385 acres.

Project Location: Sam Houston National Forest.

Access: The project area is located on the Sam Houston National Forest. The treatment areas are in three locations:

- Area #1 is in Compartment 41 and is approximately 2 miles south of the Sam Houston Ranger Station off of FM 1375 in Walker County. This area consists of 1 Payment Unit Covering 6 pine plantations totaling 125 acres for Leave Tree Markling only. (See the project maps for exact locations in Attachment A).

- Area #2 Compartment 36 and is approximately 9 miles southwest of New Waverly, Texas, off of FM 1375 in Montgomery County, Texas. This area consists of 1 Payment Unit covering 5 pine plantations totaling 194 acres for Leave Tree and Boundary Marking. (See the project maps for exact locations in Attachment A).

- Area #3 is in Compartment 26 and 28 and is approximately 9 miles west of New Waverly, Texas, off of FM 1375 in Walker County. This area consists of 1 Payment Unit Covering 2 pine plantations totaling 66 acres for Leave Tree and Boundary Marking. (See the project maps for exact locations in Attachment A).

Project Area: The total combined project area consists of approximately 385 acres of Leave Tree Marking and

14.03 (See page 4) miles of Boundary Marking in this contract.

Payment Unit 1 has been delineated on the ground with orange boundary paint and GPS data collected for the purpose of determining acres and developing maps.

The Payment Units 2 & 3 have been delineated on the ground with orange flagging and mapped using GPS units before the start of the work.

Compartment (s)

Payment Units

Unit Boundary Marking Distance (Miles)

Leave Tree Marking (Acres)

41 1 N/A 125 36 2 11.49 194

26/28 3 2.54 66

Payment: It will be required that the timber marking be completed to contract specifications and inspected by an authorized Forest Service Representative on a single area before payment is made for that area.

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Contractor Representative: The Contractor shall designate and make known a Contractor Representative for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate(s) shall be designated in writing to the Contracting Officer. Any designated Contractor Representative or alternate shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The Contractor Representative and alternate(s) must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English and read maps.

Contractor Access: Roads may be gated. Contractor shall have reasonable access through these gates to complete project work. Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that gates are kept shut and locked at all times.

Pre-work Meeting: The contract will be administered by the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer will designate Contracting Officer’s Representatives (CORs) for the purpose of insuring compliance with the specifications and provisions of this contract.

Prior to commencement of work, the Contracting Officer or COR will arrange a meeting with the Contractor to discuss the contract terms and work performance requirements and work progress schedule submitted with the bid package.

The Contractor shall designate in writing a person to act for them in their absence. The Contractor or their designated representative will be available on site or by telephone while work is in progress. In the absence of the Contractor, their authorized representative will take action as required to keep the job in progress under terms of the contract. The presence of the COR on the job will not relieve the Contractor of responsibility of satisfactory performance.

The pre-work meeting may also include a technical familiarization phase. This will provide the Contractor with the opportunity to become acquainted with Forest Service protocol for marking leave trees and timber marking paint accountability procedures.

Performance Period: The performance period for this contract shall be 60 days from the award of the contract.

• The Contractor should complete the work in varied stages based on days.

• At least 50% of the work shall be completed by 30 days.

• Contract should be completed in 60 days.

• Additional days may be allowed or extended due to weather, fire, or other natural disturbances, but must be agreed to by the contracting officer.

• Any contract extensions will be agreed upon by the Contracting Officer.

Government Furnished Property

1. Maps

2. Data recorder as needed.

3. Tree Marking Tracer Paint

4. Cruise Plans and Marking Guides

Contractor Furnished Items/Services: The Contractor shall provide all certifications, permits and licenses that may be required. The Contractor shall provide all labor, equipment, supplies, supervision, transportation, operating supplies, and incidentals necessary to complete the tasks/subtasks specified within the contract, except those supplies listed below in Government Furnished Property. Contractor will need items such as, but not limited to the list below to complete the work in this contract.

1. Hardhats and other safety gear

2. Equipment such as loggers tapes, prisms, cruisers vests, clip boards, pens, pencils and markers.

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3. Paint guns that fit on quart size tree marking paint cans or other types of suitable paint sprayers.

4. Transportation.

Submittals: The Contractor shall provide information on past performance, technical capabilities, quality control plan, work plan and progress schedule with their proposal to allow the Government to evaluate each evaluation criteria. The Contractor shall provide and maintain a quality control plan and work plan throughout the life of this contract.

Documentation: The Contractor shall maintain a folder with the following information available in the field:

records, materials, and other evidence regarding inspection, testing, and quality control for any work performed under this contract for examination, audit, or reproduction including a copy of the treatment area map with approximate locations of plots and shading of progress. The information should be reasonably available to the COR to inspect work and monitor performance.

Confidential Nature of Information and Conflicts of Interest: The Contractor shall not divulge and shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that no member of its organization divulges, any information concerning this timber data to any person other than those duly authorized representatives of the Contracting Officer. In addition, neither the Contractor, his/her employees may be involved in bidding on any timber sales resulting from this contract.

2. DEFINITIONS

TERMS MEANING

Basal Area (BA) The cross-sectional area of a tree at DBH, used to determine stocking, typically expressed by the acre.

Basal Area Factor (BAF) The critical angle used to determine BA with a prism Boundary Trees Trees that mark the extent of a future Timber Sale unit.

Butt Mark Butt marks are applied the same way for both leave tree marking and boundary marking, sawtimber will have two butt marks and pulpwood will have one butt mark.

The butt mark shall be a concentration of paint at least 3 inches in diameter on the base of the tree at ground level on the downhill side. Butt marks shall be concentrated in cracks or crevices on the stump as much as possible. Accumulations of debris (pine straw, moss, hardwood leaves) shall be kicked out of the way prior to application of the paint, and the paint shall cover both the base of the tree and the ground immediately joining the stump.

Diameter Breast Height (DBH) Diameter of the trunk of a tree measured 4.5 feet above the ground level on the uphill side of the tree. Measurements are rounded down to the nearest tenth of an inch.

Eye Level Mark Paint applied at eye level on a tree.

Eye Level Mark when Leave Tree Marking: Paint mark(s) will create a continuous band completely around the tree so that the marks can be seen from any direction within the sale unit.

First Thinning The first time to harvest selected trees within an even-aged pine plantation stand.

GPS (Global Positioning System) Surveys

GPS receivers and methods commonly used to determine ground locations and calculate the horizontal area of polygons (sale units).

Inclusion An area greater than one acre in size that is significantly different from the surrounding stand, either by product, species, or density.

Leave Trees Trees which will not be cut during harvest due to size or spacing.

Leave Tree Marking (LTM) A method of identifying the trees intended to be left in a sale unit during harvesting. The trees are designated with a painted band or stripes on all sides at eye level and one or two butt marks depending on merchantability.

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

(RCW)

An endangered species of bird which nests in live pine trees, which can be identified by a small hole (< 2” diameter) at approximately 30’ high on the tree. There is usually sap running down the tree originating from points clustered around the hole.

Sale Unit Payment/Cutting unit in a tree measurement timber sale or a subdivision in a weight scale sale.

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Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). A Government representative designated by the Contracting Officer, to help the Contracting Officer with contract administration and surveillance.

Defective Service. A unit of service, which contains one or more defects, or nonconformance with, specified requirements.

Quality Assurance. Those actions taken by the Government to assure services meet the requirements of the Statement of Work (SOW).

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) an organized written document used for quality assurance surveillance. The document contains specific methods the Government will use to perform surveillance of the contractor.

Quality Control Plan. Those actions taken by a contractor to control the performance of services so that they meet the requirements of the SOW.

Random Sampling. A sampling method in which each service output in a unit has an equal chance of being selected.

Work Plan--The work plan shall describe how the Contractor plans to perform the project and include methods, personnel and equipment. This plan should include how the Contractor will provide for safety and whether the Contractor’s crew will be camping or commuting to the worksite. If the crew plans to camp then the Contractor needs to include a plan to prevent fires and dispose of trash properly.

3. SPECIFIC UNIT SERVICES

Boundary Marking All sales units within the contract will be marked using orange paint along the flagged boundary. Boundaries to be painted are delineated with orange flagging on the ground and GPS mapping.

For all boundary marking these requirements apply:

• The boundary mark will include three (2 ½”-3”) diagonal slash marks covering 2/3 of the tree facing into the unit with two stump marks.

• Trees selected as boundary trees must be within 10 feet of the already existing orange flagged line.

• Larger trees are preferred (>16”) when possible, however use what trees are available within 5 feet of the flagged line. Mark only live trees, no preference on species.

• Trees should be marked frequently enough to see marked trees in either direction along the boundary line. The distance between marked trees should be between 20’-150’ apart.

• Boundaries adjacent to any major road don’t require a marked boundary and are therefore not included within this contract (see maps below).

Compartments Payment Units (PU) GIS Miles 41 1 N/A 36 2 11.49

26/28 3 2.54 Totals 3 PU 14.03

Miles

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Silvicultural Prescriptions and Marking Guide for Leave Tree Marking:

The leave square feet of basal area per acre by treatment area is as displayed in the chart below. The leave trees are to be left evenly distributed throughout the stands. The following table shows the stands in the treatment area as identified in the NEPA documentation.

Sam Houston National Forest

Leave Tree Marking Compartments Payment

Units

(PU)

GIS

Acres

Leave Basal Area

41 1 125 60 36 2 194 60

26 & 28 3 66 60

Totals 3 PU 385 acres

For all treated stands the following requirements for marking leave trees apply:

• Orange paint shall be sprayed in a two (2) inch wide or larger band around the bole of the trees to be left at or above eye level.

• Stump marks shall be at ground level, at the lowest point to the ground possible at the base of the tree.

Often there will be a buildup of pine straw or other material which will need to be kicked out of the way to get to ground level. Stump marks are to be placed inside fluted portions of the stem, one spot at least three inches in diameter is required.

Leave Tree Selection Preference:

General Leave tree Guidelines – Leave trees will be the best quality pines according to criteria listed below, and they will be uniformly distributed as much as possible, although spacing between leave trees is secondary to tree quality. Priority will be given in the order listed below. In some stands, it will be common to have more good quality trees available than what is needed to make the leave basal area. In that case, preference will be given to spacing, i.e. leaving trees that are more uniformly spaced. Hardwoods will be left unmarked.

Leave trees will be:

• Shortleaf pine, longleaf pine, or loblolly pine in that order of preference.

• Dominant or codominant crown classes. However, tall, well-formed, intermediate shortleaf pines will be favored over limby and/or diseased loblolly pines, even if the loblolly pine is much larger in DBH.

Otherwise, intermediate and suppressed pine trees will be left unmarked so they will be cut.

• Free of Fusiform rust cankers on the main stem of the tree.

• Having a full crown, not broken by such conditions as wind, ice, or snow.

• Single-stemmed trees are preferred, but a forked tree may be marked (a leave tree) if it is the best tree available.

• Straight, well-pruned trees are preferred if available. For example, a straight, well-pruned pine that is

14” DBH and codominant would be preferred over an 18” DBH dominant tree with many residual branch stubs of a fading / weak crown.

• No leave trees will be marked if they are within 3 feet of a cut tree.

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Self-Inspection: The Contractor will take a minimum of 1 plot per 5 acres to determine leave basal area of the marked trees. Orange flagging will be hung at each plot center with the marked basal area written on it.

DOCUMENTATION:

The Contractor shall maintain a folder with the following information available in the field. The information should be reasonably available to the COR or their Inspectors to make inspection of work progress.

• A copy of the treatment area map shall be maintained with approximate locations of plots and shading of progress. These maps will be provided on a weekly basis to the COR or Inspector to inspect work and monitor performance.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

GATES:

Access roads may be gated. Contractor shall have reasonable access through these gates to complete project work. Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that gates are kept shut and locked at all times. Contractor can utilize their own lock to facilitate access.

SAFETY: Contractor is responsible for the safety of their personnel. Contractor shall not take actions that affect the safety of Forest Service personnel.

13. STANDARD DEFINITIONS.

CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR). A Government representative: designated by the contracting officer, to help the contracting officer with contract administration and surveillance.

DEFECTIVE SERVICE. A unit of service, which contains one or more defects, or nonconformance with, specified requirements.

PROJECT INSPECTOR (PI). A Government representative will be designated as responsible for surveillance of contractor performance.

QUALITY ASSURANCE. Those actions taken by the Government to assure services meet the requirements of the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP) an organized written document used for quality assurance surveillance. The document contains specific methods the Government will use to perform surveillance of the contractor.

QUALITY CONTROL. Those actions taken by a contractor to control the performance of services so that they meet the requirements of the PWS.

RANDOM SAMPLING. A sampling method in which each service output in a unit has an equal chance of being selected.

Contract time shall begin after the Period of Performance start date after contacting the Contracting Officer Representative.

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TRACER PAINT ACCOUNTABILITY

General

The security of tracer paint cannot be emphasized too greatly. It is an extremely important link for the Forest Service to be successful at proving a trespass case on a timber sale.

Each District Ranger will designate a Property Custodian who will take responsibility of all phases of tracer paint security, from completing the order, until each can has been properly disposed. The District Ranger will also designate an Accountable Property Officer. These designations are in accordance with direction in FSH 2409.12.

Duties of Property Custodian, COR and Marking Contractor

The Property Custodian is ultimately responsible for tracking all tracer paint, from the time it is ordered until the cans are properly disposed of, including: ordering, receiving, checking, inventorying, distribution, securing storage, and disposal of empty cans.

The Property Custodian will ensure that COR’s trained in the procedures and importance of accountability.

Contracting Officer’s Representatives will discuss with and impress upon the contractor, the importance of the security and accountability procedures required of them.

Once a paint transaction has been checked for completeness and proper exchange, it shall be added to the inventory forms and secured in the Contractor’s approved paint storage containers. Any missing or unaccounted for paint cans could result in a charge of $250.00 per can to the contractor and will be investigated by law enforcement.

Training

The contractor’s and his employees shall be instructed in the proper safety, use, and security of tracer paint.

Instruction will include the following:

1. View the “Tree Marking Paint” video.

2. Review the Job Hazard Analysis for tracer paint.

3. Review the Tracer Paint Accountability Plan.

4. Discuss with the COR and understand the following:

a. Accountability procedures.

b. Proper security measures for transporting tracer paint.

c. What to do if cans are missing.

d. How to identify and report suspicious situations.

e. How to properly mark a tree.

Paint Storage

The COR will ensure that all individuals checking out tracer paint have the ability to secure the paint at all times while the paint is out of the Forest Service tracer paint storage facility. Tracer paint will not be issued to anyone who does not have the capability to secure the paint in the field. Tree marking paint will be stored in secure containers (building, vehicle, toolbox, etc.)

The contractor’s paint storage containers will be inspected and approved for compliance with security measures prior to paint being issued to the contractor. Storage containers shall be constructed of strong materials, with locking mechanisms that cannot be easily compromised. Containers must be anchored (if applicable) and have

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Tracer paint containers will be locked at all times, while not under direct surveillance of the contractor or his employees.

Tracer Paint Security While in the Field

Security of tracer paint is most vulnerable from the time it is checked out for field use, until it is returned and accounted for. It is most important during this time for the paint to be properly transported, stored, and used in the field.

If paint is not “on the person” of the contractor or his/her employees involved with the tree marking contract, all paint will be stored in secure containers which will be locked at all times.

The contractor will keep track of the tracer paint used each day via the “NFGT Standardized Tree Marking Contractor’s Daily Paint Accountability Log” form. At the end of each day, and when additional paint is issued, the proper number of empties must be accounted for.

Returning Used and Unused Paint Containers to the COR

The contractor will return all unused paint and empty cans to the Forest Service secured paint storage facility on a weekly basis in coordination with the district paint custodian. All paint shall be accounted for by the COR and Contractor.

All unused paint and empty cans will be returned to the COR at the Forest Service storage facility and accounted for by inventory methods. The Contractor shall provide the COR with the required documentation, recorded on the “NFGT Standardized Tree Marking Contractor’s Daily Paint Accountability Log”, prior to the COR approving any final Payment Invoice.

Lost Paint Procedure

Any missing or unaccounted for paint cans could result in a charge of $500.00 per can to the contractor and will be investigated by law enforcement.

Paint Lost From Storage

Any time the inventory does not match the inventory sheets; check past and present inventory sheet figures in an effort to locate a possible math error or where the discrepancy occurred. If the paint cannot be accounted for:

1. Immediately perform a complete audit of all paint in storage, including paint stored in vehicles. If procedures have been followed, this audit should identify the person who lost the paint or verify that a theft has occurred from the paint storage facility.

2. If a theft from the storage area is indicated, immediately notify the COR and the COR will notify the

District Law Enforcement Officer (LEO).

3. The Contractor, COR and Property Custodian will write up separate statements. The Property

Custodian will send it to S.O. Timber Management.

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Paint Lost in the Field

If all tracer paint cans are not accounted for at the end of the day:

1. An immediate inventory will be conducted to determine which employee lost the paint.

2. Prior to the crew leaving the area, a search will be conducted of the area in which the employee was working.

If the lost paint is not found:

1. The Contractor will provide a written statement to the COR addressing the circumstances involved in the loss. Statements involving lost tracer paint must include the following information:

Brand of paint (manufacturer) Batch number Date of manufacture Color of paint Type of can (quart, aerosol etc.)

Was the can(s) full, partially full, or empty Circumstances and Location of loss

If lost on a timber sale, COR will include all information in the presale or administration folder as appropriate.

2. The COR will immediately notify the Property Custodian. The Property Custodian will notify the Law Enforcement Officer District Ranger and S.O. Timber Management as soon as possible.

3. S.O. Timber Management will involve Law Enforcement and determine investigation procedures.

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Tree Marking Contractor’s Daily Paint Accountability Log

District: Date Received:

Color: Date Returned:

Batch #: Quantity Issued: Issued By:

(1 Batch # per sheet)

(additional log pages inserted here)

DATE

TREATMENT AREA

UNIT NUMBERS

MARKED TODAY

(Treatment Area No.)

PAINT USED

(Quarts)

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Contractor’s Paint Accountability Log*

ISSUE: Full Containers

Paint Color: Batch #

Quantity Issued:

Size of containers:

Date:

Issued by (signature)

Date:

Received by

RETURNED: Full and Partials containers

Quantity Returned:

Date:

RETURNED: Empty containers

Used Quantity Returned:

Date:

*Use 1 log sheet per batch number Note: Please sign name so signature is legible.