12363N25Q4246 RFQ-.pdf

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

USDA FOREST SERVICE

Stewardship Branch

Combined Synopsis and Solicitation Request for Quote # 12363N25Q4246

**MUST BE REGISTERED IN SAM (www.sam.gov) TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR AWARD**

Title: Burt Creek Sale Preparation Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price Award Type: Purchase Order Award Determination: Best Value Place of Performance: Sam Houston NF Period of Performance: 10/01/2025 – 01/15/2026

In accordance with FAR Subpart 12.6, The USDA Forest Service is issuing a Request for Quote (RFQ) for Burt Creek Sale Preparation application located on the Sam Houston National Forest.

Quotes will be submitted in accordance with the instructions set forth in this document. Failure to comply with any and/or all of the instructions set forth in this document may result in the offer’s quote not being considered.

Payment will be made via EFT. Invoice using IPP.Gov FOB: Destination Origin Set Aside For: Large Small

Woman- Owned SDVOSB Hubzone 8(a)

(Please check all that apply) x

NAICS Code: 115310 Size Standard: $11.5 Million

Delivery address

Date and time needed

**MUST HAVE ALL INFO BELOW**

Company Name:

Vendor Rep:

Phone:

Email:

Mailing Address:

UEI SAM #

**QUOTES ARE DUE BY: 09/17/2025 by 11:00AM CST** Questions are due by COB 09/10/2025

12363N25Q4246 Burt Creek Sale Preparation Page 1 of 56 http://www.sam.gov/

CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

A COR will be designated to represent the Contracting Officer for the duration of this task order/BPA Call. The COR is not authorized to make any commitments or changes that will affect price, quality, quantity, delivery, or any other term or condition of the contract.

Please contact the COR if you have difficulties setting up the site visit.

Thomas Tran Contracting Officer Forest Service Procurement and Property Services (PPS) E-mail: thomas.tran2@usda.gov

Offerors shall quote in accordance with the SOW.

Quotes shall be valid for a minimum of 60 calendar days after submission.

Please label file name by format below:

Company name, price or technical proposal or both and name of project Ex. USDA Price Proposal Government Work

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52.217-8 Option to Extend Services.

The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within _____ days before the contract expires.

52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract. (Mar 2000)

(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within _____ [insert the period of time within which the Contracting Officer may exercise the option];

provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least _____ days[60days unless a different number of days is inserted] before the contract expires.

The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

(b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause.

(c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed ___________ (months) (years).

(End of clause)

RETURN TO:

USDA/FS-

ATTN:

Thomas Tran thomas.tran2@usda.gov

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Schedule of Items – Burt Creek Timber Sale Preparation Project

National Forests and Grasslands in Texas (NFGT) Sam Houston Ranger District

Task Estimated Quantity

Unit Unit Price* Extended Amount

Unit Layout and mapping*

Miles

Boundary Marking 12 Miles

Leave Tree Marking 170 Acres

Cut Tree Marking/Cruising

Acres

Variable Plot Cruising*

170 Acres

*Price estimated. This work has not been recently contracted on the NFGT.

**Prices are estimated from similar contract items bid on from FY 24 marking contracts on the

NFGT.

Total Cost:

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Burt Creek Sale Preparation Contract Sam Houston Ranger District

Page

CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS OR ATTACHMENTS

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

General Description

1. SCOPE

The purpose of the proposed contract is to provide layout, mapping, Cut Tree Marking (CTM) and Leave Tree Marking (LTM), and cruising services. Cruising will consist of sample tree cruising while performing CTM and plots for LTM units after marking is completed.

Project Location: The Project Area is in Compartment 63 in Walker County, Texas in the Sam Houston National Forest. It is located Approximately 5.5 miles east of Huntsville, Texas. (See the project maps for exact locations in Attachment A).

Project Area: The total combined project area consists of an area of approximately 250 acres will meet the prescription requirements for being able to be included in the sale.

Access: All of these areas are accessible by vehicle or by foot and are generally level slope with an elevation of about 400 feet.

Required Work

Compartment Unit Identification Approximate Acres/Miles

63 Layout 220 acres 63 Mapping 220 acres

Compartment Marking Approximate Acres/Miles

63 Boundary 12 miles 63 Cut Tree 50 acres 63 Leave Tree 170 acres

Order of work to be performed:

1) Layout and mapping of all units.

2) Boundary marking of all units

3) LTM marking of units

4) Cut tree marking and cruising*

5) LTM plot cruising*

*These can be performed in the order that the contractor chooses.

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Sale Unit boundary layout and mapping:

Layout will be done will be done per the standards listed in 3) SPECIFIC UNIT SERVICES.

Mapping will require a GPS receiver used must be capable of sub-meter accuracy and and android device using the Forest Service Two Trails software:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/forestmanagement/products/measurement/area-determination/twotrails/index.php MARKER CERTIFICATION: In order complete the cut tree marking, Contractors are required to obtain a Region 8 Qualified Cruiser Certification through the Forest Service by passing a written examination and field test PRIOR TO AND IN ORDER TO BEGIN WORK ON CUT TREE MARKING ITEMS AND LEAVE TREE PLOT CRUISING. This certification will remain valid for a period of one year and annual recertification is required in order to continue performing services under this contract. Contact Kristi Keach, 936-639-8540, to obtain information about the Qualified Cruiser Certification and recertification.

Payment: It will be required that the layout, mapping, timber marking, and cruising be completed to contract specifications and inspected by an authorized Forest Service Representative. Payment items will be for the tasks completed in the Order of Work listed above.

Contractor Representative: The Contractor shall designate and make known a Contractor Representative for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate(s) shall be designated in writing to the Contracting Officer. Any designated Contractor Representative or alternate shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The Contractor Representative and alternate(s) must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English and read maps.

Contractor Access: This will be along Walker County Thompson Road and Forest Service Road 241.

Forest Service Road will be behind a locked gate between January 1 and September 30 each year.

Between October 1 and December 31, the gate will be open for public access. Contractor shall have reasonable access through these gates to complete project work. Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that gates are kept shut and locked at times when It is closed for public access.

Pre-work Meeting: The contract will be administered by the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer will designate Contracting Officer’s Representatives (CORs) for the purpose of insuring compliance with the specifications and provisions of this contract.

Prior to commencement of work, the Contracting Officer or COR will arrange a meeting with the Contractor to discuss the contract terms and work performance requirements and work progress schedule submitted with the bid package.

The Contractor shall designate in writing a person to act for them in their absence. The Contractor or their designated representative will be available on site or by telephone while work is in progress. In the absence of the Contractor, their authorized representative will take action as required to keep the job in progress under terms of the contract. The presence of the COR on the job will not relieve the Contractor of responsibility of satisfactory performance.

12363N25Q4246 Burt Creek Sale Preparation Page 6 of 56 https://www.fs.usda.gov/forestmanagement/products/measurement/area-determination/twotrails/index.php

The pre-work meeting may also include a technical familiarization phase. This will provide the Contractor with the opportunity to become acquainted with Forest Service protocol for marking leave trees and timber marking paint accountability procedures.

Performance Period: The performance period for this contract shall be 90 days from the award of the contract and no earlier than 09/30/2025.

• The Contractor should complete the work in varied stages based on days.

• At least 50% of the work shall be completed by 45 days.

• Contract should be completed in 90 days.

• Additional days may be allowed or extended due to Cruiser certification delays, weather, fire, or other natural disturbances, but must be agreed to by the contracting officer.

• Any contract extensions will be agreed upon by the Contracting Officer.

Government Furnished Property

1. Area Maps – both hardcopy and digital.

2. Two Trails mapping software for unit boundary GPS mapping:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/forestmanagement/products/measurement/area-determination/twotrails/index.php

3. FSCruiser software for cruising data collection:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/forestmanagement/products/measurement/cruising/fscruiser/index.p hp

4. “Timber Sale Unit Boundary” ribbon flagging and pin flags for plots.

5. Tree Marking Tracer Paint

6. Cruise Plans and Marking Guides.

• Note – Cruise plan will be completed and FSCruiser cruise file will be completed by the Forest Service after Specific Unit services 1 and 2 have been completed

Contractor Furnished Items/Services: The Contractor shall provide all certifications, permits and licenses that may be required. The Contractor shall provide all labor, equipment, supplies, supervision, transportation, operating supplies, and incidentals necessary to complete the tasks/subtasks specified within the contract, except those supplies listed above in Government Furnished Property. Contractor will need items such as, but not limited to, the list below to complete the work in this contract.

1. Hardhats and other safety gear.

2. Equipment such as loggers tapes, prisms, cruisers vests, clip boards, pens, pencils and markers.

3. Paint guns that fit on quart size tree marking paint cans or other types of suitable paint sprayers.

4. Android device that will run the FSCruiser data collection software:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/forestmanagement/products/measurement/cruising/fscruiser/index.p hp

5. GPS data collection device using android for data collection and using the FS Two Trails app: https://www.fs.usda.gov/forestmanagement/products/measurement/area-determination/twotrails/index.php

6. Transportation.

12363N25Q4246 Burt Creek Sale Preparation Page 7 of 56 https://www.fs.usda.gov/forestmanagement/products/measurement/area-determination/twotrails/index.php https://www.fs.usda.gov/forestmanagement/products/measurement/cruising/fscruiser/index.php https://www.fs.usda.gov/forestmanagement/products/measurement/cruising/fscruiser/index.php https://www.fs.usda.gov/forestmanagement/products/measurement/cruising/fscruiser/index.php https://www.fs.usda.gov/forestmanagement/products/measurement/cruising/fscruiser/index.php

Submittals: The Contractor shall provide information on past performance, technical capabilities, quality control plan, work plan and progress schedule with their proposal to allow the Government to evaluate each evaluation criteria. The Contractor shall provide and maintain a quality control plan and work plan throughout the life of this contract.

Documentation: The Contractor shall maintain a folder with the following information available in the field: records, materials, and other evidence regarding inspection, testing, and quality control for any work performed under this contract for examination, audit, or reproduction including a copy of the treatment area map with approximate locations of plots and shading of progress. The information should be reasonably available to the COR to inspect work and monitor performance.

Confidential Nature of Information and Conflicts of Interest: The Contractor shall not divulge, and shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that no member of its organization divulges, any information concerning this timber data to any person other than those duly authorized representatives of the Contracting Officer.

In addition, neither the Contractor, his/her employees may be involved in bidding on any timber sales resulting from this contract.

2. DEFINITIONS

TERMS MEANING

Basal Area (BA) The cross-sectional area of a tree at DBH, used to determine stocking, typically expressed by the acre.

Basal Area Factor (BAF) The critical angle used to determine BA with a prism Butt Mark Butt marks are applied the same way for both leave tree marking and cut tree marking, sawtimber will have two butt marks and pulpwood will have one butt mark.

The butt mark shall be a concentration of paint at least 3 inches in diameter on the base of the tree at ground level on the downhill side. Butt marks shall be concentrated in cracks or crevices on the stump as much as possible.

Accumulations of debris (pine straw, moss, hardwood leaves) shall be kicked out of the way prior to application of the paint, and the paint shall cover both the base of the tree and the ground immediately joining the stump.

Cut Trees Trees which will be cut during harvest due to location within the unit or deformities.

Cut Tree Marking (CTM) A method of identifying the trees intended for removal in a sale unit during harvesting.

The trees are designated with at least two spots of paint – one at eye level and one or two butt marks depending on merchantability.

Diameter Breast Height (DBH) Diameter of the trunk of a tree measured 4.5 feet above the ground level on the uphill side of the tree. Measurements are rounded down to the nearest tenth of an inch.

Eye Level Mark Paint applied at eye level on a tree.

Eye Level Mark when Leave Tree Marking: Paint mark(s) will create a continuous band completely around the tree so that the marks can be seen from any direction within the sale unit.

Eye Level Mark when Cut Tree Marking: Paint mark(s) will be put on uphill side of the tree. The mark can be a 3” diameter spot or a horizontal or diagonal stripe. If stripes are used a minimum mark would be 2 inches in width and 6 inches long.

First Thinning The first time to harvest selected trees within an even-aged pine plantation stand.

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GPS(Global Positioning System) Surveys

GPS receivers and methods commonly used to determine ground locations and calculate the horizontal area of polygons (sale units).

Inclusion An area greater than one acre in size that is significantly different from the surrounding stand, either by product, species, or density.

Leave Trees Trees which will not be cut during harvest due to size or spacing.

Leave Tree Marking (LTM) A method of identifying the trees intended to be left in a sale unit during harvesting. The trees are designated with a painted band or stripes on all sides at eye level and one or two butt marks depending on merchantability.

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

(RCW)

An endangered species of bird which nests in live pine trees, which can be identified by a small hole (< 2” diameter) at approximately 30’ high on the tree. There is usually sap running down the tree originating from points clustered around the hole.

Sale Unit Payment/Cutting unit in a tree measurement timber sale or a subdivision in a weight scale sale.

Sample Group Groupings within a Strata of similar trees for sampling purposes.

Sample Interval How often to measure a tree in each Sample Group/Strata combination. Used with sample tree cruising.

Sample Tree Cruising (STR) A method of measuring tree volume by taking a specific sample of the marked trees for measurement and recording.

Strata A subdivision of a population of trees which improves sampling error.

Streamside Management Zone

(SMZ)

An SMZ is a forested buffer surrounding perennial and intermittent streams that is managed with specific attention given to protecting water quality.

Timber Cruising The method by which volume estimations for timber are made based on tree count and measurement.

Variable Plot Cruising A method used in timber cruising to estimate the quantity and quality of timber involving selecting trees based on size rather than frequency, ensuring that larger trees contribute more to the volume and value of the forest.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). A Government representative designated by the Contracting Officer, to help the Contracting Officer with contract administration and surveillance.

Defective Service. A unit of service, which contains one or more defects, or nonconformance with, specified requirements.

Quality Assurance. Those actions taken by the Government to assure services meet the requirements of the Statement of Work (SOW).

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) an organized written document used for quality assurance surveillance. The document contains specific methods the Government will use to perform surveillance of the contractor.

Quality Control Plan. Those actions taken by a contractor to control the performance of services so that they meet the requirements of the SOW.

Random Sampling. A sampling method in which each service output in a unit has an equal chance of being selected.

Work Plan--The work plan shall describe how the Contractor plans to perform the project and include methods, personnel and equipment. This plan should include how the Contractor will provide for safety

12363N25Q4246 Burt Creek Sale Preparation Page 9 of 56 and whether the Contractor’s crew will be camping or commuting to the worksite. If the crew plans to camp then the Contractor needs to include a plan to prevent fires and dispose of trash properly.

3. SPECIFIC UNIT SERVICES

All work must be completed in the following order:

1) Layout and mapping of all units.

2) Boundary marking of all units

3) LTM marking of units

4) Cut tree marking and cruising*

5) LTM plot cruising*

*These can be performed in the order that the contractor chooses.

The Forest Service has provided an area where layout, boundary marking, and Leave Tree Marking has been completed to the standards required in this contract. See Contract map.

1) Sale Unit Boundary layout and mapping (Required Items)

Sale Unit Boundary layout and mapping Item Compartment Approximate Acres

Layout Approximate GIS

Miles Mapping 1 63 220 - 2 63 - 12

Unit Boundary Layout standards:

- The Forest Service will provide maps of the general areas where layout will be performed. These are guides to general areas, but where Unit boundaries are laid out will be determined by the Contractor based on:

o Timber types and similarity in size classes of trees.

o Boundaries both natural and manmade visible on the ground.

o Perineal and intermittent streams and ponds. These will have a minimum 50’ foot SMZ buffer along the banks of a defined water channel and the visible head of it.

- Follow Timber types/ stand conditions on the ground.

o LTM 1st thinning stands are pine plantations that have not been treated since they were planted. The boundaries of these areas are observed on the ground with trees being the same approximate size and BA in excess of 100/ acre.

Unit boundaries are primarily “Fire lines” or other observed manmade lines around the planted areas resulting from site preparation activities.

o CTM Thinnings in older stands are delineated based on observations of:

Timber types and similarity in size classes of trees Similarity in estimated BA for the Units. These Units will have an average BA of

80+

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Area Determination/Mapping using GPS:

- All mapping must be done to FSH 2409.12 Timber Cruising Handbook Chapter 50 - Area Determination standards: https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/regulations-policies/handbook/240912-50-area-determination o Area determination will be done using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology using an android device for data collection using the Two Trails application.

- The following GPS documentation will be maintained by the Contractor as part of the sale cruise records. This information will be given to the forest service in digital format.

o Data files containing the position fixes or results from those fixes (such as*.ssf , *.cor, *.inf, *.txt, *.tt, *.gpx, or similar file types).

o Data files that are readable, such as text files and spatial files like Shapefiles (*.shp, *.dbf, *.shx, or *.prj). These files should be populated with all relevant attributes.

- Date and name of the persons who collected the data.

2) Boundary Marking (Required Items)

Boundary Tree Marking Item Compartment Sale GIS Miles

1 63 Burt Creek 12 miles

All sales units within the contract will be marked using orange paint along the flagged boundary.

Boundaries to be painted are delineated with orange flagging on the ground and GPS mapping.

For all boundary marking these requirements apply:

• The boundary mark will include three (2 ½”-3”) diagonal slash marks covering 2/3 of the tree facing into the unit with two stump marks.

• Trees selected as boundary trees must be within 10 feet of the already existing orange flagged line.

• Larger trees are preferred (>16”) when possible, however use what trees are available within 10 feet of the flagged line. Mark only live trees, no preference on species.

• Trees should be marked frequently enough to see marked trees in either direction along the boundary line. The distance between marks should be between 20’-150’ apart.

• Boundaries adjacent to any major road don’t require a marked boundary and are therefore not included within this contract (see maps below).

3) Leave Tree Marking (Required Items):

*Items 1 and 2 must be completed and approved before starting work on Item 3.

Leave Tree Marking

Item Compartment Sale Sale Units Approximate Acres

3* 63 Burt Creek 1,2,5,6,7,8,9, 11,12

12363N25Q4246 Burt Creek Sale Preparation Page 11 of 56 https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/regulations-policies/handbook/240912-50-area-determination https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/regulations-policies/handbook/240912-50-area-determination

Leave trees will be selected and marked based on the description in each individual Cruise Plan so that the desired 60 basal area (BA)/acre of pine (with a range of 50 to 70 BA considered acceptable) and spacing would result after harvest.

Silvicultural Prescriptions and Marking Guides for Leave Tree Marking:

The leave square feet of basal area per acre by treatment area is as displayed in the chart below. The leave trees are to be left evenly distributed throughout the stands. The following table shows the stands in the treatment area as identified in the NEPA documentation.

For LTM treated stands the following requirements for marking leave trees apply:

• Orange paint shall be sprayed in a four (4) inch wide or larger band around the bole of the trees to be left at or above eye level.

• Stump marks, two on sawtimber and one on pulp, shall be at ground level, at the lowest point to the ground possible at the base of the tree. Often there will be a buildup of pine straw or other material which will need to be kicked out of the way to get to ground level. Stump marks are to be placed inside fluted portions of the stem, spots at least three inches in diameter is required.

• Visual Quality areas will be designated on maps. In these areas mark trees so they are not visible from the travel way and retain more trees closer to the view shed.

4) Cut Tree Marking & Sample Tree Cruising

**Item 3 must be completed and approved before starting work on Items 4 and 5.

This will be for pine thinnings:

- Trees to be cut within sale unit boundaries will be marked with blue or yellow Tree Marking Tracer Paint (as identified in the Cruise Plan) with a properly applied butt marks and eye level mark.

In order to obtain the desired pine leave 60 BA/acre, select and mark trees to be removed based on the description in the individual Cruise Plan. Special reserve trees such as hardwood mast trees, hardwood den trees, or certain species may be identified in the Cruise Plan to be left.

Sample Tree Cruising

a. The Contractor shall perform Sample Tree Cruising in accordance with the R8 Qualified Cruiser

Training Guide, Timber Cruising Handbook (FSH 2409.12), and the Cruise Plan. The tally person shall not mark or cruise trees. Cruise trees will be flagged with flagging and have the measure tree number and other required information legibly written on it.

b. The Government will provide a written Cruise plan, the android compatible FSCruiser application, and a FSCruiser file for collecting cruise data. All cruise data will need to be recorded using this app.

Cut Tree Marking

Item Compartment Sale Sale Units Approximate Acres

4** 63 Burt Creek 3,4,10 50

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c. Measure trees for pulpwood and sawtimber will be determined randomly by the FSCruiser application. Measure trees shall be identified using ribbon flagging and consecutively numbered by starting with number one in each unit.

d. Where it is necessary for the Contractor to make changes in trees originally marked, the Contractor shall completely obliterate any markings (includes both eye level and butt marks) with black Tree Marking Tracer Paint as supplied by the Government, with no pay adjustment.

e. All measure trees shall be recorded as specified in the Cruise Plan on contractor furnished android device using the FSCruiser app. The contractor is responsible for recording and storing data correctly and according to the cruise plan, and reviewing data for accuracy, legibility, and completeness. The Contractor shall audit all completed cruise records to ensure accuracy and completeness before delivery to the Contracting Officer. All incomplete and incorrect cruise data will be returned to the Contractor for completion and/or correction.

f. A marking map shall be maintained with shading of progress. These maps shall be kept in a pre-sale folder. A Contractor’s Daily Diary recording the sale unit, crew names, amount and color of paint used, number of hours spent on the project including travel time, and field observations, such as location of old woods roads, log landings, or wet boggy areas, shall be kept daily and filed in the pre-sale folder. The pre-sale folder shall be kept neat and orderly at all times.

For cut treated stands the following requirements for marking leave trees apply:

• Tracer paint shall be sprayed in a pre-designated mark, unique to each marker on one side of the tree to be cut at or above eye level.

• Stump marks, two on sawtimber and one on pulp, shall be at ground level, at the lowest point to the ground possible at the base of the tree. Often there will be a buildup of pine straw or other material which will need to be kicked out of the way to get to ground level. Stump marks are to be placed inside fluted portions of the stem, spots at least three inches in diameter is required.

• Visual Quality areas will be designated on maps. In these areas mark trees so they are not visible from the travel way and retain more trees closer to the view shed.

5) Variable Plot Cruising in LTM stands

Before any trees are counted IN or OUT, a pin stake will be driven into the ground at plot center.

Written on each stake in garden maker or permanent maker will be the Unit #, plot #, date, plot size, initials of the cruiser and number of IN sawtimber and pulp trees within the plot (this documentation is for when the check cruiser comes to check plots). Pink flagging with the unit and plot number will be tied above the stake and easy to see at a distance.

To start cruising in variable plots, start by facing north turning clockwise and tallying each tree on the data recorder. Sawtimber and pulp trees will be sampled/measured randomly using plot intervals in the cruise plan an located on the cruising map provided to the Contractor, then tied with pink flagging. This flagging is for documenting all measure trees and should be labeled with the Unit number, plot number, species, DBH, total height, defect, cruiser’s initials and the date.

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- Limiting Distance When using variable plots, a 10 BAF will be used to determine ‘IN’ trees (sample trees) and ‘OUT’ trees (trees too far away to be sampled). Limiting distance (LD) must be calculated for each border tree or questionable plot tree. Document each LD tree on the Android devices via FVCruiserV3. The limiting distance calculated using the formula below is the distance in feet from the plot center stake to the face of the tree closest to plot center.

The FSCruiser app will have an option to calculate the limiting distance.

-The PRF=Plot Radius Factor (10 BAF=2.708)

If the limiting distance is greater than the measured distance at plot center from the tree, it will be counted OUT, if the limiting distance is lesser than or falls right on the measured distance at plot center, the tree is IN. Trees that have limiting distance calculated and are determined as out will not be counted in the cruise. Due to the flat land on this forest, the slope correction factor will stay at 1.00.

Limiting Distance=PRF*DBH=LD

4. QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN

Government’s Quality Assurance Plan The Government will monitor progress to ensure that the Contractor is providing the quality promised in their Quality Control Plan and that work meets performance standards. Visual observation will be used.

The Government reserves the right, if deemed necessary to ensure compliance with the contract, to measure performance using standard forestry measurements (basal area plots, tree and other measurements) to inspect contractors work.

Government inspections will be documented on Daily Diaries and placed in the contract file. Additional inspection forms, Basal Area check plots and check cruising forms will be used to document inspection elements and will be attached to Contract Daily Diaries. If work in part of an area does not meet the Acceptable Quality Level given above, a Notice of Non-Compliance will be issued to the Contractor.

The CO may issue other cure notices if work is not being performed in a timely manner or does not comply with contract specifications.

Upon completion of an area and notification by the Contractor, the COR shall make an overall inspection of that area. If a need for remedial work prior to acceptance is reflected by the COR’s overall inspection, by plot sample results, or check cruise measurement results, remedial work must be performed before the Contractor moves to the next area. If the inspection results in acceptance of the area, the Contractor may immediately proceed with work on the next area.

Inspection for Adherence to Boundary Layout

The government will inspect the boundary lines as flagged on the ground. Boundary locations should follow the description above 90% of the time.

If the above conditions are not met upon inspection by the COR, Contractor may be required to re-locate and reflag boundary lines for the Units.

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Contractor’s Quality Control: The Contractor is responsible for quality control and will, at a minimum, check 30% of layout performed by their employees or sub-contractors to ensure that requirments are met. This inspection should be completed prior to any COR inspection to avoid additional re-work.

Inspection for Adherence to Unit Mapping

The government will inspect the GPS mapping Unit files for data compatibility, accuracy, and consistency against the boundaries as located on the ground.

Contractor’s Quality Control: Contractor’s Quality Control: The Contractor is responsible for quality control and will, at a minimum, check 30% of boundary mapping against the locations on the ground to ensure that the mapping is accurate. This inspection should be completed prior to any COR inspection to avoid additional re-work.

Inspection for Adherence to Boundary Marking The government will inspect trees selected for the boundary lines as well as the marking on the trees.

Tree selection should follow the description above 90% of the time. Larger, live trees should be marked when available and marks should be frequent enough to be seen by adjacent boundary trees.

Tree marks at eye level and the butt marks are properly applied as defined in this contract.

If the above conditions are not met upon inspection by the COR, Contractor may be required to mark additional trees in the sale unit, and/or deduct trees with black Tree Marking Tracer Paint from the sale unit or remark the entire sale unit.

Contractor’s Quality Control: The Contractor is responsible for quality control and will, at a minimum, check 30% of boundary marking to ensure that guidelines are met. This inspection should be completed prior to any COR inspection to avoid additional re-work.

Inspection for Adherence to Leave Tree Marking Only The Government will inspect trees selected to be left. Tree selection for leave trees should follow the description in the Cruise Plan at least 90% of the time. Leave BA/acre should also average 90% of the designated leave BA as listed in the Cruise Plan.

Leave tree marks at eye level and the butt mark are properly applied as defined in this contract.

If the above conditions are not met upon inspection by the COR, Contractor may be required to mark additional trees in the sale unit, and/or deduct trees with black Tree Marking Tracer Paint from the sale unit, or remark the entire sale unit.

Contractor’s Quality Control: The Contractor is responsible for quality control and will, at a minimum, check Basal Area (BA) on 1 plot per 5 acres using a 10 BAF prism to ensure that the target residual BA specified in the Cruise Plan is met. Blue flagging will be hung at each plot center with the marked basal area written on it and provide written documentation of the check to the COR in a manner that adequately demonstrates that the completed work meets the marking guidelines in the Cruise Plan. This documentation should be completed prior to any cruising to avoid additional rework.

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Inspection for Adherence to Timber Marking & Sample Tree Cruising

Timber Marking Cut trees or leave trees are selected as described in the Cruise Plan and are marked with a properly applied eye level mark and a butt mark. Trees marked must meet minimum specifications for the marked product.

Tree Selection and Leave BA- the Government will inspect trees selected for cut or leave. Tree selection should follow the description in the Cruise Plan at least 90% of the time. Leave BA/Acre should also average 90% of the designated leave BA as listed in the Cruise Plan.

If the above conditions are not met upon inspection by the COR, Contractor may be required to mark additional trees in the sale unit, and/or deduct trees with black tree marking tracer paint from the sale unit, or remark the entire sale unit.

Sample Tree Cruising The Government will perform a Check Cruise on a minimum of 25 measured trees per sale area.

Measurements by the Check Cruiser will be compared to the measurements recorded by the Contractor.

Acceptable work will be determined with completion of the R8-FS-2400-61 Form and the R8-FS-2400- 62 Form. To pass this check, each item checked on the form must have at least 75 percent correct and the overall accuracy must be 80 percent.

Inspection for Adherence to Variable Plot Cruising

The Government will perform a Check Cruise on a minimum of 10 plots per sale area. Measurements by the Check Cruiser will be compared to the measurements recorded by the Contractor. Acceptable work will be determined with completion of the R8-FS-2400-61 Form and the R8-FS-2400-62 Form. To pass this check, each item checked on the form must have at least 75 percent correct and the overall accuracy must be 80 percent.

Contractor’s Quality Control for Sample Tree Cruising: The Contractor is responsible for quality control and will, at a minimum, check 1 of every 3 measured trees throughout the completion of the sample tree units. Designate checked trees with blue flagging with species, DBH, total height and defect to ensure that marker measurements are within R8 Qualified Cruiser minimum standards. In addition, the Contractor will, at a minimum, check Basal Area (BA), tree selection, and marking quality for 1 plot per 5 acres using a 10 BAF prism to ensure that the target residual BA, tree selection, and other elements specified in the Cruise Plan are met. Blue flagging will be hung at each plot center with the marked basal area written on it and provide written documentation of the check to the COR in a manner that adequately demonstrates that the completed work meets the marking guidelines in the Cruise Plan.

Failure to meet cruise standards requires contractor adjustments or re-performance started within 24 hours.

Final payment for Items 4 and 5 is contingent upon an acceptable Check Cruise on the sale as a whole.

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LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

Attachment Title of Attachment # Pages A Treatment Area Maps 2 B Tracer Paint Accountability 5 C Capability and Experience

Questionnaire

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Attachment A

Treatment Areas and Payment Unit Maps

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Attachment B

TRACER PAINT ACCOUNTABILITY

General

The security of Tracer Paint cannot be emphasized too greatly. It is an extremely important link for the Forest Service to be successful at proving a trespass case on a timber sale.

Each District Ranger will designate a Property Custodian who will take responsibility of all phases of Tracer Paint security, from completing the order, until each can has been properly disposed. The District Ranger will also designate an Accountable Property Officer. These designations are in accordance with direction in FSH 2409.12.

Duties of Property Custodian, COR and Marking Contractor

The Property Custodian is ultimately responsible for tracking all Tracer Paint, from the time it is ordered until the cans are properly disposed of, including: ordering, receiving, checking, inventorying, distribution, securing storage, and disposal of empty cans.

The Property Custodian will ensure that COR’s trained in the procedures and importance of accountability. Contracting Officer’s Representatives will discuss with and impress upon the Contractor, the importance of the security and accountability procedures required of them.

Once a paint transaction has been checked for completeness and proper exchange, it shall be added to the inventory forms and secured in the Contractor’s approved paint storage containers. Any missing or unaccounted for paint cans could result in a charge of $250.00 per can to the Contractor and will be investigated by law enforcement.

Training

The Contractor’s and his employees shall be instructed in the proper safety, use, and security of Tracer Paint. Instruction will include the following:

View the “Tree Marking Paint” video.

Review the Job Hazard Analysis for Tracer Paint.

Review the Tracer Paint Accountability Plan.

Discuss with the COR and understand the following:

Accountability procedures.

Proper security measures for transporting Tracer Paint.

What to do if cans are missing.

How to identify and report suspicious situations.

How to properly mark a tree.

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Paint Storage

The COR will ensure that all individuals checking out Tracer Paint have the ability to secure the paint at all times while the paint is out of the Forest Service Tracer Paint storage facility. Tracer Paint will not be issued to anyone who does not have the capability to secure the paint in the field. Tree marking paint will be stored in secure containers (building, vehicle, toolbox, etc.)

The Contractor’s paint storage containers will be inspected and approved for compliance with security measures prior to paint being issued to the Contractor. Storage containers shall be constructed of strong materials, with locking mechanisms that cannot be easily compromised. Containers must be anchored (if applicable) and have secured doors, windows, and lids, with hinges to the inside or welded to prevent theft of the paint or the container itself.

Tracer Paint containers will be locked at all times, while not under direct surveillance of the Contractor or his employees.

Tracer Paint Security While in the Field

Security of Tracer Paint is most vulnerable from the time it is checked out for field use, until it is returned and accounted for. It is most important during this time for the paint to be properly transported, stored, and used in the field.

If paint is not “on the person” of the contractor or his/her employees involved with the tree marking contract, all paint will be stored in secure containers which will be locked at all times.

The Contractor will keep track of the tracer paint used each day via the “NFGT Standardized Tree Marking Contractor’s Daily Paint Accountability Log” form. At the end of each day, and when additional paint is issued, the proper number of empties must be accounted for.

Returning Used and Unused Paint Containers to the COR

The Contractor will return all unused paint and empty cans to the Forest Service secured paint storage facility on a weekly basis in coordination with the Paint Custodian. All paint shall be accounted for by the COR and Contractor.

All unused paint and empty cans will be returned to the COR at the Forest Service storage facility and accounted for by inventory methods. The Contractor shall provide the COR with the required documentation, recorded on the “NFGT Standardized Tree Marking Contractor’s Daily Paint Accountability Log”, prior to the COR approving any final Payment Invoice.

Lost Paint Procedure

Any missing or unaccounted for paint cans could result in a charge of $500.00 per can to the Contractor and will be investigated by law enforcement.

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Paint Lost From Storage

Any time the inventory does not match the inventory sheets; check past and present inventory sheet figures in an effort to locate a possible math error or where the discrepancy occurred. If the paint cannot be accounted for:

Immediately perform a complete audit of all paint in storage, including paint stored in vehicles. If procedures have been followed, this audit should identify the person who lost the paint or verify that a theft has occurred from the paint storage facility.

If a theft from the storage area is indicated, immediately notify the COR and the COR will notify the District Law Enforcement Officer (LEO).

The Contractor, COR and Property Custodian will write up separate statements. The Property Custodian will send it to the Forest Supervisor’s Office (S.O.) Timber Management.

Paint Lost in the Field

If all Tracer Paint cans are not accounted for at the end of the day:

1. An immediate inventory will be conducted to determine which employee lost the paint.

2. Prior to the crew leaving the area, a search will be conducted of the area in which the employee was working.

If the lost paint is not found:

1. The Contractor will provide a written statement to the COR addressing the circumstances involved in the loss. Statements involving lost Tracer Paint must include the following information:

Brand of paint (manufacturer) Batch number Date of manufacture Color of paint Type of can (quart, aerosol etc.)

Was the can(s) full, partially full, or empty Circumstances and location of loss

If lost on a timber sale, COR will include all information in the presale or administration folder as appropriate.

2. The COR will immediately notify the Property Custodian. The Property Custodian will notify the Law Enforcement Officer, District Ranger and S.O. Timber Management as soon as possible.

3. S.O. Timber Management will involve Law Enforcement and determine investigation procedures.

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Tree Marking Contractor’s Daily Paint Accountability Log

District: Date Received:

Color: Date Returned:

Batch #: Quantity Issued: Issued By:

(1 Batch # per sheet)

(Additional log pages inserted here)

DATE

TREATMENT AREA

UNIT NUMBERS

MARKED TODAY

(Treatment Area No.)

PAINT USED

(Quarts)

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Contractor’s Paint Accountability Log*

ISSUE: Full Containers

Paint Color: Batch #

Quantity Issued:

Size of containers:

Date:

Quart Cans

Issued by (signature)

Date:

Received by (signature)

RETURNED: Full and Partials containers

Paint Color: Batch #

Quantity Returned:

(signature)

Date:

RETURNED: Empty containers

Paint Color: Batch #

Used Quantity Returned:

(signature)

Date:

*Use 1 log sheet per batch number Note: Please sign name so signature is legible.

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Attachment C

SECTION M--EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

AWARD DETERMINATION: This solicitation will result in a firm, fixed price contract. The Government will offer a contract to the Offeror whose proposal results in the best value as determined by the Forest Service.

EVALUATION FACTORS:

(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible Offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered.

Cost to the Government is not expected to be the controlling factor in the selection of a contractor for this solicitation. The degree of importance of price as a factor could become greater depending upon the quality of the offers for the other factors evaluated. The following factors, listed in descending order of importance, will be used for evaluation of the proposal:

Past Performance

Experience/Qualifications

Equipment (When applicable)

Price

Non-price factors, when combined, are more important than price

1. Past Performance

The Offeror will be evaluated on quality of service, customer satisfaction, business relations and timeliness / responsiveness. A contractor with no relevant past performance history may receive a neutral rating for past performance.

2. Experience/Qualification

The Offeror will be evaluated on the experience and qualifications of their company and personnel.

Critical factors include current qualified cruisers, the ability to distinguish timber types, age class, basal area determination and the ability to interpret maps.

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3. Price

The Offeror’s price will be evaluated to determine if it is fair and reasonable. The Offeror’s total price, including options, will be used for evaluation purposes.

THE AWARD IS BEING CONSIDERED USING A BEST VALUE APPROACH. FAILURE TO

PROVIDE ALL REQUIRED INFORMATION MAY RESULT IN YOUR OFFER NOT BEING

CONSIDERED FOR AWARD

Experience and Capability Questionnaire

At a minimum, Offeror should respond to the following experience and capability questions listed below.

Past Performance

1. List references with contact information and descriptions of projects your business has completed. Projects and references should be representative of the type of work being done in this contract and within the last three (3) years. If you have no similar or recent examples please provide enough information so that we may make a fair determination.

2. Have you failed to complete any projects in the last three (3) years? (Yes or No). If “yes”, list all contracts not completed, provide explanation of the circumstances, remedy of situation, and action taken to avoid recurrence.

Experience and Technical Qualification

• Please list the name of your business and number of years you have been doing this type of work. If you are a new business with no experience please state so.

.1. If you have been conducting business under a different name, working for another business or have been sub-contracting this type of work, list the name of that business and number of years’ experience.

.2. List all personnel who will be working on this project and their experience in completing this type of work. Resumes are appropriate.

• Anticipated schedule and proposed daily production rate.

• List firm’s contractual commitments running concurrently with the work contemplated by this solicitation.

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ADDENDUM TO FAR 52.212-3

EMPLOYMENT OF ELIGIBLE WORKERS

WORKFORCE CERTIFICATION

Contractors are required to provide certification under this solicitation in compliance with the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Workers Protection Act (MSPA) and Farm Labor Contractor (FLC) Certificate of Registration requirements describing the workforce they will utilize to fulfill the contract requirements under this solicitation and any resulting contract. If the Contractor will supply workers under the H-2B Program, the Contractor is required to provide a copy of the Temporary Employment Certificate issued by DOL.

Subcontractors are bound by the same requirements for licenses and permits under this contract. If a Prime Contractor identifies a Subcontractor as part of their workforce to accomplish the work under this solicitation, the Prime Contractor shall submit the Subcontractor's signed certification with their response to the solicitation.

H-2B Workers: (http://www.foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov/) [ ] Company certifies it will not be utilizing H2B…