ATT 1 Performance Work Statement.pdf

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

CROLO MECHANICAL FUELS REDUCTION

A-1 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

1.1 Scope of Contract

A. The purpose of this solicitation is to secure equipment and services for mechanical hazardous fuels reduction on the Naches Ranger District of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Services will include mastication of both small diameter trees and non-commercial small tree thinning generated slash. Services required are listed per sub-item in the Schedule of Items.

B. The Contractor shall, considering the given objective, develop a plan of operation to accomplish these objectives and organize and direct all the equipment and personnel needed to fully accomplish the work.

The Contractor shall furnish all technical expertise, labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, operating supplies, and incidentals except those items, if any, listed as Government-Furnished property.

The Contractor shall also be required to develop a Quality Control Plan for the required self-inspection.

C. Offeror is expected to inspect the site where services are to be performed and to satisfy themselves regarding all general and local conditions that may affect the cost of contract performance, to the extent that the information is reasonably obtainable. This includes all seasonal shutdowns due to high fire precautionary levels or winter conditions. For site information, directions, or specification questions, contact Derrick Thomas, 425-417-7950, Derrick.Thomas@usda.gov.

1.2 Location and Description

A. Location - All work areas are located within the Naches Ranger District of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Work locations will be shown on vicinity maps and unit specific maps. General specifications are given on the Detailed Unit Information Sheet. Base items are located in the Little Naches drainage vicinity in T18N R13E Sections 23, 24, 25, 26, 27

For access to the Crolo Mechanical Fuels Reduction units, follow HWY 410 West from Naches for 28.5 miles to the Little Naches Rd (FS Rd 1900). Turn right on to the 1900, continue for 2.7 miles and then left onto FS Rd 1902. Crolo Units will be along the 1902, 1921 and 1921-840 roads.

B. Accessibility - Weather permitting, the work areas may be reached by a standard pickup truck, during the permitted operating season. The Government assumes no responsibility or obligation to plow snow or perform special maintenance to keep roads open. No vehicle will be permitted to operate off system roads without prior approval of the Contracting Officer. For specific unit access information see the vicinity maps and unit specific maps.

C. Boundaries – All mastication within non-commercial small tree thinning units have boundaries designated with flagging and unit boundary tags. Units not within existing non-commercial units will have all boundaries marked with orange flagging by the Forest Service, except portions with discernible boundaries. Discernible boundaries are easily delineated by roads, streams, or other geographical features identifiable from air photos provided on subitem photo/unit information sheets. Contractor is required to be able to accurately interpret geo-referenced maps provided in this contract to determine boundaries if flagging or boundary tags are not clearly visible.

1.3 Period of Performance:

Work may take place between the months of June and November, 2025.

1.4 Salvageable Material:

No salvage operations are allowed during the life of this contract.

1.5 Obligations of the Contractor:

A. The Contractor shall ensure all equipment moved onto National Forest land is free of soil, seeds, vegetative matter, or other debris that could contain or hold non-native noxious weed seeds, to prevent the introduction of noxious weed seeds onto National Forest land. Contractor shall employ whatever cleaning methods necessary to ensure compliance with the terms of this provision, and shall notify Forest Service prior to moving each piece of equipment onto National Forest land, unless otherwise agreed in writing. Notification will include identifying the location of the equipment's most recent operations.

DEFINITION: Noxious Weeds shall be defined as all weeds under State law (17.10 RCW) identified as any plant which is highly destructive, competitive, or difficult to control by culture or chemical practices and listed by the Yakima County Noxious Weed Board current policy procedures.

B. The operator employed by the Contractor shall have sufficient skill and experience to properly perform the work to specifications. Any operator or other workman who, in the opinion of the Government, does not perform their work to specifications or does not perform in a skillful manner shall be removed by the Contractor upon written request from the CO.

C. The Contractor shall be responsible for any damage to existing structural improvements such as water developments, fences, monumented corners, bearing trees, road surfaces and/or drainage structures as a result of contract activities. The Contractor shall restore any damage, immediately, back to its existing condition prior to the damage with oversight from the Governement to ensure the restoration of damage does not additionally impact the damaged area.

D. The Contractor shall be responsible for excessive damage to natural resources, such as physical damage to residual trees, excessive mineral soil exposure and compaction, excessive berms from short turning radius, etc. The Contractor shall be required to repair restorable damage.

E. The Contractor shall be responible for the determination of the area of their accomplishment.

The Governement will provide payment for only the total accomplished acres since the preceding pay invoice.

F. At all times that work is being performed under this contract, a copy of the contract must be on site and must be readily available to the Contractor, their representative and the individuals performing the work.

G. The Contractor shall be responsible for removing any trash or refuse left in or adjacent to the units as a result of operations performed under the contract.

A-2 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

1. Mechanical treatment of hazardous fuels.

a. Performance.

1) Contractor shall suspend work if soil moisture content exceeds the plastic limit, as defined by ASTM

D4318. A site visit from the district soil scientist may be requested through the COR if assistance is needed in determining soil moisture or Atterberg limits.

2) Contractor shall place cautionary signs in the vicinity of mastication operations when operating adjacent to open roads and trails.

3) Equipment shall not operate on slopes greater than 35%.

4) Refueling, maintenance, and repair shall be done on forest roads where practicable.

5) Contractor shall exercise extreme care to prevent damage to leave-trees. A stop-work may be issued if it is found that there has been excessive damage and/or damage caused by negligence. Excessive damage and/or damage caused by negligence may result in reduced payment or no-payment, depending on severity and findings of the Contracting Officer.

6) Contractor shall exercise extreme care to prevent damage to all physical improvements (fences, telephone lines, established land corners, buildings, ditches, etc.) on the contract area. Contractor shall be liable for damage to physical improvements and shall make immediate repairs to damaged physical improvements.

7) Open roads and trails shall be kept free of debris created from mastication operations. This includes road surface, roadside ditches, and culverts.

8) Contractor shall notify the COR when each sub-item is complete before moving out of the general area.

b. Mastication Requirements

1) The material generated from mastication operations shall be mulched and scattered for natural incorporation into the soil to the greatest extent possible.

2) The average residual fuel bed depth across the treated area should be no more than 3” and <10% residual fuels should be 3.1” and greater size classes.

3) All pre-existing slash material produced from non-commercial thinning activities, including piles, will be masticated.

4) Trees measuring ≤7” DBH will be masticated following the preferred retention species and spacing prescriptions. Trees will be masticated/mulched down to a size that meets the specified residual fuel bed requirements.

5) Preferred retention species are Western Larch (LAOC), Ponderosa (PIPO), Douglas Fir (PSME), Western Hemlock (TSHE) in that order.

6) Lodgepole Pine (PICO), Grand Fir (ABGR), and Subalpine Fir (ABLA) are non-retention species and all trees of these species that are ≤ 7” DBH will be masticated.

7) Retain all disease-free Western White Pine (PIMO) and Western Red Cedar (THPL) regardless of size, with the exception of those trees within the road prisms designated for removal.

8) Spacing of retention trees will be 30 feet on average with an allowable variance of ± 50 percent. All retention species > 7” DBH (LOAC, PIPO, PSME, TSME) will be included in the spacing requirements. Retention trees will not be spaced off of disease-free PIMO or THPL. All non-retention listed species > 7” DBH (Lodgepole, Grand Fir, Subalpine Fir) will not be included in the spacing requirements.

9) To ensure species diversity, multiple retention tree species shall be retained across the unit. For example, if there are three western larch, two western hemlock, and one ponderosa pine in an area, rather than cutting species lower on the priority list, the Contractor shall cut one western larch and one western hemlock to maintain species diversity while considering spacing specifications.

10) Stump height requirement of masticated trees shall be 4” or less, or as low as possible without causing damage to the equipment/mastication head. Stumps should be clean without spikes or “punjis” sticking up.

11) All trees < 7” DBH, regardless of species and spacing, will be removed within existing road prisms. Road prisms include the top of cut-slopes to the toe of fill-slopes. If no cut-slope or fill-slope is present, remove all trees < 7” DBH within 10 ft of the ditch line, when present, or road shoulder.

c. Equipment Specifications

1) All mechanical equipment proposed for use on this contract shall meet the following specifications:

a. Tracked equipment with ground pressure not exceeding 7.5 pounds per square inch.

b. Climbing/working ability up to 35% slope.

c. Ability to safely masticate/mulch standing trees.

d. Drum-type mastication/mulching head.

e. Non leaking fluid systems.

C3 GOVERNMENT QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN

C3.1 Performance Requirement (see Performance Requirements Summary)

Government Monitoring Method for Mastication

The Government will conduct visual inspections of each sub-item to determine work quality and may make periodic inspections while work is in progress. Each sub-item will be verified separately and inspection results on one sub-item will not be averaged with those of the other sub-items. If the work quality is determined to be better than 90 percent, payment will be made at 100 percent of sub-item price, less any deductions. In the event visual inspection indicates that work quality is less than 90 percent and the operator will not rework the sub-item voluntarily then an inspection will be done on a series of 1/20-acre plots randomly placed and covering at least a 1 percent sample of the sub-item. Each plot will be examined to determine if the intent of the contract has been met. Plots will be determined to be either in, or not in, compliance with the conditions listed below.

After completion of a sub-item, the Government will inspect to determine compliance with the contract standards for 1) mastication, 2) residual fuel loadings.

If there is disagreement between the Government and the Contractor on meeting residual fuel loading specifications, the Government will establish fuel loading plots.

Slash treatment quality must be 90% or greater for Government to continue inspection.

Performance Requirement Summary

TASK STANDARDS ACCEPTABLE MEASUREMENT SANCTIONS

QUALITY METHOD

Mastication

Leave Tree Selection Select the best leave trees using specified criteria.

90% meet leave tree retention requirement.

100% visual inspection, random plots

Rework

Cut Tree Meet stump height requirement and no live limbs attached.

90% meet stump height requirement.

100% visual inspection, Slash Treatment Meet requirements for residual fuel bed depth and size classes.

90% of the treatment area meets requirements.

100% visual inspection, Leave Tree Damage Minimize damage to residual trees.

Extent of damage to residual trees will be determined on a per-tree basis.

100% visual inspection, random plots

Rework if practical.

Partial-payment or no-payment depending on extent of damage.

Contractor's Quality Control

Quality control Contractor follows their provided quality control program.

Contractor's quality control is +5/-5% of the government's quality assurance.

Government randomly observes Contractor's inspection.

The Contractor's ability to meet the standard will be reflected in the performance evaluation, either positive or negative.

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

Not Applicable

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E-1 Inspections And Acceptance

Government acceptance will occur upon verification that the Contractor has performed required inspections and created the records required by the approved Quality Control Plan reaffirming completion of the tasks.

E-2 Contractor’s Quality Control Plan

The Contractor shall identify the quality control inspection system it will use to ensure that contract specifications will be achieved. At no time shall the contractor rely upon Government inspections to provide notification of unsatisfactory performance. The Contractor shall produce written inspection records in a format and at times and places satisfactory to the Contracting Officer. Inspection records shall be made available upon request of the Contracting Officer and be maintained until the date of contract closure. When requested the Contractor shall provide copies of inspection documents and written certification that

a) Each sub-item was satisfactorily completed.

b) Slash treatment was completed in accordance with the contract standards.

c) Inspection results accurately reflect the work accomplished.

The Contracting Officer may observe the Contractor's inspection at any time and shall otherwise have unlimited access to the inspection data.

E-3 Contractor Inspection Procedures/Quality Assurance

Contractor self-inspection is required. A COPY OF THE CONTRACT WILL BE AT THE WORK SITE AT ALL TIMES. Contractors who consistently perform at or above the acceptable quality level will be considered for subsequent task announcements. Contractors who do not consistently meet acceptable quality levels may not be considered in future task announcements. Contractor will provide the Government with the inspection results within 48 hours of completion of a unit. No Government quality assurance will be done until results are received.

E-4 Clean Up Before Contractor Departs A Work Unit

All Contractors’ rubbish, materials, temporary structures and equipment will be removed from National Forest lands from the area used by the Contractor and all work areas will be left in a clean condition satisfactory to the Contracting Officer.

SECTION F- DELIVERIES AND PERFORMANCE

F-1 Schedules for Service Contracts Contractor shall, at the post award meeting or within 10 days from receipt of any subsequent request from the Contracting Officer, submit a time chart or schedule of proposed progress to ensure completion of the work within the time set forth in the contract. If Contractor's progress falls behind that scheduled, the Contractor shall take such action as necessary to improve his progress; in addition, the Contracting Officer may require Contractor to submit a revised schedule and proposed plan of work to ensure completion of the work within the time(s) set forth in the contract.

F-2 Required Submittals The following is a general summary of the required submittals. Other submittals may be required as specified elsewhere in this contract. (Contracting Officer = CO, and Contracting Officer’s Representative = COR)

Submittal Title: Submittal Due: Submit to:

Schedule of Work Submittal of offer/bid COR

Generalized Work Safety Plan Prior to NTP COR

Copy of Required Insurance coverage Prior to NTP CO

Approval of Subcontracting Prior to Subcontract start CO

Fire Plan / Camping Permit Prior to NTP (as needed) COR

Contract Release Prior to final payment CO

Quality Control Plan Submittal of offer/bid CO

Schedule of Items with pricing Submittal of offer/bid CO

F-3 Government furnished Property: None

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G-1 Notice to Proceed A Notice to Proceed will be issued in writing by the Contracting Officer or Contracting Officer's Representative. No work shall begin until receipt of this notice. Contract time shall commence on the day indicated on the Notice to Proceed.

G-2 Approval and Notification of Subcontracting The Contractor shall promptly get advance approval from the Contracting Officer in writing upon entering into any subcontract arrangement. The subcontractor shall have the experience and be equipped for such work. The written request shall include as a minimum:

A. The name, address, and telephone number of the subcontractor.

B. The date upon which the subcontract was entered into and its duration.

C. A detailed description of the work being subcontracted including a listing of contract items, units, etc., as appropriate.

D. Documentation of the subcontractor's representative authority.

Subcontracting as approved of any portion of the contract shall not relieve the Prime Contractor of any responsibility under this contract. Any subcontract agreement shall contain all terms and conditions of the prime contract.

G-3 Post Award Conference (AGAR 452.215-73) (NOV 1996) A post award conference with the successful offeror is required. It will be scheduled after the date of contract award. The conference can be virtual or in-person at the Naches Ranger District, 10237 U.S. Hwy 12, Naches, WA 98937.

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H-1 Protection of Archaeological / Historical Resources The Contractor, upon the discovery of suspected archaeological or historical materials, shall cease work in the vicinity of such material and shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer.

SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES

52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

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

http://www.gsa.gov/far/

l. FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

NUMBER TITLE DATE

52.246-4 INSPECTION OF SERVICES – FIXED PRICE AUG 1996

SECTION J - ATTACHMENTS AND EXHIBITS

Crolo Mechanical Fuels Reduction Project Units Map ……………………………………1 page Crolo Mechanical Fuels Reduction Vicinity Area Map …………………………………… 1 page

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

AWARD DETERMINATION

One award will be made to the offeror that submits an offer providing the best value to the Government, price and other factors considered. The Government reserves the right to award to other than the lowest price.

http://www.gsa.gov/far/

Technical factors, when combined are considered equal to Price. However, where Technical Approach and Past Performance evaluations are determined to be substantially equal, Price may control award.

For site information, directions, or specification questions, contact Derrick Thomas, 425-417-7950, Derrick.Thomas@usda.gov.

EVALUATION FACTORS

Offerors shall submit a Schedule of Items including pricing, a performance schedule with equipment availability information, quality control plan, and past performance information.

Technical:

The Offeror shall provide the following information:

• Performance Schedule with equipment availability information. Please provide a work schedule along with equipment size detailing ability to meet the specified contract deadline. Please reference page 3 Project Information.

• Quality Control Plan.

The Quality Control Plan shall specify:

How quality will be monitored and reported to the Contracting Officer to assure the performance standards are met.

How the work will be supervised.

How results of the monitoring will result in quality performance.

Who the responsible individual for performing quality control will be.

• Past Performance and Relative Experience Information. The Experience Questionnaire (separate document) may be used for this purpose.

Price:

The Offeror shall provide pricing as shown on the Schedule of Items. During pricing review, the Government may request additional information for clarification.

SUBMIT FOR REVIEW

1) Individual Task Order form containing contractor contact information, DUNS and TIN

2) Schedule of Items with pricing information, including signature

3) Quality Control Plan. Failure to submit a plan will result in the offer not being evaluated for the project.

The Plan shall demonstrate how the Contractor will assure that quality of performance meets the objectives and requirements of the contract.

4) Performance schedule including anticipated start work date and anticipated finish date.

5) Relevant Experience & Past Performance

All offers will be evaluated on Prices offered, Past Performance, Quality Control Plan, and Performance Schedule and equipment Availability. Cost/price is essentially equal in importance to technical factors combined; however, cost may control award.

It is the Government’s intent to award on initial offer and each offeror is encouraged to submit their best offer.