b.final_solicitation.doc

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD

FORMCHECKBOX

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

Wallowa Whitman National Forest 1550 Dewey Avenue, Suite A Baker City, OR 97814

Same as Block 7

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations "offer" and "offeror" mean "bid" and "bidder".

SOLICITATION

(Hour)

(Date)

CAUTION - LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See Section L, Provision No. 52.214-7 or 52.215-1. All offers are subject to all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.

541-575-3333

FORMTEXT

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

NOTE: Item 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the provisions at 52.214-16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period.

period is inserted by the offeror) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item, delivered at the designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

(See Section I, Clause No. 52-232-8)

15A.

NAME AND ADDRESS

OF OFFEROR

CODE

OFFER (Type or Print)

15B. TELEPHONE NO. (Include area code and extension)

FORMCHECKBOX

18. OFFER DATE

AWARD (To be completed by Government)

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

FORMCHECKBOX

10 U.S.C. 2304 (c) (

FORMCHECKBOX

41 U.S.C. 253(c) (

PO Box 66527

St. Louis, MO 63133

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

IMPORTANT - Award will be made on this Form, or on Standard Form 26, or by other authorized official written notice.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

STANDARD FORM 33 (REV.9-97)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.214(c)

PART I—THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B--SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

PRICE

AMOUNT

MALHEUR NATIONAL FOREST TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGICAL UNIT INVENTORY

TASK ORDER 1(attached)

TOTAL ALL ITEMS

MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM CONTRACT AMOUNTS (FEB 1988)

During the period specified in FAR clause 52.216-18 ORDERING, the Government shall place orders totaling a minimum of * , but not in excess of $2,000,000.00.

Section C: Description/Specifications/Statement of Work

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

C.1

SCOPE OF CONTRACT

This solicitation will result in a Requirements, performance-based service contract spanning 5 years. The quantity shown in the Schedule of Services for Task Order 1is not a representation of the quantities that will be required or ordered, the Government cannot predetermine the precise quantities that will be ordered during the contract period. Task Orders will be completed and issued with Actual Quantities throughout the period. All delivery orders or task orders are subject to the terms and conditions of this contract. In the event of conflict between a delivery order or task order and this contract, the contract shall take precedence.

The purpose of this solicitation is to secure services for performing a Terrestrial Ecological Unit Inventory, (similar intensity to an Order III Soil Survey), an integrated, multi-resource inventory of soil, landform, vegetation and lithology, on lands within administrative boundaries of the Malheur National Forest or the Malheur Soil Survey Area. This solicitation includes the correlation and management of spatial and attributes data for previous TEUI on the Malheur National Forest.

The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, supplies (except those designated as Government furnished) and incidentals required to complete the project.

C.2

LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

The general area covered by this solicitation is shown on the attached vicinity, project area map. The work area is unmapped portions of National Cooperative Soil Survey area OR 626 (Malheur NF). The project area GIS files are available at the Malheur National Forest Supervisor's Office and will be provided to the successful offeror. Small areas that are not National Forest System lands within the Forest Administrative Boundary may be included. Wilderness areas are often excluded.

A.

Accessibility

Project areas may be reached by forest roads that are accessible by standard two-wheel drive vehicle (with snow tires and chains if needed) during normal operating season. Hiking will be necessary to, from and across work areas, and distances will vary within the project area. Walking distances will be considered incidental to the work and no additional payment will be made. The Government will not provide special maintenance or snowplowing to keep roads open. Spur roads are not maintained and are frequently blocked by earth barriers. Blocked roads and skid trails are not opened to vehicle travel, but trail bikes and 4-wheelers may be used where allowed by the District and Forest. It is the responsibility of the contractor to obtain road closure information from Districts and follow road closure restrictions.

B.

Boundary

The project boundary is not marked on the ground, but is delineated on a map of Soil Surveys Areas of the National Cooperative Soil Survey, maintained by the NRCS, as indicated above. Where the Survey Area boundary differs from the Malheur National Forest administrative boundary, the operational boundary for mapping purposes will be agreed to by the cooperators (FS, NRCS, and contractor).

C.

Topography

Topography in the project area ranges from gently sloping plateaus to very steep mountain slopes and canyon walls. Elevations range from 3,000 to 9,000 feet. Coniferous forest and non-forested land occupy the area.

C.3

LIABILITY

The Contractor shall assume all risk of loss or damage to equipment and injury to employees and shall hold and save the Government and its employees harmless from liabilities of any nature or kind resulting from performance of this contract, except for negligent acts of Government employees.

C.4

DEFINITION OF TERMS

A.

Contracting Officer (CO) - The person executing this contact on behalf of the Government, including any duly appointed successor and authorized representative of the Contracting Officer acting within the limits of his/her authority.

B.

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

C.5

WORK STANDARDS

Data to be Collected, Recorded or Mapped

Terrestrial Ecological Unit Inventory

The ecological unit inventory is expected to provide a relational (spatial and attribute) database of sufficient detail to adequately plan land management activities and practices, and to project the effects of those activities on long-term ecosystem capacity and function. This ecological inventory will be conducted within the guidelines and standards written in Forest Service Terrestrial Ecological Unit Inventory Technical Guide: Landscape and Land Unit Scales (GTR WO-68). Soils shall be mapped, correlated and classified according to standards and procedures of the National Cooperative Soil Survey as defined and described in National Soil Survey Handbook, Soil Survey Manual, Keys to Soil Taxonomy (current edition), Field Book for Describing and Sampling Soils (current version) and Pacific Northwest MLRA Soil Survey Region One - Technical Notes. Mapping, digitizing and soil survey information shall meet NCSS standards for SSURGO certification. The CO shall approve exceptions to guidelines, standards, and protocols for this inventory.

The contractor shall provide products that meet the standards in the manuals and handbooks, and the following additional standards.

1.

Map Unit Design

Map units shall be designed to recognize natural, recurring segments of the landscape. Map unit boundaries represent where change occurs in the mosaic of landscape processes, function or capacity. The kind and proportionate extent of ecological types (map unit components) shall describe each map unit. Ecological types shall be differentiated by differences in soil, lithology, landform, potential natural vegetation or climate (either singly or in combination) that indicate a different capacity, constraint or hazard, or require a different set of management prescriptions. Mapping shall be based on enough observations to determine the ecological unit-landscape relationships and to confirm predictions of occurrence established from these relationships.

The occurrence of small areas of a contrasting ecological type may be of great importance for assessing the effects of human activities on landscape capacity and function. Although this inventory will not be of an intensity that will provide detailed site-specific information, most of the important ecological types shall be identified by delineation of small contrasting areas or by recognizing them as minor components in map units. Map units shall be correlated to the current Blue Mountain legend.

2.

Mapping Intensity

Most of the area shall be mapped at intensity similar to that of an Order 3 soil survey. Fluvial valley floors and wetlands shall be mapped in greater detail. Areas designated by the Contracting Officer to be mapped in greater detail shall not exceed three percent of the total area.

Aerial photographs, topographic maps or other three-dimension visualization tools at an approximate scale of 1:24,000 shall be used to delineate map units and visually estimate map unit composition at Order 3. Areas mapped in greater detail shall use 1:12,000 scale visualization tools. Delineations shall be transferred to electronic coverage using on-screen digitizing. Photo-interpretation shall be validated by field observation consisting of transects, traverses and selected points. The levels of mapping intensity are described in the following:

a.

Order 3 Mapping Intensity

1. Placement of map unit boundaries and estimates of map unit composition shall be verified and corrected by direct field determination of soils, landform, lithology and potential vegetation consisting of either a transect, traverse or single-point observation in at least 50 percent of the delineations of each map unit;

2. Areas with contrasting ecological types shall be delineated if greater than 18 acres in size;

3. Proportionate extent of major components and contrasting minor components shall be estimated to within 5 percent of map unit composition;

4. Proportionate extent of map unit components in any single delineation shall be within 20 percent of the stated proportionate extent for the map unit; and

5. Correct ecological type and characteristics that differentiate it from other types in the map unit shall be determined at 20 or more randomly selected points (e.g. 2 ten point transects) for each map unit.

b.

Fluvial Area Mapping Intensity

Fluvial valley floors, that have drainages with Order II, III, or IV streams and wetland areas, shall be mapped at a scale of 1:12,000 where practical.

1. Placement of map unit boundaries and estimates of map unit composition shall be verified and corrected by direct field determination of soils, landform, lithology, vegetation and Rosgen stream classification consisting of either a transect, traverse or single observation in at least 50 percent of the delineations of each map unit;

2. Areas with contrasting ecological types shall be delineated and small areas with special importance to use and management shall be delineated where greater than six acres;

3. Proportionate extent of major components and contrasting minor components shall be estimated to within 5 percent of map unit composition;

4. Proportionate extent of map unit components in any single delineation shall be within 15 percent of the stated proportionate extent for the map unit;

5. Correct ecological type and characteristics that differentiate it from other types in the map unit shall be determined at 20 or more randomly selected points (e.g. 2 ten point transects) for each map unit.

Classification and Correlation

Classification of ecological types is based on the kinds or classes of soil, vegetation, lithology, landform and climate that characterize it.

Vegetation

Sufficient information shall be collected to correlate vegetation with the soil, lithology and landform; to determine the ecological type (i.e. map unit component).

Existing vegetation species and percent cover by species, key indicator species, and correct plant association shall be determined and recorded for each complete pedon location. Plant association and indicator species shall be recorded at transect stops and where other notes or soil observations are made.

Data needed to determine the appropriate plant association include existing vegetation - all species by layer (overstory, shrub, herb and grass), percent cover of each species, micro-position, elevation, aspect, slope, soil parent material, location, disturbance, disturbance type and seral class and age. These data shall be collected for (1) the modal site of each ecological type or phase of an ecological type, and (2) a total of three sites for each ecological type.

Vegetation data shall use the current list of taxonomy and nomenclature of symbols in the PLANTS (or equivalent) database.

Plant associations shall be classified and correlated according to the following plant association guides:

Plant Associations of the Blue and Ochoco Mountains, Johnson and Clausnitzer, 1991

Plant Associations of the Wallowa-Snake Province, Johnson and Simon, 1987

Mid-Montane Wetland Plant Associations of the Malheur, Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests, Crowe and Clausnitzer, 1997

Soils

To the extent practicable, soil map unit components shall be classified to soil series and phases of series that reflect use and management. Phases of higher categories in Soil Taxonomy may be used when determined by the Contracting Officer Representative to be the best alternative. The preference is to represent a family or subgroup unit with a representative series. Soils with properties that straddle a boundary between taxonomic classes, but with differences that are insignificant for practical application of the data, are considered similar soils. Soil map unit components shall represent real differences in soil characteristics and function.

Soil classification and correlation of taxonomic units shall be based on an adequate number of soil descriptions. Soil descriptions include information from complete pedon descriptions and from field notes (partial pedon description) taken at transect stops, traverse stops, or other observation points selected to record specific soil characteristics. Specific minimum standards for the number of soil descriptions for this survey are: one (1) complete pedon description supported by additional field notes for each different map unit component (e.g. phase of a series) (These descriptions are included with those required to describe a taxonomic unit or to establish an official soil series); and six (6) complete pedon descriptions supported by additional field notes to propose a soil as a new official soil series or higher taxon.

a.

A modal pedon shall be identified for each soil taxon that is a major map unit component.

b.

A small sample of each horizon of each modal pedon shall be collected and placed in boxes and trays and labeled. These samples shall be delivered to the COR as soon as is practical but no later than the start of the next field season.

c.

Each soil description site shall be accurately located using a GPS to determine UTM coordinates.

Soil pedon descriptions shall include observed, measured or estimated primary soil properties (e.g. percent clay, organic carbon, moist bulk density) for the pedon and for individual horizons. Descriptions of modal pedons and pedons sampled for laboratory analyses shall be entered into NASIS. The range in the value for each of the primary soil properties, based on actual representative pedon descriptions, shall be determined for each kind of soil. The range in value shall be tailored to fit within limits of the soil class as defined in Soil Taxonomy.

Secondary soil properties (e.g. available water capacity, erodibility factor, saturated hydraulic conductivity), estimated from the primary properties, shall be estimated using approved tables or nomographs, or determined from direct measurement.

The location of all pedon descriptions transects, and field notes shall be geo-referenced and entered in the pedon database.

3.

Lithology and Surficial Material

The correct lithology shall be determined for each map unit or map unit component. The bedrock type shall be determined from available geology maps, aerial photograph interpretation and verified in the field by traversing and transecting. Bedrock types that relate to significant differences in geomorphic or hydrologic processes, or limitations to management activities shall be recognized

The surficial material (regolith), origin of parent material, and mode of deposition shall be determined for each map unit component. The surficial material shall be determined by field recognition during traversing and transecting. If more than one type of material occurs within one map unit, the proportionate extent of each type shall be estimated and then entered as attribute data in the relational database. Surficial materials that relate to significant differences in pedologic, geomorphic or hydrologic processes, or to different capacity or limitations to management activities shall be recognized.

4.

Landform

Landforms shall be recognized based on differences in geomorphic process and on differences in potentials and limitations for management activities. Landforms shall be interpreted from aerial photography and verified by field identification during traversing and transecting. Landform shall be determined at the same intensity as the map unit components and shall be used to describe the occurrence of ecological types. Landforms shall be described using terms in the "Glossary of Landform and Geological Terms (NSSH, section 629). The landform name may include multiple terms in ascending order as is appropriate and necessary (e.g. low terraces, valley floor, U-shaped valleys, mountains). Position in the landform shall be described in terms of slope position, slope gradient, aspect, elevation, micro-topography, shape and drainage pattern.

C.

Soil Investigations

Soil investigations include the collection of reference soil samples and of complete soil pedons for laboratory analyses. Soil investigations shall be conducted according to standards and procedures described in Soil Survey Investigations Report 1. All sampled pedons shall be accurately located using a GPS to determine UTM coordinates and the coordinates recorded in the pedon description. Descriptions of pedons, sampled for laboratory analyses shall be entered in NASIS – PEDON or current format.

The contractor shall recommend soils to be sampled to the COR. Small (one quart) samples shall be collected from selected soil horizons to answer specific questions on soil properties and classification. Complete pedons (all horizons) shall be sampled to characterize soil series or higher taxa.

The contractor shall prepare pits for full pedon sampling and participate in the field sampling. Contractor shall collect small reference samples of modal pedons. Samples shall be delivered to a central depository identified by the COR for storage or laboratory analyses.

D.

Quality Assurance

A quality assurance program shall be implemented to ensure the mapping, correlation and documentation meet the standards specified. Quality is controlled by procedures used to produce the maps, map unit descriptions, soil descriptions, soil properties and relational database; and by established progressive correlation procedures to review and examine the survey products. Quality is assured by measuring the correctness or accuracy and precision of the survey products for a selected sample of the population. Field scientists (contractor in this case) perform the first level of quality control. They shall make determinations in the field that result in correct identification and description of ecological types, accurate delineation and designation of map units and diligent documentation.

A Progress Field Review and Field Assistance visit shall be conducted as needed to evaluate and provide for quality assurance of the survey. During the progress review, representatives from the cooperating agencies will assist in examining mapping and documentation for accuracy, completeness and quality standards. Map units, soil pedons, landform, lithology and vegetation plots will be examined in the field for correctness, completeness and correlation. Corrective actions needed to correct or complete the survey products will be written in the field review reports.

The contractor shall provide descriptions of ecological units, ecological types, map identification legend, classification legend, and specific items that need to be reviewed to the COR 30 days prior to the date of the review. The contractor shall prepare soil pits prior to the review and accompany the review team during the review. The area visited during the review and ecological units reviewed will be selected by agreement between the COR and contractor.

Field assistance visits will be scheduled as needed to address specific field mapping concerns or to assist in preparation of inventory products.

E.

Documentation

Documentation for this survey shall be recorded in the National Soil Information System (NASIS). Pedon descriptions shall be recorded in NASIS. A Data Map Unit shall be populated for each map unit. Documentation including spatial information, text narratives and tabular attributes shall be digitized or entered into text files or data management systems as currently as is practical during the course of the survey. Spatial data include the lines that delineate map units and locations of points or transects where soil data have been collected. Attribute data include soil descriptions, soil classification, map unit component names, map unit symbols and names, map unit composition, estimated soil properties, laboratory measured soil properties, potential natural vegetation plant list and production, and transect information. Documentation recorded in text form shall include narrative segments of official soil series descriptions, narrative parts of taxonomic unit descriptions, relational descriptive information in map unit descriptions, and a description of the survey area.

The contractor shall manage all data, legends and other required documentation in electronic text files, spreadsheets of relational database and populate data in NASIS. Spatial data shall be digitized on-screen using software that is agency compatible and approved by the CO. Spatial data shall be joined with adjacent soil surveys and shall meet NCSS standards and SSURGO certification. The contractor shall correct errors to the spatial data.

C.6

PROJECT DELIVERABLES

The items listed below shall be submitted in hardcopy or electronically as indicated.

Map unit identification legend. Updated on agreed schedule. (Electronic spreadsheet or NASIS)

Classification table of all soils in the survey area. (Electronic spreadsheet or database)

A correlation key or table that lists the soil, plant community, lithology, landform and climate for each ecological type and that conveys mapping concepts; updated annually (Electronic spreadsheet or database)

Field pedon descriptions (photo copy)

Field notes including transect, traverse stops and map unit concepts (photo copy)

F.

Soil pedon descriptions populated in NASIS (Electronic database)

G.

Draft Official Series Description (OSED) in approved format (Electronic text file)

H.

Taxonomic unit descriptions (Electronic text file)

I.

Data Map Unit summary forms prepared for NASIS data entry (photo copy)

J.

Data Map Units populated in NASIS (Electronic database)

K.

Box samples of each modal pedon; labeled.

L.

In cooperation with the COR, prepare and participate in field reviews as needed M.

In cooperation with the COR, prepare and participate in sampling for laboratory analyses N. Shapefiles or geodatabases showing the mapping, and showing transect stops, traverse stops, selected points, and pedon locations.

Section D: Packaging and Marking For this solicitation, there are no clauses for this section.

Section E: Inspection and Acceptance E.1

FAR 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): www.arnet.gov/far/

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

E.2 CONTRACTOR QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEM

The Contractor shall identify the quality control inspection system it will use to ensure that contract specifications will be achieved. At no time shall the contractor rely upon Government inspections to provide notification of unsatisfactory performance. The Contractor shall produce written inspection records in a format and at times and places satisfactory to the Contracting Officer. Inspection records shall be made available upon request of the Contracting Officer and be maintained until the date of contract closure. The Contracting Officer may observe the Contractor's inspection at any time and shall otherwise have unlimited access to the inspection data.

E.3 GOVERNMENT QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN

The Government will conduct quality assurance inspections through field inspections and review of deliverables. Digitized mapping, attribute data, and pedon descriptions will be reviewed and evaluated by the COR or Government inspector and others (usually FS or NRCS Correlator) as needed to verify data and classifications. Government review of Contractor submittals will be completed within 60 days unless weather conditions preclude necessary site visits. All work shall meet the following:

Digitization & mapping

Descriptions

E.4

ACCEPTANCE

Authority for final acceptance under the contract lies with the Contracting Officer. Final acceptance occurs when the Contracting Officer formally notifies the Contractor in writing.

E.5 FINAL CLEANUP

Before final acceptance, all areas occupied by the Contractor in connection with the work shall be cleaned of all Contractor's rubbish, excess materials, temporary structures, and equipment, and all parts of the work area shall be left in a neat and presentable condition.

Section F: Deliveries or Performance

F.1 FAR 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): www.arnet.gov/far/

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

F.2 CONTRACT TIME

Contract time will be specific on each individual task order issued.

Section G: Contract Administration Data

G.1 452.215-73 POSTAWARD CONFERENCE. (NOV 1996)

A post award conference with the successful offeror is required. It will be scheduled and held within 30 days after the date of contract award. The conference will be held at Malheur National Forest Supervisor’s Office John Day, OR.

G.2 MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT

The unit of measure and payment will be as described in the Payment Schedule below. Accepted quantities will be paid as provided and will constitute full compensation for furnishing all equipment, labor, supervision, supplies, transportation, and incidentals.

Payment will be made at the price listed in the schedule of items for work completed and accepted.

Payment Rate Completion and acceptance must be made on all items before final payment will be processed. Payment for these items will be made as follows:

2. Corporate database population (per day)

G.3 QUANTITY REMEASUREMENT

The Contractor may, in writing, at any time after award, request remeasurement of the unit under this contract if Contractor feels that the acreage stated on the project map does not accurately reflect project acres.

G.4 CONTRACT RELEASE

When submitting final payment, Contractor shall provide a signed and dated contract release that includes the following information: "In consideration of receipt of final payment in the amount of $__________ Contractor hereby releases the United States of America from any and all obligations arising under this contract and any modifications thereof except as reserved herein. Reservations:______________"

G.5 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

The Government will provide the following item(s) of Government property to the Contractor for use in the performance of this contract. This property shall be used and maintained by the Contractor in accordance with the provisions of the "Government Property" FAR clause contained elsewhere in the contract.

A. The Government will furnish the Contractor with the following listed materials.

GIS processing software permissions under FS license. Use is restricted to Forest Service projects.

Plant Association guides (one copy)

Forest Service fireman's map (one set)

Recreation map (paper copy)

5.

NAIP, upon request, if available

6. .jpg files of ~2001 aerial photos, upon request, if available

7.

Soil sample boxes

8.

Existing TEUI information including: descriptive legend, classification legend, mapping unit descriptions, official series descriptions and digitized maps from previous inventory

Most materials are stored at the Supervisor's Office on the Malheur National Forest. Pickup by the Contractor shall be arranged with Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) during the pre-work conference.

The Contractor shall reimburse the Government for all loss, waste, or damage to Government furnished materials at the following rates: Aerial photos - $3.50 each, Sample boxes - $1.05 each, orthophoto or topographic quads (scale-stable film) $30/quad.

The following existing soils information is on file and will be available for Contractor reference.

Forest Service - Terrestrial Ecological Unit Inventory Technical Guide: Landscape and Land Unit Scales (GTR WO-68) ) (https://www.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/pubs/53335)

The contractor shall provide their own copy or access the following information from internet web sites.

National Soil Survey Handbook, (current version)

Soil Survey Manual, (current version)

Soil Taxonomy and current edition of Keys to Soil Taxonomy

Field Book for describing and sampling soils, USDA-NRCS (current version)

F.

The contractor is responsible for setting up and participating in field reviews of the previous year's work as needed. This takes about three weeks to prepare for and to conduct the review on National Forest System lands. The contractor will be responsible for setting up and participating in the Lab sampling with the NRCS National Lab on the National Forest System Lands; this is usually every other year if needed. The contractor will also participate in reviews of other soil survey projects that match to the Blue Mountain National Forests when deemed necessary by the COR.

G. Contractor-Furnished Property

The Contractor shall provide all of the equipment needed to carry out the requirements of the contract in the collection of data as specified in the issued task order. This includes equipment such as field data recorders, Global Positioning System (GPS) units, pin flags, stakes, measuring devices (i.e. gauges, tape measures, soil sieve), personal computers, personal field equipment (i.e. hardhats, field vests, writing devices, boots, etc.), shovels, clip boards, pencils, and or other portable electronic devices (i.e. tablet) needed to carry out the terms and conditions of this contract. Global positioning equipment (GPS units) must be capable of using UTM and/or Latitude/Longitude coordinate systems and have the capability to be set to NAD 1927, NAD 83 Datum, or WGS 1984 Datum.

Section H: Special Contract Requirements

H.1 SAFETY

The Government has identified the following hazards which are inherent in providing TEUI services:

General hazards from working in Forest environment:

1. Driving along forest roads during early and late hours, before or after sunlight will subject drivers and riders to low light angles, dusty conditions, irregular surfaces, icy and/or muddy roads; as well as encounters with log hauling trucks, road machinery, construction traffic, recreational traffic (including Motor Homes pulling boats), hunters not watching the roadway, campers and other forest users that may not be intently aware of other motorists who are sharing the roadway.

2. Tripping hazards include all manner of forest vegetation and other debris including rocks. Tripping hazards should also be considered inclusive of uneven ground and/or slippery surfaces during periods of rain and snow.

3. Hyperthermia and Hypothermia may occur at anytime regardless of the absence of extreme weather conditions.

4. Fatigue will occur usually towards the end of the working day.

5. Muscle strains may occur due to improper lifting, bending, twisting, or turning.

6. Dehydration may occur during both warm and cool periods, or whenever employees are performing arduous tasks while neglecting to ingest adequate fluids that contain electrolytes.

7. Insect stings (may include bees, wasps, or other types of biting stinging insects) and tick bites may occur at anytime while in the forest. Nests may also be present.

8. Overhead and/or falling debris may occur at anytime in the work area. It may include treetops breaking out during periods of windy conditions, snow stress, or because of decaying limbs/trunks. Also included are rolling rocks, logs, and other debris which might become dislodged on steep slopes.

9.Lightning should be regarded as a serious threat whenever active cumulo-nimbus (thunderhead clouds) are forecast for the area, especially while working near or under tall trees

Other considerations itemized by category, not inclusive:

1. Driving & Trailer Towing

A. Stopping distance

B. Loads securely lashed

C. Clearances (powerlines, etc.)

D. Steep grades

E. Narrow clearances

2. Excavation A. Slope stability, steep slopes, soft-ground

B. Trench stability (confined areas, cave-ins, falls, etc.)

C. Loose material/rolling rock

D. Noise

E. Water

F. Underground utilities (especially power & sewer), not expected

G. Equipment limitations

H. Refueling

Contractor shall provide a job specific safety plan addressing the hazards identified above and other potential hazards known to the Contractor. The plan shall be presented at the post award conference for discussion. The plan should include steps the contractor uses to monitor and ensure compliance to the safety plan.

H.2 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

The contractor will train in the safe operation and use of equipment to all workers using such equipment.

Personal protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities shall be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards or processes encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body.

Defective or damaged personal protective equipment shall not be used.

The contractor shall provide, at no cost to the employee, to each employee who operates a chain saw, chain saw chaps and assure the chaps are worn during saw operations. These chaps must be approved by Underwriters Laboratory or meet Forest Service specification 6170-47. The chaps shall cover the full length of the thigh to the top of the boot on each leg.

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

The contractor shall provide, at no cost to the employee, and assure that each employee who works in an area where there is potential for head injury from falling objects or flying objects wears a hard hat that meets the minimum requirements of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard Z89.1-1997.

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

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

H.3 LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

The Contractor shall give attention to the effect of contract operation upon the landscape, shall take care to maintain natural surroundings undamaged, and shall conduct the work at all times in compliance with the following requirements.

a. Prevention of the Landscape Defacement. The Contractor shall not remove, deface, injure, or destroy trees, shrubs, lawns, or other natural features or any other improvements in the work area unless specifically authorized by the Contracting Officer. Unless otherwise provided herein, the Contractor shall confine contract operations to within the areas designated in contract documents.

b. Protection of Streams, Lakes, and Reservoirs. The Contractor shall take sufficient precautions to prevent pollution of streams, lakes, small ponds, and reservoirs with fuels, oils, bitumens, calcium chloride, silt, or other harmful materials. Streambanks will not be disturbed without approval of the Contracting Officer or COR. Mechanical equipment shall not be operated in live streams without written approval of the Contracting Officer.

c. Protection Against Noxious Weeds: Any off road vehicle shall be cleaned free of noxious weeds and their seeds prior to entrance onto the National Forest.

d. Protection of Potential Historic Sites. If a previously unidentified archaeological or historic site(s) or artifacts are encountered, the Contractor shall discontinue work in the general area of the site(s) and notify the Contracting Officer immediately. The contractor shall provide digital files showing all soil sampling hole locations

H.4 MOTORIZED EQUIPMENT

Use of motorized equipment other than hand-held equipment such as power saws and brush cutters will not be permitted off designated roads or trails in the project area without approval of the Contracting Officer or as provided elsewhere herein.

Section I: Contract Clauses

I.1 FAR 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): www.arnet.gov/far/ www.usda.gov/procurement/policy/agar.html

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

AGRICULTURE ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 4) CLAUSES

Fire Protection Requirements The Contractor shall comply with and/or complete the attached forms:

(1) Fire Protection and Suppression (Eastside) Requirements, Form R6-FS-6300-52 (May 1989), (NOTE: See Fire Plan Requirements referenced in the attachments.)

NOV 1996

I.2 FAR 52.216-18 ORDERING (OCT 1995)

(a) Any supplies and services to be furnished under this contract shall be ordered by issuance of delivery orders or task orders by the individuals or activities designated in the Schedule. Such orders may be issued from contract award date through December 31, 2022.

(b) All delivery orders or task orders are subject to the terms and conditions of this contract. In the event of conflict between a delivery order or task order and this contract, the contract shall control.

(c) If mailed, a delivery order or task order is considered "issued" when the Government deposits the order in the mail. Orders may be issued orally, by facsimile, or by electronic commerce methods only if authorized in the Schedule.

I.3 TASK ORDER ISSUANCE

Task orders greater than $2,500.00 must be issued by a warranted Contracting Officer within the Blue Mountain Acquisition Management Area. Task orders less than $2,500.00 may be issued by the Contracting Officer’s Representative.

Task orders may be issued verbally, by facsimile, or by electronic commerce methods. Verbal task orders will be backed up by a written order.

Project areas for each task order will be determined by agreement between the COR and contractor and will usually be continuation of active mapping areas.

I.4 FAR 52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995)

(a) Minimum order. When the Government requires supplies or services covered by this contract in an amount of less than 2,500.00 the Government is not obligated to purchase, nor is the contractor obligated to furnish, those supplies or services under this contract.

(b) Maximum order. The Contractor is not obligated to honor--

(1) Any order for a single item in excess of $200,000.00

(2) Any order for a combination of items in excess of $400,000.00 ; or

(3) A series…