A001 Theodore Stewardship IRSC.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

363N 1 2

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE 4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

001 08/25/2022 1075077

6. ISSUED BY CODE 363N 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6) CODE 67T2

USDA Forest Service Procurement & Property Services National Stewardship Contracting Branch Mark.Phillipp@usda.gov Nikki.Layton@usda.gov

USDA Forest Service Black Hills National Forest Mystic Ranger District Rapid City, SD 57702

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State, and ZIP Code) (X) 9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

X 12363N22Q4073

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

07/30/2022

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

CODE FACILITY CODE

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers iis extended, is not extended.

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning 1 copies of the amendment;

(b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or

(c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) N/A

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: 52.211.18 THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 1 and 2.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return 1 copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.

Solicitation 12363N22Q4073 - Amendment 001

THEODORE STEWARDSHIP IRSC

Black Hills National Forest, Mystic Ranger District, Region 2 SD

Proposal Due Date 08/31/2022 is unchanged

**See page 2 for amendement details**

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the documents referenced in item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print) 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

MARK T. PHILLIPP

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 16C. DATE SIGNED

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

NSN 7540-01-152-8070

Previous edition unusable

30-105 STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 10-83)

Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

mailto:Mark.Phillipp@usda.gov mailto:Nikki.Layton@usda.gov

CONTINUATION SHEET REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE 2 of 2

Amendment 001 Theodore Stewardship IRSC Black Hills National Forest, Mystic Ranger District 12363N22Q4073

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.

1. Contract Corrections:

a. Replaces Schedule of Items to correct Work Item 8 description. Refer to Amendment 001 Attachment A. Bidders are to replace the Schedule of Items in the solicitation with the revised Schedule of Items provided in Attachment A. Offerors must use this schedule in order to be considered responsive.

2. Appendix A:

a. Replaces Appendix A in its entirety. Refer to Amendment 001 Attachment B.

b. Amends specification in Item 2 to differentiate size of material to be masticated.

o Replaces:

Ponderosa pine 1’ tall up to 7.9” DBH shall be thinned to an average 20’ x 20’ spacing, skidded to landings, and decked. Ponderosa pine 1’ tall up to 7.9” DBH not utilized in spacing or being decked shall be mechanically masticated. Stump height shall not exceed 6 inches, or 4 inches above an obstruction, and shall be cut to less than a 30-degree angle.

o With:

Ponderosa pine 1’ tall up to 7.9” DBH shall be thinned to an average 20’ x 20’ spacing, skidded to landings, and decked. Ponderosa pine 1’ tall up to 4.9” DBH not utilized in spacing or being decked shall be mechanically masticated. Stump height shall not exceed 6 inches, or 4” above an obstruction, and shall be cut to less than a 30-degree angle.

c. Corrects acres in Optional Item 9: Noxious Weeds Treatments - from 78 acres to 64 acres to match the Schedule of Items.

o Replaces:

Optional Item 9: Noxious Weeds Treatments (78 Acres) o With:

Optional Item 9: Noxious Weeds Treatments (64 Acres)

3. Adds 08/23/2022 Site Visit attendees and notes (Attachment C):

a. USFS: Chris McClure, Scott Albrecht, Will Leininger, Kara Dunlap, Brock Navin, and James

Gubbels

b. Baker Timber: Jack Baker

4. Replaces all (4) Contract Area Maps (CAM)

a. Payment unit 9 was not labeled on original CAMs

Theodore Stewardship IRSC Black Hills National Forest 12363N22Q4073 Mystic Ranger District Amendment 001 Attachment A

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Proposals shall be valid for 60 days after the date of receipt for the solicitation. If additional time is needed, an extension will be requested. Refer to Section 50 for instructions on preparing your proposal and pricing. Submit technical proposals and price proposals separately, via email, to the individual(s) shown in box 28 of page 1.

All Contractors must be actively registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) https://SAM.gov to be eligible for award under this solicitation. If not actively registered by time of proposal evaluations, you will be found non-responsive. Registration in SAM is a free service

– you do not need to pay to register in this system. If your registration is not active, you will not be considered for award.

***OFFERORS ARE TO REPLACE THE SCHEDULE OF ITEMS IN THE SOLICITATION

WITH THIS UPDATED SCHEDULE OF ITEMS TO BE CONSIDERED REPSONSIVE ***

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

MANDATORY WORK ACTIVITIES:

ITEM

NO.

DESCRIPTION OF

MANDATORY WORK ACTIVITIES UNIT ESTIMATED

QUANTITY

UNIT

PRICE TOTAL

1 Cut and Remove Included Timber Units 1-24 Acres 1,672 N/A N/A

2 Precommercial Thinning with Decking Unit S10 Acres 26 $ $

Precommercial Thinning Units S3A, S4A, S5A, S6B, S7A, S7B, S9, S9A, S9B, S9C, S9D and S9E.

Acres 356 $ $

Surface Fuels Treatment Units S1-2, S3B, S3C, S3D, S4, S4B, S4D, S5, S5B, S5C, S5D, S5E, S6C, S6D, S6E, S6F,S8, S8A, S8B, S8C and S10A.

Acres 479 $ $

5 Road Reconstruction $

(a) Mobilization Lump Sum 1 $ $

(b) Establish clearing limits Mile 0.6 $ $

(c) Removal of structures, disposal method A (remove from project site), compaction method 4 Each 5 $ $

(d) Unclassified borrow excavation Cubic Yard 80 $ $

(e) Linear grading, compaction method 4, reconstruction, without ditch Mile 0.64 $ $

(f) Haul and place screened aggregate, grading Q, compaction method A, Contractor provided

Cubic Yard 152 $ $ https://sam.gov/

ITEM

NO.

DESCRIPTION OF

MANDATORY WORK ACTIVITIES UNIT ESTIMATED

QUANTITY

UNIT

PRICE TOTAL

(g) Roadway reconditioning with ditch Mile 0.5 $ $

(h) 36-inch pipe culvert, corrugated metal, gauge 16, compaction method 4 Foot 104 $ $

(i) Clean and minor repair of cattleguard structures to include adjacent posts and object markers

Lump Sum 5 $ $

(j) Furnish and install closure gate, Type 2, 24 foot (2

ea. 12' gate panels with h-braces), lock open posts and object markers

Lump Sum 1 $ $

(k) Seeding, dry method Acre 0.58 $ $

Precommercial Thinning with Surface Fuels Treatment Units S3, S4C, S4E, S6, S6A, S6F, S6G and S6H.

Acre 198 $ $

7 Temporary Road Closure Sign Installation $

(a) Materials Each 15 $ $

(b) Installation Each 15 $ $

Total All Mandatory Service Items $

OPTIONAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

ITEM

NO.

DESCRIPTION OF

OPTIONAL WORK ACTIVITIES UNIT ESTIMATED

QUANTITY UNIT PRICE TOTAL

8 Surface Fuels Treatment Units S8, S8A, and S8C Acres 397 $ $

9 Noxious Weeds Treatment Acres 64 $ $

Total All Optional Service Items $

12363N22Q4073 Mystic Ranger District

Amendment 001 Attachment A

TIMBER/PRODUCT REMOVAL PRICE SCHEDULE:

Note: These schedules are for pricing/payment purposes. See Instructions to Offerors for business proposal requirements.

Price Proposals MUST be provided on ALL Items in Schedules: Mandatory Work and Option Work Activities and Timber or other Products Removal Price Schedule. Timber Subject to Agreement (TSA) pricing is not required to receive award. TSA Offer (flat) left blank indicates no intention to remove TSA products. Unit prices prevail.

In addition to the price to be paid the Contractor for timber products removal, the Contractor shall pay deposits for slash disposal in the amount of $4.09/CCF and Surface Rock Deposits in the amount of $0.76/CCF

No work permitted in units accessed via NFSR 249 (China Gulch) north of Unit 24 before September 30, 2023, unless otherwise agreed to. This is to prevent conflict with the Teggun IRSC contract.

DryBioCv is currently un-estimated. If in your technical proposal, you propose to remove DryBioCv, please provide your best estimate in the above Product Removal Price Schedule.

SPECIES PRODUCT QUANTITY UNIT OF

MEASURE

MINIMUM

ACCEPTABLE

OFFER

OFFER

(FLAT)

TOTAL

OFFER

Ponderosa Pine (PP) Sawtimber (01) 8,060 CCF $35.31 $ $

Ponderosa Pine (PP) Non-Saw (08) 2,226 CCF $1.00 $ $

Timber Subject to Agreement

Ponderosa Pine (PP) Non-Saw (08) 38 CCF $1.00 $ $

Ponderosa Pine

(PP)

GrnBioCV- Topwood 850 CCF $0.36 $ $

Ponderosa Pine

(PP)

GrnBioCV- Standing Biomass

3,070 CCF $0.36 $ $

Ponderosa Pine (PP) DryBioCV CCF $0.01 $ $

Total – All Products $

Unestimated

A site visit is scheduled for August 23, 2022, to view the project area and discuss the objectives of this contract. The meeting will take place at 9:00 a,m. MT at the intersection of Mystic Rd and Horse Creek Rd (NFSR 530).

• PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE FOR ITEMS 1-4 AND 6-8 IS FROM DATE OF

AWARD THROUGH MARCH 31, 2030

• PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE FOR ITEM 5 IS DATE OF AWARD THROUGH

MAY 15, 2024

• PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE FOR ITEM 9 IS FROM DATE OF AWARD

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2030.

Solicitation 12363N22Q4073 Mystic Ranger District

Amendment 001 Attachment B

APPENDIX A

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR SERVICE WORK ITEMS

SECTION I – DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

The Theodore Stewardship in the McVey Project area will remove planted off site seed stock that is poorly regenerating through commercial harvests, non-commercial and fuel reduction treatments to maintain and increase the forest resilience to disturbance while producing future timber, forage and habitat outputs in support of Forest Plan goals.

The Theodore Stewardship project will address the above by commercial and non-commercial timber activities. The project’s goods will be a combination of removing commercial sawtimber products and commercial removal of non-saw timber and optional biomass.

SECTION II – WORK ITEMS

Mandatory Item 1: Cut and Remove Included Timber:

Units 1-24 (1,672 Acres)

Cut and remove from Contract Area included timber which meets the minimum tree specifications as identified in Appendix B. Road Maintenance shall be commensurate with use per the requirements of Appendix C.

Mandatory Item 2: Precommercial Thinning with Decking Unit S10 (26 Acres)

1. Ponderosa pine 1 foot tall -7.9” DBH shall be thinned to an average 20’ x 20’ spacing, skided to landings and decked. Ponderosa pine 1’ in height up to 4.9” DBH not utilized in spacing or being decked shall be mechanically masticated. Stump height shall not exceed 6” or 4” above an obstruction and shall be cut to less than a 30-degree angle.

a. Trees greater than 8” DBH will not be considered in spacing.

b. All standing woody vegetation <4” DBH and >1’ in height within 6’ of road edges and up to 12’ through corners shall be removed and chipped, for line of sight and Right of Way (ROW) clearing.

c. Masticate or compact/crush 80% of existing large diameter (>4”) dead and down coarse woody debris.

d. Mulch depth of masticated material shall not exceed 6” in depth. Piece size in treated material shall not exceed 6’ in length.

e. Up to 20% of the acreage may require hand thinning due to ground features such as rock and/or steep slope. Manually treated slash shall be treated to a depth not to exceed 18 inches.

f. Reference contract area service map for units.

2. Landings shall be approved by the COR/GTM (SA) prior to any decks being constructed and may be built outside of decking units as agreed to.

3. Material will be availble to Contractor as Timber Subject to Agreement. Estimated 38 CCF of Non-saw and 15 CCF of GrnBioCV.

a. Reference Appendix B for minimum tree and cutting specifications.

Unit Acres Treatment S10 26 Precommercial Thinning with Decking

Mandatory Item 3: Precommercial Thinning:

Units S3A, S4A, S5A, S6B, S7A, S7B, S9, S9A, S9B, S9C, S9D and S9E. (356 Acres)

1. Mechanical mastication of live ponderosa pine 1’ in height up to 4.9” DBH to an average 16’ x 16’ spacing within a range of 12’-20’.

2. All standing woody vegetation <4” DBH and >1’ in height within 6’ of road edges and up to 12’ through corners shall be removed and chipped, for line of sight and Right of Way (ROW) clearing.

3. Trees greater than 5” in diameter shall not be considered in spacing of residual trees, but no trees between 1’ tall and 4.9” DBH shall be left within the dripline of any tree greater than 5”.

4. Masticate or compact/crush 80% of existing large diameter (>4”) dead and down coarse woody debris.

5. Mulch depth of masticated material shall not exceed 6” in depth. Piece size in treated material shall not exceed

6’ in length.

6. Stump height shall not exceed 6” or 4” above an obstruction and shall be cut to less than a 30-degree angle, trees shall be severed from stump.

7. Up to 20% of the acreage may require hand thinning due to ground features such as rock and/or steep slope.

Manually treated slash shall be treated to a depth not to exceed 18 inches.

8. Reference contract area service map for units.

S3A 5 Precommercial Thinning S4A 9 Precommercial Thinning S5A 9 Precommercial Thinning S6B 53 Precommercial Thinning S7A 1 Precommercial Thinning S7B 6 Precommercial Thinning S9 102 Precommercial Thinning

S9A 82 Precommercial Thinning S9B 18 Precommercial Thinning S9C 46 Precommercial Thinning S9D 7 Precommercial Thinning S9E 18 Precommercial Thinning

Mandatory Items 4 and Optional Item 8: Surface Fuels Treatment:

Units S1-2, S3B, S3C, S3D, S4, S4B, S4D, S5, S5B, S5C, S5D, S5E, S6C, S6D, S6E, S6F, S8B and S10A (479 Acres) and Units S8, S8A, and S8C (397 Acres)

1. 80% of all slash both existing and activity created ≥4” in diameter and ≥6’ in length up to 24” in diameter shall be piled or mechanically masticated. Slash not piled or under specified size may be treated by crushing, compacting or mastication.

a. If masticated, slash depth shall not to exceed 6” in depth and 3’ piece length.

b. Dead and down fuels will be available as DryBio Cv Timber Subject to Agreement.

2. Piles shall be placed in openings and a minimum 15’ from any other machine pile or leave tree marked timber.

Piles shall be a minimum of 6’ high by 6’ wide, compact, and free of dirt.

3. No piles shall be constructed within 50’ from roads and trails, 100’ from Stream Management Zones (SMZ), 200’ from private property and improvements identified on project maps and 300’ from all structures unless approved by project COR.

4. Reference contract area service map for units.

Mandatory Units

Unit Acres Treatment

S1 55 Surface Fuels Treatment

S2 32 Surface Fuels Treatment

S3B 4 Surface Fuels Treatment

S3C 6 Surface Fuels Treatment

S3D 4 Surface Fuels Treatment

S4 28 Surface Fuels Treatment

S4B 12 Surface Fuels Treatment

S4D 41 Surface Fuels Treatment

S5 22 Surface Fuels Treatment

S5B 12 Surface Fuels Treatment

S5C 40 Surface Fuels Treatment

S5D 34 Surface Fuels Treatment

S5E 12 Surface Fuels Treatment

S6C 16 Surface Fuels Treatment

S6D 58 Surface Fuels Treatment

S6E 54 Surface Fuels Treatment

S6F 5 Surface Fuels Treatment

S8B 37 Surface Fuels Treatment

S10A 7 Surface Fuels Treatment

Optional Units

S8 206 Surface Fuels Treatment

S8A 113 Surface Fuels Treatment

S8C 78 Surface Fuels Treatment

Mandatory Item 5: Road Reconstruction See Appendix D for Road Reconstruction specifications.

1. Work is anticipated to be performed during the period of December 15- May 15, 2023, for culvert replacement work (Item 5(h). Once started on culvert replacement, Contractor shall diligently work towards completion of culvert replacement with no Contractor caused delays. If delays outside of Contractors control occur during the period of December 15- May 15, 2023, Contractor may be given additional time during the period of December 15- May 15, 2024. No timing restriction for all other road reconstruction.

2. All work shall be completed May 15, 2024.

Mandatory Item 6: Precommercial Thinning with Surface Fuels Treatment Units S3, S4C, S4E, S6, S6A, S6F, S6G and S6H (198 Acres)

1. Mechanincal thinning in areas of dead and down surface fuels.

2. Utilize specifications for Item 3 Precommercial Thinning activites and Iten 4 for Surface Fuels Treatment activites

3. Reference contract area service map for units.

S3 56 Precommercial Thinning with Surface Fuels Treatment

S4C 30 Precommercial Thinning with Surface Fuels Treatment S4E 8 Precommercial Thinning with Surface Fuels Treatment S6 62 Precommercial Thinning with Surface Fuels Treatment

S6F 5 Precommercial Thinning with Surface Fuels Treatment S6A 8 Precommercial Thinning with Surface Fuels Treatment S6G 5 Precommercial Thinning with Surface Fuels Treatment S6H 24 Precommercial Thinning with Surface Fuels Treatment

Mandatory Item 7: Temporary Road Closure Sign Instalation

See Appendix B, CT5.35 for performance requirments.

1. Signs shall be 12” wide x 18” long with 1” tall retroreflective lettering mounted to a U-Channel steel post and secured in the ground to a minumum height of 4’ not to exceed 5’.

2. See Exhibit A for sign example and specifications.

3. Reference Forest Service Publication “Standards for Forest Service Signs and Posters” (EM-7100-15) 6.4.2e (pg.

6-16 example 2) stelprd3810021.pdf (usda.gov)

Optional Item 9: Noxious Weeds Treatments (64 Acres)

1. Contractor shall treat noxious weeds listed in Exhibit B within 50 feet of roads and disturbed areas (i.e., landings) in noxious weed area between June 1st and September 30th after timber harvest activities are completed.

2. Contractor shall comply with all South Dakota state laws, certifications and applicator licensing requirements prior to treating noxious weeds.

3. Listed noxious weeds shall be treated with appropriate chemicals used according to manufacturer’s directions (see Exhibit C for approved herbicides). Treated areas shall be reported to the project COR or designated inspector and flagged for Government inspection.

4. Contractor shall provide field data files, applicator records and geospatial data (shapefile or geodatabase) of noxious weeds to project COR upon completion of treatment.

SECTION III – CONTROL OF WORK

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3810021.pdf

The Contractor agrees to conduct its operations under this contract and other related business activities in compliance with Federal, State, and local statutes, standards, orders, permits and other regulations.

The Contractor shall meet all State and local environmental quality laws applicable to National Forest system lands.

Service work will occur within ATP boundaries marked on Contract Area Maps.

Work may be done any time during the term of the contract, except under the following conditions:

1. The government reserves the right to prioritize the order in which units are treated.

2. All operational restrictions in Appendix B, CT6.312# apply to service work units.

3. When conditions are such that operations shall be restricted or ceased due to increased fire risk.

4. When the soil moisture is below plastic limits or protected by 2” of frozen soil. Soil moisture exceeds the plastic limit if the soil can be rolled into 3mm threads without breaking or crumbling.

5. When snow depth creates a situation where requirements cannot be met and/or work cannot be inspected, as determined by the COR.

6. If any cultural or archeological sites are discovered during operations of this contract, work will be suspended in the immediate vicinity of the site until a reconnaissance survey is completed by the Forest Archeologist. Areas excluded from treatment shall be deleted from the contract.

When seasonal operating restrictions for active raptor nests are in effect. All active nest sites and areas of restriction are shown on CAM and listed in the solicitation under Clause 24. Protection Measures Needed for Plants, Animals, Cultural Resources, and Cave Resources. Restrictions would apply:

7. If new nests are discovered.

SECTION IV – INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

For All Work Items:

At any point during the project, the Contractor and/or Project Manager may request (documented through email, text, or hand-written request) an in the field consultation with the Forest Service to inspect work progress, review contract specifications, or clarify issues. The Forest Service shall respond to Contractor’s request within 5 working days, excluding weekends and federal holidays.

Contractor quality control plan (QCP)/Contractor self-inspections

The Contractor shall conduct self-inspections on all aspects of work. The field inspections shall be spread throughout the project area. The Contractor shall provide the Government with an acceptable method of self-inspection. This method shall be accepted and approved by the Government prior to the Notice to Proceed being issued. The Contracting Officer may observe the Contractor's inspection at any time and shall otherwise have unlimited access to the inspection data.

The self-inspection process shall be documented and submitted prior to the Notice to Proceed.

The Contractor Quality Control Plan (QCP) shall specify:

• How quality will be monitored to assure performance standards are met.

• How the work will be supervised.

• How results of the monitoring will result in quality performance.

• Identify the personnel responsible for performing quality control.

The Contractor shall notify the COR when units are started, when problems are encountered and when contract work needs government oversight.

GOVERNMENT QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN

Government Inspection Procedures - The COR, or a designated inspector (GTM), will make periodic inspections while work is in progress, usually daily at first, as needed to assure work is proceeding satisfactorily. The Contractor shall notify the COR when units are started, when problems are encountered and when contract work needs government oversight.

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

2. When units are completed and ready for government inspection, Contractor’s designated Project manager shall request unit inspection in writing, prior to moving out of the general area.

3. The COR, or designated inspector, will determine compliance with contract specifications through informal 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.

Government Inspection Procedures – Formal (Plots) Precommercial Thinning with Decking, Precommercial Thinning and Surface Fuels Treatments

1. In the event visual inspection indicates work and / or rework to be in non-compliance with contract specifications, a series of verification plots shall be installed by the Government to determine compliance with specifications and percent of satisfactory work for treatment of each unit not meeting specification as observed with visual inspection.

2. Government verification plots for precommercial thinning will consist of a series of 1/20th acre fixed area plots (26.3’radius) along transects to record whether density, basal area, best tree selection, and other requirements are being met and to what extent. Verification plots for machine piling will be ½ acre (104’ radius) and random.

3. Plots and grid will be distributed so that a representative sample is obtained.

4. The COR or designated inspector will mark the center of each plot on the ground using flagging, stakes, or pin flags. Additional flagging will be hung near the plot center so that it may be seen from a distance. The inspector will include the plot number, their initials and date on the flagging.

5. Plots will be numbered to correlate with the inspection form and transects on a unit map.

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

Unit Acreage Minimum No. of Plots 1 – 9 1 plot per 2 acres 10 – 29 10 plots 30 – 59 1 plot per 4 acres 60 – 99 20 plots 100 1 plot per 5 acres

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

8. At each thinning plot, the Government will examine the plot area and record findings on the items listed below:

a. Plot number

b. Number of trees to be left on plot.

c. Number of trees left on plot.

d. Number of satisfactory trees.

e. Number of deficient trees.

f. Number of excess trees.

- Stumps containing live limbs which are not in accordance with specifications herein will be counted as excess trees.

- Cut trees which are still attached at the stump will be counted as excess trees

- Trees meeting cut specifications will be counted as excess trees

- Trees in excess of trees to be left will be counted as excess

At each piling plot, the Government will examine the plot area and record findings on the items listed below:

g. Plot number

h. Number of satisfactory pile quadrants.

i. Number of plots x 4.

9. Work quality will be calculated on the form as follows:

Precommercial Thinning with Decking, Precommercial Thinning:

No. Trees Deficient + No. Excess Trees -------------------------------------------------- = % Unsatisfactory work No. Trees to be left

100% – % Unsatisfactory work = % Work Quality

Surface Fuels Treatments (If Piled):

No. of satisfactory quadrants -------------------------------------------------- X 100 = % slash pile quality No. of inspected quadrants x 4

100% – % Unsatisfactory work = % Work Quality

Unsatisfactory Performance

1. If the work quality falls below 90 percent, the COR will immediately notify the Contractor, in writing, and order him to improve the quality of subsequent tree cutting or surface fuels treatments. If the quality is not raised above the 90 percent minimum acceptable standard within 24 business hours after receipt of such written notice, the Contractor’s right to proceed may be terminated and the contract considered in default.

2. When the work quality falls below 90 percent as a result of excess trees, the Government may elect to do one of the following:

(a) Order rework to be performed and withhold payment until excess trees are cut and the results of a post-rework Government inspection show work quality to be at least 85 percent or more. No rework shall be performed unless ordered or authorized by the COR.

(b) Order that no rework be performed and payment will either be made at a reduced rate, or not at all, as determined from the Thinning Inspection Report.

3. Repeated failure to produce work quality at or above the 90 percent minimum acceptable standard will be considered reason for contract termination and default action.

Reinspection Upon Contractor Request

1. If Government inspection results are unacceptable to the Contractor, a reinspection may be requested, in writing, within 5 business days after receipt of notice of said inspection results. The same inspection procedure will be used; however, the inspection pattern will be shifted so that new inspection plots will not overlap previously inspected plots.

2. If reinspection results – rounded up to the nearest whole percent – indicate a variance of more than 5 percent from the first inspection, the results of the second inspection will be used to calculate work quality and payment, and the Government will bear the cost of reinspection.

3. If reinspection results – rounded up to the nearest whole percent – are within 5 percent of the first inspection, plots from the initial inspection and the reinspection will be combined and used to calculate work quality and payment, and the Contractor shall bear the cost of reinspection.

Government Inspection Procedures – Noxious Weeds Treatment

Task Requirement

Specification Reference

Acceptable Quality Level

(AQL)

Government Method of Assessment

Incentives and Deductions for

Meeting Standard Noxious Weed Treatment

Weed treated in compliance with Manufacturer’s Directions:

• Quantity of mixture used

• Rate of application

Contractor is responsible for the effects of herbicide residue on non-target species as well as problems that could arise from drift of herbicide.

Treatment performed at temperatures less than 95 F and wind speeds less than 10 mph.

Flag areas for identification purposes.

90% Acceptable level of performance thus resulting in 90% or more kill rate.

90% compliance manufacture label direction

Less than 20% loss of non-target species.

95% treatment is performed within temperature and wind speed requirements.

No more than One warning to fix any equipment leaks or clean-up drafting or mixing sites.

One warning or lack of flagging per treatment area.

100% visual inspection of reporting sheets.

Random Visual Field Inspections

Random plot sampling.

Random compliance checks of contractor inspection plots.

100% inspection of equipment

Random field inspection of drafting and mixing site(s)

Meeting or Exceeding

AQL:

• Payment made at the full quoted task order price.

• Good Past Performance ratings.

• Options exercised (if work is needed & have budget).

Failure to meet AQL:

• Rework at contractor’s expense.

• Re-inspection charges are deducted from payment.

• Total payment reduced by AQL deduction % if cannot meet AQL.

Data Submittal Complete treatment data table according to required standards and on a regular basis, provide Government with GPS data of treated sites

95% of spray records will have no missing values. Applicator spray records shall conform to South Dakota State standards.

Visual Inspection of data

Government Inspection Procedures – Items 1-9

Table 1 – Minimum Acceptable Quality Levels (AQL) of Work

ITEM DESCRIPTION SCHEDULE UNIT MIN

AQL

1 Cut and Remove Included Timber MANDATORY ACRE NA 2 Precommercial Thinning with Decking MANDATORY ACRE 90% 3 Precommercial Thinning MANDATORY ACRE 90% 4 Surface Fuels Treatment MANDATORY ACRE 90% 5 Road Reconstruction MANDATORY MILE 100% 6 Precommercial Thinning with Surface Fuels Treatment MANDATORY ACRE 90% 7 Temporary Road Closure Sign Installation MANDATORY EACH 100% 8 Machine Piling OPTIONAL ACRE 90% 9 Noxious Weeds Treatment OPTIONAL ACRE 90%

SECTION V – PAYMENT METHODS

Method of Measurement for Acreages

Acreages were determined by using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) except for roadside units S3, S3C, S3D, S4, S4A, S4C, S5, S5A, S6, S6A, S6C, S6F and S6G. Acreage in roadside units was estimated using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and is an estimated 50’ or 100’ buffer from centerline of road. The acreage for each work item will be rounded to the nearest acre and is final unless:

a. The contract is modified or,

b. The Government makes a determination to remeasure or,

c. The Contractor exercises his/her option under the following Remeasurement provisions:

Remeasurement

1. The Contractor may request, in writing, remeasurement of any units under this contract if he/she feels that acreage stated on the project maps is incorrect. The remeasurement must be within the existing perimeter of the respective unit. No variance of the unit perimeters as laid out on the ground for this contract will be allowed.

All requests for remeasurement must be made prior to payment for each completed unit. Remeasurement will be performed by the Government.

2. If remeasurement indicates that a variance of ten percent or less exists on units of 1 to 5 acres, five percent or less exists on units of more than five but less than 20 acres, or if three percent or less exists on units of 20 acres or larger, the Contractor shall pay for the actual costs of the remeasurement. Under this condition, payment will be made on the acreage stated on the project maps. If the remeasurement indicates the actual acreage varies by more than the above factors from that stated on the project maps, the payment will be made on the remeasured acreage and the Forest Service will pay for the cost of the remeasurement.

Acceptance and Payment

1. Percentages as calculated herein shall be rounded to the nearest whole percent.

2. No allowance for variation or portion of a variation will be added which will create a percentage greater than

100 percent.

Acceptance and Payment – Items 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 Precommercial Thinning with Decking, Precommercial Thinning and Surface Fuels Treatment.

If informal visual inspection indicates acceptable work quality, the Contractor will be paid 100 percent of their bid rate.

1. In the event that formal inspections are used, the rate of payment to the Contractor will be calculated as follows:

(a) For work quality of 90 percent or higher, 5 percent (adjustment for statistical variation) will be added and the Contractor will be paid 100 percent of their bid rate.

(b) For work quality from 85 to 89 percent, the 5 percent will be added to the work quality percent and the Contractor will be paid the total multiplied by the bid rate.

(c) For work quality 84 percent and less, the 5 percent will not be added and there will be no payment made to the Contractor.

(d) If, after rework, the percentage of satisfactory work is between 85% and 94%, payment will be made by the actual percentage. If the percentage is less than 85%, the work is unacceptable, and no payment will be made.

Acceptance and Payment – Items 5 and 7, Road Reconstruction, and Temporary Road Closure Sign Installation

1. Full payment will be made when visual or measurement inspection indicates specifications have been met.

2. Only one rework opportunity will be allowed for this item.

Acceptance and Payment – Item 9 Noxious Weeds Treatments Full payment will be made for final work meeting minimum AQL.

1. If formal inspections are used, the rate of payment to the Contractor will be calculated as follows:

(a) Payments for task with AQL between 1% and 10% below minimum AQL

i. If the task deliverable cannot or will not be reworked to achieve the minimum required AQL, payment of 90% of the unit price will be applied to tasks falling between 1% and 10% below identified AQL.

(b) Payments for task with AQL between 11% and 20% below minimum AQL

i. If the task deliverable cannot or will not be reworked to achieve the minimum required AQL, payment of 90% of the unit price will be applied to tasks falling between 11% and 20% below identified AQL.

(c) Payments for tasks with AQL below 21% minimum AQL

i. If the task deliverable cannot or will not be reworked to achieve the minimum required AQL, payment of 80% of the unit price times the actual AQL received will be made for AQL falling below 21% required AQL.

* Stewardship Credits will be earned first, whenever practical. Forest Service Funds will be used if the availability of Stewardship Credits is exhausted or if appropriated dollars are obligated to a specific item.

SECTION VI – DEFINITIONS

ACCEPTABLE QUALITY LEVEL (AQL): Acceptance of work will be based on compliance with all specifications corresponding to the appropriate task(s); refer to the Performance Requirements Summary in Section E.4 of the contract. A minimum AQL is required for all service work – hand or mechanical. The minimum AQL will receive a satisfactory performance rating.

BOLE SPACING: The horizontal distance in feet from the edge of one leave tree bole to another leave tree bole, measured from the outside bark of each tree.

CIRCULAR PLOT: A sample plot within a thinning unit that is used to determine the number of desirable trees and other contract specifications.

COARSE WOODY DEBRIS: Woody material left on the ground to meet wildlife habitat requirements.

CROWN RATIO: The ratio of live crown length (tip of leader to base of the crown) to total tree length/height.

CROWN SPACING: The horizontal distance in feet between the dripline of a live crown to another live crown.

CLEARCUT: A cutting prescription in which all trees within a boundary are designated to be cut.

CROWN RATIO: The ratio of live crown length (tip of leader to base of the crown) to total tree length/height.

CROWN SPACING: The horizontal distance in feet between the dripline of a live crown to another live crown.

CUT TREES: Trees that do not possess the characteristics of desirable leave trees and are required to be cut. As described by the contract or otherwise marked to be cut.

CUTTING UNIT: See Treatment Unit definition

DAMAGED TREES: Trees damaged beyond recovery. A tree that is larger than 2 feet in height, and has the top knocked out, is leaning more than 10 degrees, has less than one half of its original limbs, or has approximately 50% of bark removed from the circumference of the bole.

DBH: Diameter at breast height, measured at a point of 4.5 feet above the ground level on the uphill side of the tree.

DECKING: Stockpiling of trees in a designated area.

DEAD/DYING TREES: Trees with the crown foliage changing from green to red, yellow, or needleless. Any tree that has pitch tubes indicating Mountain Pine Beetle infestation.

DIB: Diameter inside bark.

HANG-UP TREE: Any cut tree suspended above ground level.

HEALTHY REGENERATION: Young, healthy, dwarf mistletoe free conifers, less than 4.9 inches in diameter, free of defect or characteristics listed in Section II, 2.2.2.

LEAVE TREE: Trees that possess desirable characteristics and that serve to create the basis for designated spacing requirements or are otherwise designated to be left.

NON-SAWTIMBER TREE: For all conifer species, minimum diameter of 5 inches DBH to minimum diameter by species identified in Appendix B, Division A.

OVERSTORY REMOVAL: A cutting prescription where all trees greater than a specified size are cut. Trees less than the specified size are protected.

PAYMENT UNIT: See Treatment Unit.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY (PRS): Identifies the key service outputs of the contract that will be evaluated by the Government to assure contract performance standards are met by the Contractor.

PILING: Material moved to an agreed upon location shall be piled for future treatment by Forest Service.

PROGRESSION OF WORK: Work conducted in a progressive, workmanlike and orderly manner by the Contractor.

RESERVE CLUMPS: Groups of trees within a treatment area that are protected from cutting, may also include Individual Reserve trees.

SAWTIMBER TREE: Included timber meeting sawlog size specifications as defined in Appendix B, Division A.2.

SLASH: Woody material existing or created that has accumulated on the forest floor. Woody material includes logs, pieces of logs, tops, and branches.

UNIT: See Treatment Unit.

TEMPORARY ROADS: Non-permanent roads that are constructed by Contractor for the purpose of treatment unit access.

TREATMENT UNIT: An individual area on the ground in which activities will be performed and which may appear as a separate pay item in the Schedule of Items.

UNSATISFACTORY WORK: If work quality falls below the AQL, the COR will issue a work order or notice of noncompliance to the Contractor in writing. Untreated or unsatisfactory treated areas shall be reworked to obtain satisfactory work quality.

WHOLE TREE YARDING: Whole tree logging includes cutting tree and removing the entire tree, including tops and branches, to the landing.

WILDLIFE TREE: Standing tree marked to be reserved as a wildlife tree. Used by birds and small mammals for shelter, nesting, perching, etc.

Exhibit A

Temporary Road Closure Sign Specifications

Minimum specifications: TM-1

Exhibit B

Invasive Plant Priority Management List (2021) Black Hills Invasive Plant Partnership (BHIPP)

Class A Invasive plants that are generally not found in the region OR have a relatively low population size within the region and are of the highest priority. Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) action taken when found.

BROWN KNAPWEED (Centaurea jacea ) - isolated patches in the Galena area.

COMMON TEASEL (Dipsacus fullonum ) - isolated patches along Bear Butte Creek in Sturgis DYERS WOAD (Isatis tinctoria ) - no known populations in the region EURASIAN WATERMILFOIL (Myriophyllum spicatum) - aquatic plant found in the Missouri River GIANT KNOTWEED (Fallopia sachalinensis) - isolated patches along Yellow Creek and Whitewood in Lawrence County MEADOW SAGE (Salvia pratensis ) - isolated patch in Vanocker Canyon near Elk Creek MEADOW HAWKWEED (Hieracium caepitosum ) - isolated population identified and treated by BHNF

MEDUSA HEAD (Taeniatherum caput-medusae) - invasive grass in western states, no known populations in the region MYRTLE SPURGE (Euphorbia myrsinites ) - isolated patches landscaped yards in Hot Springs and Rapid City ORANGE HAWKWEED (Hieracium aurantiacum ) - isolated plants in central and northern Black Hills PERENNIAL PEPPERWEED (Lepidium latifolium) - no known populations in the region

PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE (Lythrum salicaria ) - isolated patches along Rapid Creek in Rapid City RUSSIAN KNAPWEED (Centaurea repens ) - isolated patches outside of the Black Hills SICKLEWEED (Falcaria vulgaris) - isolated patches on the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands

SPURGE FLAX (Thymelaea passerina) - in and around Badlands National Park TANSY RAGWORT (Jacobaea vulgaris) - no known populations in the region TALL BUTTERCUP (Ranunculus acris ) - isolated patches in the Dumont area TALL HAWKWEED (Hieracium piloselloides ) - isolated population identified and treated by BHNF VENTENATA (Ventenata dubia) - also known as N. African Grass invasive grass in western states, no known populations in the region WILD PARSNIP (Pastinaca sativa) - isolated patches north of Sturgis and Wind Cave NP area YELLOW FLAG IRIS (Iris pseudacorus ) - isolated patches along Lime and Rapid Creeks in Rapid City and small patch in Hot Springs YELLOW STARTHISTLE (Centaurea solstitialis ) - no know populations in the region

Class B Invasive plants that have a moderate population size within the region, established in some areas but less abundant or absent in other areas. Eradicate where less abundant, suppress in areas where established through integrated management tactics (herbicide, mechanical, biological control).

ABSINTH WORMWOOD (Artemisia absinthium) PERENNIAL SOW THISTLE (Sonchus arvensis) BLACK HENBANE (Hyoscyamus niger ) PHRAGMITES (Phragmites) COMMON TANSY (Tanacetum vulgare) SALT CEDAR (Tamarix spp.)

*DALMATIAN TOADFLAX (Linaria dalmatica ) SPOTTED KNAPWEED (Centaurea maculosa) DIFFUSE KNAPWEED (Centaurea diffusa ) ST JOHN'S-WORT (Hypericum perforatum) GARLIC MUSTARD (Alliaria petiolata) SULFUR CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla recta) HOARY CRESS (Cardaria draba) WHITE HOREHOUND (Marrubium vulgare) LEAFY SPURGE (Euphorbia esula) *YELLOW TOADFLAX (Linaria vulgaris) OXEYE DAISY (Leucanthemum vulgare) * Including all hybrid species of Toadflax

Class C Invasive plants that are established in the region. Containment of established areas and suppress smaller isolated patches through integrated management tactics (herbicide, mechanical, biological control).

BABY BREATH (Gypsophila) HOUNDSTONGUE (Cynoglossum officinale) BULL THISTLE (Cirsium vulgare) MUSK THISTLE (Carduus nutans) CANADA THISTLE (Cirsium arvense) POISON HEMLOCK (Conium maculatum)

CHICORY (Cichorium intybus) PUNCTUREVINE (Tribulus terrestris) COMMON BURDOCK (Arctium minus) SCOTCH THISTLE (Onopordum acanthium) COMMON MULLEIN (Verbascum thapsus) WATER HEMLOCK (Cicuta spp.)

CURLY PONDWEED (Potamogeton crispus)

Exhibit C Approved Herbicides

Listed below are approved herbicides. Any chemical that the Contractor requests to use and it is not on the approved list will need prior approval from the Forest Service prior to application. Application rates and products applied to various species of noxious weeds are dependent upon plant and stage of plant growth. When working in riparian/wetlands, the Contractor shall use aquatic type herbicides.

A blue dye in the herbicide shall be used to identify location of treatments.

• Tordon 22K/2,4-D tank mix

• Curtail

• Banvel/2,4-D tank mix

• Vanquish/2,4-D tank mix

• Plateau

• Banvel Beads

• Rodeo

• Roundup

• Aquatic 2,4-D

• Escort

• Transline

• Phenoxy 088

• Krenite S

• Redeem

• Telar XP

• Milestone

• Glyphomax Plus

• 2,4-D LV400

• Habitat

Theodore Stewardship IRSC Solicitation 12363N22Q4073 Black Hills National Forest 08/25/2022

Amendment 001 Attachment C

Theodore Stewardship IRSC - Solicitation # 12363N22Q4073

Questions & Answers from Site Visit on August 23, 2022

Q1- In unit S10, will non-saw timber be available for removal?

A1- Yes, the non-saw timber for unit S10 is available and is listed in the Schedule of Items: Timber/Product Removal price schedule as Timber Subject to Agreement, Item 1: Ponderosa Pine/Non-Saw/38/CCF/$1.00/_/_.

Q2- Are the Surface Fuels Treatments the same as the Machine Pile units in Alvin IRSC?

A2- No, the Surface Fuels Treatment units give the Contractor the option of how to treat the surface fuels, and Contractor options are listed in Appendix A - Section II: Work Items as Mandatory Item 4, and Optional Item 8.

If you opt for Machine Piling, it will be very similar to the work in Alvin Stewardship IRSC.

Q3- Can the Payment Bond be used on the Tree Measurement Contract and initiate Differed Billing?

A3-Yes, the details of Bonds for this contract are listed in the Solicitation, Section 14 Timber Payment Guarantee (page 12). Payment bond would act as normal to be used in calculations of payment unit release and would be used as security for stumpage removal that will be exchanged for goods. Required deposits for brush disposal and rock replacement would still be required to be paid as stumpage is removed.

Q4- Are the Payment Units and Cutting Units the same thing?

A4- Yes, in this contract we set up the Mandatory Timber/Product Removal units to be the same as the Payment Units. However, in Appendix B, BT1.1 states, “Upon Contractor’s request, Forest Service shall subdivide Payment Units to reduce them to a size that can be logged within 60 days at Contractor’s normal rate of logging”.

Q5- After the closing date for proposals, what is the time-frame for award?

A5- The Forest Service goal is to award early-mid September at the latest. However, the solicitation does not give any timeline to when an award will be given. Under Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 “the offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 60 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers, unless another time period is specified in an addendum to the solicitation”.

Q6- What is the progress of Public Education Signs for the McVey Burn Area? (NOT RELEVANT TO

THEODORE STEWARDSHIP IRSC)

A6- We have developed the signs and wording for them. There are concerns about theft and destruction regarding where they may be placed. No Public Education Signs have been constructed to date. The Forest Service has disseminated the information to all adjacent Private Landholders in the McVey Treatment Area through the Scoping Process. The Forest Service has draft wording developed and sign designs and will look into fabrication of signs and costs in the near future.

Q7- Will there be another McVey project. (NOT RELEVANT TO THEODORE STEWARDSHIP IRSC)

A7- Yes, currently the plan is to have one more named Artemis IRSC. Due to the project size, there is a chance that Artemis could be split into two projects.

Q8- In unit S10, can you provide clarification for what is to be decked and what is to be masticated?

A8- Specifications in Item 2 will be amended to reflect an upper diameter of 4.9” DBH for mastication to match Item 3 specifications.

A001 Attachment C_SiteVisit Q&A_Theodore IRSC.pdf