12034320R0010_Region 1 Data Collection IDIQ.pdf

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE 1 OF 85

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30 996585

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE 4. ORDER NUMBER 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE

DATE

12034320R0010

DATE

04/29/2020

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NUMBER(No collect 8. OFFER DUE DATE/

7. FOR SOLICITATION Chad Santone, Contracting Officer calls) 406-329-3745 LOCAL TIME

INFORMATION CALL: 06/01/2020 by 1:00 pm

9. ISSUED BY CODE 10. THIS ACQUISITON IS UNRESTRICTED OR SET ASIDE: 100_% FOR

USDA – Forest Service Region 1, Acquisition Management Contracting Officer: Chad Santone 24 Fort Missoula Road

SMALL BUSINESS WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS (WOSB)

ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

HUBZONE SMALL SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

BUSINESS

Missoula, MT 89804

EDWOSB NAICS: 115310

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED SIZE STANDARD: $8.0 M

SMALL BUSINESS 8(A)

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINATION

UNLESS BLOCK IS MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS 13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED

ORDER UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ IFB RFP

15. DELIVER TO CODE

See Delivery Schedule

16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

Same as Block 9

17a. CONTRACTOR/ CODE FACILITY

OFFEROR ADDRESS CODE

DUNS No: ____________________________________________ Tax Identification No.: ___________________________________ CAGE Code (see FAR Provision 52.204-16) __________________ Email Address: _________________________________________

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

All invoices will be processed using the Department of Treasury’s Invoice Processing Platform (IPP), visit http://www.ipp.gov to learn more. Contractors must follow the instructions on how to register and submit invoices via

IPP.

TELEPHONE N0.

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN 18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW

OFFER IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.

ITEM N0. SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

Region 1 Common Stand Exam/ Inventory and Monitoring Vegetation Data Collection

See 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors for submission instructions.

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

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

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN _1__ 29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. OFFER

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY DATED .. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED (BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

SET FORTH HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS: ____________________

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV.2/2012)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

SERVICES AND PRICES

Schedule of Items

Base Year and four Option Years for Data Collection R1 Forests Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest (NF), Bitterroot NF, Custer-Gallatin NF, Dakota Prairie Grasslands, Flathead NF, Helena-Lewis & Clark NF, Idaho Panhandle NF, Kootenai NF, Lolo NF, Nez Perce-Clearwater NF

Contract Line Item Number 0001

Base Period: Date of award of base contract through 12 months thereafter.

FFP, IDIQ MATOC for data collection within the USFS Region 1

Contract Line Item Number 0002

Option 1: Date of award of Option Period 1 through 12 months thereafter.

Contract Line Item Number 0003 Option 2: Date of award of Option Period 2 through 12 months thereafter.

Contract Line Item Number 0004 Option 3: Date of award of Option Period 3 through 12 months thereafter.

Contract Line Item Number 0005 Option 4: Date of award of Option Period 4 through 12 months thereafter.

FFP, IDIQ MATOC for data collection within the USFS Region 1

*Note: Actual dates for period of performance will be entered upon award for all contract line items.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

Background This contract will conduct vegetation sampling related to Common Stand Exam (CSE) and Inventory and Monitoring (INVM) protocols to support vegetation inventories in the Northern Region (Region 1 or R1) of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).

1. SCOPE OF CONTRACT

The scope of this contract is to furnish all labor, tools, materials, equipment, transportation, and incidentals necessary to perform statistically sound vegetation inventories on U.S. Forest Service lands in Region 1 in various counties of Idaho, Montana, and North and South Dakota. Work shall consist of locating, or locating and monumenting, or relocating plots, and measuring and recording data.

The Region 1 Common Stand Exam and Inventory and Monitoring Field Guide (R1 CSE/IM Field Guide) contains information on all of the attributes that may be collected on setting, plot, tree, vegetation composition, ground surface cover, and downed woody material forms. The Region 1 Common Stand Exam and Inventory and Monitoring Field Guide Appendices (R1 CSE/IM Field Guide Appendices) and the Region 1 Common Stand Exam Inventory and Monitoring Field Guide Supplemental Appendices (R1 CSE/IM Field Guide Supplemental Appendices) provide lists of valid values for various attributes, specific mensuration protocols, and additional information. These are the guiding documents for all vegetation inventories performed under this contract.

These central documents outline the data collection procedures and technical specifications and tolerances used for vegetation inventory unless specifically indicated in the protocol or modified in an individual Task Order.

Table 1.1 provides a description of the various protocols and document abbreviations that will be referenced throughout this contract. Additional Region 1 protocols listed in Table 1.1 tier to the R1 CSE/IM Field Guide, Appendices, and Supplemental Appendices; and outline specific forms to use, attributes to collect, technical specifications, and tolerances. These documents are included in the Contract Documents, Exhibits or Attachments Section in this document. Forests may also develop Task Order specific protocols based on the R1 CSE/IM Field Guide. These Task Order specific protocols will indicate which forms will be used (as specified in the Setting Form, Exam Level, item 2.13) and identify the explicit attributes, on each form, to collect. Table

1.2 provides an overview of the various protocols and some of the key attributes that will be described in further detail later in this contract.

The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, transportation, supervision, supplies (except those designated as Government-furnished), incidentals, and perform all work necessary to conduct vegetation inventories on the areas identified in compliance with terms, specifications, conditions, and provisions of this solicitation.

This contract is a Performance-Based, Multiple-Award, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a base and four option year renewals. “Performance-Based” means the Contractor is responsible for an end product. If an end product is not provided in compliance with the contract specifications, an adjustment to the payment will be made or rework will be required.

Table 1.1 Region 1 Common Stand Exam and Inventory and Monitoring documents and R1 specific protocols.

Protocols Document Abbreviation

Exhibit Number

Description and Document Link

* All protocols referred to in this contract use the R1 CSE/IM Field Guide and Appendices as overarching documents.

Region 1 Common Stand Exam/ Inventory and Monitoring Field Guide

R1 CSE/IM

Field Guide

1* Detailed description of protocols used for collecting Common Stand Exam or Inventory and Monitoring data in Region 1.

Defines attributes that can be collected on each form, provides techniques on measurements and their respective tolerances.

Task Order specific protocols may be created using this field guide. Inventory and Monitoring protocols differ from Common Stand Exam protocols in that they require at least a subset of the following: plot monumentation and/or plot to plot navigation and/or stem mapping of trees (azimuth and distance).

https://cms.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd699 576.pdf

Region 1 Common Stand Exam/ Inventory and Monitoring Protocols Appendices

R1 CSE/IM

Appendices

2* Provides additional measurement techniques and guidelines, defines references and provides valid codes, provides tolerances.

578.pdf

Region 1 Common Stand Exam/ Inventory and Monitoring Protocols Region 1 Supplemental Appendices

R1 CSE/IM

Supplemental Appendices

3* Provides additional information that is not contained in the R1 CSE/ IM Appendices.

580.pdf

R1 Common Stand Exam Old Growth Protocols

R1 CSE OG

Protocols

4 These protocols dictate the minimum attributes to collect in order to assess whether a stand meets old growth criteria as defined in Green and others and reported in the R1 Old Growth Report. Although the Exam Level of the Tree Form is “Quick Plot”, ages are collected on Growth Sample Trees as defined within the document. Down-woody Material, collected according to Brown’s Protocols (DWM Exam Level = 2) may be collected, if specified in the Task Order.

https://cms.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd699 584.pdf

Region 1 Intensified Grid Field Procedures Using Inventory and Monitoring Protocols

R1 Intensified Grid Field Procedures

7 Protocols for the field implementation of the Intensification of the FIA Grid inventory. This inventory provides guidance on using R1 IM protocols to mimic Interior West-Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) field measurement procedures. Only one plot per setting is collected. Plots are monumented during installation. Subsequent remeasurements “refresh” monumentation, as needed. Intensive Exam for the Tree Form during installation. Remeasurements require collecting age and radial growth on trees that grow into the large-tree plot. Prior ages are not remeasured.

Protocols Document Abbreviation

Exhibit Number

Description and Document Link

* All protocols referred to in this contract use the R1 CSE/IM Field Guide and Appendices as overarching documents.

https://cms.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd699 588.pdf

Mid-cycle Remeasureme nt of FIA Plots Using IM Protocols

Mid-Cycle Remeasurement of FIA Plots

6 Protocols for measuring FIA plots that have been burned by wildfire. This document provides guidance on using R1 IM protocols to update FIA inventory data from the previous measurement. Updates to status and damages are assessed for large-trees. Small trees, down woody material, abbreviated vegetation protocols and surface cover are measured. Each plot consists of 4 subplots.

https://cms.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd699 588.pdf

R1 IM

Protocols for Vegetation Data Sampling in conjunction with Lidar Point Cloud Acquisition

R1 Veg Sampling for Lidar

5 R1 IM protocols are used to collect vegetation data to be used as training data for LiDAR acquisitions. Intensive Exam Level for the Tree Form and Exam Level 1 for theVegetation Composition Form.

584.pdf

Table 1.2 Overview of R1 Inventory Protocols

Type of Inventory

Protocol Abbrevi -ation

Protocol document

Plots per Set-ting

Installation/ Remeasure-ment

Plot Monu-mentation

Azimuth/ Distance recorded on trees

Exam Level Exams software Datafile Type

Tree Veg DWM SC

Common Stand Exam

CSE Derived from R1

CSE/IM

Field Guide, varies by Task Order

Varies N/A N/A N/A Varies by Task Order .cse

Inventory and Monitoring

INVM Derived from R1

CSE/IM

Field Guide, varies by Task Order

Varies Installation or remeasurement

Varies by Task Order.

Varies by Task Order.

Varies by Task Order .im

Old Growth OG R1 CSE OG Protocols

Varies N/A N/A N/A 1 = Quick Plot however Growth Sample Trees are cored for age

N/A Exam Level = 0 or 2 as specified in Task Order

N/A .cse

Intensified Grid

INT R1

Intensified Grid Field Procedures

One Installation or remeasurement

Yes, Installation

Updates might be required for remeasure ment.

Yes, Installation

During subsequent remeasurements, only ingrowth trees have azimuth and distance collected.

3 = Intensive for Installation.

Remeasurem ent = 2. Age and Radial Growth collected on ingrowth trees only.

4= Collect species and % cover on all species with at least 3% cover

2 = Brown’s Protocols

1 .im

Type of Inventory

Protocol Abbrevi -ation

Protocol document

Plots per Set-ting

Installation/ Remeasure-ment

Plot Monu-mentation

Azimuth/ Distance recorded on trees

Exam Level Exams software Datafile Type

Tree Veg DWM SC

Mid-Cycle Remeasure-ment of FIA Plots

FMR Mid-cycle remeasurem ent of FIA plots

Four Remeasure-ment only

N/A N/A 2 2 2= Brown’s Protocols

1 .im

Lidar training data

LID R1 Veg Sampling for Lidar

One N/A N/A Yes 3 1 0 0 .im

2. LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

This contract is for performance on any of the National Forests within the boundaries of Region 1 of the U.S.

Forest Service as authorized herein. The National Forests included in this list are as follows:

Beaverhead-Deerlodge Bitterroot Custer – Gallatin Flathead Helena - Lewis and Clark Idaho Panhandle Kootenai Lolo Nez Perce – Clearwater Dakota Prairie Grasslands

Task Orders issued under this contract will include specific information regarding the project area (size, location, and description), maps, access to work areas, work items ordered, sample design(s), exam levels, number of plots, government furnished property, and other information pertinent to each Task Order. The contract technical specifications found in Section 4.2 of this contract may be supplemented or changed in the individual Task Orders issued under this contract as specified in the individual Task Order.

3. DEFINITIONS

Block: A payment item made up of a group of completed settings. Each block will contain a minimum and a maximum number of settings as specified in Section 2.1. Submitting Completed Work of this solicitation unless otherwise specified in the individual Task Order. A block is the basis for quality control and quality assurance inspections.

Calendar Days: Every day shown on the calendar, Sundays and holidays included.

Contracting Officer's Representative (COR): Is the on-site contract administrator for the Contracting Officer. The duties and responsibilities of the COR are defined in the letter of designation issued by the Contracting Officer.

FSVeg: Field Sampled Vegetation database that stores vegetation data.

Plot: An area of ground within a fixed or variable radius. A nested plot design may include a combination of fixed and/or variable radii plots and may include transects, planes, and/or points along a transect. Oftentimes, the plots have a center point at the same location with transects/planes radiating from plot center or offset from plot center.

Quality Assurance: The actions taken by the Government to assess the results to determine that they meet contract requirements. The methods for quality assurance are described in the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

Quality Control: Those actions taken by a Contractor to control the production of outputs to ensure that they conform to the contract requirements. The methods for inspecting for quality control are described in the Contractor's Quality Control Plan (QCP).

Services: As used in this document, includes services performed, workmanship, and material furnished or utilized in the performance of services.

Setting: The geographic area over which inventory data is collected. A setting may be a plot, cluster of plots, stand or a polygon.

Special Protection Area: A zone that has special characteristics such as riparian vegetation, wildlife calving areas, etc. Special protection areas are noted on the project maps and they may require special treatment such as an alteration to the plot location, access to stands, or vehicle travel. Refer to the specifications for required practices.

Stand. A contiguous group of trees sufficiently uniform; in age class; distribution; composition; structure; and growing on a site of sufficiently uniform quality; to be a distinguishable polygon.

USDA: United States Department of Agriculture

Definitions related to data collection and attributes for collecting Common Stand Exam and Inventory and Monitoring data are found in the R1 CSE/IM Field Guide, Appendices and Supplemental Appendices, and the associated protocols found in the Contract Documents, Exhibits or Attachments Section of this contract.

Table 2.1 Acronyms CO Contracting Officer COR Contractor Officer’s Representative CSE Common Stand Exam DBH Diameter at Breast Height DWM Down Woody Material FAR Federal Acquisition Regulations FMR FIA Mid-cycle Plot Re-measurement FIA Forest Inventory and Analysis GPS Global Positioning System GST Growth Sample Tree IDIQ Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity INT Intensified Grid Plot INT Rem Intensified Grid Plot Remeasurement INVM Inventory and Monitoring INVM Rem Inventory and Monitoring Plot Remeasurement OG Old Growth PDR Personal Data Recorder QCP Quality Control Plan QASP Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan RFP Request for Proposal SC Ground Surface Cover Veg Vegetation

3. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

The work performed and the data collected shall be in compliance with the terms, specifications, conditions and provisions of this solicitation.

3.1. Government-furnished Materials

Items furnished will depend on the geographic location of the project area and type of vegetation inventory specified in the Task Order. For all Task Orders the version of the software and documents/protocols used will be the most current version at the time data collection commences, unless otherwise specified in an individual Task Order. Exams software will need to be updated at the beginning of each field season, over the life of the Task Order.

Table 3.1. Government Furnished Items Item Description Where, When, How Provided if Included Project Area Map Maps of project area with access roads identified.

Provided with Task Order.

Individual Work Maps Map with stand boundary delineations, if applicable, plot locations, and stand numbers.

Provided at the Prework Conference, or provided with Task Order when necessary.

National Forest Visitor Map/Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM)

Provides road closure information and locations. Plot access to be discussed during Prework conference. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to be aware and adhere to any National Forest specific closures or orders that pertain to access.

May be provided at the Prework Conference, or available upon request.

Copies of aerial photos or National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) Imagery

Photo image of the settings and surroundings project area

May be provided at the Prework Conference or available upon request if required.

Project, Setting, and Plot Location shapefiles or geodatabase

Geospatial Data Layers

Available upon request from the COR for planning purposes, or may be provided at the Prework Conference, if not requested earlier.

ExamsPC/PDR Software

Data collection software used on portable data recorders and personal computers.

Software, and installation instructions are downloadable from:

www.fs.fed.us/nrm/fsveg/index.shtml

R1 Supplement to National FSVeg/CSE User’s Guide – Chapter 3

Provides overview of installing Exams software and instructions on using Exams PC/PDR software.

Provided with Task Order and included in Contract Documents, Exhibits or Attachments Section, Exhibit 9.

R1 Supplement to National FSVeg/CSE User’s Guide – Chapter 5

Provides information on auditing, cleaning, and loading data into FSVeg including the FSVeg Pre-load check and R1 Exams Pre-load Audit program.

Provided with Task Order and included in Contract Documents, Exhibits or Attachments Section, Exhibit 10.

R1 CSE/IM Field Guide, R1 CSE/IM Appendices, R1 CSE/IM Supplemental Appendices

R1 CSE/IM Field Guide, appendices, supplemental appendices.

Field-size paper copies may be provided at the Prework Conference.

Electronic version, or URL for electronic version, will be provided at the Prework Conference.

R1 Exams Pre-load Audit program

Program that checks electronic data for errors before loading into FSVeg.

Provided at the Prework Conference (compatible with Microsoft Office Professional).

Exam Level, Sample Design, and INVM information (if applicable)

All information that is indicated in Table 1.2 is clearly articulated within Task Order.

Provided in Task Order. Any clarifying information is provided at the Prework Conference.

Plot Layout diagram Information about how the plot is laid out, indicating how various populations are sampled, where transects are located, etc.

Provided in the protocols/Task Order if applicable.

Item Description Where, When, How Provided if Included R1 CSE or IM Exams Template file for protocols specified in the Task Order.

Exams software Template file(s) with default attributes set and most common sample design used.

CSE and IM installation

– template file contains default attributes. No Setting or Tree Form data provided in the template

IM remeasurement – contains default attributes and Setting, Plot, and Tree Form data from previous measurement. NOTE:

this is the case for most types of IM exams however, for Task Order Specified IM exams, whose protocols are based on the R1 IM Field Guide, the protocols will dictate what data from the previous measurement is included in the Exams Template File.

Provided at the Prework Conference.

File naming conventions

Naming conventions for all Exams software datafiles and all other files that are to be electronically provided by the contractor will be specified.

If photos are required, electronic photo naming conventions will also be specified.

Provided at the Prework conference.

Paper field data collection forms

Data collection forms that can be used if unable to enter data directly into Exams software and any protocol/Task Order Specific forms.

Paper copies may be provided at Prework Conference. Electronic copies, or URL for electronic version, will be provided at the Prework Conference.

CSE Setting/Stand Narrative Form

CSE Setting/Stand Narrative Form used to provide detailed stand observations and narrative.

Electronic Copies rovided at the Prework Conference if required for a given Task Order, Contract Documents, Exhibits or Attachments Section Exhibit 17.

R1 IDIQ CSE/IM QC

Scoring Spreadsheet

Region 1 IDIQ CSE/IM Scoring spreadsheet *Inspection items to be included for each Task Order shall be defined by the COR (required attributes will vary for each Task Order depending on the protocol).

Example attached in Contract Documents, Exhibits or Attachments Section, Exhibit 11. Provided with Task Order.

List of Settings to inventory (Setting List)

Spreasheet containing stand/plot ids, number of plots, location, county, acres, etc

Provided with Task Order.

Contractor Setting Tracking Spreadsheet

Excel spreadsheet containing a list of the settings that are being inventoried and keeps track of the data life cycle for each setting.

Attached in Contract Documents, Exhibits or Attachments Section, Exhibit 8. Provided with Task Order.

Field Guide to Diseases and Insect Pests of Northern & Central Rocky Mountain Conifers (2003)

Insect and disease identification by Susan K. Hagle, Scott Tunnock and Kenneth E. Gibson

One or two copies provided at the Prework Conference, if needed.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb51886 54.pdf

Yale Key or other necessary keys

Used to access roads behind locked gates

Provided at Prework Conference if needed.

Fuel Model/Fuel Photo Series Guide(s)

Provides photos and descriptions of common fuel models if required by individual Task Order.

One or two copies could be provided at the Prework Conference, if applicable.

Additional R1 Field Protocol(s), and any appropriate field guides

Provides field procedures, guides, protocols and field data collection forms specific to the individual Task Order.

One or two copies may provided at the Prework Conference if applicable.

Habitat Type guides/ manuals, R1 FSVeg plant list, Forest sensitive species list/field guide, State Specific Noxious weed lists/field guides etc.

Plant identification guides/ relevant habitat manual, and any pertinent plant lists (e.g., sensitive species and/or State noxious weed list) required by an individual Task Order.

Applicable guides and version numbers will be specified in individual Task Orders. One or two hard copies could be provided at the Prework Conference.

Camp Management Plan/Use of Premises Permit

Outlines guidelines and expectations for camping on National Forest System lands and includes a permit to occupy National Forest System lands in excess of time limits imposed in standard orders. Forest specific camping restrictions/closures and/or orders are to be discussed at the Prework Conference.

Attached in Contract Documents, Exhibits or Attachments Section, Exhibit 13. Provided at the Prework Conference, if applicable.

Item Description Where, When, How Provided if Included Aluminum tree tags, three-inch aluminum nails, and plot stakes

All items needed to monument plot location centers as well as reference points for full plot installation of intensified grid plots and/or IM inventory data collection.

Provided at the Prework Conference’ if applicable. Flagging tape may also be provided by the COR if indicated in Task Order.

Data from prior measurement necessary to relocate, or remeasure plot data.

For IM remeasurements: all necessary data from previous measurement including copies of data collection forms (electronic), travel directions, information on navigating to the setting, etc.

One copy provided at the Prework Conference if required by Task Order.

All MVUM maps, aerial photos (if provided), field guides and other Government-furnished items shall be returned to the Government upon completion of the contract or upon request of the Contracting Officer (CO).

Failure to do so may result in charges for damages or replacement.

3.2. Government Furnished Services

At the beginning of the contract, the following will apply:

(1) At the Contractor’s request, the Government will provide review on the inspection procedures regarding quality assurance. This quality assurance assessment review will be performed on one plot.

(2) At the Contractor’s request, the Government will accompany the Contractor on one plot to review data collection procedures.

(3) At the Contractor’s request, the Government will review the Exams data entry software.

4. CONTRACTOR WORK REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS

4.1 Access

The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining all necessary permission to gain access to sample locations. If the Contractor cannot obtain permission to access a sample location, the Contractor must notify the Government in writing.

Accessibility may be determined from maps which will be furnished by the U.S. Forest Service. Contractor shall be responsible for adhering to the U.S. Forest Service travel management plans, including yearlong or seasonal closures to motor vehicles, unless authorization is obtained from the appropriate National Forest prior to data collection. Maps and photos may indicate that a road goes to the setting; however, vehicle access may be difficult or restricted.

Most roads are typically accessible between the months of May through October, though high clearance vehicles may be necessary on some roads. A four-wheel drive, high clearance vehicle is recommended. The Government assumes no responsibility to maintain roads in a passable condition. Depending on the project location some settings may be located in inventoried roadless, wilderness areas, or special protection areas which may only be accessed by foot travel or non-mechanized means. Access to the settings may include short or very long walk-ins. The cost to access sample areas is the complete responsibility of the Contractor. Some roads or trails may have been closed after the government provided maps were published. Maps of the sample locations are available from the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) so that estimated walk-in distance can be calculated for a given Task Order.

For roads and trails not designated for public motorized access Forests may, in writing, grant limited use authorizations upon request of the Contractor. Requested use is limited to short term use for the purpose of accessing areas to be surveyed under this contract. All requests for motorized travel of closed roads by the Contractor must be submitted in writing to the COR. Requests shall specifically identify roads needed for access and the periods of time when access is needed. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to adhere to any National Forest specific closures or orders that pertain to access. Access will be discussed in individual Task Orders.

Gates in the contract area may be locked. A double lock system may be provided for gates where contractor access has been authorized or the Contractor may be issued a Yale key. The Contractor will be responsible to ensure that gates remain closed and locked at all times. No access to Contractor or employees will be allowed behind locked gates after specified periods of work. Contractor shall adjust work schedule to take closure times into consideration. Any misuse of gates may constitute loss of privileges.

For intensified grid installation and FIA burned plot remeasurement protocols any setting/plot deemed inaccessible in the field due to safety concerns, (e.g. dangerous cliffs, impassable terrain, etc.), or permanent ice and snow, should be documented via a UTM/Latitude/Longitude acquired at a location as near to the setting/plot as can safely be accessed, and by photographic evidence of hazards. Inaccessible settings/plots may be inspected by the Government to verify inaccessibility during block inspection, if the Government so chooses. If a setting/plot is deemed accessible, by a reasonable and safe effort, the Contractor will be required to return and sample the setting, or forfeit pay for that setting/plot. Payment for uninspected inaccessible plots will be negotiated on a case by case basis.

4.1.2. Camping

Any camping on USFS lands must be implemented in a manner that will protect the environmental resources and the public facilities, and shall be performed in a manner consistent with the requirements of the individual Task Order, and this contract including but not limited to the requirements in the Special Contract Requirements Section, FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference Section, and the Contract Documents, Exhibits or Attachments Section (Exhibits 13-15). It is also the Contractor’s responsibility to adhere to any National Forest specific closures, orders or camping restrictions that pertain to camping on National Forest System Lands including but not limited to the R1 Regional Closure Order and Camping Restrictions, Exhibit 18 in the Contract Documents, Exhibits or Attachments Section. The contractor must receive written approval prior to camping behind a closed gate. The contractor shall operate the camp in a manner that will protect the environmental resources and the public facilities. The written camping plan shall be provided within ten (10) calendar days prior to the start of work for a given Task Order, specifying exact locations and dates, as well as identifying the locked gates they plan to camp behind.

4.1.3. Resource Protection Conditions

Contractors are expected to respond to sensitive resource conditions, i.e. walk to plots when road conditions are poor/wet. Additional seasonal restrictions could be specified on a Task Order basis.

4.1.4. Work Plan and Production Schedule

The Contractor shall prepare a Work Plan and Production Schedule for each Task Order as described in Section

1.5 Work Plan and Production Schedule and a general plan to be submitted with the technical proposal of this solicitation. The Contractor shall maintain the rate of progress given in their Work Plan and Production Schedule which will assure completion of work within the calendar time specified in the period of performance stated in each individual Task Order.

4.1.5. Quality Control Plan

The Contractor shall prepare a Quality Control Plan as described in Section 1.1 Quality Control Plan. The Quality Control Plan is required to be submitted with the technical proposal of this solicitation. A supplementary plan will also be submitted for each Task Order after the issuance of the Task Order prior to the Prework conference. The Contractor shall inspect the work in accordance with the accepted Quality Control Plan.

4.1.6. Safety Plan and Safe Working Conditions

A general Safety Plan is required for submittal with the technical proposal of this soliciation, and also a project specific Safety Plan based on the work discussed in Exhibit 19 Contract Documents, Exhibits or Attachments Section. A job specific Safety Plan is required after contract award prior to the Prework conference for each Task Order unless otherwise specified in the individual Task Order. For more information on the requirements of the Safety Plan, see Safety Plan Section.

Safety will be discussed at the Prework conference. If the Contractor brings a safety hazard to the attention of the COR, the COR/CO and Contractor must find resolution. Examples of options for resolution include, suspension with contract time, moving to another area until the hazard (as in the case of wildfire) has ceased etc.

4.2. Technical Specifications

Qualifications - The success of this field inventory is dependent primarily on the Contractor's professionalism and expertise. It is required that the Contractor's staff meet certain standards. Minimum technical qualifications are specifically defined as follows:

(1) Each crew should have a crew leader with undergraduate courses in mensuration, tree identification, plant identification, silviculture, and ecology and 3 months prior experience collecting data for Forest inventory or vegetation classification. Knowledge of U.S. Forest Service Region 1 CSE/IM protocols is preferred.

(2) Other crew members should have undergraduate courses in mensuration and tree identification.

(3) Additional qualifications, such as higher levels of botanical expertise, may be required in specific Task Orders.

Specific technical experience may be substituted for a given educational requirement.

The Contractor shall designate a crew leader for each crew. The crew leader shall be the individual responsible for ensuring all measurements are taken in accordance with the stated accuracy standards. When work performance of a crew is deficient, the Contractor shall correct the deficiencies before proceeding with any new work.

The Contractor, by signing this solicitation, agrees to use only personnel meeting these qualifications for performance of the work specified herein. The Government reserves the right to make determinations of employees' qualifications and any employee who does not meet the above described qualifications may be requested to leave the worksite with resubmission of any data supplied by that employee.

4.2.1. Plot Location and Establishment for R1 Inventory Protocols

Table 4.2.1.1. Determining Number of Plots and Location of Plots Within a Setting

(a) Plot Establishment For all plots the plot center is defined as that point where the stake enters the ground. This point or the plum line extension of this point shall be used for all distance measurements. See Table 4.2.1.2 for stake specifications.

(b) Monumentation and Flagging Plot monumentation will follow guidelines provided in specified protocols/Task Order. See Table 4.2.1.2 for general Monumentation specifications, by protocol.

Task Method Description CSE

CSE

OG

INVM

INVM

Rem

INT

INT

Rem

FMR LID

Determine number of plots within a setting

Not applicable to protocols

Plot sampling intensity will be specified in the individual task order if applicable.

No fewer plots than the indicated number of plots in the Task Order will be acceptable unless approved by the COR.

X X X X

Number of plots per setting is provided

Number of plots for each setting is provided in Task Order. No fewer plots than the indicated number of plots in the Task Order will be acceptable unless approved by the COR.

X X X X

Contractor is responsible for determining number of plots

Number of plots per setting is determined based on the specified confidence level and sampling error for attributes specified in the Task Order.

X X X

Location of plots

Plot locations predetermine d

Number and coordinates for plots in each setting are provided in Task Order.

Contractor shall navigate to predetermined plot locations. Except for FMR, actual plot coordinates are acquired and recorded on the Plot Form.

X X X X X X X X

Number of plots provided but plot locations are not predeter-mined

Contractor shall distribute plots through the stand on a systematic, or random, unbiased basis, as specified in Task Order. Actual plot locations are acquired and recorded in the Plot Form.

X X X

Table 4.2.1.2. Monumentation Specifications Monumen-tation Type

Description CSE

CSE

OG

INVM

INVM

Rem

INT

INT

Rem

FMR LID

Point of Departure

Identification of where crew leaves road and navigation to a plot begins. One flag will be tied at eye level, hanging from a highly visible branch, along the road. Flagging will be at least 12 inches long after tying unless otherwise specified. Stand id, plot number that is being navigated to, and azimuth and distance is written with a waterproof marking pen.

X X Task Order Specified

Task Order Specified

Task Order Specified

Task Order Specified

Task Order Specified

Task Order Specified

Temporary Plot Center Stake

Sturdy stick at least 12 inches tall wrapped with flagging

X X Task Order specified

Task Order specified

X

Permanent Plot Center Stake

Bent aluminum stake wrapped with flagging

Task Order specified

Task Order specified

X Replace, if needed

Temp Replace Only

Flagging Plot Center

Two flags will be tied near plot center, at eye level, in a highly visible manner.

Flagging will be at least 12 inches long after tying unless otherwise specified. One flag will be marked in waterproof marking pen showing the following information: stand id and plot number unless otherwise specified.

X X X X X X X X

Reference Point

Tagged with silver racetrack tags (see protocol) and aluminum nail at DBH if tree

Task Order specified

Task Order specified

X Replace, if needed

X and Y Trees

Tagged with silver racetrack tags (see protocol) and aluminum nail at DBH if tree

Task Order specified

Task Order specified

X Replace, if needed

Tree Nails Aluminum nail at DBH with the tree number written on the nail head in pencil or waterproof marking pen.

Task Order specified

Task Order specified

X Replace, if needed, or New

Transect End Points

Transect end points will be marked with a sturdy stick wrapped with flagging.

Flagging at eye level at the transect end points may be required depending on the individual Task Order.

Task Order specified

Task Order specified

Task Order specified

Task Order specified

X X X

Course Woody Material (1000 hr.

fuels) collected on transect

Each piece of course woody material will be marked where it intersects with the transect using a paint pen or timber crayon to indicate where the diameter measurement was taken.

Task Order specified

Task Order specified

Task Order specified

Task Order specified

X X X

Flagging shall be used to facilitate locating of plots in order to aid inspection. Flagging shall be provided by contractor. The COR and Contractor will jointly select the type and color of flagging to be used prior to the commencement of work unless specified in the protocol or Task Order.

For INT and FMR protocols, monumentation of plots located in wilderness, will be minimized in order to create low visual impact. See additional specifications in R1 Intensified Grid Field Procedures in Contract Documents, Exhibits or Attachments Section, Exhibit 7 and Mid-Cycle Remeasurement of FIA Plots in Contract Documents, Exhibits or Attachments Section, Exhibit 6.

(d) Plot Layout See the R1 CSE/IM Field Guide, and/or the individual protocol/Task Order for detailed plot layout information.

4.3. Data Collection Specifications

4.3.1. Data Collection Specifications for all R1 Protocols

All protocols included in this contract are listed in Table 1.2 which are based on R1 CSE/IM Field Guide, R1 CSE/IM Appendices, R1 CSE/IM Supplemental Appendices, (Contract Documents, Exhibits or Attachments Section, Exhibits 1, 2, and 3). These documents provide the attribute definitions, data collection techniques, and measurement tolerances. The allowable range of measurement, or classification error, is termed the “tolerance”.

(1) For CSE, OG, INVM, LID, and FMR, data attribute tolerance limits are indicated in the R1 CSE/IM Field Guide and in Appendix T of the R1 CSE/IM Field Guide Appendices (Contract Documents, Exhibits or Attachments Section, Exhibit 2), unless otherwise specified in specific protocols/Task Orders.

(2) For INT, data attribute tolerance limits are indicated in the R1 Intensified Grid Field Procedures for each attribute and Appendix C of the R1 Intensified Grid Field Procedures Protocol (Contract Documents, Exhibits or Attachments Section, Exhibit 7).

The Contractor shall measure and record data for each setting and complete the forms specified for data collection, as indicated by the Exam Level, in each Task Order. All settings will have a Setting, Sample Design, Plot Form, and Tree Data Form. Optional forms are the Vegetation Composition, Ground Surface Cover, and Down Woody Material Form. All data will be collected in accordance with the R1 CSE/IM Field Guide and protocols listed in Table 1.2.

(1) Setting Form. The Contractor shall complete one Setting Form for each setting with the technical specifications and methods outlined in the specified protocol/Task Order and R1 CSE/IM Field Guide, Section 2: Setting Form – Intensive/Extensive Exam Levels and Section 9: Setting Form – Quick Plot Exam Level in Contract Documents, Exhibits or Attachments Section, Exhibit 1.

a. Each protocol/Task Order specifies data attributes required to be filled-out on the electronic CSE Setting Form. The contractor shall be responsible for collecting and filling out the Setting Form for all required attributes that are specified to be collected in a given Task Order. Non-required attributes shall be left blank.

b. Contractor Setting Tracking Spreadsheet (Contract Documents, Exhibits or Attachments Section, Exhibit 8) must be filled out electronically and submitted for each setting in the Task Order.

c. CSE Setting/ Stand Narrative Form (Contract Documents, Exhibits or Attachments Section, Exhibit 17): paper form used to record Point of Departure description, traverse information, stand sketch and narrative including various stand observations when required by the protocol or Task Order. A stand sketch may include drawing a two-dimensional sketch of the stand shape and boundaries similar to the work map with plot placement and any notable characteristics such as topographic features, root rot areas, disease outbreaks, noxious weeds, archeological sites, etc. A stand narrative including observations about the stand’s characteristics and evaluations that prove important to the stand's management may also be required.

Additional observations that may be required in the CSE Setting/ Stand Narrative Form may include, but are not limited to the following and will be specified in the individual Task Order:

i. BAF/FRQ factor used to select large and understory trees to sample on the plot.

ii. Overstory description and structure: Describe species by species composition, height classes, DBH range, age classes (for plots where ages were not taken, an estimated age for main canopy layer should be covered in narrative), trees per acre, distribution (clumpy, uniform, scattered), damage agents and general condition.

iii. Understory description: same as above Overstory description, with the addition of % coverage of understory trees throughout the stand, and tree vigor (ability to release).

iv. Site Characteristics including: Soil depth, hydro activity (such as intermittent streams, slumps and marshes), rock, topography, inhibiting brush/grass species or logging equipment constraints.

v. Old growth characteristics: Describe canopy stories, presence of older large DBH trees and snags, decadence.

vi. Wildlife use: Identify pellet groups, evidence of browse, active game trails, nesting snags, big game species, non-game species, birds, and birds of prey.

vii. Vegetation, habitat type and sensitive plants: Describe specific vegetation, its height and distribution. Identify any changes in habitat type such as micro-sites, aspect changes or transition zones. Be specific as to what is influencing specific habitat type changes. Identify sensitive plant species or noxious weeds as specified in the individual task order if encountered anywhere in the stand and mark their location on stand work maps.

viii. Down wood and snags: Describe the down woody component (high, medium, low amounts), size class and distribution (even, clumpy).

ix. Previous management activities: Has logging, thinning, roads, wildfire, prescribed fire, cattle-use or other anthropogenic disturbances occurred in the stand.

x. Required items not found in the stand shall be documented in the stand narrative. For example, no wildlife sign is observed. Write: No evidence of wildlife use in this stand.

xi. Personal comments / management insights (optional).

xii. Protocol/Task Order may list additional attribute(s) to make note of.

Table 4.3.1 Setting Form Minimum Required Attributes by Protocol

R1 CSE/IM

Field Guide Attribute number

Attribute Data Source CSE CSE OG INVM* INT* FMR* LID

2.1 Project Name Government X X X X X X

2.2 Proclaimed Region Government X X X X X X

2.3 Proclaimed Forest Number Government X X X X X X

2.4 District Government X X X X X X

2.5 Location Government X X X X X X

2.6 Stand Number Government X X X X X X

2.7 Owner Government X X X X

2.8 State Government X X X X

2.9 County Government X X X X

2.10 Administrative Forest Government X X X X X X

2.11 Date Contractor X X X X X X

2.12 Photo ID Government

2.13 Examination Level Government X X X X X X

2.14 Exam Purpose Government X X X X X X

2.16 Existing Veg Reference Government

2.17 Existing Veg Composition Type Contractor

2.18 Potential Vegetation Reference Government X X X X X

2.19 Potential Vegetation (Habitat Type) Contractor X X X X X

2.20 Structure Contractor

2.21 Setting Capable Growing Area Contractor X X X

R1 CSE/IM

Field Guide Attribute number

Attribute Data Source CSE CSE OG INVM* INT* FMR* LID

2.22 Setting Fuel Model Contractor

2.23 Setting Elevation Contractor X X X X X X

2.24 Setting Aspect Contractor X X X X X

2.25 Setting Slope Contractor X X X X X

2.26 Setting Slope Position Contractor

2.27 Acres Government X X X

2.28 Examiner Contractor X X X X X X

2.29 Precision Protocol Government X X X X X X

2.30 Radial Growth Interval Government X X

2.32 Height Growth Interval Government X X

2.33 Fuel Photo Reference Government

2.34 Setting User Code Government or Contractor May be Task Order Specified X X X

2.35 Datum Government X X X X X X

2.36 Magnetic Declination Government Task Order

Specified

X X X

2.37 Measurement Number Government X X X

2.38 Setting Remarks Contractor X X

2.39 Setting Damage Category Contractor X X

2.40 Setting Damage Agent Contractor X X

2.41 Setting Damage Severity Contractor X X

2.42 Species of Management Interest Contractor

*During measurement of INVM Rem, INT Rem, and FMR, many data attributes, collected during prior measurement are provided and checked for accuracy but generally not updated if within tolerance. See individual protocols for more detailed information.

(1) Sample Design Form. The Sample Design Form contains information about how each subpopulation of interest is selected for sampling and describes the type of plots to be installed, such as fixed area or variable radius plots or a transect. Detailed information on the Sample Design Form is found in R1 CSE/IM Field Guide, Section 3: Sample Design Form – All Exam Levels in Contract Documents, Exhibits or Attachments Section, Exhibit 1.

a. The Sample Design will be indicated in the protocol or Task Order. Unless specified in the Task Order, the same sample design will be used for all settings.

b. The contractor shall use the Sample Design form for all plots within a setting.

c. Tolerances for the Sample Design Form are found in Appendix T of the Region 1

CSE/IM Field Guide Appendices and in Contract Documents, Exhibits or Attachments Section, Exhibit 2 of this contract.

d. Depending on the Task Order, BAF may be used for determining which large-trees to sample. The BAF may be predetermined or required to be selected by the contractor; this information will be provided in the Task Order.

For Task Orders where the contractor is to determine the BAF factor, an average minimum number of live trees per plot, must be obtained on the variable-radius plot as specified in the individual Task Order.

For each setting, if the BAF is modified, from what is provided in the Exams software template file, the Contractor shall edit the Setting Sample Design Form, Expansion Factor field for all tree sub-populations sampled with the modified BAF for the setting.

Additionally, the BAF factor used must be recorded on the Contractor Setting Form in Contract Documents, Exhibits or Attachments Section, Exhibit 12 and the paper CSE Setting/Stand Narrative Form (if required by the Task Order) Exhibit 17 in the Contract Documents, Exhibits or Attachments Section.

(2) Plot Form. The Contractor shall collect plot data in accordance with the technical specifications and methods outlined in the R1 CSE/IM Field Guide Section 4: Plot Data Form – All Exam Levels in Contract Documents, Exhibits or Attachments Section, Exhibit 1, or Section 4 of the R1 Protocols.

a. Individual Task Orders will specify which attributes are required to be collected…