Attachment 6 - Performance Work Statement.doc

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

Methow Valley Ranger District Prescribed Fire Support Project Title: MVRD Prescribed Fire Support Project Locations: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest/Methow Valley Ranger District

Period of Performance: Item 1 – Prescribed Fire Modules: Level V Engine Module & Five-Person Crew Module : September 30, 2026 – December 01, 2028.

Addendum to SOW: The terms and conditions identified in the Blanket Purchase Agreement’s PWS applies to this task order, except for the following changes:

Deletions: 5.7.2 Performance Standards - Ignition Assistance: Drip torches removed as a govt provided item to be in alignment with 3.3 a. Government-Furnished Supplies.

Part 1

Scope

Services shall be non-personal. The Government shall neither supervise contractor employees nor control the method by which the contractor performs the required tasks. Under no circumstances shall the Government assign tasks to or prepare work schedules for individual contractor employees.

1.1 Description of Services

The objective of this contract is to provide services to the U.S. Forest Service (Methow Valley Ranger District) to reduce fuel loading by removing slash piles through prescribed fire. The contract consists of burning 1,600 acres of hand piles throughout three drainages across the southwestern portion of the district. This is a multi-year contract as prescribed burning is dependent upon many factors, including, but not limited to, permitting, weather, and the severity of the preceding wildland fire season. All of which are out of the control of basic government operations.

1.1.1 The contractor shall provide all qualified/trained personnel, equipment and supplies (except those specified as Government furnished), tools, materials, supervision, transportation, lodging, and services necessary to perform wildfire hazard reduction through prescribed burning and mop-up operations, and related services. The contractor may be delegated responsibility for complete planning and implementation of prescribed burn operations. The Government will determine when specific burn units are within prescription parameters through field checks of fuel moisture percentages and disseminate the information to the Contractor. Contractor would be providing all required crew members, supervision and supplies (drip torches, burn fuel, personal protection equipment) to meet the objectives of the hand pile contract. The Government will furnish a qualified Burn Boss Type 3; the contractor will work closely with the Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

1.1.2 The contractor shall furnish labor, supervision, transportation, operating supplies (except those specified as Government furnished) to perform work necessary for burning hand piles. Ideally, the contractor will provide an engine, multiple engines, and/or a chase truck with crew members and an engine. The COR will describe the specific objectives of any operational duty, normally during a pre-operational briefing. The Contractor’s employees must meet the standard classifications of positions on prescribed burn projects as defined in the National Wildfire Coordinating Group National Incident Management System: Wildland Fire Qualifications System Guide (PMS 310-1, NFES 1414, October 2018, or latest version) which is available under “Publications” at the following website: https://www.nwcg.gov.

1.1.3 Escape Burn Guidelines and Procedure - If, in the judgment of the COR, a slopover that occurs during ignition or mop-up cannot be contained with the personnel and equipment identified in the Contingency Plan, Element 17 of the Prescribed Fire Plan, the Burn Boss will follow the procedures outlined in the Wildfire Declaration, Element 18 of the Prescribed Fire Plan. Under this condition, the Contractor shall take immediate action to control, suppress, and mop up the escaped fire. The Contractor and crew(s) shall work under the direct supervision of the Government and continue working until released by the Government. The COR will notify the dispatch center responsible.

1.2 Background: Small tree thinning and hand piling has been shown to reduce heavy fuel loading and ladder fuels contributing to catastrophic wildland fires. Removing the hand piles through pile burning increases the likelihood of lower severity fire. Fuels reduction in this aspect increases the ability for wildland firefighters to safely suppress wildland fires, decreasing the potential for large fire growth. Project areas are reforestation areas, natural and managed stands of timber woodlands, shrub fields, or grass areas of all ages, size, and species. Fuels will consist of harvest activity slash and small diameter trees. Fuel loadings range from less than ½ ton per acre to as high as 100 tons or more per acre. Fuel loading depends on piles per acre.

1.4 Location: Services will be performed on the Methow Valley Ranger District within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

There are two NEPA project areas for the work to be completed, Twisp River Restoration Project EA and the Mission Reforestation Project EA. The Twisp River Project EA area piles are located just outside the town of Twisp, WA (T33N, R21E: S18, S23, S24, S28, S29, PB37, PB39, PB40, PB41, PR48, PB49, T 33N R 20E: S18, PB42, PB43, PB44, PB51, T33N R22E: S30). The Mission Project EA units, referred to as the Stewardship Units and are located west of Carlton, WA (T33N R20E: S23, S25, S26, S27, PB51, PB56, PB57 and T32N R20E: PB39). Option Items under the Twisp Restoration Project EA (T33N R21E: PB37, PB39, PB40, PB41, PB44, PB49, S7, S8, S17, S24, T33N R22E: S30, S31, T33N R20E: PB41, PB42, PB43, PB44, PB51). All units and transportation are provided with attached maps.

1.4.1 Boundaries of project areas are generally identifiable piled units, virtual, roads, or flagging. The boundaries can be adjacent timber stands, recent harvest units, or property line boundaries, they are clearly defined boundaries as noted on the project area maps.

1.4.2 Access is by all-weather and seasonal roads. Seasonal roads may be impassable for several days after heavy rains, or snow-blocked roads during the winter months.

1.4.3 Contractors accessing project areas via private land shall obtain permission to travel over private land unless the Government has already obtained access from the private landowner. Otherwise, the Contractor shall provide the Government a written statement or written documentation of verbal approval given by a named person on a stated date and time that the contractor has been granted permission to travel over private lands.

1.4.4 Access to individual project areas may be through locked gates. Access behind locked gates shall be for the purpose of conducting work under this contract only. Locked gates shall always remain locked other than when the Contractor is passing through them unless other arrangements are approved by the COR. A key for access to locked gates may be supplied to the Contractor at issuance of a task order (BPA Call) award. Supplying the Contractor a key for access is at the discretion of the COR. The key shall be returned to the COR in a usable condition before final payment is made. When two or more locks are present on a gate, the Contractor shall secure the lock so that access is not restricted nor prevent the unlocking of other locks on the gate.

1.4.5 Unique features of Project Areas - Standing timber, wildlife trees and snags may be present within the project sites. Research plots or special protection buffers may be located within the project boundaries. These may have seasonal restrictions on operations and cannot be disturbed during project treatments.

1.5 Period of Performance (PoP): The period of performance for this contract is (September 30, 2026 – December 01, 2028). For each year, a minimum of 30 shifts will be filled by the contractor. A daily rate will be given to the contractor when onsite (on a prescribed fire unit). The Contractor nor the Government will be held liable if conditions place the contract area out of prescription (i.e. smoke permits are not granted by WADNR, weather is not conducive, fuel moisture and energy release components are not in prescription). We would like to extend the timeline if conditions do not allow pile burning during any time in the POP. The period during which work will be performed may be dependent on burn windows, and the Government shall provide the expected burn windows for each order when issued. Burn windows shall always be within the order’s period of performance.

1.5.1 The COR for each order shall notify the contractor at least 6 hours before the start of changed, cancelled, or postponed burn windows. If the Government changes a burn window and provides a notice of the change to the contractor at least 6 hours in advance, then the Contractor shall provide services under the new burn window.

1.5.2 The Contracting Officer, COR, or Contractor may stop performance due to the following:

a. Contractors have not maintained a safe work environment for their employees in accordance with the law. Work will not resume until the issue has been resolved in accordance with the contract’s terms and conditions. The Contracting Officer shall not make an equitable adjustment to the period of performance, delivery schedule, or the contract price.

b. Contractor has damaged Government property, defaced the landscape, or caused pollution. Work will not resume until the Contractor has corrected all damages at no cost to the Government, and all issues have been resolved in accordance with the contract’s terms and conditions. The Contracting Officer shall not make an equitable adjustment to the period of performance, delivery schedule, or the contract price.

c. The Government discovers threatened, endangered, and sensitive species present in or adjacent to the project area. If work has not resumed within three days of stoppage, the Government and Contractor will negotiate an equitable adjustment to the period of performance and/or delivery schedule.

d. The discovery of historical and archeological resources. If work has not resumed within three days of stoppage, the Government and Contractor will negotiate an equitable adjustment to the period of performance and/or delivery schedule.

e. Environmental hazard threatening the project area, such as wildland fire. If work has not resumed within three days of stoppage, the Government and Contractor will negotiate an equitable adjustment to the period of performance and/or delivery schedule.

1.6 Post Award Conference: The Contracting Officer shall schedule a post award conference with the Contractor, COR, and any other parties involved with the contract. The meeting will take place before the start of the period of performance and will be held through teleconference or Microsoft Teams. The COR may choose to schedule a separate, project specific, pre-work meeting in the form of a briefing to gain project specific objectives and/or review the site before work begins.

1.7 Key Personnel: The Government considers the following personnel preferable for successful performance: FFT2, FFT1, Crew Bosses, Engine Bosses/Operators, the minimum qualifications for all key personnel are listed below:

a. The Contractor’s key personnel and all employees must meet the standard classifications of positions on fire projects as defined in the National Wildfire Coordinating Group National Incident Management System: Wildland Fire Qualifications System Guide (PMS 310-1, NFES 1414, October 2018, or latest version) which is available under “Publications” at the following website: https://www.nwcg.gov.

b. English Speaking Requirement – Prompt and efficient communications between the Contractor’s key personnel and the Government’s prescribed fire personnel is mandatory for safe and effective performance. At a minimum, all the assigned Contractor’s employees shall be proficient in the English language. The supervisors and middle managers must be proficient in all languages used by their crew members. The Squad Bosses (FFT1) must be able to communicate proficiently in any language used by their squad members. The supervisors and squad bosses must also be able to read the Prescribed Fire Burn Plan and communicate the information contained therein to all crew members. All radio communication on Government-assigned frequencies shall be in English.

Part 2

Definitions

2.1 Complexity of Prescribed Burn Projects - The Government will evaluate and rate prescribed burn complexity based on the Prescribed Fire Complexity Rating System Guide (Attachment 1). The Guide considers 3 fire complexity factors: risk, potential consequences, and technical difficulty. Fourteen elements are assigned a Low, Moderate, or High complexity rating for each factor and a summary complexity is determined. Complexity and Level of Difficulty are not synonymous. Burn complexity is one of several factors that influence Levels of Difficulty. A highly complex burn may not be a highly rated level of difficulty.

2.3 Contingency Plan - Identification of actions to be taken if the fire exceeds prescription parameters and/or escapes perimeter lines and cannot be returned to prescription or contained with the resources identified in the Prescribed Fire Plan.

2.4 Contracting Officer (CO) - A person with authority to enter, administer, and or terminate contracts, and make related determinations and findings on behalf of the government. The only individual who can legally bind the government.

2.5 Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) - An employee of the U.S. Government appointed by the contracting officer to administer the contract. Such appointment shall be in writing and shall state the scope of authority and limitations. This individual has authority to provide technical direction to the Contractor as long as that direction is within the scope of the contract, does not constitute a change, and has no funding implications. This individual does NOT have authority to change the terms and conditions of the contract.

2.6 Control Line (fire line) - An inclusive term for all constructed or natural barriers and treated fire edges used to control a fire.

2.7 Crew - Type 2 10-person - A firefighting unit consisting of 7 Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2), 2 Advanced Firefighter/Squad Bosses (FFT1), and 1 Crew Boss, Single Resource (CRWB), of whom 40% or more have at least one season of firefighting experience.

2.9 Engine Boss - (ENGB) Each Engine Boss shall have met the training and experience requirements for Engine Boss and the performance tasks in PMS 311-14 (PTB) for ENGB. Operator will be properly licensed and endorsed for the equipment type and model they are operating.

2.10 Fire Crew Member (FFT2) - All other Crew Members shall have met the training requirements for Firefighter Type 2.

2.11 Firing Boss (FIRB) - FIRB oversees all aspects of ignition and provides direction to lighting crew during ignition of the unit. Standard classification of position on fire projects as defined in the Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide published by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group, Publication Number PMS 310-1.

2.12 Fire Line - All constructed or natural barriers used to control a fire or stop fire spread to undesired areas.

*2.13 Fireline Construction – Hand Line - Fire lines shall be cleared of all brush and debris for a minimum width of 8 ft. with the outer edge of the clearing inside the burn unit boundary. Debris for the clearing shall be scattered inside the burn unit to reduce the creation of a windrow of slash along the fire line. A continuous fire line, minimum of 18 inches wide (or as determined during project) shall be dug to mineral soil within the outer portion of the clearing. Any berms created during fire line construction shall be on the outside edge of the 18 inch line, away from the interior of the burn unit.

*2.14 Fireline Construction – Machine Line - Fire lines shall be cleared of all brush and debris for a minimum width of 10 feet with the outer edge of the clearing inside the burn unit boundary. Debris from the clearing shall be scattered inside the burn unit to reduce the creation of a windrow of slash along the fire line. A continuous fire line approximately 6 feet wide (or as determined during project) for mechanical, shall be dug to mineral soil within the out portion of the clearing. Any berms created during fire line construction shall be on the outside edge of the fire line (mineral soil fire line), away from the interior of the burn unit.

2.15 Fuels Modification - Treatment of vegetative fuels to reduce adverse fire effects, limit rate of spread, and establish defensible areas by slashing shrubs, small vegetation and the pruning of live vegetation. Treated areas are usually along ridge lines, between separate stand and vegetative types, or adjacent to private property.

2.16 Fuels Pullback - Removing surface fuels from the base of standing trees and snags for a designated distance and removal of ladder fuels by pruning for a designated height.

2.17 Hazard Reduction - The planned treatment or manipulation of naturally growing vegetation or any other flammable material for the purpose of reducing rate of spread and output of heat energy from any wildfire occurring in the area treated.

2.18 Holding - Monitoring the burning area closest to the fire line to detect and extinguish fire, hot embers or smokes that are a threat of fire escaping fire line. Water, water-foam mixture and dirt may be used to extinguish burning material. Holding activities occur near the fire line, or in the event of dense smoke and reduced visibility, holding may occur in an area of improved visibility a short distance outside of the fire line. Holding distance from the fire line will be the expected spotting distance as described in the pre-operational briefing.

2.19 Holding Boss (Holding Specialist) - The individual who provides direction to those personnel responsible for holding the fire line during ignition and burn out period(s). Required individual qualifications are identified in the Prescribed Fire Plan and are based on the complexity of the prescribed burn.

2.20 Ignition - The act of starting the prescribed fire. Ignition devices that may be used are drip torches and fusees. Contractor will ensure any hand crew members assigned to ignition duties are trained and qualified to operate ignition devices safely and competently.

2.21 Jackpot Burn - Burning concentrations of fuels (jackpots) at a time or under conditions that won’t allow fire to spread from the target area.

2.22 Ladder Fuels - Fuels that provide vertical continuity between the ground and the tree crowns, thus creating a pathway for surface fire to move into the overstory tree crowns.

2.23 Mop-up - The act of extinguishing the prescribed fire after the initial burn period. Water, water-foam mixture and dirt may be used to extinguish burning material or burning material may be removed from near fire lines and located more interior of the burn unit, logs may be trenched to prevent rolling, and burning or burnt material may be carefully examined and monitored to ensure it is extinguished. The minimum performance level for mop-up is 1/3 acre per person per 8-hour day.

2.24 Patrol - Similar to holding activities except that patrolling begins after the ignition has been completed. Patrolling may occur immediately after ignition, during subsequent burn periods or after ignitions have been completed.

2.25 Prescribed (RX) Burning - Controlled application of fire to wildland fuels in either their natural or modified state, under specified environmental conditions which allow the fire to be confined to a predetermined area and at the same time to produce the intensity of heat and rate of spread required to attain planned resource management and prescribed burn objectives. Types of prescribed burning include pile burning, jackpot burning, underburning or broadcast burning.

2.26 Prescribed Fire Burn Boss (RXB2 or RXB3) - Is responsible for the organizing and management of all personnel and equipment on the burn project and for meeting prescribed burn objectives. Standard classifications of positions on fire projects are defined in the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Wildland Fire Qualifications Subsystem Guide (PMS 310-1, NFES 1414). Available under “Qualifications” at the following website: http://www.nwcg.gov.

2.27 Prescribed Fire Plan - Also called the Burn Plan. This is a written plan which includes burn area description, resource and prescribed fire objectives, fuels description, weather and fuel parameters, acceptable fire behavior, smoke management and other considerations, ignition schedule, ignition and holding plan, safety considerations, workforce and equipment needs, unit maps, escape contingency plan, crew briefing and go/no go checklist, and the complexity rating of the burn project. The plan shall be reviewed and approved prior to implementation.

2.28 Project Area - The area being treated as identified in the task order.

2.29 Pruning - Removal of live and dead limbs from standing trees for a specified height for the purpose of removing ladder fuels. Pruned material is usually pulled back from the tree bole for a specified distance and scattered within the burn unit.

2.30 Quality Assurance - The government procedures to verify that services being performed by the Contractor are performed according to acceptable standards.

2.31 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) - An organized written document specifying the Government’s surveillance methodology to be used for surveillance of contractor performance.

2.32 Quality Control - All necessary measures taken by the Contractor to assure that the quality of an end product or service shall meet contract requirements.

2.33 Single Resource Crew Boss (CRWB) - Responsible for supervising and directing a fire suppression hand crew. The Crew Boss shall have met the training and experience requirements for Single Resource - Crew Boss and the performance tasks in PMS 311-13 (PTB) for CRWB.

2.34 Slash - Any cut vegetation or existing natural (dead and down) woody debris.

2.35 Slopover - Fire that crosses an established control line but can be contained by personnel and equipment identified in the Prescribed Fire Plan (Contingency Plan).

2.36 Spot Fire - Any fire located outside of the prescribed burn unit caused by airborne fire brands (embers) or radiated heat emitted from the prescribed burn.

2.37 Squad Boss (FFT1) - Responsible for supervising and directing up to five fire crew members (FFT2). Each Squad Boss shall have met the training and experience requirements for Advanced Firefighter/Squad Boss and the performance tasks in PMS 311-14 (PTB) for FFT1.

2.38 Tender Operator (WTOP) - An experienced and competent tender operator. The tender operator must have experience on the equipment type and model provided by the contractor. Operator will be properly licensed and endorsed for the equipment type and model they are operating.

2.39 Water Tender - Self-propelled unit equipped with suitable tank, pump, pump power unit, valves, hose, suction line, and fittings for a water delivery system.

2.40 Water Delivery System - A system to deliver water to the fire line (i.e. Fold-A-Tank or equivalent) of a minimum of 1,000 gallon capacity or greater with associated pump(s), hoses and fittings to deliver water to specified locations.

2.41 Wildland Fire Incident Qualification Card (WFIQC) - Each CRWB/FIRB, FFT2, FFT1, WTOP and EQOP shall possess a valid WFIQC (also known as a Red Card) or similar official agency document issued by any of the NWCG member agencies in the western states (Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Nevada, Alaska, Arizona, Utah, and Montana) and have acceptable support documentation that the individual has met the training and experience requirements for such position(s).

The Government reserves the right to reject any CRWB/FIRB, FFT1, FFT2, WTOP or EQOP who is not in full compliance with the specifications listed above. In addition, failure of any personnel to demonstrate an ability to perform the tasks listed in the Position Task Book (PTB) for that individual’s position shall be cause for immediate release of that individual from the prescribed fire operation.

2.42 Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher - In addition to the training requirements for the CRWB, ENGB, FFT1, and FFT2 positions described above, Tender and Skidgen Operator, the Contractor shall ensure that all of its returning certified employees complete RT-130 Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher prior to a prescribed fire assignment. The Contractor shall place in the employee’s training file a course roster and training certificate, signed and dated after January 1 of the current calendar year, by the instructor that confirms firefighter attendance and completion of the required annual refresher training.

Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher must be at least six 6 hours in length and must include the following core topics:

Entrapment Avoidance – Use training and reference materials to study the risk management process (as identified in the Incident Response Pocket Guide) and rules of engagement (e.g., LCES, 10, 18, Look Up, Look Down, Look Around). Current Issues – Review and discuss identified “hot topics” and “national emphasis topics” including the “Do the Right Thing” video. Review forecasts and assessments for the upcoming fire season and discuss implications for firefighter safety. Fire Shelter – review and discuss last resort survival. Conduct “hands-on” fire shelter inspections. Practice shelter deployments in applicable crew/module configurations. No “live fire” exercises for the purpose of fire shelter deployment training will be conducted. Other Hazards and Safety Issues – Choose additional hazard and safety subjects, which could include SAFENET, current safety alerts, site/unit specific safety issues and hazards.

2.43 Wildlife Trees - Standing dead or live trees left for nesting, feeding, perching and shelter for birds and mammals. Trees may be marked with paint and/or designated with a tag stating it is a wildlife tree or as identified by the COR.

Part 3

Government-Furnished Documents, Property, Supplies, & Services

3.1 Government-Furnished Documents: The Government shall provide the following documents for each task order.

a. Applicable prescribed burn unit maps with previously identified boundaries, applicable road numbers or names, critical holding points and locations specifying where work is to be completed, such as, fire line construction that will be provided to Contractor key personnel.

b. A copy of the completed and signed prescribed fire burn plan, if contractor will be responsible for full prescribed burn planning and implementation.

3.2 Government-Furnished Property: The Contractor shall be liable for all loss or damage of Government-furnished property until return and COR acceptance of property. The Government will provide the following property to the Contractor for use in the performance of this contract.

a. Keys for locked Government gates.

3.3 Government-Furnished Supplies: The Government shall provide the following supplies for each task order.

a. For prescribed burn support projects, the government will furnish the contractor with burn fuel for refilling drip torches used for ignition devices. The contractor is expected to arrive with full drip torches and the Government will provide fuel to refill drip torches when used.

3.4 Government-Furnished Services: The Government shall provide the following services for each task order.

a. The Government shall obtain prescribe burn clearance from the appropriate state air quality regulatory agency.

Part 4

General Requirements for Work on the Forest

4.1 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): The COR will be identified by separate letter. The COR monitors all technical aspects of the task order and assists in task order administration. The COR is authorized to perform the following functions: assure that the Contractor performs the technical requirements of the task order, perform inspections necessary in connection with task order performance, maintain written and oral communications with the Contractor concerning technical aspects of the task order, issue written interpretations of technical requirements (including Government drawings, designs, and specifications), monitor Contractor's performance, notifies both the Contracting Officer and Contractor of any deficiencies, coordinate availability of government furnished property, and provide site entry of Contractor personnel. The COR will notify the Contractor 2-3 weeks ahead of time for potential burning. WA-DNR smoke permitting approval will be used to notify the vendor 24 hrs for standby and at least 6 hours ahead of time if approval is not granted. A letter of designation issued to the COR, a copy of which is sent to the Contractor, states the responsibilities and limitations of the COR. The COR is not authorized to change any of the terms and conditions of the resulting contract.

4.2 Quality Assurance: The government shall evaluate the contractor's performance under each task order in accordance with a quality assurance surveillance plan. This plan is primarily focused on what the government must do to ensure the contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum acceptable defect rates.

4.3 Business Relations: The contractor shall successfully integrate and coordinate all activity needed to execute the requirement. The contractor shall manage the timeliness, completeness, and quality of problem identification. The contractor shall provide corrective action plans, proposal submittals, timely identification of issues, and effective management of subcontractors. The contractor shall seek to ensure customer satisfaction and professional and ethical behavior of all contractor personnel.

4.4 Security Requirements: The contractor may leave its equipment and Government-furnished property at the work site. The contractor shall be responsible for the contractor’s equipment and Government-furnished property if it should be lost, stolen or damaged, unless the Government orders the material to be left unattended by the contractor, such as when the water delivery system is to be provided without crew support.

4.5 Safety: The Contractor shall develop a general safety plan that complies with or exceeds OSHA standards. It shall describe safety procedures for crew safety. Emergency numbers and communications shall be described in the plan. The plan shall be provided to the COR before any work begins. This plan shall be presented and reviewed by all crew members before work begins and be available to all crews at all sites during work periods. The plan shall also be available to the Government for inspection at any time.

4.5.1 In addition to the general Safety Plan, the Contractor shall have a site-specific Communication/Safety/Emergency Plan. The site-specific plan shall be a document giving location of operations, name and phone number of individuals to call in case of an emergency, phone number of nearest fire department, travel route(s) to project location(s), nearest hospital, and fire rescue and ambulance (EMS). If gate keys are needed, this document shall also include where they can be obtained. This plan shall be presented and reviewed by all crew members and be available to all crews at all sites during work periods. The plan shall also be available to the Government for inspection at any time.

4.5.2 Potential Safety Hazards: Data and information furnished or referred to below is for the Contractor's information. The Government shall not be responsible for any interpretation of or conclusion drawn from the data or information by the Contractor. This list shall not be deemed to be all inclusive. The Contractor shall bear the sole responsibility for taking all appropriate actions necessary to prevent accidents and injuries to individuals at the worksite. The following checked activities have been identified by the Government as potential safety hazards.

[X] Tree falling.

[X] Fall hazard from work heights exceeding six feet.

[X] Traffic control on high-volume and/or high-speed and/or limited visibility roads.

[X] Travel on decommissioned roads, i.e. roads with waterbars and other barriers

[X] Heavy equipment operation.

[ ] Tree climbing and/or tower climbing.

[X] Fire hazards.

[X] Hazardous materials handling.

[ ] Electrical hazard.

[X] Hydraulic and/or pneumatic and/or other high pressure hazards.

[ ] Mechanical hazards such as pulleys, springs, etc.

[X] Crossing streams-footing, fast water

[X] Carrying heavy loads over steep ground

[X] Other: uneven ground conditions 4.6 Fire Protection & Suppression

4.6.1 The Contractor shall preserve and protect all structures, equipment, and vegetation (such as trees, shrubs, and grass) on or adjacent to the work site, which are not to be removed, and which do not unreasonably interfere with the work required under this contract. The Contractor shall only remove trees when specifically authorized to do so and shall avoid damaging vegetation that will remain in place. If any limbs or branches of trees are broken during contract performance, or by the careless operation of equipment, or by workmen, the Contractor shall trim those limbs or branches with a clean cut and paint the cut with a tree-pruning compound as directed by the Contracting Officer.

4.6.2 The Contractor shall protect from damage all existing improvements and utilities (1)at or near the work site, and (2) on adjacent property of a third party, the locations of which are made known to or should be known by the Contractor. The Contractor shall repair any damage to those facilities, including those that are the property of a third party, resulting from failure to comply with the requirements of this contract or failure to exercise reasonable care in performing the work. If the Contractor fails or refuses to repair the damage promptly, the Contracting Officer may have the necessary work performed and charge the cost to the Contractor.

4.6.3 The Contractor shall immediately extinguish all fires on the work site other than those fires in use as a part of the work.

4.6.4 The Contractor may be held liable for all damages and for all costs incurred by the Government for labor, subsistence, equipment, supplies and transportation deemed necessary to control or suppress a fire set or caused by the Contractor or the Contractor's agents or employees.

4.6.5 The Contractor shall immediately notify the Government of any fires sighted on or in the vicinity of the work site.

4.7 Use of Biobased Products

4.7.1 The Contractor shall utilize products and material made from biobased materials to the maximum extent possible without jeopardizing the intended end use or detracting form the overall quality delivered of the end user. All supplies and materials shall be of a type and quality that conform to applicable Federal Specifications and standards. All supplies and materials to be used in the performance of work described herein are subject to the approval of the Contracting Officer’s Representative.

4.7.2 The following is an example list of products that may be used in this contract for which biobased products are available. The list is not all inclusive. It is desirable that vendors be able to supply the greatest number of biobased products listed meeting the health and environmental specifications.

a. Chain and Cable Lubricants

b. Greases

c. Penetrating Lubricants 4.7.3 The Contractor shall comply with the provision of FAR 52.223-1, Biobased Product Certification, and clause FAR 52.223-2, Affirmative Procurement of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts. The guide to minimum biobased content may be found at the following: http://www.BioPreferred.gov/BioPreferred/faces/pages/ProductCategories.xhtml.

4.8 Personal Protective Equipment

4.8.1 Personal protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities shall be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards or processes encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body. The contractor will provide training to their employees in the safe operation and use of equipment being used. Defective or damaged personal protective equipment shall not be used.

4.8.2 The contractor shall provide, at no cost to the employee, to each employee who operates a chain saw, chain saw chaps and assure the chaps are worn during saw operations. These chaps must be approved by Underwriters Laboratory or meet Forest Service specification 6170-47. The chainsaw chaps shall cover the full length of the thigh to the top of the boot on each leg and be washed or replaced if they have any evidence of damage or heavily soiled with oil or lubricants.

4.8.3 The contractor shall ensure that each employee wears foot protection that provides adequate traction and ankle support and must meet OAR 437-007-1320. Employees operating chain saws shall wear foot protection that is constructed with cut-resistant material which will protect the employee against contact with a running chain saw.

4.8.4 The contractor shall provide, at no cost to the employee, and assure that each employee who works in an area where there is potential for head injury from falling objects or flying objects wears a hard hat that meets the minimum requirements of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard Z89.1-1977 and meets the NFPA 1977 (1998 edition) standard.

4.8.5 The contractor shall provide, at no cost to the employee, eye protection where there is potential for eye injury due to flying objects. This eye protection must meet the minimum requirements of ANSI standard Z87.1-2003.

4.8.6 The contractor shall provide, at no cost to the employee, hearing protection where there is a potential for hearing loss due to high intensity noise i.e., chain saw or pump operation.

Part 5

Specific Tasks, Deliverables, & Performance Standards

5.1 Prescribed Fire and Mop-Up: Hand Pile Burn The levels of difficulty for Hand Pile Burns will be determined as follows:

a. Level I - An average of fewer than 20 piles per acre.

b. Level II - An average of 21 to 40 piles per acre.

c. Level III - An average of 41 to 60 piles per acre.

d. Level IV - An average of 61 to 80 piles per acre.

e. Level V - An average of 81 to 100 piles per acre.

f. Level VI - An average of 101 to 120 piles per acre.

g. Level VII - An average of 121 to 140 piles per acre.

h. Level VIII - An average of 141 and greater piles per acre.

The burning season for hand piles for Oregon and Washington is generally between late October and December.

5.1.1 Performance Standards

All prescribed fire operations shall be initiated only when a Prescribed Fire Plan has been approved and signed by the prescribed fire plan preparer, Fire Management Officer, Technical Reviewer, and Agency Administrator. All elements of the plan shall be followed unless a deviation has been approved in advance by the COR.

Clearance to Burn - The Government shall be responsible for monitoring fuel, smoke permitting, and weather conditions to determine time periods when units are in the prescription parameters identified in the Prescribed Fire Plan. The Government will notify the Contractor via telephone or direct communications no later than 1900 hours the previous day of the proposed ignition of smoke management conditions and any updated weather forecasts that would cancel the burning. The Government will grant final approval to conduct burning. Approval is based on the Government verifying: 1) unit fuel and weather conditions are within Prescribed Fire Plan parameters and prescribed fire and resource objectives are attainable; 2) Prescribed Fire Plan parameters and objectives for smoke management are attainable based on smoke management instructions and forecast, and weather forecasts for proposed burn date and time; and 3) Successful completion of the Go/No-Go Checklist and the test fire.

During ignition operations, the Contractor's crew supervisor shall always maintain contact with the Government representative through mutually-agreed-upon communications system.

Typically, holding is not necessary when piles are burned during winter conditions. Conduct holding operations as necessary in accordance with the prescribed fire plan. Relocation of personnel and equipment may be required as ignition and burnout progress. The Contractor's crew supervisor shall recognize the need for and make such relocations, dependent upon on-site weather and fire conditions.

Extinguish any fire outside the fire line of the unit, or unit boundary, and promptly report this to the COR at the site. A fire line shall be constructed completely around fire inside the unit actively spreading away from piles, slop-over, and/or spot fires outside the primary unit boundaries. The minimum shall be a fire line scraped to mineral soil 18 inches in width with all overhanging combustible material cleared for 3 feet on either side, and 6 feet overhead.

Do not fell any reserved trees which may have fire in them without written approval of the COR.

Mop-up shall be performed in accordance with 5.8, Standard Mop-Up and Patrol.

5.1.2 Performance Threshold - A minimum of 90% of all piles shall be ignited. Units with a high tree cover and pile density shall be burned in stages to reduce crown scorch.

5.1.3 Method of Surveillance - The COR will be on site during burning operations (ignition and holding). The Contractor's activity will be monitored throughout the operation for compliance with the prescribed fire plan, daily shift plan, and that objectives for resources, prescribed fire, and smoke management are being met.

100% inspection of the designated mop-up areas will be made by the Government either visually and/or with infrared-scan equipment to ensure that all burning material has been detected. The Contractor shall extinguish any burning material detected before final acceptance is made. Compliance with the Prescribed Fire Plan and Daily Shift Plan will be required unless concurrence is obtained from the COR prior to deviating from the plan.

The Government will inspect patrol and mop-up operations to determine compliance with the required mop-up standards for compliance with all specifications in 5.8.

5.1.4 Incentives & Remedies - A notice of noncompliance or a notice to stop work will be issued for all deviations from the Prescribed Fire Plan not previously approved by the COR.

5.2 Payment

The Contractor may submit one invoice for completed satisfactory work every two weeks. Invoices shall be submitted in the Invoice Processing Platform, which can be accessed at www.ipp.gov.

Part 6

Attachments

6.1 Attachment 1 – Prescribed Fire Complexity Rating System Guide

6.2 Attachment 2 – Wage Determination Oregon

6.3 Attachment 3 – Wage Determination Washington

(End of Performance Work Statement)

6.1 Attachment 1 – Pile Burn Plan

Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest

Methow Valley Ranger District

24 West Chewuch Road

Winthrop, Washington 98862

ELEMENT #1: SIGNATURE PAGE

(Name & Qualification or Position): Date:

8/25/2025

Technical

Reviewer:

Reviewer for:

Silviculture

Wildlife

Fisheries

Hydrology

Botany

Range

Recreation

Fire Management

The approved Prescribed Fire Plan constitutes the authority to burn. No one has the authority to burn without an approved plan or in a manner not in compliance with the approved plan. Actions taken in compliance with the approved Prescribed Fire Plan will be fully supported. Personnel will be held accountable for actions taken which are not in compliance with elements of the approved plan regarding execution of the objectives in a safe and cost-effective manner. Pursuant to prescribed fire guidelines, the complexity of this project is rated:

Complexity Rating:

High

Approved By (Agency Administrator):

Date:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

ELEMENT/ITEM

Element 1: Signature Page

Element 2A: Agency Administrator Go/No Go Checklist

Element 2B: Prescribed Fire Go/No Go Checklist: See Appendix F

Element 3: Final Complexity Elements Summary

Element 4: Burn Area Description

Element 5: Project Objectives

Element 6: Funding

Element 7: Prescription

Element 8: Scheduling

Element 9: Pre-Burn Considerations

Element 10: Briefing: See Appendix F

Element 11: Minimum Workforce & Equipment Needs

Element 12: Communications Plan

Element 13: Public Information & Safety Plan

Element 14: Test Fire Provisions

Element 15: Ignition Plan

Element 16: Holding Plan

Element 17: Contingency & Escaped Fire Plan

Element 18: Wildfire Declaration

Element 19: Smoke Management

Element 20: Monitoring

Element 21: Post Burn Activity Appendix A: Maps

Appendix B: Technical Review Checklist Appendix C: Complexity Analysis Appendix D: JHAs Appendix E: Fire Behavior & Effects Analysis

Appendix F: Burn boss documentation packet (Includes Elements #2 & #10)

ELEMENT #2A: AGENCY ADMINISTRATOR IGNITION AUTHORIZATION

Instructions: The Agency Administrator Ignition Authorization must be completed before a prescribed fire can be implemented. If ignition of the prescribed fire is not initiated prior to expiration date determined by the agency administrator, a new authorization will be required.

Prior to signature the agency administrator should discuss the following key items with the fire management officer (FMO), duty officer responsible for coordinating contingency and wildfire response, and the burn boss. Attach any additional instructions or discussion documentation (optional) to this document.

DROUGHT AWARENESS: Current drought conditions according to Climate.gov Drought Monitor (tinyurl.com/4vtnj6d9) are ___________ and the trend over the last several months is select one: Worsening Improving Stable Key Discussion Items

A. Has anything changed since the Prescribed Fire Plan was approved or revalidated? If yes, what changes to the Prescribed Fire Plan have been made to address the changes? Such as drought or other climate indicators of increased risk, insect activity, new subdivisions/structures, smoke requirements, Complexity Analysis Rating.

B. Have compliance requirements and pre-burn considerations been completed? Such as preparation work; NEPA mitigation requirements; cultural, threatened and endangered species; smoke permits; State burn permits/authorizations.

C. Can all the elements and conditions specified in the Prescribed Fire Plan be met? Such as weather, scheduling, smoke management conditions, suitable prescription window, correct season, staffing and organization, safety considerations, etc.

D. Are processes in place to ensure all internal and external notifications and media releases will be completed?

E. Have key agency staff been fully briefed about the implementation of this prescribed fire?

F. Are there any circumstances that could affect the successful implementation of the plan? Such as preparedness level restrictions, resource availability, other prescribed fire or wildfire activity

G. Have you communicated your expectations to the burn boss and FMO regarding if and when you are to be notified that contingency actions are being taken?

H. Have you communicated your expectations to the burn boss and FMO regarding decisions to declare the prescribed fire a wildfire?

Implementation Recommended by FMO or

Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Signature:

Date:

Implementation Recommended by FMO or

Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Signature:

Date:

I am authorizing the initial or continued ignition of this prescribed fire for the Operational Period (24 hours) starting ______________, and a new 2A Authorization will be required for any subsequent or continued ignitions. It is my expectation that the project will be implemented within this time frame and as discussed and documented and attached to this plan. If the conditions we discussed change during this time frame, it is my expectation you will brief me on the circumstances and an updated authorization will be negotiated if necessary.

Additional Instructions or Discussion Documentation attached (Optional): Yes ☐ No☐ Ignition Authorized by:

Agency Administrator Signature and Title:

Date:

Local Unit Line Officer Concurrence (if not the qualified approver above):

ELEMENT #2B: PRESCRIBED FIRE GO/NO GO CHECKLIST

(Located in Appendix F: Burn Boss Documentation Packet)

A. Have conditions in or adjacent to the ignition unit changed, (for example: drought conditions or fuel loadings), which were not considered in the prescription development?

If NO proceed with the Go/NO-GO Checklist below, if YES go to item B.

B. Has the prescribed fire plan been reviewed, and an amendment been approved; or has it been determined that no amendment is necessary?

If YES, proceed with the checklist below.

If NO, STOP: Implementation is not allowed. An amendment is needed.

C. The experience, qualifications, internal/external pressures, and fatigue levels of the implementation team have been evaluated, and identified concerns have been satisfactorily mitigated? (Note: use USFS Risk Calculator Mobile Application, IRPG Risk Management Process, Tailgate Safety Sheet, or similar tool to structure the assessment)

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO