12363N24Q4216_Timber Mark and Cruise BPA.docx

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

DATE

12363N24Q4216

DATE

08/30/2024

INFORMATION CALL:

09/30/2024 2:30 p.m.

9. ISSUED BY CODE

10. THIS ACQUISITON IS |X| UNRESTRICTED OR |_| SET ASIDE: _________% FOR

USDA/USFS National Stewardship IRSC 1400 Independence Ave, SW

MS-1138

|_| SMALL BUSINESS |_| WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS (WOSB)

ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

|_| HUBZONE SMALL SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

BUSINESS

Washington, DC 20250-1138

|_| EDWOSB NAICS: 115310

|_| SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED SIZE STANDARD: $34 Million

SMALL BUSINESS |_| 8(A)

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINATION UNLESS BLOCK IS MARKED

|_| SEE SCHEDULE

ORDER UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

|_| RFQ |_| IFB |X| RFP

15. DELIVER TO CODE

See Delivery Schedule

16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

Same as Block 9

17a. CONTRACTOR/ CODE FACILITY

OFFEROR ADDRESS CODE

DUNS No: ____________________________________________ Email Address: _________________________________________ 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

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

TELEPHONE N0.

|_| SEE ADDENDUM

BPA Timber Mark & Cruise Ottawa & Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forests Wisconsin & Michigan

PLEASE PLACE YOUR QUOTE IN

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS,

FURNISHING QUOTATION: Complete Standard Form 1449, Solicitation Provisions, and Technical Evaluation Form as your quote. Please return to the address shown in Block 9. Place “Solicitation No. 12363N24Q4216” in the email remarks.

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

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

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

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

SET FORTH HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS: ____________________

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

|_| RECEIVED |_| INSPECTED |_| ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED: ___________________________________

32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32f. TELPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

CORRECT FOR

PARTIAL FINAL

|_| COMPLETE |_| PARTIAL |_| FINAL

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012) BACK

SECTION B – CONTINUATION OF SF-1449

BPA shall remain in effect for a period of 4 years unless terminated by either the Contractor or the Government with thirty (30) days written notice. Contractors Option may not be exercised for performance issues, unrealistic pricing, or an inactive SAM account.

The Government reserves the right to award additional BPAs from this solicitation for the duration of the BPA term. During the 5-year term of the contract, the Contracting Officer may determine a need to reduce or increase the original pool of awarded contracts for a variety of reasons. The Government may replenish on an annual basis by resoliciting the requirement for the remaining period of performance. The solicitation, term and conditions, and source selection procedures will be the same as under this original solicitation. Any new awardees will compete with the existing or remaining contractors for all subsequent BPA Calls. The period of performance for the new awardees will not exceed the overall maximum term of the original BPA, including options.

452.216-73 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 $0 (BPA), but not in excess of $2 million per individual contract.

Individual call orders under each agreement shall not exceed $250,000.

Requirements for amounts less than $2,500 may be acquired as micro-purchases using a Government Purchase Card.

ORDERING PROCEDURES

Individual BPA Calls will be competed among BPA awardees. The Government expressly reserves the right to limit competition if determined to be in its best interests.

1. The CO will issue a written Request for Proposal that may include:

a. Schedule of Items

b. Statement of Work

c. The Period of Performance

d. Map and/or coordinates of delivery/work

e. Department of Labor Wage Determination, as applicable

2. Ordering CO must identify and align and issue the correct Attachment for the correct National Forest:

a. Attachment A – Ottawa National Forest

b. Attachment B - Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

3. The Contractors will be provided a number of days to review the package and submit pricing. The Government is not obligated to accept prices and may resolicit the requirement outside this BPA. Quantities shown are estimates for evaluation purposes and NOT guarantees; The Government reserves the right to adjust the quantity ordered on any BPA Call based on the availability of funds.

4. The CO reserves the right to:

a. Award to one contractor if the independent government estimate is less than $2,500.00.

b. Accept other than the lowest priced offer and to reject any or all offers.

The government intends to select the most advantageous, responsive, and responsible proposal, price and other factors considered. The non-price evaluation criteria are quality of work for the specific type to be performed and capacity to complete the work on schedule.

c. Award without discussion.

CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE(S) – LIAISON

a. Contracting Officer’s Representative(s) (COR) and/or Government Technical Monitor will be designated in writing at the time of contract award. A copy of the designation will be furnished to the Contractor.

b. The COR will act as liaison between the USDA Forest Service herein referred to as “FS” and the Contractor(s), and, when necessary, will provide technical direction to the Contractor(s). The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and is responsible for monitoring, assessing, recording, and reporting on the technical performance of the contractor. The COR, however, is not authorized to change any of the terms and conditions of the contract, make decisions concerning disputes arising under the contract, or resolve differing site condition matters. Neither the presence nor absence of a government representative shall relieve the Contractor(s) of his/her/their responsibilities under the contract.

c. The Contracting Officer for this contract should be informed as soon as possible of any actions or inaction’s by the Contractor or the Government which could change any of the terms, conditions, or completion time stated in the contract. On all matters pertaining to contract terms, the Contractor must communicate with the Contracting Officer.

d. Whenever, in the opinion of the Contractor, the COR requests effort outside the scope of the Contract, the Contractor should advise the Contracting Officer immediately.

CONTRACTOR OBLIGATION:

Contractor shall provide personnel who are trained and competent to accomplish the work on this contract in a manner consistent with the highest professional standards of the industry. Contractors are required to stay in communication with the designated Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) at all times. Work is to be completed during the Period of Performance listed on the BPA Call. If additional time is requested outside of acts of nature or within reason, the Contractor may be charged by deducting remaining funds from the order.

On all matters that pertain to the contract terms, the Contractor shall communicate, in writing, with the Contracting Officer. Whenever, in the opinion of the Contractor, the COR requests are outside the scope of the contract, the Contractor should so advise the COR and CO immediately. Buying and using material or performing any services not listed in this contract without proper contractual modification by the Contracting Officer could result in nonpayment of these services and shall result in the Contractor performing those services at their own expense.

The Government will monitor services to ensure that the Contractor meets the performance standards. Visual observation and physical checks will be used. The Government reserves the right, if deemed necessary, to reject service deemed unsatisfactory for this contract.

Government inspections will be documented and placed in the COR’s file. If the employee’s services do not meet the standards as outlined in this contract, a Notice of Non-Compliance will be issued to the Contractor. The CO may issue other cure notices if services are not being provided in a timely manner or does not comply with contract specifications.

Inspection of the supplies and services under this contract shall be made by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) or the designated Government Technical Monitor as the work progresses and at such intervals as are necessary to ensure compliance with the contract specifications and provisions.

Subcontracting work is not an excuse for substandard performance. If the services are not acceptable by the COR, the contractor shall perform said services to the satisfaction of the COR in accordance with this contract at no cost to the government. If rework is not possible or does not occur, deductions may be withheld from invoice(s). Upon acceptance by the COR, the contractor may submit their invoice in the IPP system.

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

General Specifications

Each awarded contractor must have and maintain USDA US Forest Service, Region 9 Timber Cruise and Volume Estimation certification to accept and perform work under this BPA. If the contractor does not possess and maintain this certification, they can, at their expense, hire a team member that does or seek subcontractors that do to perform the work. Lack of current certification credentials shall not be considered acceptable for a request for termination for convenience. Contractor may be considered in default if work is accepted without current certifications in place.

Please contact the following for new Region 9 Certifications and or renewal for current:

Ottawa NF Name: Paul Dashner Email: Paul.Dashner@USDA.gov Phone: 906-285-6888

Chequamegon-Nicolet Name: Ben Goldman Email: benjamin.goldman@usda.gov Phone: 715-264-2511

Name: Scott Herning Email: scott.herning@usda.gov Phone: 715-276-6333

452.211-72 Statement of Work/Specifications. (FEB 1988) The Contractor shall furnish the necessary personnel, material, equipment, services and facilities (except as otherwise specified), to perform the Statement of Work/Specifications below and referenced in Attachments A or B.

(End of Clause)

452.211-73 Attachments to Statements of Work/Specifications. (FEB 1988) The attachments to the Statement of Work/Specifications listed in Attachments A or B are hereby made part of this solicitation and any resultant contract.

(End of Clause)

PROJECT-SPECIFIC RFQs WILL BETTER CLARIFY THIS SECTION FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL CONTRACT ISSUED UNDER THIS BPA. REQUIREMENTS STATED IN THIS SECTION MAY DIFFER SLIGHTLY UNDER EACH PROJECT-SPECIFIC RFQ, BUT TYPICAL WORK CAN BE EXPECTED TO CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING:

C.1 SCOPE OF CONTRACT

(a) This BPA calls for the layout, marking, and/or volume estimation of timber sales on the Ottawa and Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Timber sales contain separate payment units (10-20 per sale of about 20-50 acres in size each on average).

(b) The Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, equipment, tools, instruments, supplies, transportation, professional services and supervision EXCEPT that which is designated in the Government Furnished Property clause.

(c) Contractors are required to be Forest Service certified, or have in their employ a certified person, before bidding on a contract that includes volume determination. Certification from the Chequamegon-Nicolet or the Ottawa National Forests will be accepted. Proof of certification will be required.

C.2 LOCATIONS AND DESCRIPTIONS

(a) Project areas will be on the Ottawa or Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forests and may be located on the Bergland, Bessemer, Kenton, Iron River, Ontonagon, and Watersmeet Ranger Districts on the Ottawa National Forest or the Eagle River/Florence, Great Divide, Lakewood/Laona, Medford/Park Falls and Washburn Ranger Districts on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. These Districts are located in the Michigan Counties of: Baraga, Iron, Gogebic, Houghton, and Ontonagon or Wisconsin Counties of: Ashland, Bayfield, Florence, Forest, Langlade, Oconto, Oneida, Price, Sawyer, Taylor and Vilas. Additional district work locations may be subject to assignment at a later date, pending review and approval of the awarding warranted officer or agent.

(b) Any one or a combination of the following types of harvests, cruising systems, layout, and remarking may be included in future projects. Site specific prescriptions providing further detail will be provided for those projects. Specific methodology and standards for the Technical Requirements to accomplish the GENERAL descriptions given below are defined elsewhere in this Contract.

(c) Keep in mind how the tree will be felled, which will require access for equipment and drop zones for larger trees to avoid damage to residual trees during logging. Marking objectives include establishing skid trails prior to thinning to the desired residual basal area and spacing guidelines between trails, which may result in the target basal area being achieved. There may be scattered inclusions of small, poorly drained pockets, seeps, steep slopes, perched water tables, or shallow bedrock areas; do not designate any trees for removal in these areas unless specifically identified in the prescriptions.

MARKING AND CRUISING DESCRIPTIONS

(1) HARDWOOD SELECTION, IMPROVEMENT, THINNING (Marking & Cruising)

Uneven aged stands or even-aged stands with uneven-aged or even-aged objectives consisting of a mixture of Northern Hardwood types of various size classes. These stands contain both pulpwood and sawtimber Species/Product/Unit mixes. Marking objectives are to remove trees considered high risk, defective, poor form, or mature and to maintain or develop size class structure with optimum growing stock, per the specific marking instructions.

(2) PINE AND SPRUCE THINNING (even-age) (Marking & Cruising)

These stands are second and third entries, and generally are heavier to sawtimber-sized trees. The objectives are to remove high risk trees and thin the remainder of the stand to the desired residual basal area and spacing specifications. Skid trails are generally in place from previous harvest. When applicable and at the discretion of the COR, marking objectives include establishing skid trails prior to thinning to the desired residual basal area and spacing guidelines between trails. Contractor will provide a map with skid trail locations and directions.

(3) PINE AND SPRUCE THINNING (even-age, 1st Thinning) (Marking & Cruising)

First thinning’s in pine and spruce stands. These stands consist of a higher basal area of pole-sized trees, and are predominately uniform plantations. Some stands may contain damage from disease or insects. Stands that have not been on “regular entry cycle for thinning” could also include a sawtimber-sized component. Marking objectives include establishing skid trails prior to thinning to the desired residual basal area and spacing guidelines between trails.

(4) WHITE PINE THINNING – (Marking & Cruising)

These stands are mixtures of white pine, mixed conifer, aspen and hardwood species. Some stands may contain damage from disease or insects. The objectives are to remove high risk, disease or insect infected trees and undesirable tree species while maintaining a residual stand of healthy trees. Residual basal areas in these stands may vary along with the species composition.

(5) SHELTERWOOD/SEED CUT/OVERSTORY REMOVAL CUT (Marking & Cruising)

Treatments may be applied to hardwood, aspen, pine and mixed conifer stands. Some of which may be high risk trees and contain undesirable species prescribed for removal. The objective is to remove or reduce the overstory competition and regenerate or release stocked stands with desirable species.

(6) CLEARCUT/REMOVAL CUT (Marking & Cruising - where all trees are counted)

Generally in a clearcut or removal cut, where all LIVE and/or DEAD trees that meet minimum specifications for size or species are designated for removal EXCEPT for trees marked as RESERVE TREES, LEAVE TREES or trees within PROTECTED AREAS.

In Payment Units where designated Species are too variable for Area Estimate Cruising methods, trees designated for removal will be marked with an intentional and discernable paint spot at eye level no smaller than 1 square inch to verify the tree was counted. Minimize over spray on non-designated species to avoid confusion. A stump mark is not generally required. Paint spots will face in generally the same direction. If any designated leave species (per marking instructions) are marked with a CTM designation, contractor will indicate this on tally card.

(7) LEAVE TREE MARKING (LTM) - (MARKING ONLY)

Trees that are marked will be left uncut in the stand after harvest operations are complete. Each tree to be left will be ringed/banded at eye-level with paint and a corresponding stump mark. Leave Tree Marking would generally occur in Payment Units where a greater number of merchantable trees are included for removal than will remain as residual.

(8) SAMPLE TREE CRUISING METHOD

The Sample Tree cruising method (STR) involves measuring a specified proportion (Sample Interval) of trees in the defined sub-population. The remaining trees included for removal are tallied as count trees. With this cruising method, every tree included for removal must be visited and marked.

(9) VARIABLE PLOT CRUISING (CRUISING ONLY)

The Contractor will establish variable plots and cruise volume with a 5, 10, or 20 Basal Area Factor (BAF) prism in units to be clearcut, species designated units (DxSPP) or Leave Tree Marked units. This method could be Point Cruising (every tree on the point is measured) or Point Count Measure (not all of the trees on the point are measured, but all are counted). Generally, plots are systematically distributed at the rate of approximately one plot per two acres or as specified in the cruise design (higher or lower intensity). Variable plot cruises may be used on Leave Tree Marking Payment Units or even-aged, uniform stands of aspen, hardwoods and pine.

For CLEARCUT/REMOVAL CUT Payment Units where volume is cruised using Variable Plot these trees will not be marked with paint (EXCEPT for cruise trees on plots/points).

(10) FIXED PLOT CRUISING (CRUISING ONLY)

The Contractor will establish fixed size plots (uniform circle of a fixed radius, generally 1/10th or 1/20th acre in size) in which all trees included for removal will be measured. This cruising method may be used in salvage situations associated with storm events; or, in stands containing a biomass component. Plots are uniformly distributed across the defined area per the Cruise Design.

For CLEARCUT/REMOVAL CUT Payment Units where volume is cruised using Fixed Plot these trees will not be marked with paint (EXCEPT for cruise trees on plots/points).

(11) LAYOUT TIMBER SALE UNIT BOUNDARIES

Layout includes painting Payment Unit and sale boundaries at eye-level, with corresponding stump marks on predetermined Payment Unit lines delineated on aerial photos, stand maps, or other resource maps, supplied by the Forest Service. Boundaries will be monumented per specifications defined in the Contract.

(12) TRAVERSE PAYMENT UNIT BOUNDARIES USING A GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS)

Traverse is for use to determine area per standards specified in Forest Service Handbook 2409.12 Chapter 50. Product to be provided includes a corrected (and the original un-corrected) data file down-loaded in computer readable format (compatible with Forest Service system) and a printed plot of the traverse at 15,840 scale.

(13) REMARKING (Payment Unit Boundaries)

Remarking includes repainting of Payment Unit boundaries where the original paint is no longer satisfactory. This includes painting marks at eye-level and at the stump, per the original specifications.

(14) REMARKING (Included trees)

Remarking includes painting of included trees where the original paint is no longer satisfactory, per the original specifications. All trees originally marked in a Payment Unit would be remarked. This does not include re-cruising the “marked” trees. Contractor shall not put new paint over original paint.

(15) OTHER MARKING SYSTEM NOT LISTED ABOVE

Specific marking instructions different than those listed above which generally do not include “typical” timber management as the primary objective for timber removal. Examples include: removal of trees in administrative sites, campgrounds, old growth, and road right-of-way clearing.

C.3 MONUMENTING BOUNDARY TREES and OTHER LEAVE TREES

Ottawa National Forest

(a) The Forest Service or a Contractor will mark boundaries with ORANGE paint prior to the Contractor entering the Payment Units to commence marking and cruising work. Boundary trees will be marked with a “slash” that is “wrapped” in such a way as to be visible from 3 faces of the boundary tree. Each “slash” is approximately 2-3 inches in width spaced approximately 5-7 inches apart, at eye-level or higher. Boundary trees will be of sufficient diameter (at least 3” DBH when available) to be visible by equipment operators. Any brush or limbs that hinder the visibility of the boundary marks will be removed. Boundary trees will be inter-visible during the leaf-on period. The only exception permitted would be where the payment unit is intended to follow a dominant feature on the land and will be shown on the sale area map; such as a system road or powerline.

(b) Exterior Payment Unit boundaries will be designated with a 3 slash ORANGE line facing into the Sale Area or Payment Unit. Exterior boundary trees will include a stump mark (1 spot with an 18” – 24” tail, a minimum 2” in width). Stump marks should be concentrated in a crevice of the tree relatively free of moss or lichens. On sloped ground, the stump mark shall be placed on the downhill side of the tree.

(c) Interior Payment Unit boundaries will be designated with a 2 slash ORANGE line, on opposite sides of the tree facing into the respective Payment Units. Interior boundary trees will include a stump mark (1 spot with an 18” – 24” tail, a minimum 2” in width). Stump mark should be concentrated in a crevice of the tree relatively free of moss or lichens. On sloped ground, the stump marks shall be placed on the downhill side of the tree.

(d) No Equipment Zone boundaries will be designated with a 1 slash ORANGE line facing into the Payment Unit where it is easily visible to approaching logging equipment. Stump marks will NOT be placed on these boundaries.

(e) Protected Area boundaries will be designated with a 3 slash ORANGE line facing away from the Protected Area. Protected Area boundary trees will include a stump mark (1 spot with an 18” – 24” tail, a minimum 2” in width). Stump marks should be concentrated in a crevice of the tree relatively free of moss or lichens. On sloped ground, the stump marks shall be placed on the downhill side of the tree. In addition, “PA” will be painted on random boundary trees (particularly on corners in the line) to avoid confusion with Sale Area or Payment Unit boundaries. Protected Areas may protect archeological sites, sensitive plants and animal species, Ecological Classification System plots, or other resources. Trees are not to be marked within Protected Areas.

(f) Reserve Trees shall be marked with a single two-inch wide band of ORANGE paint encircling the tree and “RT” at eye level along with two stump marks (two spots with two 18”-24” tails) placed on opposite sides of the tree. Reserve trees are designated for a specific reason (i.e. wildlife tree, superior tree). Stump marks should be concentrated in a crevice of the tree relatively free of moss or lichens. On sloped ground, the stump mark shall be placed on the downhill side of the tree.

(g) Leave Trees in Leave Tree Marking Payment Units will use a single ORANGE paint BAND at eye level eye level and will include a stump mark (1 spot with an 18” – 24” tail, a minimum 2” in width). Bands are approximately 2 inches in width completely circling the tree. Stump marks should be concentrated in a crevice of the tree relatively free of moss or lichens. On sloped ground, the stump mark shall be placed on the downhill side of the tree.

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

When included in BPA call Description of Boundary Tree and/or Leave Tree Marks will be included in call Supplemental Specifications.

C. 4 TRAVERSE PAYMENT UNIT BOUNDARIES USING A GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) (look in updated FSH for new requirements)

Contractor will traverse Payment Unit boundaries using methods and standards described in Forest Service Handbook 2409.12 Chapter 50.

C.5 SELECTING TIMBER FOR HARVEST

(a) The Forest Service or a Contractor will mark unit boundaries with ORANGE or another designated color of paint with slashes prior to the Contractor entering the units to commence marking work. Trees shall be selected and designated (marked with paint) for harvest in the appropriate unit according to the General Marking Instructions and Detailed Prescriptions included for each solicitation. Boundary trees and Reserve Trees will be marked as described above in Section C.3. Trees selected for harvest must be capable of being economically felled and removed without damage to the residual stand. No marking will occur within Protected Areas. For a tree to be designated for harvest it must meet minimum tree specifications and include one minimum piece. Refer to Attachment A or B – Minimum Tree and Piece Specifications.

(b) Trees are NOT to be marked outside of Sale Area or Payment Unit boundaries (visually “draw” a line from boundary tree to boundary tree). If there is a potential for a designated tree (designated by species/diameter, DxSPP, in a clearcut) to appear to be outside of a unit boundary, then place a stump mark on that tree along with the required mark at eye level.

C.6 MARKING TREES FOR HARVEST

Ottawa National Forest

(a) Marking in Cut Tree Mark (CTM) Units (Intermediate harvest unit). Paint is for marking trees for cutting, tallying trees, and strip lines. Prior to application, Contractor shall vigorously shake each can of paint to assure tracer element and pigment are incorporated. Strip lines are to be confined to ribbon lines or sub-merchantable trees (less than 3-inch DBH), as approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative.

(b) Mark sawtimber trees with a single two inch wide horizontal stripe of paint on opposite sides of the tree at eye level along with two stump marks (18 inch – 24 inch “tail” approximately 2 inches in width). Eye level marks shall cover the entire face of the bole. On sloped ground, eye level marks shall be on the uphill and downhill side of the tree.

Mark pulpwood trees with a single two inch wide horizontal stripe of paint on opposite sides of the tree at eye level along with one stump mark (18 inch – 24 inch “tail” approximately 2 inches in width). Eye level marks shall cover the entire face of the bole. On sloped ground, eye level marks shall be on the uphill and downhill side of the tree.

(c) If there are multiple stems on a single stump (or where 2 trees have grown together) with each qualifying as an individual tree, there will be a corresponding stump mark for EACH tree in the “clump”. All trees in the clump will be marked.

(d) All cut trees will be marked on two sides at eye level unless specified otherwise (example: along sensitive travel corridors).

(e) Non-merchantable/substandard trees marked to be cut in drop zones; cut trees that present a felling hazard for merchantable marked trees; or trees in right-of-way clearings >= 3” dbh will be marked with an “X” at eye level with a stump mark (only a spot is required without a “tail”).

Apply paint with a sweeping motion to eye level marks, forming horizontal stripes covering the entire face of the bole. All eye level marks shall face approximately the same direction in the individual units. When 2 or more shots are used for an individual mark, shots should only overlap by a minimal amount on edges. DO NOT PUT 2 OR MORE SHOTS DIRECTLY OVER EACH OTHER since this will increase drying time and can significantly increase potential for wash off if heavy rains occur prior to paint drying. Avoid marking topside of leaning trees where mark has greater exposure to weather and water is likely to run during periods of heavy rainfall.

Place stump marks inside butt flanges where possible to protect from damage during felling and skidding. Stump marks shall be applied using proper technique. The stump marks shall be placed on clean bark or wood, not moss or dirty stumps. Moss or other debris may need to be removed, without damaging tree. Marks shall be located on the LOW SIDE of the stump in recessed portions of the stump. A liberal amount of paint shall be used on stump marks, since these are very important marks and must be durable. Stump mark shall include a "tail" or "comet" extending 18-24 inches above ground. Paint must not be diluted.

(g) Some prescriptions may require the creation of canopy gaps. If specified in marking guides, all undesirable nonmerchantable trees shall be marked at eye level on two sides of the tree and one stump mark applied. A different color of paint than used to mark merchantable trees will be designated for this work.

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

(a) Sawtimber and pulpwood trees shall be marked with paint at or above DBH and on the stump below normal stump height as close to the ground as possible. Paint shall be applied liberally to the stump spots. Stump marks shall be placed inside butt flanges where possible to protect from damage during felling and skidding. Paint shall be placed on areas free or scraped free of moss.

(b) Paint is for marking trees for cutting, tallying trees, and strip lines. Strip lines are to be confined to sub-merchantable trees (mostly less than 4-inch DBH). Stump marks shall be applied using proper technique. The stump marks shall be placed on clean bark or wood, not moss or dirty stumps. Moss or other debris may need to be removed, without damaging tree. Marks shall be located on the LOW SIDE of the stump in recessed portions of the stump. (Shears and headsaw harvesters are capable of cutting extremely low stumps.) A liberal amount of paint shall be used on stump marks, since these are very important marks and must be durable.

(c) All paint marks shall be concentrated in spots or slashes of paint with a minimum 7 square inches of paint per mark. The Contractor may be required to paint both sides of each tree with spots or slashes or may be required to paint two sides of the stump, as identified for each project.

(d) When the prescription requires the creation of canopy gaps, all undesirable non-merchantable trees shall be marked at DBH on two sides of the tree and one stump mark.

(e) Sub-merchantable trees within skid trails shall be marked at DBH on two sides of the tree and one stump mark.

C.7 SPECIAL CONDITIONS

(a) Any survey corner monument (Bearing Tree) or any tree that has been blazed as a line tree along an established land line, or any tree which is designated as a Superior Tree shall not be designated for cutting. Superior trees are designated with a white ring around the tree bole, generally at breast height. Survey trees generally have red paint marks on the blazes (there is potential for blazed trees without paint).

(b) Unit specific marking guides may identify other special conditions such as wildlife den trees, raptor nests, or riparian inclusions which should not be marked. Contractor may be required to demark any areas which did not follow guidelines for special conditions without any additional cost to the Government. Contractor will notify the Government immediately of any changed conditions – such as new raptor nests or previously un-identified archeological sites.

C.8 DESIGNATION BY SPECIES AND DIAMETER (DxSPP)

(a) Generally, in a clearcut or removal cut, where all LIVE and/or DEAD trees that meet minimum specifications (Appendix J.) are designated for removal EXCEPT for trees marked as RESERVE TREES, LEAVE TREES, or trees within PROTECTED AREAS. For Payment Units where volume is cruised using Variable Plot or Fixed Plot Cruising these trees will not be marked with paint (EXCEPT for trees on plots/points – discussed elsewhere). In Payment Units where designated Species are too variable for Area Estimate Cruising methods (using Sample Tree Measure cruise method), trees designated for removal shall be intentionally marked with a stripe of paint at eye level to verify the tree was counted.

C.9 CRUISING ROAD RIGHTs-OF-WAY (ROW’s)

(a) Some projects may require road ROW’s to be cruised as a separate Payment Unit. ROW’s are generally 20-24 feet wide (10-12’ each side of road centerline). Road ROW’s will usually be marked with YELLOW paint as CTM units.

C.10 VOLUME ESTIMATION USING CUT TREE MARKING/SAMPLE TREE CRUISING METHOD

(a) General Requirements. Contractor will perform volume estimation accurately to insure that net volume estimates are within +/- 5% of cubic foot volume of ALL check cruised sample trees and +/- 10% of check cruised sawtimber trees; in addition to Elements identified in the Field Measurements Evaluation Form (dated 11/08/2012) for all elements evaluated and acceptable tolerances for error (See Attachment A or B.).

(b) Sample Tree Selection. The Contractor will use an unbiased selection of sample trees marked by the timber cruisers. Sampling intensities for each stratum and sample groups are found in the marking instructions/cruise design. Details concerning sampling will be finalized at the pre-work conference.

(c) Instrument Acceptance and Calibration. If requested by the COR, Contractor will provide for inspection and acceptance by COR all instruments used for tree measurements. Instruments will be checked for calibration periodically. Measurements will be made against known and established measures, to insure accurate measurements.

(d) Sample Tree Measurements. Sample tree measurements will be made according to methods outlined in (see Attachment A or B.):

Management Field Book, pages 1.31a – 1.31b

Required measurements include:

1) DBH (Diameter at Breast Height taken at points other than 4.5' above ground on the high side of the tree because of swell or other bole deformities, shall be identified with a horizontal paint mark on the tree bole at the point of measurement). For all DBH measurements (measured to the nearest 1 tenth of an inch) a tolerance of +/- 2 tenths of an inch will be accepted before an error is assessed.

2) Merchantable height will be measured in feet according to methods described in “Cruising Changes Guide”, (dated 5/5/2008) , or Quick Guide to New Cruising Practices (see Attachment A or B.):

a. Sawtimber heights will be measured to the nearest foot, with a tolerance of +/- 4 feet. Topwood heights will be measured to the nearest foot, with a tolerance of +/- 4 feet. For hardwood trees this is to a 4” top dib (diameter inside bark); for conifer trees this is to the top of the tree.

b. Pulpwood heights will be measured to the nearest foot, with a tolerance of +/- 4 feet. Hardwood trees would be measured to a 4” top dib; conifers would be measured to the top of the tree.

[Note: applies to sawtimber and pulpwood heights: The butt piece shall be a minimum of 9-feet in height in order to account for the automatic 12-inch deduction (for sawtimber) and 6-inch deduction (for pulpwood) by the Volume Equation. The remaining pieces shall be in 8-foot increments. Measurement will be taken from the high side of the stump at ground level.]

3) Determination of internal and external defects including sweep, crook, rot, etc.

4) All sawtimber sample trees will meet minimum Grade 3 standards according to the following guides for Forest Service standard grades for hardwood factory-lumber logs, unless specified otherwise in project specific instructions. (Refer to Attachment A or B)

(e) Identifying Sample Sawtimber Trees. In addition to the marking instructions above for sawtimber primary product trees (and multi-product trees), a unique tree number that matches the tree number on the Payment Unit tally card (R9 Timber Sale Cruise Tally Card – See Attachment A or B) will be painted on the sample tree, in addition to the assigned Cruiser identification letter. The following information will be written on a flagging ribbon with permanent marker, with the ribbon turned with the information facing to the inside against the bole of the tree (to protect the information):

1) Unique tree number assigned to that Sample Tree

2) Sample Group # in the Cruise Design

3) Species (use the applicable Species Code shown in Species Code Guide, Attachment A or B.)

4) DBH (nearest tenth of an inch)

5) Sawlog height in feet

6) Percent of saw defect (rounded to nearest 5%) percent of Recoverable volume (rounded to nearest 5%)

7) Non-sawlog height in feet (to a 4 inch top dib for hardwood species and total height for conifer species)

8) Percent of non-saw defect (rounded to nearest 5%)

9) Marker's cruising identification as agreed to with the Forest Service COR.

[Note: Ottawa National Forest Calculate defect and recoverable volume to the nearest % then round to the nearest 5%]

Ribbon the sample tree with flagging ribbon at DBH. Flagging ribbon color will be agreed upon, in writing, at the pre-work conference.

(f) Identifying Sample Pulpwood Trees. In addition to the marking instructions above for pulpwood primary product trees, a unique tree number that matches the tree number on the Payment Unit tally card (R9 Timber Sale Cruise Tally Card – See Attachment A or B) will be painted on the sample tree, in addition to the assigned Cruiser identification letter. Each pulpwood sample tree will contain the following information written on a flagging ribbon with permanent marker, with the ribbon turned with the information facing to the inside against the bole of the tree (to protect the information):

1) Unique tree number assigned to that Sample Tree

2) Sample Group # in the Cruise Design

3) Species (use the applicable Species Code shown in Species Code Guide, Attachment A or B.)

4) DBH (nearest tenth of an inch)

5) Pulpwood (non-saw) height in feet (4 inch top dib for hardwood species and total height for conifer species.

6) Percent of defect (rounded to nearest 5%)

7) Marker's cruising identification as agreed to with the Forest Service COR.

[Note: Calculate defect to the nearest % then round to the nearest 5%]

Ribbon the sample tree with flagging ribbon at breast height with two foot tails. Flagging ribbon color will be agreed upon, in writing, at the pre-work conference.

C.11 VOLUME ESTIMATION USING AREA ESTIMATE SAMPLING METHOD

(a) Variable plot sampling. Where specified in the contract, the Contractor will use variable plot sampling to determine volumes after acreage is computed. The plots shall be sampled with a 5, 10, or 20 BAF prism, Relaskop, or other equivalent approved optical instrument. The BAF will be specified in the Marking Guides. Grid size will be specified for each project. The point sampling method is generally used in clearcuts and Leave Tree Marking, but may include other applications. Methodology is discussed in Attachment A or B – “Qualified Cruiser Reference Guide – Eastern Region”, (dated 10/25/2006) or Forest Service Handbook 2409.12 Chapter 10 . Limiting distance tables are also included in this document.

(b) General Requirements. Contractor will perform volume estimation accurately to insure that net volume estimates are within +/- 5% of net volume for all species and products combined of plots checked and +/- 10% of net volume for all sawtimber products of plots checked on an area estimate cruises.

(c) Several point sampling methods may be required in a project.

(1) Point Sampling (PNT) – Involves measuring all of the trees on the variable radius (or BAF) points scattered throughout the Payment Unit.

(2) Point Count Measure (PCMTRE) - All of the trees on every variable radius point are counted, with a sample interval assigned to the measure trees in each Sample Group.

(3) Fixed Plot (FIX) – Involves measuring all of the trees on plots of a fixed size, generally 1/10th or 1/20th acre in size.

(d) Variable Plot Operational Features.

(1) Sample Plot Location. Location of sample points/plots should result in a representative sample of the population and be free of bias. Number of samples to be taken will be determined by the Forest Service and intensity of points may vary based upon stand variability. Sample points should be located so they reflect stand variations which may occur in the Payment Unit. Cruise lines should cross drainages or topographic patterns rather than parallel them. The Forest Services shall plan location of points/plots and grid on the Contract Map, prior to cruising on the ground.

Establish cruise lines using a compass and proceed in a north, south, east, or west direction. Refer to Attachment A or B – “Qualified Cruisers Reference Guide – Eastern Region”, (dated 10/25/2006).

(2) Marking Variable Plots. Plots shall be clearly marked with the plot number identified at the top of the plot marker. The plot marker shall consist of a stake, engineering flag, or other straight object which will show where the plot center is located. The actual plot center will be where the stake goes into the ground. Plot number will be written as Payment Unit Number/Plot (or point) Number (i.e. 01/01). Plot “Marker” type will be agreed to in writing by the Contractor and Forest Service at the pre-work conference.

(3) Sample Tree Selection. In most cases selection of sample and measure trees will follow direction given below. Variations in sampling design may include other methods which would be described in project cruise designs.

(i) Proceeding clockwise from direction of travel, check each tree around the point, normally at DBH, as a possible sample tree.

(ii) Generally the first tree clockwise from direction of travel that falls within the basal area factor shall be the first tree measured and shall be flagged unless specified otherwise in the cruise design. Every first sample group species/product tree which falls within the basal area factor shall be tallied. Depending on sampling method used, all or a selected interval of the remaining “in” trees will be measured. Variations in selection of measure trees may be specified in project specific cruise designs. The Point Sampling Guide for BAF 5, 10, or 20 in Attachment A or B – “Qualified Cruiser Reference Guide – Eastern Region”, (dated 10/25/2006) or Forest Service Handbook 2409.12 Chapter 10, shall be used to assess borderline or other questionable trees.

(iii) Trees to be left need not be tallied, unless specified otherwise for each project.

(4) Sample Tree Measurements. Sample tree measurements for variable plot sample cruising shall be the same as that described above for Cut Tree Marking/Sample Tree cruising method. Measured trees on the plot, or point, will be identified in the same manner as described in Section C.10, items 4(e) and 4(f). Other trees that meet minimum specifications and fall within the plot/point, and are designated species, will be marked with a paint spot at eye-level. All paint marks must face the plot/point center.

C.12 MARKING RECORDS.

(a) Contractor shall ensure accurate recording of all marking records including a tree counts for each sample group in each unit. The following procedures will be applied:

(1) Measurements from each sample tree shall be recorded on the R9 Timber Sale Cruise Tally Card according to techniques on Instruction side of the Tally Card.

(2) Diameter Breast Height (DBH) shall be measured to the nearest lower 0.1 inch (i.e. 12.96 = 12.9), and recorded as measured. A tolerance of +/- 2 tenths of an inch will be granted before an error is assessed. Rounding protocol depends on the measuring instrument and is described in the Qualified Cruiser Reference Guide.

(3) Sawtimber or multi-product tree heights will be determined using the procedures described in Attachment A or B. Tolerance level is +/- 4 feet of height measurement.

(4) Internal and external defect shall be determined for the sample tree in total and for Ottawa National Forest then rounded to the nearest 5% using the Volume Distribution Chart. Tolerance level on defect is +/- 5% for each product. On the Ottawa when rounding, round up to 5% if defect is >=3%, otherwise round down to 0%; if greater than 10% defect, then use the even-odd rounding protocol (i.e., if % is even # such as 18% would round to 20%, if 17% would round done to 15%)

(5) Tally sheet data entries shall be complete and legible. Original tally sheets for each unit will be turned in together within 5 business days when unit work is completed. No recopying of field records is permitted. Tally sheets should not contain erasures. Any data that needs correcting will be marked through with a single line and the correct data written next to that entry; or the entire line of data marked through with a single line and the correct data written below. Any sheets used to track and record tree counts should be attached to the corresponding tally sheet and submitted for each unit cruised. This will be discussed at the pre-work conference. All data fields will be completed by the Contractor. Within each Payment Unit the Tree Line Number will start with 1 and continue consecutively through all cards as this will be the unique tree number to be written on Sample Trees, as described above, unless agreed otherwise in writing.

(6) A Timber Sale Payment Unit Information Sheet (Attachment A or B.) will be filled out by the Contractor for each unit listing unusual circumstances such as raptor nests, archaeological sites, permanent deer blinds, riparian inclusions and so on.

(7) On a copy of the timber sale map, daily marking progress and location of any sites discussed under (6) above will be indicated. This record will be made available for the Forest Service Contracting Officer or his designated representative upon request.

C.13 PRE-WORK CONFERENCE

A conference will be held prior to the start of work. The Contracting Officer and/or Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) will meet with Contractor to discuss contract items, work performance requirements, anticipated rate of production, scheduling of work, Government furnished materials and work conditions pertaining to the contract. Contractor will submit a Quality Assurance, Operating Plan and Safety Plan prior to/or at the Pre-Work Conference for approval prior to the Notice to Proceed being issued. A SAMPLE Operating Plan format will be provided to Contractor upon request for optional use. Operating Plans shall include how and where Contractor will be storing Government provided property (Paint).

C.14 Sustainable Acquisitions The Contractor shall comply with FAR Part 23 Sustainable Acquisition Policy and all associated laws, rules, regulations, and executive orders referenced therein.