12048923R0009 - CRE Thin and Pile Solicitation.pdf

Issuing Office:

Special Operations Center Northwest Division

This solicitation can be downloaded at https://www.sam.gov.

Offers Are Solicited For:

CRE Thin & Pile

Solicitation: 12048923R0009

IMPORTANT – NOTICE TO ALL PROSPECTIVE OFFERORS

Proposals shall be emailed to the Contracting Specialist, at Ebonee Lister Ebonee.Lister@usda.gov, by 1400 hours, Central Time, 4/28/2023.

As part of its proposal, the Offeror shall complete/submit the following:

(a) SF 1449, Blocks 17a, 30a-30c;

(b) Fill in the appropriate information requested in Section B.1, Schedule of Items;

(c) Provide your responses to Sections E.3 Instructions to Offerors; and,

(d) Contact information for an individual with the authority to bind.

(e) Questions can be submitted via email until 4/24/2023 @ 1400 Central Time. Answers to questions will be submitted to SAM.gov as an amendment.

Quotes that arrive after the prescribed time for receipt of quotes will be considered late and treated in accordance with FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items.

It is the Offeror’s responsibility to monitor the following website for any changes to the RFP:

https://www.sam.gov.

Quotes submitted in response to the solicitation shall honor the offer for 60 days.

This solicitation neither commits the Government to pay any cost incurred in the submission of the offer or in making necessary studies or designs for preparing the offer, nor to contract for services or supplies. Any cost incurred in anticipation of a contract shall be at the Quoter’s own risk.

Quotes may contact the Contracting Specialist, Ebonee Lister at Ebonee.Lister@usda.gov.

https://www.sam.gov/ https://www.beta.sam.gov/ mailto:Ebonee.Lister@usda.gov https://www.sam.gov/ https://www.beta.sam.gov/ mailto:Ebonee.Lister@usda.gov

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION A – 1449 PG. 1

SECTION B – SCHEDULE OF ITEMS/ DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS PG. 2

B.1 SCHEDULE OF ITEMS/PRICE SCHEDULE PG. 2

B.2 SCOPE OF WORK/STATEMENT OF WORK PG. 7

B.3 EMPLOYMENT OF ELIGIBLE WORKERS PG. 27

SECTION C – CONTRACT CLAUSES PG. 32

C.1 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS – COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIALS SERVICES. FAR 52.212-4 PG. 32

C.2 ADDENDUM TO FAR. FAR 52.212-4(G) INVOICES PG. 38

C.3 CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCES.

FAR 52.252-2 PG. 38

C.4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT

STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS – COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES. FAR 52.212-5 PG. 39

C.5 AUTHORIZED DEVIATIONS IN CLAUSES. FAR 52.252-6 PG. 46

C.6 MODIFICATION FOR CONTRACT CLOSEOUT. FAR 452.204-70 PG. 47

SECTION D – ATTACHMENTS PG. 48

ATTACHMENT D.1 UNIT MAPS PG. 49

ATTACHMENT D.2 VICINITY MAP PG. 87

ATTACHMENT D.3 DETAILED UNIT DATA SHEET PG. 88

ATTACHMENT D.4 EQUIPMENT CLEANING FORM PG. 94

ATTACHMENT D.5 FIRE PLAN PG. 95

ATTACHMENT D.6 WAGE DETERMINATION PG. 102

SECTION E – SOLICITATION PROVISIONS PG. 109

E.1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE.

FAR 52.252-1 PG. 109

E.2 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS – COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES. FAR 52.212-1 PG. 109

E.3 EVALUATION – COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL

SERVICES. FAR 52.212-2 PG. 113

E.4 AUTHORZIED DEVIATIONS IN PROVISIONS. FAR 52.252-2 PG. 113

E.5 REPRESENTTIONS & CERTIFICATIONS 52.212-1 PG. 114

E.6 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES

OR EQUIPMENT. FAR 52.204-24 PG. 114

E.7 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS –

COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES. FAR 52.212-3 PG. 115

SEE ADDENDUMIS CHECKED

CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

FACILITYCODE

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

OFFEROR

04L4 CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

X

115310

SIZE STANDARD:

100.00 % FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED OR0489

RFPIFB

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

RFQ

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NAICS:

SMALL BUSINESS

04/28/2023 1400 CT

04/19/2023

EBONEE LISTER

(No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

FOR SOLICITATION 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIMEb. TELEPHONE NUMBERa. NAME

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

12048923R0009

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

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

1 11091957OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

CRESCENT OR 97733

136471 HIGHWAY 97 NORTH

CRESCENT RANGER DIST

USDA FOREST SVC

15. DELIVER TO

WASHINGTON DC 20250-0001

1400 INDEPENDENCE AVE SW MS-1138

SPOC NORTHWEST

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$11.5

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

ISSUE DATE

DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

11.

SEE SCHEDULEX

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

USDA FOREST SERVICE

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

See section B schedule of items.

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

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

X

XX

DATED

VICKI L. KEEN

. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5),

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER

ARE

ARE

31c. DATE SIGNED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

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

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

SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

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

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

OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT:

REF.

All invoices are to be submitted via the electronic Invoice Processing Platform. This is a mandatory requirement initiated by the U.S. Department of Treasury and you can find more information at this website https://www.ipp.gov/index.htm.

SECTION A -1449 1 of 134

SECTION B – SCHEDULE OF ITEMS/DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS

B.1 SCHEDULE OF ITEMS/PRICE SCHEDULE

Schedule of Items (June 1, 2023 - November 30, 2025)

PCT and Bucking

Item Service Quantity Unit of Issue Unit Price Total Price

0001AA Grits 3 15 EA AC $ $

0001AB Marten 35 46 EA AC $ $

0001AC Oliver PCT 1 9 EA AC $ $

0001AD Oliver PCT 2 9 EA AC $ $

0001AE Ringo #2 14 6 EA AC $ $

0001AF Ringo #2 14 8 EA AC $ $

0001AG Stormy LP Salvage 45 21 EA AC $ $

0001AH Stormy PCT 1 5 EA AC $ $

0001AI Stormy PCT 2 10 EA AC $ $

0001AJ Stormy PCT 3 46 EA AC $ $

0001AK Unclaimed LP Salvage 10 245 EA AC $ $

0001AL Windsock LP Salvage 42 37 EA AC $ $

0001AM ULD Roadside Haz Unit 1 17 EA AC $ $

0001AN ULD Roadside Haz Unit 2 11 EA AC $ $

0001AO ULD Roadside Haz Unit 3 3 EA AC $ $

0001AP ULD Roadside Haz Unit 4 17 EA AC $ $

0001AQ ULD Roadside Haz Unit 5 7 EA AC $ $

0001AR ULD Roadside Haz Unit 6 22 EA AC $ $

0001AS ULD Roadside Haz Unit 7 9 EA AC $ $

0001AT ULD Roadside Haz Unit 8 8 EA AC $ $

0001AU ULD Roadside Haz Unit 9 7 EA AC $ $

0001AV ULD Roadside Haz Unit 10 20 EA AC $ $

0001AW ULD Roadside Haz Unit 11 13 EA AC $ $

0001AX ULD Roadside Haz Unit 12 6 EA AC $ $

0001AY ULD Roadside Haz Unit 13 5 EA AC $ $

0001AZ ULD Roadside Haz Unit 14 30 EA AC $ $

0001BA ULD Roadside Haz Unit 15 66 EA AC $ $

0001AB

B

ULD Roadside Haz Unit 17 31 EA AC $ $

0001BC ULD Roadside Haz Unit 18 31 EA AC $ $

0001BD ULD Roadside Haz Unit 20 63 EA AC $ $

0001BE ULD Roadside Haz Unit 21 2 EA AC $ $

0001BF ULD Roadside Haz Unit 22 32 EA AC $ $

0001BG ULD Roadside Haz Unit 23 25 EA AC $ $

0001BH ULD Roadside Haz Unit 24 15 EA AC $ $

0001BI ULD Roadside Haz Unit 26 20 EA AC $ $

0001BJ ULD Roadside Haz Unit 27 40 EA AC $ $

0001BK ULD Roadside Haz Unit 28 50 EA AC $ $

0001BL Rosedale 1 51 EA AC $ $

Total

Grapple Piling

0002AA Marten 35 46 EA AC $ $

0002AB Oliver PCT 2 9 EA AC $ $

0002AC Ringo #2 14 6 EA AC $ $

0002AD Ringo #3 15 8 EA AC $ $

0002AE Stormy LP Salvage 45 21 EA AC $ $

0002AF Stormy PCT 1 5 EA AC $ $

0002AG Stormy PCT 2 10 EA AC $ $

0002AH Stormy PCT 3 46 EA AC $ $

0002AI Unclaimed LP Salvage 10 245 EA AC $ $

0002AJ Windsock LP Salvage 42 37 EA AC $ $

Hand Piling

0003AA Grits 3 15 EA AC $ $

0003AB Rosedale 1 9 EA AC $ $

0003AC ULD Roadside Haz Unit 1 17 EA AC $ $

0003AD ULD Roadside Haz Unit 2 11 EA AC $ $

0003AE ULD Roadside Haz Unit 3 3 EA AC $ $

0003AF ULD Roadside Haz Unit 4 17 EA AC $ $

0003AG ULD Roadside Haz Unit 5 7 EA AC $ $

0003AH ULD Roadside Haz Unit 6 22 EA AC $ $

0003AI ULD Roadside Haz Unit 7 9 EA AC $ $

0003AJ ULD Roadside Haz Unit 8 8 EA AC $ $

0003AK ULD Roadside Haz Unit 9 7 EA AC $ $

0003AL ULD Roadside Haz Unit 10 20 EA AC $ $

0003AM ULD Roadside Haz Unit 11 13 EA AC $ $

0003AN ULD Roadside Haz Unit 12 6 EA AC $ $

0003AO ULD Roadside Haz Unit 13 5 EA AC $ $

0003AP ULD Roadside Haz Unit 14 30 EA AC $ $

0003AQ ULD Roadside Haz Unit 15 66 EA AC $ $

0003AR ULD Roadside Haz Unit 17 31 EA AC $ $

0003AS ULD Roadside Haz Unit 18 31 EA AC $ $

0003AT ULD Roadside Haz Unit 20 63 EA AC $ $

0003AU ULD Roadside Haz Unit 21 2 EA AC $ $

0003AV ULD Roadside Haz Unit 22 32 EA AC $ $

0003AW ULD Roadside Haz Unit 23 25 EA AC $ $

0003AX ULD Roadside Haz Unit 24 15 EA AC $ $

0003AY ULD Roadside Haz Unit 26 20 EA AC $ $

0003AZ ULD Roadside Haz Unit 27 40 EA AC $ $

0003BA ULD Roadside Haz Unit 28 50 EA AC $ $

0003BB Rosedale 1 51 EA AC $ $

Pruning

0004AA ULD Roadside Haz Unit 1 17 EA AC $ $

0004AB ULD Roadside Haz Unit 2 11 EA AC $ $

0004AC ULD Roadside Haz Unit 3 3 EA AC $ $

0004AD ULD Roadside Haz Unit 4 17 EA AC $ $

0004AE ULD Roadside Haz Unit 5 7 EA AC $ $

0004AF ULD Roadside Haz Unit 6 22 EA AC $ $

0004AG ULD Roadside Haz Unit 7 9 EA AC $ $

0004AH ULD Roadside Haz Unit 8 8 EA AC $ $

0004AI ULD Roadside Haz Unit 9 7 EA AC $ $

0004AJ ULD Roadside Haz Unit 10 20 EA AC $ $

0004AK ULD Roadside Haz Unit 11 13 EA AC $ $

0004AL ULD Roadside Haz Unit 12 6 EA AC $ $

0004AM ULD Roadside Haz Unit 13 5 EA AC $ $

0004AN ULD Roadside Haz Unit 14 30 EA AC $ $

0004AO ULD Roadside Haz Unit 15 66 EA AC $ $

0004AP ULD Roadside Haz Unit 17 31 EA AC $ $

0004AQ ULD Roadside Haz Unit 18 31 EA AC $ $

0004AS ULD Roadside Haz Unit 20 63 EA AC $ $

0004AT ULD Roadside Haz Unit 21 2 EA AC $ $

0004AU ULD Roadside Haz Unit 22 32 EA AC $ $

0004AV ULD Roadside Haz Unit 23 25 EA AC $ $

0004AW ULD Roadside Haz Unit 24 15 EA AC $ $

0004AX ULD Roadside Haz Unit 26 20 EA AC $ $

0004AY ULD Roadside Haz Unit 27 40 EA AC $ $

0004AZ ULD Roadside Haz Unit 28 50 EA AC $ $

0004BA Rosedale 1 51 EA AC $ $

Flush Cut Stumps

0005AA Rosedale 1 51 EA AC $ $

B.2 STATEMENT OF WORK

Scope of Contract

This contract requires services for 1,058 acres of tree thinning and bucking, and 433 acres of grapple piling, 625 acres of hand piling, 601 acres of pruning, and 51 acres of flush cut stumps within thirty-eight (38) units, on the Crescent Ranger district, Deschutes National Forest as part of a Fuels Reduction program.

The treatment shall result in a desired fuels reduction with minimum damage to reserve trees and soil. This treatment shall include pre-commercial thinning, pruning, and bucking, and excavator machine piling and hand piling of preexisting commercial thinning slash, pre-commercial thinning and pruning slash and natural slash, and flush cut stumps. Contractor shall furnish a machine as specified and an operator with sufficient skill and experience to perform the work as specified.

Period of Performance

June 1, 2023 – November 30, 2025

Location and Description

Location Work areas are located within the Deschutes National Forest, on the Crescent Ranger District.

The vicinity and unit project maps show the general locations. Roads shown on the unit maps indicate access to units only and are not to suggest the roads are open.

Access The project areas may be reached by the forest roads suitable for hauling of heavy equipment during the normal operating season. The Forest Service assumes no obligation to plow snow or to perform special maintenance to keep roads open. It is the Contractor's obligation to verify and get approval from the Forest Service on travel routes. Motor vehicles shall not operate off system roads without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer. Inaccessibility due to snow, fallen trees, slides, or washouts on roads may or may not be corrected at the option of the Government.

Boundaries The boundaries, other than for easily identified ground features shown on the contract maps, have been plainly marked by the Forest Service as follows:

Unit boundaries will be flagged with ORANGE flagging.

Special Management Areas (SMA’s) such as wildlife leave areas are no cut boundaries that will be flagged with BLUE and WHITE STRIPED flagging, by the Contractor, only within the units specified on the Detailed Unit Data Sheet.

Thin Only Areas will be flagged with pink and black stripped flagging and designated on the map. These areas can be thinned in, but cannot be piled in. The material is to be carried, NOT dragged, out of the area to be piled elsewhere in the unit.

There may be portions of other lines or boundaries in the area. These may be marked with different flagging, aluminum tags, different posters, or a combination of flagging, tags, and posters. The Contractor should disregard these. Only boundaries marked as described above shall be used.

Contractor Obligations

Contractor shall furnish all equipment, Polyethylene Film Plastic for covering of hand piles, labor, supervision, transportation, materials, tools, supplies, and incidentals necessary to perform the described work according to the specifications.

Contractor shall provide operators who have sufficient skill and experience to perform the work properly, safely, and in accordance with the specifications.

Contractor shall provide one (1) supervising only Foreman who is able to understand and adhere to the terms and conditions of the contract.

Crews shall work a treatment unit as a single work force. Detaching or splitting one or more crewmembers or being separated or scattered in different parts of the same treatment unit, or in between units will not be permitted.

The Contractor, at his/her expense shall restore damaged property back to its original condition.

The Contractor shall furnish and place warning signs on each end of individual units that are adjacent to main travel routes. Minimum size for the sign(s) shall be two (2) feet by two (2) feet.

The Contractor shall furnish and place warning signs on each end of system trails that are within or adjacent to the unit being worked on. Minimum size for the sign(s) shall be two (2) feet by two

(2) feet.

Control of Work/Operating Restrictions

Grapple piling equipment shall operate on existing skid trails whenever possible. If an area cannot be reached from an existing skid trail, the operator shall make a pass up through the area treating the area on both sides and to the rear of the machine as it progresses. Machine traffic off designated logging trails would be limited in extent. Grapple machines would only be allowed to make no more than two (2) equipment passes on any site-specific area between main skid trails or away from log landings to accumulate materials.

All piling must occur within six (6) months of the unit being cut. Unless Contractor gets written approval from the COR.

In the event that any cultural resources or archaeological sites are discovered during operations, work will be suspended in the immediate vicinity of the site(s) until a reconnaissance survey is completed by the Forest Archaeologist. Contractor shall protect all known and identified historic or prehistoric sites against destruction, obliteration, removal, or damage during contract.

Contractor shall bear costs of restoration, provided such payment shall not relieve Contractor from civil or criminal remedies otherwise provided by law. Wheeled or track-laying equipment shall not be operated within such areas and trees will not be felled into such areas.

Wildlife Restraints: If other raptorial or unique birds are found nesting in the area, specific restrictions will be followed. Restrictions will occur if: threatened and endangered species, proposed threatened and endangered species, or sensitive plants are found within the area.

Road closures will apply to all contract areas.

Project work may be done at any time during the effective period of the contract, except for the following conditions:

Industrial Fire Precautions Level prevents work from proceeding. Reference, "Fire Protection and Suppression". R6-FS-6300-52, 53, and 54 contained herein.

Seasonal operating restrictions for any threatened, endangered, or sensitive species discovered during operations of this contract. Reference the Detailed Unit Data Sheets, for restrictions on individual units.

Seasonal operating restrictions will apply to units that have access routes on designated snowmobile trails from Dec 1 through March 31st. Waivers shall be requested prior to December 1st if possible.

Snow depth exceeds six (6) inches on ground.

Pritority Treatment of Units

The Government shall determine the order in which units will be treated to take best advantage of weather and elevation conditions or other circumstances.

Protection of Resources

The Contractor shall be responsible for any damage caused by their personnel and/or equipment to existing structural improvements such as fences, property line monuments, bearing trees, road surfaces, roadblocks, drainage structures, water developments, etc., as a result of contract activities. The Contractor, at his/her expense, shall restore damaged property back to its original condition in a timely manner.

The Contractor shall repair any damage to waterbars, system roads and trails, fences, or other improvements caused by the Contractor’s operations. Repair(s) shall be to the original condition of the structure or improvement. Slash piles shall be located at least 15 feet away from fences and 30 feet from system trails.

Road closure structures (logs, earth berms, etc.) may be removed by the Contractor, upon approval by the Contracting Officer, to gain access to units. The Contractor shall repair to their original condition any such road closure structures.

The Contractor shall protect all survey monuments, witness corners, bearing trees, reference points, and property boundaries. Should any of these be damaged, obliterated, or destroyed by the Contractor’s actions, the Contractor shall be responsible for reestablishing the survey monuments/accessories and boundaries through the hire of the appropriate county or other registered land surveyor.

Noxious Weed Control

In order to prevent the potential spread of noxious weeds onto the Deschutes National Forest, the Contractor shall be required to furnish the Forest Service with proof of weed-free equipment.

Noxious weeds are defined as any exotic plant species established or that may be introduced in the State, which may render the land unfit for agriculture, forestry, livestock, wildlife, or other beneficial uses and which is designated by the Oregon Department of Agriculture or the Crook, Deschutes, Wheeler, or Grant County Weed Board or by other appropriate agencies having jurisdiction.

All equipment and vehicles to be used at the job site shall be cleaned and certified free of noxious weeds and their seeds prior to entrance onto the National Forest. The restriction shall include equipment and vehicles intended for off-road use, as well as on road use, whether they are owned, leased, or borrowed by the Contractor or subcontractor.

Cleaning shall consist of the removal of all dirt, grease, debris, and materials that may harbor noxious weeds and their seeds. This may require the use of a pressure hose. Cleaning shall occur off Federal lands. Use the Equipment Cleaning Inspection/Verification Form to document cleaning.

Equipment, materials and vehicles shall be visually inspected by a Contracting Officers Representative and certified in writing to be reasonably clean and weed free. Inspections will take place at a location designated by the COR in advance of equipment and material arrival.

Equipment and vehicles are expected to proceed directly to the job site following the inspection.

Materials to be used on the project will be delivered to the project after inspection and approval.

Certification shall remain valid for each identified piece of equipment or vehicle only for the duration of the specified project and only as long as the vehicle or equipment remains at the job site. Equipment and vehicles (excepting passenger vehicles - this includes pickups and vans) that leave the job site will need to be recertified as weed free before they are allowed to return to the job site or re-enter the National Forest.

Grapple Piling – Equipment Specifications

All equipment utilized during contractors operations shall be of durable design and construction to withstand the stresses of natural obstructions within the forestlands such as rocks, stumps, roots, slash, dust and the general unevenness of uncultivated land. The grapple pile machine shall have the proper OSHA standards of FOPS (Falling Object Protection System), ROPS (Rollover Protection System), and OPS (Operator Protection System).

Grapple piling machine shall be equipped with a bucket and thumb attachment or grapple that shall be able to reach a minimum of 15 feet, measured from the center pin. Machine with attachment(s) shall not exert more than seven (7) pounds per square inch ground pressure. The grapple piling machine(s) must be able to work on slopes of 35% or greater.

Grappling Piling Prevention of Oil Spills

If Contractor maintains storage facilities for oil or oil products in the BPA Call area, Contractor shall take appropriate preventive measures to ensure that any spill of such oil or oil products does not enter any stream or other waters of the United States or any of the individual States.

If the total oil or oil products storage exceeds 1,320 gallons in containers of 55 gallons or greater, Contractor shall prepare a Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures Plan. Such plan shall meet applicable EPA requirements (40 CFR 112), including certification by a registered professional engineer.

Contractor shall notify Contracting Officer and appropriate agencies of all reportable (40 CFR

110) spills of oil or oil products on or in the vicinity of BPA Call area that are caused by Contractor’s employees, agents, Contractors, Subcontractors, or their employees or agents, directly or indirectly, as a result of Contractor’s Operations. Contractor will take whatever initial action may be safely accomplished to contain all spills.

Contractor shall carry a spill diaper or other absorbent/containment device on the grapple machine to contain any leaking or spilled oil or oil products, should such event occur.

Grapple Piling – Hazardous Substance

Contractor shall notify the National Response Center (National Response Center (1-800-424- 8802; in Washington, DC 202-267-2675; the fax number is 202-267-1322). and Contracting Officer of all releases of reportable quantities of hazardous substances on or in the vicinity of contract area that are caused by Contractor’s employees, agents, Subcontractors or their employees or agents, directly or indirectly, as a result of Contractor’s Operations, in accordance with 40 CFR 306.

Grapple Piling – Prevention and Control of Soil Damage and Erosion

During performance of BPA Call work, the Contractor shall take precautions to minimize damage to the soil and vegetation including, but not limited to:

Equipment shall not be permitted to cross meadows, stream channels, or other non-work areas designated by the Contracting Officer's Representative except at designated places.

Water bars in skid trails, fire lines, spur roads, and other places, disturbed by the Contractor, shall be repaired as directed by the Contracting Officer's Representative.

To avoid such damage, the Forest Service may suspend operations in whole or in part for such periods as are necessary.

Damage attributable to the Contractor's operation shall be repaired immediately by the Contractor to prevent accelerated erosion or soil damage.

Thinning – Selection of Leave Trees

The Contractor shall select leave trees, except the Government may mark individual leave trees with orange paint or yellow metal tags. The Government may also mark leave areas with blue and white flagging within the unit boundaries. No trees shall be cut inside the leave areas that have been identified with blue and white flagging.

Desirable leave tree characteristics: Trees that are desirable to be leave trees have the following characteristics:

• Straight stem

• Small branch diameter

• Good coloration

• Well-formed crown

• Branches horizontal or slightly angled to bole

• Free of insect or disease damage and/or symptoms

• Vigorous annual terminal growth (especially in last 1 to 3 years)

• Crown class of dominant or co-dominant

• Crown ratio is 40% or larger.

Characteristics of trees that are NOT desirable for leave trees:

• Multiple tops

• Poor crown form

• Crook or seep in bole

• Dead or broken tops

• Poor coloration

• Large branch diameter

• Presence of insect or diseases

• Branches more than 45 degrees from horizontal

• Physical or mechanical damage

• Suppressed

• Poor annual growth

• Sucker limbs

The Contractor shall select leave trees in the following priorities:

Leave all conifer trees that exceed maximum DBH cut limit specified on the Detailed Unit Data Sheet. These trees shall be used to maintain average spacing unless otherwise specified.

Select on the basis of the preferred species listed on the Detailed Unit Data Sheet.

Select leave trees from healthy undamaged conifers as necessary to achieve average spacing specified on the Detailed Unit Data Sheet. Spacing may be varied plus or minus 50 percent to select the most desirable tree. However, spacing control, using the original guides, shall be maintained whenever possible. When needed for spacing, trees with minor mistletoe damage or minor damage may be selected if no other healthy dominant or co-dominant tree is available.

Thinning – Cutting Methods

Minimum Cut Height: Cut only trees one (1) foot or taller.

Stump Height: All trees other than leave trees shall be cut below the lowest live limb, except when prevented by natural obstacles, in which case live limbs below the cutting point, including those limbs that originated from below the natural ground line, shall be removed. Trees shall be completely severed from the stump. Stump height shall be six (6) inches or less measured from the uphill side of the tree or four (4) inches above natural obstacles. Stumps shall be cut at a 30-degree angle or less.

Flush Cut Stumps: For units with this pay item, all trees other than leave trees shall be cut below the lowest live limb, except when prevented by natural obstacles, in which case live limbs below the cutting point, including those limbs that originated from below the natural ground line, shall be removed. Trees shall be completely severed from the stump. Stump height shall be two (2) inches or less measured from the uphill side of the tree or four (4) inches above natural obstacles.

Stumps shall be cut at a 30-degree angle or less.

Felling: Cut trees shall be felled away from unit boundaries, roads, telephone lines, established trails, stock driveways, fire lines, established land corners, and other public and private improvements. Any tree falling on such areas shall be removed and treated as specified herein.

Removal of felled trees four (4) feet from roads shall be accomplished daily before the Contractor leaves the work area.

Removal of felled trees from trails, stock driveways, and all other areas of facilities shall be accomplished daily before the Contractor leaves the work area.

Hang-Ups: All hang-ups shall be pulled down to a height not to exceed four (4) feet.

Double-Trunk Trees: If needed for spacing, cut one trunk, leaving the most vigorous tree.

Road Cut Banks: In all units along road edges all trees less than seven (7) inches DBH and twelve (12) inches or more in height shall be cut and removed to the top of cut banks and/or four

(4) feet past the road edge or drop off.

Thinning – No Cut Leave Area

No-Cut Leave Areas shall be selected by the Contractor and left uncut in all units as identified on the Detailed Unit Data Sheet in accordance with the following:

Leave areas shall be greater than 200 feet from the edge of units, roads, and other leave areas.

Leave areas shall be placed around rock outcrops, snags, down logs, drainages, seeps and springs; or on north, northeast, or east aspects if possible.

Leave areas shall have a variety of tree spacing and canopy layers if possible.

Any leave area left in units after a timber harvest may be left as leave areas before selecting new leave areas. These areas may exceed five (5) acres.

Leave areas must be flagged with Government supplied white and blue striped flagging

Size of Leave Areas:

The total amount of acres needed for leave areas will be stated on the Detailed Unit Data Sheet. This total acreage of leave areas shall not be less than or greater than the total acres stated on the Detailed Unit Data Sheet; newly identified individual leave areas shall not exceed five (5) acres and must be at least one (1) acre large.

Thinning - Pruning Requirements

If pruning is included in the pay unit all leave trees regardless of size will be pruned to the specified height on the Detailed Unit Data Sheet; or 50% of the total tree height or up to 8 feet. The pruning height will be measured from the lowest part of the lowest remaining branch. All pruned branches will be pulled at least three (3) feet from base of tree and hand piled.

Removal of Live and Dead Limbs: All live and dead limbs shall be completely severed from the tree as close to the bole as possible without cutting into the branch collar. Leave approximately one-quarter inch of the branch beyond the branch collar.

All live and dead limbs must be severed so a s to leave a flat cut surface.

Thinning – Bucking and Slash Treatment

Slash remaining in the units shall be treated in accordance with the following:

In all units, slash shall be pulled four (4) feet into the unit, from the road edge, out of ditch lines, horse trails and off cut banks prior to piling, daily before the Contractor leaves the work area.

All slash with a diameter specified in the Detailed Unit Data Sheet that is preexisting slash and/or created slash must be bucked to the specified length in the Detailed Unit Data Sheet.

Units identified on the Detailed Unit Data Sheet will require hand piling and/or grapple piling.

Thinning - Specifications for Slash Hand Piling

All slash which is one-half inch to eight (8) or nine (9) inches in diameter in and at least one (1) foot or more in length shall be piled. See Detailed Unit Sheet. All slash that falls within the size specifications shall be piled. Slash is defined as all pre-commercial thinning slash, cut brush, and pruned limbs, produced during Contractor’s operation or slash produced in other ways by other means while unit is in Contractor's "care" (from the time order is signed until the work is paid for).

Material which does not fall within the size limits specified above may not be piled; however, attached limbs or tops which fall within the diameter and length limits shall be cut from the greater diameter material and piled.

All slash, including material from snags, that meets the piling requirements and vegetation that is required to be piled under this contract that originates in and falls or rolls outside of unit boundaries, shall be pulled back into the unit and piled and covered.

All piles shall be as compact as possible and free of dirt and garbage. Each pile shall include an area of small sized slash (small branches less than ¼ to ½ inch in diameter and/or small branches with needles attached) to encourage prompt fire ignition and aid in burning larger slash. These fuels may be placed at the bottom and middle of piles.

Height shall be no less than four (4) feet and no greater than six (6) feet, measured from the uphill side of the pile. Width shall not exceed six (6) feet. Any pieces of slash exceeding beyond the required width must be trimmed to a minimum of six (6) feet and placed in the pile.

All hand piles will be covered with Contractor supplied plastic that is at least four (4) millimeters thick and ten (10) feet wide. Plastic shall be applied to piles after piling 80 percent of total material in pile to provide the best protection from rain and snow for later ignition. The remaining 20 percent of material shall be placed on top of the plastic to secure the plastic.

All unused/cut plastic shall be carried out of the unit if no longer needed to cover piles.

If brush cutting is required, all slash from brush cutting must be placed within the hand piles. Cut material shall not be left on top of or leaning on leave trees.

When creating a hand piling spot, live brushy vegetation shall be cut if it makes the hand pile more compact, or aids access to slash and will create open areas for hand pile locations. Cut vegetation will be bucked into six (6) foot lengths or less.

Unless specifically approved by the Contracting Officer or COR, piles shall be located so that later burning will not damage standing green trees, reproduction and/or seedlings. This will mean at least five (5) feet from the drip line of any tree or equal distance between standing live trees, whichever is greater.

Piles shall not be placed on or adjacent to tree stumps, snags, or within eight (8) feet of preexisting downed logs. If conditions make it impractical to locate piles to avoid damage to live trees, a space shall be cleared, and all material shall be piled in the cleared area. Alternate piling sites must be approved by the COR.

Grapple Piling – Slash Treatment

Slash within the unit boundaries shall be piled except for that material specifically exempted as indicated herein. Quality standard shall be 90% of specified slash shall be piled.

Contractor shall excavator machine pile ALL existing slash two (2) inches in diameter at the small end and up to eight (8) or nine (9) inches in diameter at the small end as stated in the Detailed Unit Data Sheet. Contractor shall also buck any remaining slash that is to be piled into 10’ intervals or less.

In all units where such material is available, Contractor shall leave a total of three (3) un-utilized logs in Log Classes 2 and 3 per acre having a volume of at least 40 cubic feet. Example of logs containing 40 cubic feet, (160 bdf):

12 inches in diameter and larger and a minimum of 36 feet long

18 inches in diameter and larger and a minimum of 20 feet long

24 inches in diameter and larger and a minimum of 12 feet long

*DO NOT MOVE OR DISTURB FROM NATURAL BED - CLASS 4 AND

5 LOGS*

Grapple Pile – Location of Piles

Piles shall be located so that burning will not cause damage to standing trees. Unless otherwise approved, this will mean at least 10 feet from the crown or drip line of any tree or equidistant between standing live trees, whichever is greater.

Piles shall not be located in the bottom of draws which carry water during periods of surface runoff. The Government will determine the location of these draws.

Whenever possible, piles created by the Contractor shall be placed on an existing skid trail, log landing, temporary road or other previously disturbed site.

Piles shall not be located on any designated ATV, bicycle, hiking, horse, snowmobile, snowshoe and/or cross-country ski trail.

Grapple Pile – Construction and Size of Piles

All piles shall be compact and contain a minimal amount of soil. Height of the piles shall be no less than ten (10) feet tall, and the diameter of piles shall be no less than fifteen (15) feet wide as stated in the Detailed Unit Data Sheet.

All materials piled shall be so that it is compact and parallel. Piles that are loose and jackstrawn shall be reworked by the Contractor to ensure the piles can be burned (ignited and consumed) during wet.

Grapple Pile – Prevention of Damage to Residual Trees

Contractor shall be required to exercise care during operations to protect leave trees.

No damage is allowed on genetically superior trees.

A damaged leave tree will be considered as:

Pushed over or uprooted by the equipment or slash material being treated, causing the tree to lean more than ten (10) degrees from vertical.

Trees that are girdled so that the bark is removed and wood is exposed on one-quarter or more of the circumference of the bole.

Leave trees that have broken tops due to Contractor's operations.

A tree with lateral root damage either cut or exposed.

Live trees meeting the above damage criteria may be cut and treated the same as all other material upon Contracting Officer Representative’s (COR) approval. The exception being genetically superior trees, wildlife trees, and trees banded with orange paint. These trees shall not be cut if damaged.

The Contractor shall be liable to the Government for costs and damages incurred as a result of damaged leave trees, resulting from the Contractor's operations. Damage will be assessed based upon the following species values:

Damage to healthy advanced regeneration leave trees

Ponderosa Pine and White Fir $10.00 per tree Lodgepole Pine $5.00 per tree

Lodgepole Pine seed tree or shelterwood tree $50.00 per tree Species other than Lodgepole Pine seed tree or shelterwood tree $100.00 per tree

Damage to all other trees

Thinning – Inspection Procedures

The Contractor shall inspect his/her own work using the inspection procedures and pay percent formula presently contained herein. The Contractor's inspection results shall be turned into the Government within two (2) days after completion of each work unit. If the visual inspection of a sub-item is determined to be acceptable by the Government, neither the Contractor nor the Government will require a formal inspection.

Thinning units shall be inspected as follows:

The Contractor shall install self-inspection radius plots on each work unit in accordance with the following:

Number of acres Number of plots per acre 40 acres or less 1 plot per every 2 acres 41 acres to 99 acres 1 plot per every 3 acres 100 acres or more 1 plot per every 4 acres

Each unit, as designated on the attached maps and described on the Detailed Unit Data Sheet, shall be inspected as a separate unit and shall not be averaged with any other unit for acceptance or payment.

Inspection for work quality will involve inspection of a series of radius plots uniformly and unbiasedly distributed over each unit. Locate plots uniformly over the entire unit by using a compass and pacing.

Contractor's inspection results shall be final except as otherwise stated herein.

Each inspection plot will be marked with Government issued flagging at the plot center and clearly numbered with a permanent marker by the Inspector to agree with plot card.

Plot Inspection Card: A copy of the Plot Inspection Card is attached in the Attachments.

Fill in ALL of the heading information on the thinning inspection card. Refer to the Detailed Unit Data Sheet to determine the spacing for each sub-item and then refer to the table below to determine the range of leave trees per plot.

Lodgepole Pine wildlife tree or snag $100.00 per tree Species other than Lodgepole Pine wildlife tree or snag $500.00 per tree All species selected for "Genetically Superior” trees, absolutely no damage is permitted

$500.00 per tree

Specified Spacing

Specified Density

Plot Size

Plot Radius

Average trees per plot

Range Trees/Plot

20’X20’ 109 TPA 1/20th AC 26.3 ft. 5.5 5-6 18’X18’ 134 TPA 1/20th AC 26.3 ft. 6.7 6-7 16’X16’ 170 TPA 1/20th AC 26.3 ft. 8.5 8-9

In column 2 input the number of trees that were counted within the plot radius.

Satisfactory Trees are leave trees that have the tallest height, largest crown, and straightest stems, and have a good terminal and/or lateral leader with healthy buds, and are free of damage due to insects, disease, physical, or mechanical causes. In column 3 input the total number of trees that meet the specifications for a leave tree.

Excess Trees - Any additional conifers above the range of allowable trees per plot will be recorded as 0.50% deduction per tree. In column 4, input the total amount of deductions for any excess trees that are within the plot radius.

A tree will be determined to be deficient when a cut tree would have been more suitable as a leave tree while maintaining spacing requirements. This will be recorded as a 0.50% deduction per tree. Add the total amount of deductions for deficient trees within the plot radius and input the total into column 5.

Each stump exceeding the six (6) inch specification as stated on the Detailed Unit Data Sheet will receive a 0.25% deduction for each stump. Add the total amount of deductions for any stump heights not meeting specifications within the plot radius and input the total it into column 6.

Stump Cut- Stumps that are not completely severed and/or cut at a 30 degree angle or less will have a 0.25% deduction per stump. Add the total amount of deductions for each individual stump within the plot radius that was cut and not meeting specifications and input the total it into column 7.

Hang-ups - Any part of any slash suspended more than four (4) feet off the ground will be recorded as 1.0% deduction per slash. Add all of the deductions for any slash that is hung-up in the tree canopy within the plot radius and input the total into column 8.

Each stump that is within the plot radius and have low live limbs still attached will receive a 0.25% deduction per stump. Add all of the deductions and input the total into column 9.

Trees that were cut and exceed the DBH limit as specified on the Detailed Unit Data Sheet will receive a 1.5% deduction per tree. Add all of the deductions and input the total into column 10.

Bucking of Slash - Any part of any slash with six (6) inches in diameter or less, that is greater than six (6) feet in length within the plot radius, will be recorded as 0.25% deduction per hand pile if bucking is required on the Detailed Unit Data Sheet. Add all deductions for any slash that does not meet the specifications and record it in column 11.

14’X14’ 220 TPA 1/50th AC 16.7 ft. 4.4 4-5 11’X11’ 360 TPA 1/50th AC 16.7 ft. 7.2 7-8

Pruning height is specified on the Detailed Unit Data Sheet. Any trees that that do not meet the specifications within the plot radius will receive 0.50% deduction per tree.

Add all of the deductions and input the total in column 12.

Percent Quality: The starting total begins at 100% prior to measuring each individual plot. Once the plot has been measured for the deductions, total the amount of all of the deductions within the plot and subtract from 100% to determine the plot quality percentage. Input the plot quality percentage in column 13.

𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑃𝑃𝑄𝑄𝑃𝑃𝑄𝑄 = 100 − (𝑆𝑆𝑄𝑄𝑆𝑆 𝑃𝑃𝑜𝑜 𝐶𝐶𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑄𝑄𝑆𝑆𝐶𝐶 4 𝑃𝑃ℎ𝑟𝑟𝑃𝑃𝑄𝑄𝑟𝑟ℎ 12)

Deductions - The following deductions will be made on inspected trees within the unit:

Starting Total = 100 percent

*PLOT DEDUCTION EXAMPLE: 100% − .25% 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝑄𝑄𝐷𝐷𝑃𝑃𝑄𝑄𝑃𝑃𝐶𝐶 = 99.75% 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑃𝑃𝑄𝑄𝑃𝑃𝑄𝑄

Upon inspection of all plots for a unit, the quality of thinning shall be calculated as:

% 𝑇𝑇𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑄𝑄𝑃𝑃 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑃𝑃𝑄𝑄𝑃𝑃𝑄𝑄𝐷𝐷𝑄𝑄 ÷ 𝑇𝑇𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑄𝑄𝑃𝑃 𝑁𝑁𝑄𝑄𝑆𝑆𝑁𝑁𝐷𝐷𝑟𝑟 𝑃𝑃𝑜𝑜 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑄𝑄 𝑇𝑇𝑄𝑄𝑇𝑇𝐷𝐷𝐶𝐶 = 𝑇𝑇𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑄𝑄𝑃𝑃 𝐼𝐼𝐶𝐶𝑄𝑄𝑛𝑛𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝑃𝑃𝑄𝑄𝑃𝑃𝐶𝐶 %

*EXAMPLE: 450% 𝑇𝑇𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑄𝑄𝑃𝑃 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑃𝑃𝑄𝑄𝑃𝑃𝑄𝑄𝐷𝐷𝑄𝑄 ÷ 5 𝑇𝑇𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑄𝑄𝑃𝑃 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑄𝑄 𝑇𝑇𝑄𝑄𝑇𝑇𝐷𝐷𝐶𝐶 = 90%

Thinning – Government Verification Procedures

The Government will verify the Contractor's work with an identical inspection program equal to at least 1/5 the number of plots inspected by the Contractor and have 10 days to inspect. If the Government's pay percent computation is within five (5) percent of the Contractor's pay computation using the same formula, the Government will accept the Contractor's data for pay purposes. If the differences are greater than five (5) percent, the Government will use its inspection for pay purposes.

Thinning – Contactors Right to Challenge Government Verification

The Contractor may challenge the Government verification results in writing to the Contracting Officer. Prior to payment having been made, the Government must receive the written challenge for the work area in question.

If the Contractor challenges the Government verification results, the Government will inspect the entire area challenged in accordance with the Inspection Procedures

Excess tree = 0.50 deduction Deficient tree = 0.50 deduction Stump Height = 0.25 deduction for each error Stump Cut = 0.25 deduction for each error Hang-up = 1.0 deduction for each error Low live limbs = 0.25 deduction for each error Cutting of a tree with a DBH exceeding specified limitations = 1.50 deduction Bucking of Slash = 0.25 deduction for each error Pruning Height = 0.50 deduction for each error contained herein.

If the results of the Government's full inspection procedures are within plus or minus five (+/-5) percent of the Contractor's original inspection results, the Contractor's results will be used for pay purposes. The Contractor will not be liable for the costs of the inspection conducted by the Government.

If the results of the Government's full inspection procedures differ more than five (5) percent either higher or lower, the Government's inspection results will be used for pay purposes. The Contractor shall be liable for the costs of the inspection conducted by the Government.

Standard rounding rules will be used in determining percentage discussed in this section.

Thinning – Rework and Reinspection Afterwork

When final inspection results are below 85 percent and excess trees constitute any part of the deficiency, payment will not be made until the excess tree deficiency has been corrected. Re-inspection after rework will be made in the same manner as the first inspection but on different plot lines and within 5 days. The Contractor shall be liable for inspections resulting from rework requirements.

Thinning - Unsatisfactory

If the percentage of satisfactory thinning falls below 85 percent, the Contracting Officer will immediately notify the Contractor in writing and order him to improve the quality of his/her thinning. If the quality of future thinning is not raised above the 85 percent minimum acceptable standard within two (2) consecutive workdays after receipt of notice in writing of unsatisfactory thinning, the Contractor's right to proceed may be terminated and the contract considered in Default. Repeated failure to perform work at or above the 85 percent acceptable thinning level will also be considered reason for contract Termination and Default action.

Thinning – Government Inspection of Slash Treatment

Inspection of work areas will be accomplished by 100 percent visual inspection of each unit and will be based on adherence to the specifications. In the event visual inspection indicates unsatisfactory treatment is being accomplished, rework shall be required.

Grapple Pile – Government Unit Inspection Procedures – Visual

The COR, or a GTM, will make periodic inspections while work is in progress, usually daily at first, to assure work is proceeding satisfactorily. The Contractor shall notify the COR when units are completed and ready for inspection prior to his/her moving out of the general area. An inspection will be made within three (3) calendar days and the Contractor will be notified of any parts of the unit(s) requiring additional work or rework.

Each unit will be inspected as a separate unit. Units will not be averaged with other units for acceptance or payment.

The COR, or GTM, will determine compliance of contract specifications through informal, 100 percent visual inspections. In the event visual inspection indicates work to be in non-compliance with specifications, prompt corrective action and/ or rework shall be required.

Grapple Pile - Government Unit Inspection Procedures – Formal

In the event visual inspection indicates work and/or rework to be in non-compliance with specifications, a series of verification plots may be installed by the Government to determine compliance with specifications and percent of satisfactory work. The Contractor or a designated representative is encouraged to observe inspections while they are underway.

Each unit will be inspected as a separate unit. Units will not be averaged with other units for acceptance or payment.

Government verification plots will consist of a series of 1/20 or 1/50 acre plots, evenly distributed throughout treatment unit(s) so that the best representative sample is obtained.

The minimum number of verification plots, per treatment unit, shall be as follows:

Unit Acreage Min. No. of Plots

1 - 9 1 per acre 10 - 49 1 per 2 acres

50 + 1 per 3 acres

Verification plots shall be marked on the ground using flagging to indicate plot centers. Plots shall be consecutively numbered and dated to correlate with the inspection form.

Determination of acceptability of the work performed will be based on Government verification inspections and will be considered conclusive.

Grapple Pile and Thinning – Method of Payment

If either visual or formal inspections by the Government indicate work quality to be at least 90 percent or greater (before or after rework), the unit pay rate will be 100 percent.

The work listed in the Schedule of Items will be paid for at the acre rate for accepted acres.

Payment will be made only on completed and accepted unit(s).

The pay rate will be calculated by multiplying the unit price per acre by the number of completed and accepted acres.

If formal inspection by the Government determines work quality to be between 85 and 89 percent, the Contractor shall be paid the determined work quality percent of the bid rate.

Where quality for a unit falls below the minimum acceptable level of 85 percent, the Contractor shall be required to rework the area (unit) if the quality can in fact be improved.