12363N26Q4226 RFQ-.pdf

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

Document Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Solicitation Number: 12363N26Q4226 Posted Date: 08/06/2026 Original Response Date: 08/12/2026 Current Response Date: N/A Product or Service Code: F099 Set Aside: Small Business NAICS Code: 115310 – $11.5M Support Activities for Forestry

Contracting Office Address

USDA Forest Service Procurement and Property Services National Stewardship Contracting Branch 1400 Independence Ave. SW, MS-1138 Washington DC 20250-1138

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services prepared in accordance with FAR 12. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; offers are being requested, and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

Solicitation number 12363N26Q4226 has been issued as a Request for Quotes (RFQ) for the Chippewa NF Tree Seed Collection.

This solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses by reference. The full text of provisions and clauses may be accessed electronically at www.acquisition.gov.

The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 115310 – Support Activities for Forestry, with a small business size standard of $11.5 Million. The product service code is F099. The government intends to award a Firm Fixed Price contract resulting from this combined synopsis/solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer, conforming to the synopsis/solicitation, will be most advantageous to the government (as determined by the solicitation evaluation criteria). All responsible sources may submit a quotation which will be considered by the agency, and proposals shall be valid for 60 days after the date of receipt for the solicitation.

Points of Contact

Thomas Tran, Contracting Officer, thomas.tran2@usda.gov No organized site visit is scheduled for this project. Interested vendors are encouraged to visit the project area to familiarize themselves with the requirements.

Offerors shall quote in accordance with the SOW. Please provide your price and technical proposal separately.

Technical proposals that fail to adequately address all evaluation factors and criteria may receive a reduced score or may not be considered.

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/Technical Proposal Solicitation #

12363N26Q4226 Chippewa NF Tree Seed Collection Page 1 of 51 https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-12 http://www.acquisition.gov/ mailto:thomas.tran2@usda.gov

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

Woman- Owned SDVOSB Hubzone 8(a)

(Please check all that apply) x

**MUST HAVE ALL INFO BELOW**

Company Name:

Vendor Rep:

Phone:

Email:

Mailing Address:

UEI SAM #

Estimated Period of Performance 08/17/2026 – 04/30/2028

Contractor Signature: ______________________________________

Contractor Parent BPA/IDIQ #: ______________________________________

**QUOTES ARE DUE BY: 08/12/2026 by 11:00AM CST**

12363N26Q4226 Chippewa NF Tree Seed Collection Page 2 of 51

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION PAY

UNIT

EST

QTY

Total

301 balsam fir seed 225 2 302 white spruce seed 250 2 303 red pine seed 600 20 304 yellow birch seed 400 1 305 tamarack seed 1600 1 306 white pine 300 15 307 black spruce 1000 0 308 jack pine 600 1 309 bur oak 20 1 310 red oak 30 1 311 N white cedar seed 200 2

Total Cost =

12363N26Q4226 Chippewa NF Tree Seed Collection Page 3 of 51

EVALUATION CRITERIA:

TECHNICAL PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

General Proposals shall be submitted in two parts: a technical proposal and a price proposal. Each part shall be separate and complete in itself so that evaluation of one may be accomplished independently of the other. The price proposal shall be submitted with the solicitation forms.

Offerors are cautioned that sufficient and detailed information must be presented in their proposals to enable the Government to evaluate their proposals fully in accordance with the evaluation and award criteria contained herein. The Government is not obligated to ask for additional information and in the absence of appropriate information, the proposal will be rated deficient.

Price Proposal A completed schedule of items with pricing information completes this requirement.

Technical Proposal Offerors shall submit technical information for their firm and any proposed major subcontractors. Please submit your past performance with the technical information. Also, the offeror shall submit information that illustrates a technical understanding of the work to be performed.

1) Relevant Past Performance:

Relevant Past Performance shall be obtained from previous work with the Federal Government and utilized for evaluation on this contract. Please provide at least 3 past performances with references.

2) Technical Approach:

All offerors should show a high level of understanding of the work to be performed. This can be accomplished by submitting with the proposal the following information:

1. Description of how the work will be performed

2. Schedule (accomplishing work while meeting weather conditions)

3. Key Personnel

4. List of equipment to be used

3) Experience/Qualification:

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

12363N26Q4226 Chippewa NF Tree Seed Collection Page 4 of 51

Technical Evaluation Criteria Technical proposals will be evaluated and rated by a Technical Evaluation Panel. Proposals shall be prepared in accordance with the proposal preparation instructions. The Government intends to evaluate quotations using a comparative evaluation methodology. This means quotations will be compared against one another to determine which provides the best value to the Government, based on the evaluation factors outlined in this solicitation.

The Government may consider quotations that exceed minimum requirements and offer additional value or benefits, even if they are not the lowest priced.

1) Relevant Past Performance:

a) Relevant Past Performance shall be provided and utilized for evaluation on this contract.

• Name of contract

• Contract number

• Total contract value

• Completion date, or stage of completion if still in progress

• Project owner's name, email address, and telephone number

• Specific type of work, project location, size, etc.

• Whether the project was completed within the contract timeframe

• What the exam quality was, and if there was any work that received less than full pay or any penalties and the extent of rework conducted.

• Reference for the contract

2) Technical Approach:

b) Understanding of Proposed Work: Offeror demonstrates a technical understanding of the proposed work including but not limited to preliminary scheduling, equipment requirements, site conditions and location, project challenges, and material requirements.

3) Experience/Qualification:

Evaluates the company’s history, background, and ability to perform work of similar size, scope, and complexity. Specialized work and accomplishments relative to the scope of work.

4) Acceptability:

An offeror’s documented response to the solicitation will not be deemed acceptable, if not received by the specified closing date and time, and the submitted proposal not clearly demonstrate the offerors understanding the needed work. In such cases the offeror will be viewed as having “failed” this criterion and will not be considered for award.

5) Cost or Price:

Each acceptable offer will be evaluated for reasonableness of proposal price. This criterion will include consideration of cost information provided. It is the Government's intent to assess the unit prices to determine reasonableness and offeror's understanding of the work and ability to perform the contract.

The importance of price may become greater as the differences between technical proposals decrease.

Where technical proposals are determined to be substantially equal, price may control award.

(b) Award. A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer’s specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

12363N26Q4226 Chippewa NF Tree Seed Collection Page 5 of 51

Program of Work Statement - Tree Seed Collection Specifications

1. Trees needing cutting for seed collection purposes must not have any cracks, crevices, cavities, or sluffing off bark but must be free of defects that could be utilized as roosts for bats. Trees need to be smooth barked in order to be selected for cutting and seed harvesting. Any trees not meeting this criteria for bark smoothness must be cut after September 30 of any given year.

2. Williams Tree Seeds will be allowed to personally fell trees solely for the purpose of gathering seed from the tree species: balsam fir and yellow birch where the seed source of such individual trees is adequate to justify doing so. The US Forest Service will not be held liable for any accidents or injuries involving or occurring from the felling of trees or any related activity during tree seed collection.

3. Seed must be collected within 100 miles of the Chippewa National Forest.

4. Seed must be extracted, cleaned, and delivered with the exception of yellow birch.

5. Labels must be attached that indicate the county and township where seed was collected.

12363N26Q4226 Chippewa NF Tree Seed Collection Page 6 of 51

US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

12363N26Q4226 Chippewa NF Tree Seed Collection Page 7 of 51

Contents Project Name Solicitation / Contract Number ................................................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Section 1: Introduction

1.1 Purpose

1.2 QASP Relation to the Contract

1.2.1 QASP Revisions

1.2.2 Surveillance of Performance Progression

1.3 QASP Relation to the Quality Control Plan (QCP)

Section 2: Performance Description

2.1 Performance Standards and Acceptable Quality Levels (AQLs)

2.1.1 Allowable Deviation

2.1.2 Substantially Complete

2.2 Non-Performance

2.2.1 Documentation

2.2.2 Remedial Actions

Section 3: Contractor and Government Responsibilities

3.1 Contractor Responsibility

3.2 Government Responsibility

3.2.1 Contracting Officer (CO)

3.2.2 Contracting Officer Representative (COR)

3.2.3 Customers

Section 4: Surveillance Methods to Perform Quality Assurance

4.1 Surveillance Methods

4.2 Analysis and Results

Appendix A: Example Performance Requirement Summaries Appendix B: Example Discrepancy Report Appendix C: Customer Feedback Record Appendix D: Example Guide / Inspection List Appendix E: Example Quality Assurance Monitoring Appendix F: Example Customer Complaint Investigation Appendix G: Example Surveillance Activity Checklist

12363N26Q4226 Chippewa NF Tree Seed Collection Page 8 of 51

Project Name CPF - CON CWKV/NFTM – Tree Seed Collection

Section 1: Introduction This Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) is pursuant to the requirements listed in the performance work statement (PWS) entitled tree planting. This plan sets forth the procedures and guidelines that the USDA, Chippewa National Forest will use in ensuring the required performance standards or services levels are achieved by the contractor.

1.1 Purpose

The purpose of the QASP is to describe the systematic methods used to measure performance and to identify the reports required and the resources to be employed. The QASP provides a means for evaluating whether the contractor is meeting the performance standards identified in the PWS. This QASP is designed to define roles and responsibilities, identify the performance objectives, define the methodologies used to monitor and evaluate the contractor’s performance, describe quality assurance reporting, and describe the analysis of quality assurance monitoring results.

This project involves releasing tree seedlings from vegetative competition on approximately 317 acres across the Blackduck and Walker Ranger Districts of the Chippewa National Forest, of which approximately 175 acres are on Blackduck and approximately 142 acres are on Walker. Releasing of tree seedlings is defined as removing vegetation around each selected seedling. Most seedlings range from 3-7 years old. Most stands have light to moderate competition of deciduous trees and brush including alder, hazel, aspen, willow, raspberry, and grasses. An area of 1.5 feet around each selected seedling will require the cutting of all competing vegetation within four inches of the ground.

Further explanation is included in the Performance Work Statement for each Blackduck and Walker Districts.

1.2 QASP Relation to the Contract

1.2.1 QASP Revisions

The Contracting Officer Representative (COR) may make revisions or changes to the QASP procedures and surveillance methods or increase or decrease the degree of surveillance methods at any time during the contract performance period. Changes to the Metric must be incorporated into the PWS, Performance Requirement Summary (PRS) and QASP by a bilateral modification to contract that is issued by the Contracting Officer (CO). A copy of the QASP is provided to the contractor to enable the contractor to enhance its Quality Control (QC) program to perform in accordance with its Quality Control Plan (QCP).

1.2.2 Surveillance of Performance Progression

As the performance period progresses, the levels of surveillance may be altered for service areas where performance is either consistently excellent or unsatisfactory. If consistently good performance, then the amount of surveillance may be reduced. If observations reveal consistent deficiencies, increased surveillance may be implemented.

1.3 QASP Relation to the Quality Control Plan (QCP)

The QCP is a required element of contract and the Contractor shall adhere to its established quality control processes and procedures in managing and performing work as described in the contract. While the QCP represents the way in which the Contractor will ensure its quality and timeliness of services, as defined in the PWS, the QASP represents the way in which the Government personnel specified in Section 3: Contractor and Government Responsibilities, Paragraph 3.2, Government Responsibilities will evaluate the contractor’s performance. The contractor’s QC program and the residual organization’s QASP should be complementary programs that ensure successful contractor performance.

Section 2: Performance Description Performance of the contractor will be monitored through the surveillance methods described in Section 4: Surveillance Methods to Perform Quality Assurance to assess the Contractor’s performance against PWS requirements.

12363N26Q4226 Chippewa NF Tree Seed Collection Page 9 of 51

2.1 Performance Standards and Acceptable Quality Levels (AQLs) For selected activities in the PWS, the PRS provides a performance standard and an AQL. A performance standard is the expected level of contractor performance. An AQL defines the level of performance that is satisfactory. Depending on the service evaluated and the evaluation method selected, performance standards and AQLs may be stated as a number of occurrences or as a percentage. Performance standards and AQLs for random sampling and 100 percent inspection are generally stated as percentages. For periodic inspections, performance standards may be stated as either percentages or as absolute numbers.

The contract requires the Contractor to perform all work as specified. Any inaccuracies or omissions in services or products are referred to as “defects” on the part of the Contractor. The Contractor shall be responsible for all identified defects and may be required to perform the work at no cost to the government. The AQLs take into account that in some instances an allowable level of deficiencies (deviations) is possible while overall performance continues to meet the government’s desired level of service.

2.1.1 Allowable Deviation

The AQLs define the level or number of performance deficiencies the Contractor is permitted to reach under this contract. AQLs take into account the difference between an occasional defect and a gross number of defects. AQLs can be expressed as a percentage of or as an absolute number (e.g., three per month). There may be instances where 100 percent compliance is required, and no deviation is acceptable (e.g., where safety is involved).

2.1.2 Substantially Complete

In some cases, service outputs are evaluated using subjective values (e.g., excellent, satisfactory, unsatisfactory). The criteria for acceptable performance and for defects must be defined for these service outputs. The concept of “substantially complete” should be the basis for inspections based on subjective scales. Work is considered “substantially complete” where there has been no significant departure from the terms of the contract and no omission of essential work. In addition, the Contractor has performed the work required to the best of its ability and the only variance consists of minor omissions or deficiencies.

2.2 Non-Performance

Non-performance occurs when the contractor’s performance does not meet the AQL for a given requirement.

Requirements may contain multiple performance elements, and therefore, deficiencies may occur in one or more aspects of performance (e.g., timeliness, accuracy, completeness, etc.) or subject areas of effort.

When surveillance indicates that the contractor's service output is not in compliance with the contract requirements, the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) must determine whether the Contractor or the Government caused the deficiency. If the cause of the defect rests with the Government, corrective action must be taken through Government channels. If the cause of the defect is due to action or inaction by the contractor, the contractor is responsible for correction of the problem at no additional expense to the Government.

2.2.1 Documentation

Documentation of work non-performed or unacceptable work is essential for tracking Contractor performance. The COR will document deficient work by compiling facts describing the inspection methods and results and to substantiate nonconformance with the contract. A sample documentation reporting form is provided in Appendix [B]. The documentation, with any recommendations, will be forwarded to the CO. In the case of the Contractor, the COR will decide whether to elevate the problem to the CO for corrective action.

2.2.2 Remedial Actions

The Federal Acquisition Regulation allows for penalties in the event that the Contractor fails to perform the required services. Penalties are defined as those actions taken under the direction of the CO against the contractor within the general provisions of the contract for nonconformance to the PWS and PRS.

12363N26Q4226 Chippewa NF Tree Seed Collection Page 10 of 51

Section 3: Contractor and Government Responsibilities

3.1 Contractor Responsibility

The Contractor is responsible for delivering products or services in accordance with the contract. Implementing its QCP, which describes the Contractor’s methods for ensuring all products and services under the contract meet established performance standards and AQLs. Maintaining, and providing for audit, quality control records and reports and all records associated with the investigation and complaint resolutions. Appointing a single quality control point-of-contact to act as a central recipient of communication from the COR or CO.

3.2 Government Responsibility

3.2.1 Contracting Officer (CO)

The CO is responsible for administering and monitoring contract compliance, contract administration, and cost control and for resolving any differences between the observations documented by COR and the contractor’s performance. The CO may delegate various day-to-day contract administration duties to a Administering ACO (ACO) and/or the COR for performance management and administrative actions such as invoice approval and issuance of Contract Discrepancy Reports may be, and normally are, delegated by the CO to the COR. The CO shall approve any revisions to the QASP processes or standards.

3.2.2 Contracting Officer Representative (COR)

The COR, is designated in writing, by the CO. The COR will ensure that the QA function is properly executed, plays a key role in contract administration and performs the contract surveillance and monitoring. Some key contract administration duties include, but are not limited to, performs surveillance as required by this QASP; make recommendations to the CO for issuance of Contract Discrepancy Reports or letters of commendation and acceptance or rejection of completed work and for administrative actions based on unsatisfactory or non-performed work, and revisions or changes to the QASP;

and assists the CO in identifying necessary contract modifications and preparing reports of Contractor performance and cost.

The COR may use the form(s) included in the Appendices to perform the inspection or other forms as approved by the CO. The Contractor overall guidance is also provided by FAR clause [Insert Inspection & Acceptance Clause Number] in Section [Insert Number] of the contract.

3.2.3 Customers

Insert this Section if applicable Customers or organizations/offices that the Contractor provided support may be requested to assist the COR in conducting QA to provide information relating to the Contractor’s performance through Customer Feedback.

Information gained from the Customer Feedback may be used in conjunction with other methods of observation to rate the performance of the Contractor.

Section 4: Surveillance Methods to Perform Quality Assurance

4.1 Surveillance Methods

The surveillance methods used in the QA process are the Government’s tools to monitor the Contractor’s products and services. The best means of determining whether the Contractor has met all contract requirements is to inspect the Contractor’s service products and analyze the results. Further, documented inspection results are an effective tool in contract administration that can confirm the successful achievement of all performance requirements or highlight areas where defects exist and improvements are necessary.

Explain how the PRS method of surveillance will be measured.

4.1.1 100 Percent Inspection The 100 percent inspection method requires complete inspection each month and will be used for critical contract requirements.

4.1.1.1 Performance Standards and AQLs

The performance standards and AQLs may be stated as either percentages or absolute numbers.

12363N26Q4226 Chippewa NF Tree Seed Collection Page 11 of 51

4.1.1.2 Evaluation Procedures

Observed defects for a service monitored by 100 percent inspection is compared to the performance standard and AQL.

4.2 Analysis and Results

When the inspections have been completed, the COR will perform an analysis of the Contractor’s performance. The purpose of the analysis is to ensure Government is receiving high-quality products and services from the Contractor.

The COR will review the results, rate the Contractor’s compliance with the performance standards and AQLs, and characterize the Contractor’s overall performance. Analysis of all types of contract monitoring will result in one of the following outcomes:

Insert and define the Performance Outcome. Below is an Example.

4.2.1 Outstanding Performance

Outstanding performance is the result of the Contractor substantially exceeding the performance standards with significant achievements and no significant deficiencies. The Government may reduce its level of surveillance when the COR determines that the Contractor provides sustained performance that significantly exceeds the requirements with no significant deficiencies.

12363N26Q4226 Chippewa NF Tree Seed Collection Page 12 of 51

[THIS PAGE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES]

The Contacting Officer must include as attachments or exhibits the appropriate performance requirement summary, forms, checklists, etc. in the QASP that will be used during surveillance / monitoring for the applicable contract.

12363N26Q4226 Chippewa NF Tree Seed Collection Page 13 of 51

Appendix A: Example Performance Requirement Summaries The following documents are examples only, which is not all inclusive, that can be revised and used, if applicable, in the QASP as attachments or exhibits.

EXAMPLE- 1

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT SUMMARY

Performance Task (PWS Reference)

Performance

Indicator

Standard

Acceptable Quality

Level (AQL)

Method of Surveillance

Timeliness and Accuracy of Delivery-Supplies/ Services (PWS, Section 6.6.4)

Supplies/Services delivered as ordered – Quantity / Quality

Delivery matches Order quantity and Supplies/ Services description

95% of all deliveries match order quantity and supplies / services

Inspection of Monthly Sales and Delivery Report.

EXAMPLE-2

Objective

PWS Reference/

Contract Reference

Performance Standard

Acceptable Quality Level

(AQL)

Ensure smooth transition with the incumbent during the phase-in period

5.4.3 Transition Obtain GFP, access to

classified documents, access to network, obtain CACs and access badges for employees, obtain proper security levels, obtain room/building keys

Score of acceptable or higher required on scale

100% inspection (TEP review)

EXAMPLE-3

Required Services

(PWS Task)

Standard

Acceptable

Quality Level

(AQL)

Incentive (+ /-) Impact on Contractor

Payment Submit a PM report of scheduled, completed, and outstanding tasks monthly

(PWS C.2.1.2 (G))

100% of reports accurately depict current status

99% File reviews, periodic inspections, and random, observations, customer complaints

$500 for each documented instance when a report is submitted after the 15th of the month

12363N26Q4226 Chippewa NF Tree Seed Collection Page 14 of 51

Appendix B: Example Discrepancy Report The following document is only an example, which is not all inclusive, that can be revised and used, if applicable, in the QASP as

DISCREPANCY REPORT 1. DISCREPENCY REPORT NO.

2. TO: (Contractor / Project Manager Name) 3. FROM: (Name of COR)

CONTRACT NUMBER: DATE:

PREPARED ORAL NOTIFICATION RETURNED BY CONTRACTOR ACTION COMPLETE

4. DISCREPENCY OR PROBLEM (Describe in Detail. Include PWS references. Attach Continuation Sheet if Necessary)

5. SIGNATURE OF COR

6. TO: (Name of COR) 7. FROM: (Contractor / Project Manager)

8. CONTRACTOR RESPONSE AS TO CAUSE, EFFECT, CORRECTIVE ACTION AND ACTIONS TO PREVENT RECURRENCE (Attach Continuation Sheet if necessary. Cite applicable Contractor QC program procedures or new QC procedures)

9. SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTOR REPRESENTIVE 10. DATE

11. GOVERNMENT EVALUATION (Acceptance, partial acceptance, or rejection. Attach Coordination Sheet if necessary)

12. GOVERNMENT ACTIONS (Cure notice, show cause, other)

CLOSE OUT

KTR NOTIFIED

NAME AND TITLE SIGNATURE DATE

COR

12363N26Q4226 Chippewa NF Tree Seed Collection Page 15 of 51

Appendix C: Customer Feedback Record The following document is only an example, which is not all inclusive, that can be revised and used, if applicable, in the QASP as

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK RECORD

DATE AND TIME OF COMPLAINT CONTRACT NUMBER/ OR PROJECT:

SOURCE OF COMPLAINT

ORGANIZATION

INDIVIDUAL

NATURE OF COMPLAINT

PWS REFERENCE

VALIDATION

DATE AND TIME CONTRACTOR INFORMED OF COMPLAINT NAME OF CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATIVE INFORMED OF COMPLAINT

ACTION TAKEN BY CONTRACTOR (Responsible officer):

RECEIVED AND VALIDATED BY

Determination: Complaint Valid Complaint Invalid

12363N26Q4226 Chippewa NF Tree Seed Collection Page 16 of 51

Appendix D: Example Guide / Inspection List The following document is only an example, which is not all inclusive, that can be revised and used, if applicable, in the QASP as attachments or exhibits.

CONTRACT NUMBER: ___________________________________

SERVICE FUNCTION:

PWS SECTION:

1 Method of Surveillance:

2 Lot Size:

3 Sample Size:

4 Performance Requirement: Performance is Excellent (E) when ___________or fewer defects are discovered per month. Performance is Satisfactory (S) when ________ or fewer defects are discovered per month. Performance is Unsatisfactory (U) when _______ or more defects are discovered per month.

5 Sampling Procedure: Instructions on how to select the sample must be clear and complete

6 Inspection Procedure: The procedure must be detailed enough to allow a yes/no objective decision as to the acceptability of performance by anyone making the inspection. Explain when evaluation is to occur and what is acceptable/unacceptable

Performance: Excellent (E), Satisfactory (S), Unsatisfactory (U), Not Applicable (N/A)

PRS Requirements Timeliness Quality of Work Notes

Overall Rating Of Inspection (E, S, U or N/A)

COR/Inspector Comments:

Contractor Signature: ___ Date: __

COR Signature: ____________________Date: _________________

12363N26Q4226 Chippewa NF Tree Seed Collection Page 17 of 51

Appendix E: Example Quality Assurance Monitoring The following document is only an example, which is not all inclusive, that can be revised and used, if applicable, in the QASP as attachments or exhibits.

CONTRACT NUMBER: ______________________________________

SERVICE or STANDARD:

SURVEY PERIOD:

SURVEILLANCE METHOD (Check the applicable item):

Random Sampling 100% Inspection Periodic Inspection Customer Complaint

LEVEL OF SURVEILLANCE (Check the applicable item):

Monthly Quarterly As needed

PERCENTAGE OF ITEMS SAMPLED DURING SURVEY PERIOD: ______ %

ANALYSIS OF RESULTS:

Observed Service Provider Performance Measurement Rate: ______%

Service Provider’s Performance (Check the applicable item):

Meets Standards

Does Not Meet Standards

Narrative of Performance During Survey Period:

Prepared By: _______________________________ Date: ______________

12363N26Q4226 Chippewa NF Tree Seed Collection Page 18 of 51

Appendix F: Example Customer Complaint Investigation The following document is only an example, which is not all inclusive, that can be revised and used, if applicable, in the QASP as attachments or exhibits.

CONTRACT NUMBER: _________________________

SERVICE or STANDARD:

SURVEY PERIOD: ___________________

DATE COMPLAINT RECEIVED: ____________

SOURCE OF COMPLAINT: _________________________________________ (Name) _______________________________________________________________ (Organization) ___________________ (Phone No.) _________________________________ (Email Address)

NATURE OF COMPLAINT:

RESULTS OF COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION:

DATE SERVICE PROVIDER INFORMED OF COMPLAINT: _____________

CORRECTIVE ACTION TAKEN BY SERVICE PROVIDER:

Received and Validated By: __________________________________________ Prepared By: _____________________________ Date: _________________

12363N26Q4226 Chippewa NF Tree Seed Collection Page 19 of 51

Appendix G: Example Surveillance Activity Checklist The following document is only an example, which is not all inclusive, that can be revised and used, if applicable, in the QASP as

Requirement

Performance Standard

Method of Measure ment

Perfor manc e Metri cs

Method of Surveillance

Date Accomp lished

Compliance (Exceed, Met, Partial Met)

Tree Seed Collection

Seed Free of limbs, leaves, dirt

Visual 95% Office Inspection

Tree Seed Collection

Seed Container Free of Moisture

Visual 95% Office Inspection

Tree Seed Collection

Seed Location Provided with Seed

Visual 95% Office Inspection

12363N26Q4226 Chippewa NF Tree Seed Collection Page 20 of 51

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and United States Department of Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) Clauses and Provisions The clauses and provisions contained herein are applicable to any order awarded as a result of this solicitation. The terms and conditions set forth herein supersede all other terms and conditions.

Acceptance of the order in accordance with (IAW) FAR 12.201-1(b)(2) constitutes acceptance of all terms and conditions contained herein.

As part of the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), system updates may lag policy updates. The System for Award Management (SAM) may continue to require entities to complete representations based on provisions that are not included in this solicitation. Contracting officers will rely on representations from offers based on provisions in the solicitation. Entities are not required to, nor are they able to, update their entity registration to remove these representations in SAM.

52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference Feb 1998 This solicitation 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 the clause may be accessed electronically at Internet address https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52

52.212-4 Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025) ☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) of 52.212-4 52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (Nov 2023) 52.203-19 Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2025)

☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) of 52.222-50 52.226-8 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (May 2024) 52.232-39 Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations (Jun 2013) 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Mar 2023) 52.233-3 Protest After Award (Sep 2025) 52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Sep 2025) 52.240-91 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions (Nov 2025)

☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) of 52.240-91 52.244-6 Subcontracts for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025)

The following clauses are applicable if checked:

☒ 52.203-6 Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Jun 2020) with Alternate I (Nov 2021) of 52.203-6 ☒ 52.203-13 Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Nov 2021) ☐ 52.204-9 Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel Jan 2011 ☒ 52.204-13 System for Award Management—Maintenance (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.204-91 Contractor identification (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.209-6 Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with

12363N26Q4226 Chippewa NF Tree Seed Collection Page 21 of 51 https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52

Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (Sep 2025) ☒ 52.209-9 Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Sep 2025) ☒ 52.209-10 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Sep 2025) ☐ 52.219-4 Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.219-6 Notice of Total Small Business Aside (Nov 2025)

☐ Alternate I (Mar 2020).

☒ 52.219-8 Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.219-9 Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Nov 2025)

☐ Alternate III (Nov 2025) of 52.219-9.

☐ Alternate IV (Nov 2025) of 52.219-9

☒ 52.219-14 Limitations on Subcontracting (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.219-16 Liquidated Damages—Subcontracting Plan (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.219-33 Nonmanufacturer Rule (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.222-3 Convict Labor (June 2003) ☒ 52.222-19 Child Labor—Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.222-35 Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Nov 2025)

☒ Alternate I (Jul 2014) of 52.222-35 ☒ 52.222-36 Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Nov 2025)

☒ Alternate I (Jul 2014) of 52.222-36 ☒ 52.222-37 Employment Reports on Veterans (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.222-40 Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010 ☒ 52.222-41 Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018) ☒ 52.222-42 Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 2014)

This Statement is for Information Only:

It is not a Wage Determination

Employee Class Monetary Wage -- Fringe Benefits Aircraft Mechanic $XX.XX

☒ 52.222-43 Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards -- Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (Aug 2018) ☒ 52.222-44 Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards -- Price Adjustment (May 2014) ☐ 52.222-51 Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (May 2014) ☐ 52.222-53 Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.222-54 Employment Eligibility Verification (Nov 2025)

12363N26Q4226 Chippewa NF Tree Seed Collection Page 22 of 51

☒ 52.222-62 Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2022) ☒ 52.223-9 Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA-Designated Items (May 2008)

☒ Alternate I (May 2008) of 52.223-9 ☒ 52.223-11 Ozone-Depleting Substances and High Global Warming Potential Hydrofluorocarbons (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.223-12 Maintenance, Service, Repair, or Disposal of Refrigeration Equipment and Air Conditioners (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.223-23 Sustainable Products and Services ☒ 52.224-3 Privacy Training (Jan 2017)

☐ Alternate I (Jan 2017) of 52.224-3 ☒ 52.225-1 Buy American-Supplies (Nov 2025)

☒ Alternate I (Oct 2022) of 52.225-1 ☐ 52.225-3 Buy American--Free Trade Agreements--Israeli Trade Act (Nov 2025)

☐ Alternate II (Nov 2025) of 52.225-3.

☐ Alternate III (Nov 2025) of 52.225-3.

☐ Alternate IV (Oct 2022) of 52.225-3

☒ 52.225-5 Trade Agreements (Nov 2023) ☐ 52.225-19 Contractor Personnel in a Designated Operational Area or Supporting a Diplomatic or Consular Mission outside the United States (May 2020) ☐ 52.225-26 Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Oct 2016) ☒ 52.226-4 Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside (Nov 2007) ☐ 52.226-5 Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area (Aug 2025) ☒ 52.229-12 Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements ☐ 52.232-29 Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021) ☐ 52.232-30 Installment Payments for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021) ☒ 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer— System for Award Management (Oct 2018) ☐ 52.232-34 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—Other Than System for Award Management (Jul 2013) ☐ 52.232-36 Payment by Third Party (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.237-2 Protection of Government Buildings, Equipment, and Vegetation (Apr 1984) ☒ 52.237-3 Continuity of Services (Jan 1991) ☐ 52.240-92 Security Requirements (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.240-93 Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems (No 2025) ☐ 52.247-64 Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Nov 2025)

☐ Alternate I (Apr 2023) of 52.247-64.

☐ Alternate II (Nov 2021) of 52.247-64

Other Applicable Clauses

12363N26Q4226 Chippewa NF Tree Seed Collection Page 23 of 51

Add any other clauses that apply to this procurement. Consider Parts 16, 17, 27, 39, 36, 45, 47, etc.

Some common clauses are (this is not an inclusive list):

52.217-6 Option for Increased Quantity (Mar 1989) 52.217-7 Option for Increased Quantity - Separately Priced Line Item (Mar 1989) 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (Nov 1999) 30 calendar days prior to contract expiration 52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (Mar 2000)

(a) 30 Calendar days prior to contract expiration and 60 days

(c) five years.

52.232-90 Fast Payment Procedures (Nov 2025) 52.245-1 Government Property (Sep 2021) ☐ Alternate I (Sep 2021) of 52.245-1 52.245-2 Government Property 52.245-9 Use and Charges 52.246-15 Certificate of Conformance (Apr 1984) 52.247-29 F.O.B. Origin (Feb 2006) 52.247-34 F.O.B. Destination (Jan 1991)

AGAR Clauses 452.203-71 Anti-Discrimination and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Compliance (Dec 2025)

(a) By entering into this contract, the Contractor certifies that:

(1) It is compliant with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws and the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution, and it will remain compliant for the duration of the contract.

(2) Neither it nor any subcontractor or teaming partner operates or funds any program, policy, or initiative that promotes DEI in a manner that violates any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws, including but not limited to Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, or the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution, and the Contractor and any subcontractor or teaming partner will not do so for the duration of the contract.

(b) If the Contractor participates in, facilitates, or funds programs that implicate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, including but not limited to grants to or for schools, colleges, universities, 4-H programs, non-governmental organization (NGO) programs, sports programs, and education-related grants to prisons or other detention facilities, the Contractor certifies that it will remain compliant with those laws, including the requirements set forth in Executive Order 14168, Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, and Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.

12363N26Q4226 Chippewa NF Tree Seed Collection Page 24 of 51

(c) The Contractor affirms that the above requirements are conditions of payment that go to the essence of the contract and are therefore material terms of the contract. Payments under the contract are predicated on compliance with the above requirements, and therefore the Contractor is not eligible for funding under the contract or to retain any funding under the contract absent compliance with the above requirements.

(d) This certification reflects a change in the Government’s position regarding the materiality of the foregoing requirements and therefore any prior payment of similar claims does not reflect the materiality of the foregoing requirements to this contract.

(e) Submission of a knowing false statement relating to Contractor’s compliance with the above requirements and/or eligibility for the contract may subject the Contractor to liability under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729, and/or criminal liability, including under 18 U.S.C. §§ 287 and 1001.

(f) The Contractor must include the provisions of this clause in all subcontract solicitations.

(g) Failure on the part of the Contractor or its subcontractors to comply with the terms of this clause may be grounds for the Contracting Officer to terminate this contract for default.

(End of Clause)

452.204–70 Modification for Contract Closeout (Nov 2025)

(a) If unliquidated funds in the amount of $1000 or less remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer (Contracting Officer) shall issue a unilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification but will not be required to provide a signature. The Contracting Officer shall immediately proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

(b) Upon contract closeout for contracts utilizing SAP: if unliquidated funds of more than $1000 remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer shall issue a bilateral modification for deobligation.

The contractor will receive a copy of the modification and will be required to provide a signature.

(The Contracting Officer may also request a “Contractor Release of Claims” be completed by the contractor, although not required for contracts and orders using SAP.) If the bilateral modification and Release of Claims are not returned to the Contracting Officer within 60 days, the Contracting Officer shall release the modification as unilateral and proceed with contract close-out upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

(c) Upon contract closeout for contracts utilizing anything other than cost reimbursement, if unliquidated funds of more than $1000 remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer shall issue a bilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification and a ‘‘Contractor Release of Claims’’ and will be required to provide a signature on both forms. If the bilateral modification and Release of Claims are not returned to the Contracting Officer within 120 days, the Contracting Officer shall release the modification as unilateral and proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

(End of Clause)

452.204-71 Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Employees (Nov 2025)

12363N26Q4226 Chippewa NF Tree Seed Collection Page 25 of 51

(a) The contractor shall comply with the personal identity verification (PIV) policies and procedures established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Directives 4620-002 series.

(b) Should the USDA Directives 4620-002 require the exclusion of a contractor's employee, the contracting officer will notify the contractor in writing. The contractor must appoint a representative to manage compliance with the PIV policies established by the USDA Directives 4620-002 and to maintain a list of employees eligible for a USDA LincPass required for performance of the work.

(c) The responsibility of maintaining a sufficient workforce remains with the contractor. Contractor employees may be barred by the Government from performance of work should they be found ineligible or to have lost eligibility for a USDA LincPass. Failure to maintain a sufficient workforce of employees eligible for a USDA LincPass may be grounds for termination of the contract.

(d) The contractor shall insert this clause in all subcontracts when the subcontractor is required to have routine unaccompanied physical access to a Federally controlled facility and/or routine unaccompanied access to a Federally controlled information system.

(e) The PIV Sponsor for this contract is a designated program point of contact, which in most cases is the COR, unless otherwise specified in this contract. The PIV Sponsor will be available to receive contractor identity information from [hours and days to be added by CO] to [hours and days to be added by CO] at [office address for registration to be added by CO]. The Government will notify the contractor if there is a change in the PIV Sponsor, the office address, or the office hours for registration; however, it is the contractor's responsibility to meet all aspects of paragraphs (c), (d), and (e).

(End of Clause)

452.211-71 Variation in Quantity (Sep 2025)

(a) A variation in the quantity of any item called for by this contract will not be accepted unless the variation has been caused by conditions of loading, shipping, or packing, or allowances in manufacturing processes, and then only to the extent, if any, specified in paragraph (b) of this clause.

(b) The permissible variation shall be limited to:

___ Percent increase TBD ___ Percent decrease TBD This increase or decrease shall apply to ____________. * (End of clause)

* Contracting Officer shall insert in the blank the designation(s) to which the percentages apply, such as-

1. The total contract quantity;

2. Item1 only;

3. Each quantity specified in the delivery schedule;

4. The total item quantity for each destination; or

5. The total quantity of each item without regard to destination.

(End of Clause)

452.211-72 Delivery of Excess Quantities (Sep 2025) The Contractor must deliver item quantities within allowable variations. Excess quantities received by the Government are considered delivered for the Contractor's convenience. The Government may keep excess quantities up to $250 in value without compensating the Contractor therefore, and the Contractor waives all rights, title, or interests therein. For excess quantities over $250, the

12363N26Q4226 Chippewa NF Tree Seed Collection Page 26 of 51

Government may return the items at the Contractor’s expense or retain and pay at the contract unit price.

(End of clause)

12363N26Q4226 Chippewa NF Tree Seed Collection Page 27 of 51

Provisions

Evaluation and Basis for Award

The provision at FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services is not applicable to this solicitation. In lieu of this provision, quotes will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.203 based on the criteria listed below. Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government.

Technical Approach:

The technical approach will evaluate the ability of the offeror to provide a sound and compliant approach that meets all requirements and shows a thorough understanding of them. It is the contractor's responsibility to ensure their quotation clearly demonstrates their capability to meet these requirements. All offerors must provide the following minimum information and documentation with their quotations to be considered responsive and have their offers evaluated:

• Ability of the offeror to meet the schedule requirements listed in the Statement of Work

(SOW).

• Detailed explanation of any requirement listed in the SOW that cannot be successfully accomplished by the offeror.

Price:

The offeror shall provide pricing as requested in the Schedule of Items on page X of this Request for Quote. Failure to propose pricing for all individual line items may result in a quotation being excluded from further consideration. The offeror’s quotation will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.204, to determine if it is fair and reasonable.

Past Performance:

The Government may utilize any references provided by the Contractor, along with information available from past contracts/orders with the USDA and any information found using sources such as Federal Government sources or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) to determine if the Contractor has acceptable or neutral Past Performance. Past Performance will be evaluated using the following rating system:

• Acceptable: The contractor shows a demonstrated ability to meet contract requirements in prior or current contracts, including quality of work, timeliness,…