Contractors_ Q_A Robie Creek G-Z.pdf

Robie Creek G-Z IRSC Mountain Home Ranger District Boise National Forest

Questions & Answers from Industry

Questions received during the RFI

1. What will be required/accepted GPS unit to measure units?

A: GPS requirements will need to follow Forest Service Handbook requirements for accuracy stated in the Contract. Accepted GPS units could include Trimble or similar devices, as well as TwoTrails Software. If the Contractor would like to utilize the TwoTrails Software, the Forest Service can provide resources to get the program working for use as this should be accessible for public use at this time.

2. Would it be possible to send the Forest Service the GPS files and have them produce the maps?

A: That will be the required method of data sharing. A preliminary Contract Map will be provided to the Contractor that is awarded the contract. All collected data from Mandatory Item 1 – Survey and Implementation Plan of 1,874 Acres will be delivered to the Forest Service for completion of the Final Contract Map. A project map showing locations of collected points, lines, and polygons will be asked of the Contractor, however that can be provided in various forms, as agreed to by the Forest Service.

3. Would the Forest Service provide a shapefile of the project area, so we could load it into our tablets for creating the polygons in the field?

A: The Forest Service will provide a preliminary Contract Map in geo-referenced pdf form that can be uploaded into apps like Avenza for use in the field. Creating polygons will need to be to the standard described in the Contract and GPS equipment used to collect data will need to meet standards as described. Avenza or similar apps can be used to collect recon points but will not be permitted to track polygons for Treatment Units or other items as identified in Mandatory Item 1 – Survey and Implementation Plan of 1,874 Acres. GPS requirements for Treatment Unit mapping will need to meet Forest Service Handbook requirements.

4. Would it be possible to submit a road package and have the Forest Service engineer review the package for acceptance?

A: That will be the required method for this Contract. The Contractor will not be required to hire a certified engineer to submit plans for approval.

5. What is the access to the area?

A: Access is via National Forest System roads. The 2 most direct routes begin in Boise and travel either up the 297 (Bogus Basin Rd) or the 231 (Eighth Street) to meet the 275 (Boise Ridge Rd). The sale area is located directly off the 275 Rd. with potential units along the 275G and 275K.

6. Is it accessible year-round?

A: No, this area is located at an elevation of approximately 5500-6000 feet. On average it receives a few feet of snow making it accessible most years from late mid-May to early/mid-October.

7. Is there private ground that must be crossed?

A: yes. The southern section of the 275 Rd to the junction of the 275K Rd is located on a public road but travels through private property before entering National Forest System lands again. Please refer to the Contract Area Map for more details.

8. Are there any fence lines within or adjacent to the project area that would have to be dealt with?

A: There are no known fences, however as part of Mandatory Item 1, any fences found should be geo-referenced with a track for protection during harvest operations.

9. Are there any businesses that are currently taking non-saw material?

A: A Contractor would need to do local area market research. Lumber Mill operations in the local area typically will not accept material that is classified as non-saw. Most operations within the local market area dealing in non-saw material are associated with fuelwood businesses and there is a mill in Parma, Idaho (Parma Post & Pole Inc) that utilizes small diameter material for post and pole and other products.

10. What is the non-saw species mix?

A: Non-saw material is comprised of a mix including Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine.

11. Will non-saw be mandatory removal?

A: Non-saw material will be an Optional Item for removal.

12. Are there any watering requirements on the haul routes?

A: No, there are no water sources available near the project area. Along the haul route on FSR 366 there are water sources but at this time there is no watering requirements.

Due to a Special Management Area along the haul route a lowered speed limit will be required in lieu of watering to protect the resource.

13. Are roadways graveled or native surface?

A: The haul route consists of a mixture between native surface roads and a brief section of asphalt along the 297 (Bogus Basin Rd) approaching the resort. As the haul leaves National Forest lands it will turn to asphalt once more along the 364 Rd (Grimes Creek).

14. Is there a need for a certified engineer to sign off on a road reconstruction package?

A: A certified engineer is not required to complete the road analysis, and the road reconstruction plan will be completed by the Forest Service once the road analysis plan has been approved.

15. How were the volume estimations determined?

A: This area was the last project in the NEPA planning area. There are 4 other sales with cruise information adjacent to this Contract. A weighted average from these 4 sales was used for all estimates in terms of species composition, average DBH per species, QMD, MBF/CCF ratios, CF/tree, CCF/Acre, and total CCF.

16. Are certified cruisers needed? UPDATED A: There has been a waiver granted that states contractors are not required to be certified within the Intermountain Region to cruise. FS will host 1–2-day training on forest to go over specifications and guidelines to meet errors for measurements. We want to ensure standards are well understood and can be performed.

17. For Item 3 and 4 if tracer paint is needed, will it be supplied?

A: Yes, the Forest Service will provide the needed tracer paint for boundary painting in Item 3. Item 4 will not require any paint, units will only be flagged and mapped with a GPS. Proper accountability and handling is described in the contract.

From the Industry Meeting on 4/10/24

18. Is FS providing what the cruise is going to be? I’m assuming the cruise will need to be done with your own format and system. Walk me through the process of the cruise and what it will look like.

A: Recon plots (Fixed or variable) data is collected according to our basic standards (DBH, height, defect, species, etc). Once that data is collected from you, then the FS will do cruise design to determine how many plots are needed to meet our handbook standard of error. With a sale of this size, that would be 30% overall and 50% per Strata. We would be doing that design to then bring back to you to say based on preliminary data, FS must do X number of plots. Once final production cruise data is collected, we then process the numbers to find total error and adjust for any need to do supplemental plots. We would design our cruise to meet that error. Then it would be check cruised by regional measurement specialist, which then gets certified that the cruise has passed. It would then move forward to appraisal, and final volume estimations.

19. Are there any options for extensions on completion dates?

A: The dates are set for keeping on a good timeline, but the dates and performances are negotiable. As we progress through operations, we can negotiate and agree on different timelines. At this point, they are flexible, but focus is to keep the contract on good pace. If there are reasons they cannot be met, then we can have those discussions. Hard deadline is 12/31/2029. The intermittent timelines can be discussed and flexible at the time of the coming up on those deadlines.

Please write in your proposal if you believe the hard deadline can be hit faster than determined.

20. As far as maps concerned, will maps need to be made from your own design or will we need to provide for final contract maps?

A: We would be asking for the data that you collect to be provided to us for those final contract maps. In terms of the preliminary contract maps, we would be asking if there is a draft that shows those points collected are on the ground and what locations they are in, so there is no discrepancy.

21. Your appraisal will come after 1-5 item numbers? When do you want a bid on the sale?

A: In a normal IRTC, we go out with advertised rates, then allow for bid premiums. We don’t know what the final volume is at this point. We don’t know what variables we will input to the appraisal. This is a part of the logging plan. When we get all data and mapping, it goes directly to appraisal. No, we cannot allow you to bid on appraised rate up front when we don’t have that. Bid premiums is only thing you have control. The assumption is rates shouldn’t be dramatically different than what they have already been coming in at. The intent is if you see value and put bid premiums, then that is all we ask you for. You can put 0 if you would like, it is your discretion. However, that will be used as an evaluation factor. Contractors who give good prices throughout shows you see value in the timber and are willing to take a risk there.

22. Do you have specs on mastication (unit type or thinning type)?

A: Areas for mastication would be considered 500 ft above and below main roads. This is identified in contract map area as well. It would be on unit basis; the idea is to masticate up to 6 inches where possible. Sub merchantable thinning would include everything that is 6 – 9.9 inches. Sawtimber starts at 10 inches. All specs go in correlation the prescriptions that were provided in pre-solicitation.

23. Is the bid premium based on $28,858 estimate?

A: Yes, this is based off historical board feet per acre. (NEPA Acres) The other sales that have passed check cruise and awarded/harvested were weighted for averages on trees per acre measurements and MBF/CCF ratios, average DBH, etc. We took those numbers and compared them with other local areas. They are all within same NEPA Project and along 275 road, so the numbers will stay consistent.

24. When are you wanting the bid premium? Purchasers/Operators are putting these down before doing recon?

A: Up front at time of proposals due. You would do it with the solicitation of your bid.

Must be done before doing recon. Extended solicitation periods will be done as well.

This can all be adjusted, so feedback is very important right now, because changes can be made. Once final solicitation is amended, there will not be as much flexibility. We will be doing a field day and you can go out on your own to see the site.

25. Can contractors be compensated for their extra time?

A: No, it is just like a normal contract. Determining your bid as a contractor is on your dime. We realize it requires a little bit more time up front, so we can offer extensions on solicitation periods. Until this goes out as the actual request for quotes, this can all be adjusted, which is why feedback is very important.

26. On most stewardships, mobilization items included are optional?

A: We need to know if, any time, there is a need to submit any unbalanced prices on IRSC, it needs to be done so we can adjust within that line item or the contract in general to make sure we’re not getting unbalanced pricing.

27. When is the scheduled field day?

A: Thursday May 30th meeting at 0830 at the Boise Supervisor’s Office: 1249 S. Vinnell Way, Boise, ID 83709. Please notify Jaclyn Mitchell of your attendance for this for logistical needs (parking, number of vehicles, etc.) by May 20th