Bitterroot Front G-Z Long-Term IRSC Bitterroot National Forest Page 1 of 16 Stevensville & Darby Ranger Districts

AMENDMENT 002

APPENDIX A

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR SERVICE WORK ITEMS

SECTION I – DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

The intent of the project is to dramatically increase the pace and scale of forest restoration treatment to mitigate risk of catastrophic wildfire. Work taking place in this project includes:

1. Contractor to complete the layout and cruising of selected project areas.

a. Layout of timber removal units with flagging, boundary tags, painting (as required) and GPS Boundaries.

Intent is to GPS 100% of all unit boundaries and flagging all boundaries (excluding boundaries following system roads). Painting is required on boundaries such as property lines, Riparian Habitat Conservation Areas (RHCA), designated exclusions, or other similar type features. Tagging of boundaries will happen in areas of high visibility and will be identified by the Contracting Officers Representative (COR) and/or the designated sale administrator in advance.

b. Volume Determination. In project areas that are selected / awarded contractors shall complete a timber cruise from Forest Service approved cruise plans. Contractor shall design cruise plans, cruise plots and process all data. Collected data shall be provided to Forest Service.

2. The Forest Service shall put together all final road packages, timber sale appraisals, contract area maps and associated project area specifications.

3. Contractor to complete all required road maintenance, construction, re-construction, and closure / decommissioning after use as needed for product removal.

a. Typical road work tasks may be included: grading, brushing, clearing and grubbing, lineal grading, new road construction, ditch cleaning, culvert cleaning, culvert installations and replacements, drain dip installation, slide removal, slope stabilization, clearing and grubbing, aggregate placement, full depth reclamation, gate installation, berm installations, underdrain systems, water bars, recontouring, scarifying, dust abatement and other similar type activities.

b. For pricing purposes be aware: The following county and private roads will be included in required road maintenance (See Appendix C) per forest Schedule A agreement; Temporary road use agreement is included in project for private road use with maintenance required; There are potentially some minor irrigation ditch crossings in optional contract areas; A larger temporary drainage structure will be required to cross the Lost Horse Canal:

i. C-3400, MP 0.77 to MP 2.12 for Sharrott Salvage and McCalla-Larson Contract Areas.

ii. C-4820, MP 0.00 to MP 1.55 for Fred Burr Contract Area.

iii. C-4201, MP 0.00 to MP 1.21 for optional Smith Creek Contract Area.

iv. C-7000, MP 0.00 to MP 2.35; C-7200, MP 0.00 to MP 0.66; C-7400, MP 0.00 to MP 1.49; C-7450, MP 0.00 to MP 0.81 for optional Moose-Hayes Contract Area.

v. C-9610, MP 0.00 to MP 1.50; C-9620, MP 0.00 to MP 0.41 for optional Hart Trap Contract Area.

vi. C-4830, MP 0.00 to MP 2.70 for optional Bear Creek Contract Area.

vii. Private Cell Tower Rd, MP 0.00 to MP 0.83 will be used and require maintenance in the Spoon McCoy Contract Area. Copy of road use agreement is on file and can be viewed upon request.

viii. There will potentially be some crossings across minor irrigation ditches similar to the crossing in the Fred Burr Contract Area in some of the optional contract areas. Crossings will not be identified until individual contract area’s are laid out. Crossings will be avoided when feasible.

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ix. There will be a temporary crossing with bridge or pipe(s) sized to pass max canal flows in the Rebel Horse Contract Area. The crossing will be through the Lost Horse Canal.

4. Contractor to complete all on the ground timber removal and hauling activities, including temporary spur road construction, landing construction, required maintenance and treatments, rehabilitation / clean-up activities, noxious weed treatment and all other required work called out in Appendix B and shown on sale area map.

a. Ground Based. Product removal on slopes that allow tractor removal. Slopes may be up to 35% with limited short runs up to 40%. Skid trail max lengths may be up to 2,500 feet long.

b. Skyline / Tether Based. Product removal on slopes greater than 35% or have other design considerations that will require skyline removal. Units have been analyzed for the utilization of tethered logging equipment. The Forest Service will consider requests to utilize tethered systems on a case-by-case basis on slopes up to 70 percent.

c. Helicopter Based. Product removal located in areas that will require helicopter removal. Alternative removal methods may be considered and agreed to in writing.

5. Respond quickly to changed conditions that may affect the Bitterroot Front project area by the inclusion of salvage operations and suppression repair activities .

SECTION II -GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

The Government will provide the following item(s) of Government property to the Contractor for use in the performance of this contract. This property shall be used and maintained by the Contractor in accordance with

FAR 52.245-1

1. Tree Marking Paint with registered tracer and material safety data sheet (refer to accountability standards listed below and in section VII Security and Accountability of tracer paint. Attachment 15a. R1 Timber Theft Prevention Plan).

2. Sale Area Boundary Tags.

3. Unit Layout Card Template (Attachment 15e.)

4. FS will provide preliminary GIS spatial data and unit recon notes to contractor to aid in unit field layout.

Tree Marking Paint – Security and accountability (See attachments 15a. 2024 R1 Timber Theft Prevention Plan and FSH 2409.12, Timber Cruising Handbook, Sec 72):

Paint Security: Tree marking paint is USDA Forest Service accountable property and shall be kept secured at all times. Access to paint shall be limited to the Contractor and/or designated representative. All Government-issued paint, aerosol, and quarts shall be securely locked when stored or transported in a vehicle. Paint shall be removed from any vehicle when someone uses the vehicle other than the Contractor or designated representative to whom the tracer paint was issued. The Forest Service may inspect Contractor's security of paint and accountability records at any time. The Contractor shall notify the Government of the quantity of paint needed 3 business days prior to commencing work. The paint needed will be transferred only to the Contractor, or designated representative at the designated US Forest Service office during normal business hours. The Contractor shall maintain a daily inventory of all paint cans. All cans received, used, and returned by the Contractor must be accounted for. The inventory will be signed and submitted to the COR on a weekly basis. All aerosol paint cans will be returned to the Forest Service with all propellant discharged. All empty tracer paint containers shall be returned to the Forest Service for disposal. Paint cans shall be returned in their original box before returning to the designated Forest Service paint custodian.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52#FAR_52_245_1

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SECTION III – WORK ITEMS

Item 1- Cut and remove included timber

Performance requirements:

1. Cut, skid, and remove from Contract Area all included timber as identified in Appendix B. Road maintenance is commensurate with use as identified in Appendix C.

2. Include a cutting schedule within commercial treatment units as part of the Annual Operating

Schedule.

3. Follow guidelines outline in the technical specifications table below.

4. All activities are subject to C5.12# USE OF ROADS BY CONTRACTOR included in Appendix B.

5. Contractor shall be allowed to operate in no more than Two Subdivisions at any time, unless approved in writing by USFS.

6. Follow Temporary Road Use permits to access included timber and haul on roads not owned by the

Forest Service under the terms and conditions of the USE AGREEMENT BETWEEN FOREST SERVICE AND OWNER identified in C5.113# included in Appendix B.

7. Follow slash disposal standards as listed in Appendix B.

8. Follow temporary road construction and obliteration standards as listed in Appendix B.

9. Load agreements may be agreed on for included products on a case-by-case basis if requested.

Table 1 – Cutting and Removal of Included Timber. Total Mandatory Unit Acres = 3,009

Subdivision Unit Number Timber Designations

1a. Sharrott Salvage

1b. McCalla- Larson

1c. Fred Burr

1d. Square Tin

1e. Spoon- McCoy

All

24, 26, 27

27a

All

All (except 4, 11)

All (except

54, 59)

C2.38# - SPECIES DESIGNATION (SD)

Trees reserved from cutting have been designated by species and/or marked with a horizontal stripe of Orange paint at or above eye level, and a stump mark consisting of a horizontal stripe of Orange paint on the downhill side of the tree at ground level.

Trees identified to be cut are designated by species and/or marked with a horizontal stripe of Blue paint at or above eye level, and a stump mark consisting of a horizontal stripe of Blue paint on the downhill side of the tree at ground level.

Refer to these specifics as indicated in Appendix B.

1e. Spoon- McCoy

54, 59 C2.351# – DESIGNATION BY SPACING. (7/22)

Refer to these specifics as indicated in Appendix B.

1b. McCalla- Larson

1,2,3,4,5,6,7 8,9a,9b,10, 11a,11b,12, 13,14,15,16, 17,18,19,20, 21,22,23,28, 28a,32,33, 34a,36,37, C2.355# DESIGNATION BY PRESCRIPTION (DXP):

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Item 1a: Sharrott Salvage Subdivision (301 296 acres): Units: 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 2, 3, 4, 4A, 6, 8, 9, 10,11, 12, 15, 17, 22

Item 1b: McCalla-Larson Subdivision (934 916 acres): Units: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9A, 9B, 10, 11A, 11B,12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 24A, 25, 26, 27, 27A, 28, 28A, 28B, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 34A, 36, 37, 37A, 40, 41, 41A, 41B, 42, 43, 43A, 43B, 43C

Item 1c: Fred Burr Subdivision (52 acres): Units: 1A, 1B,1C

Item 1d: Square Tin Subdivision (322 317 acres): Units: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9A, 9C, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

Item 1e: Spoon McCoy Subdivision (1,399 1,384 acres): Units: 18, 20, 21, 21A, 21B, 24, 25, 26, 27, 27A, 27B, 30, 31, 32, 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D, 32E, 33, 34, 35, 35A, 36, 36A, 36B, 37, 38, 40, 43, 44, 44A, 44B, 45,46, 47, 49, 50, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 63, 65, 66, 67, 68A, 68B, 69, 69A

Item 2- Reconstruct National Forest System Roads

Refer to applicable appendix for required reconstruction work items. All work shall conform to applicable FP-14/24 and relevant Forst Service Supplemental Specifications. Optional road reconstruction needs within Contract Areas (CA) 2g through 2q will be identified by Forest Service engineers during the execution of Item 3.

Item No. Attachment Contract Area

4a 5 2b- Mcalla Larson

4b 6 2d- Square Tin

4c 7 2e- Spoon McCoy

4d 8 2f- Hart Trap

4e 9 2r- Optional Road Reconstruction in CA’s 2g-2q

Item 3- Flag, Tag, Paint and Measure (10,075 Gross Acres)

Option items 3c,3d,3e,3f,3g,3h,3i, 3j,3k,3l,3m, 3n,3o, 3p,3q,3: Flag, Tag, Measure and Paint Boundaries (10,075 Acres)

A.) Unit Boundary Designation:

1. Units have been determined spatially by the USFS utilizing geographic information systems (GIS). The

Forest Service (FS) will supply contractor with spatial data for use in GIS.

1d. Square Tin

37a,40,41, 41a,41b,42, 43,43a, 43b,43c

4,11

1b. McCalla- Larson

24a,25,28b, 30,31,34

C2.358# - INDIVIDUAL TREES (LEAVE TREE MARKING (LTM)):

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2. Do a preliminary survey of each unit prior to installing boundaries and notify the COR if notable differences exist in logical unit placement when compared to spatially mapped locations within contract planning area. Changes in boundary locations shall be made, if necessary, for logistics, feasibility of logging system, or resource protection. Sensitive resource exclusion areas greater than 2 acres in size should not be included regardless of their location in the unit. Significant changes outside the boundaries shown on the contract map must be approved by the COR.

3. Forest Service will provide temporary road locations spatially. Project temp road construction is limited to

26.3 miles for the entire project area, therefore FS shall approve all proposed changes to temporary road construction locations.

4. Layout of the project area will confirm and/or refine treatment area boundaries identified spatially. Minor adjustments to unit boundaries are permitted to allow for greater feasibility or other benefits to timber product removal, with approval by the COR. Areas may be excluded from final timber treatment areas if found not to be mechanically accessible for timber removal treatment.

5. Contractor is to utilize virtual boundaries where common boundaries and boundaries along system roads occur. (Refer to Attachment 12- 2025 Virtual Boundary Desk Guide)

6. Prepare a sketch map (with supplied layout card template) of each unit and include pertinent features such as: landings, temp roads, critical skid trails, streams, ridges, rock outcrops, openings, etc. Landing locations should be planned to allow for 2,500 feet skid distance, with a minimum 75 foot distance in between trails unless physical barriers exist such as streams, steep slopes, rocks, lava cap, or where trails converge, etc. Include access to units via existing roads, reconstructed roads, or new temporary road construction and/or reopening an old temp road, using an old skid trail as a temp road, or a totally new temp road. Show locations of survey monuments, areas that can’t be logged, and sensitive areas such as landslides or other areas of resource concerns such as Special Aquatic Features i.e., seeps, bogs, springs and fens. Layout cards must be submitted to FS prior to acceptance of layout.

7. Designate boundaries of all cutting units with Blue flagging at inter-visible distance, so that flagging knots face toward the unit interior, not to exceed 50 feet, prior to marking (if required) and measurement with an approved Global Positioning System (GPS) device. Designate corners with triple flags and shared corners with quadruple flags. Virtual boundaries do not need to be flagged except for corners on system roads.

Hang flags within 10 feet of the road at the most advantageous location to be seen while driving the road.

8. Identify cutting unit corners and boundary intersections with roads as follows: Write contract area name, unit number, and location of corner (for example Smoky, Unit#100, SW Corner) with permanent marker on flagging

9. With the exception of corners, do not hang flagging along mapped system roads. 100% of each harvest unit boundaries are to be measured with a GPS device.

10. Evaluate operability of each cutting unit. Maximum slope to be included for ground-based skidding is 35%, with 100-foot pitches up to 40%.

11. Where required, all unit boundaries will be clearly designated using leave tree colored tracer paint.

12. Painted boundary trees will be inter-visible, will not be designated for harvest, and be of a size that will remain standing after logging and should meet leave tree criteria in prescriptions.

13. Paint applications should provide for clear and unquestionable placement of required unit boundaries.

Required unit boundaries shall be designated by painting three vertical stripes, one facing into the unit and two vertical stripes (one on each side) facing along the unit boundary, at or above 4.5 feet.

14. A horizontal stump mark shall be placed at the base of the tree on the downhill side and be 12 inches long or 1/3 of the diameter of the tree.

15. Boundary Tags will be placed on high visibility boundaries instead of vertical paint marks at locations identified by USFS. These locations include, but are not limited to Trailheads, parking areas, recreation structures, etc.

B.) GPS boundary:

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16. Boundaries will be recorded using approved GPS devices that can meet forest standards for error (per Forest Product Accountability Action Plan) a. Allowable Contract Tolerance = 30 Feet; b. Tested Accuracy in Light-Medium Canopy = 6 Feet

17. Final GPS boundary file will be free of any slivers and/or overlaps along shared unit boundaries and must not have more than 150 feet between vertices, In accordance with FSH 2409.12, chapter 50, “position fixes should line in order, one after another, in a sequential pattern with only slight irregularities (such as jumping from side to side). Irregularities that are obvious outliers should be deleted.”

18. Submit final corrected polygon shapefiles for each treatment unit.

19. Layout must be accepted by Forest Service (including flagging, a recreational grade GPS shapefile, and layout cards submitted) before any boundaries are painted.

20. Notify FS upon completion of boundary designation to ensure proper time and delivery of Silviculture marking guides, prescriptions, sample marking and any interior marking done by FS, prior to contractor cruising. Contractor shall provide a minimum of 30 days’ notice within the Normal Operating Season for the Forest Service to complete sample and/or interior marking.

21. Devices for gathering GPS data shall meet requirements for accuracy outlined in FSH 2409.12, chapter 50.

Provide both the raw and post-processed GPS data files as well as shapefiles.

Item 4- Volume Determination

Option Items 4c,4d,4e,4f,4g,4h,4i,4j,4k,4l,4m4n,4o,4p,4q,4: Volume Determination A. Cruise Design/Plan:

1. A Professional Forester (SAF Certified or equivalent or Forestry Degree) is required to complete cruise designs/plans.

2. Unless otherwise stated or agreed to by the Forest Service the Cruise Design, Cruise Plan and associated data in the final cruise report shall follow directions and standards provided in Forest Service Manuals and Handbooks. Details of methodology and standards can be found in attachment 15f, FSH 2409.12-Timber Cruising Handbook and the Northern Region 2409.12 supplement. Handbooks can also be reviewed and downloaded on the USDA Forest Services National Directives webpage .

3. All Cruise designs and plans will be reviewed and approved by the Forest Service prior to implementation of the cruise. Forest Service will review within 10 business days.

4. If it becomes necessary to modify the cruise plan after implementation has begun, the contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer and prepare an addendum to the plan that shall be approved by FS. Add the date of the addendum to the cover page of the plan. Follow the standards and guidelines in Chapter 40 of 2409.12 Timber Cruising Handbook, Attachment 15f.

5. The contractor is responsible for developing pre-cruise information for the cruise design data.

6. The cruise will be designed to achieve a maximum sampling error of 25 percent (FSH 2409.12, chapter

40). All data collected shall meet the accuracy requirements in FSH 2409.12, chapter 50 .

B. Cruise Plots:

1. Cruisers must be supervised by a qualified RPF and have sufficient training to execute data collection to meet quality standards of the FS.

2. Cruiser will follow procedures outlined in cruise plan and take measurements in accordance with the information outlined in Attachment 15f.

3. All data will be kept in a consistent format and organized file structures and be supplied to FS with the final cruise report.

4. Forest Service provided paper copy cruise tally sheets or digital cruise files will be used to record plot data and returned to FS upon completion of each subdivision cruise processing.

C. Final Cruise Processing and Report:

(a) National Cruise Program (NATCRS) shall be used for processing cruise data. The final cruise shall be delivered to the FS in a working CRZ3 file.

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 https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/regulations-policies/national-directives https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/regulations-policies/national-directives https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/regulations-policies/handbook/240912-40-cruise-planning-data-recording-and-cruise https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/regulations-policies/handbook/240912-40-cruise-planning-data-recording-and-cruise https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/regulations-policies/handbook/240912-50-area-determination

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(b) Following processing, the Forest Service will notify the Contractor if the cruise meets Maximum Sampling Errors. The contractor may take corrective action if cruise exceeds Maximum Sampling Errors. When the original cruise exceeds the desired sampling error and a small number of additional samples are needed to reduce the error to an acceptable level, the Contractor will calculate the total number of additional samples needed, locate, and measure unbiased samples in the field, and add these data to the original cruise. Corrective action and additional samples will be agreed to by Forest Service. Any additional required work due to the contractor not meeting maximum sampling error shall be at the contractor’s expense.

(c) Forest Service will conduct cruise inspections as outlined in FSH 2409.12, chapter 60

(d) Inspections will evaluate cruising procedures and monitor cruiser performance. The Forest Service will indicate when results of a cruise inspection are unsatisfactory and recommend corrective action needed to make the cruise acceptable.

Item 5-7 Optional Cut and Remove by logging system

Item 5- Ground Based systems (Contract areas 5f,5h,5i,5j,5k,5l,5m,5n,5o,5p,5q) Item 6- Skyline/steep slope systems (Contract areas 6f,6h,6i,6k,6l,6m,6n,6o,6p,6q) Item 7; Helicopter (Contract areas 7c,7d,7e,7f,7g,7j,7m,7n,7p)

Cut and remove from Contract Area all trees and forest products which meet minimum tree specifications as identified in Appendix B. All specifications of Appendix B apply to product removal. Appendix C Road Maintenance requirements are commensurate with use.

Item 8- Suppression Repair

Rehabilitation shall address constructed firelines created during fire‑suppression operations. Work may include, but is not limited to, pulling back berms, recontouring disturbed areas to restore natural drainage and infiltration, scattering slash or other organic material for erosion control, scarifying compacted soils, seeding, and installing water bars.

Specific requirements will be aligned with and tiered to approved Incident Suppression Repair Plan(s) as applicable.

SECTION IV – INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

For All Work Items:

The Forest Service shall perform an inspection upon Contractor’s written request and assurance that work has been completed. Requests shall be for a reasonable portion of work. Acceptance may be made for all or portions of work. The Forest Service shall respond to Contractor’s request within 5 working days, excluding weekends and federal holidays.

Work Items 1, 2, 5, 6 & 7:

Inspections for work items 1, 5,6 & 7 Cut and Remove Included Timber requirements will utilize C6.36 Acceptance of Work in Appendix B for DxP. If formal plots are used they will be documented on DxP C6.36 Acceptance of Work Inspection Plots Form. Inspections for work item 2, Road Reconstruction requirements will be done in accordance with FAR 52.246-12 and applicable FP-14/24 requirements.

Performance Requirements Summary Item 3- Flag, Tag, Paint and Measure Boundaries

Performance Objective Performance Standard Surveillance Method AQL (Acceptable Quality Level)

Flag and Tag https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/regulations-policies/handbook/240912-60-quality-control https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52#FAR_52_246_12

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Contractor uses FS-provided GIS shapefiles for unit boundaries.

All layout work aligns with FS spatial data unless COR approves changes.

Document review & GIS comparison 100% compliance

Preliminary survey completed;

COR notified of discrepancies.

Differences in logical unit placement reported before layout begins.

Document review & field inspection 100% compliance

Temporary road locations follow FS-approved map; new temp roads approved by COR.

No unapproved temp road construction. Field inspection 100% compliance

Unit layout confirms/refines boundaries; minor adjustments approved by COR.

Adjustments documented;

inaccessible areas excluded appropriately.

Field inspection 95% compliance

Virtual boundaries used where required (common boundaries, system roads).

Virtual boundaries established per USFS Virtual Boundary Desk Guide

Field inspection 100% compliance

Unit sketch maps completed with landings, skid trails, access, sensitive areas.

Layout cards complete, accurate, and submitted before acceptance.

Document review 100% compliance

Boundary flagging installed at ≤50 ft spacing, inter-visible, knots facing interior.

Flagging visible, correctly oriented, and spaced. Field inspection 95% compliance

Corners designated with triple/quadruple flags; labeled correctly.

Corner flags labeled with contract area, unit number, and corner location.

Field inspection 100% compliance

No flagging hung along mapped system roads except corners.

Compliance with GPS-only requirement along roads. Field inspection 95% compliance

Operability evaluated; slopes >35% excluded except short pitches.

Operability documented;

slope limits followed. Field inspection 95% compliance

Paint and Measure Boundaries 100% of boundaries measured with approved GPS device.

Full GPS coverage; no missing segments. Data review 100% compliance

GPS accuracy meets Forest standards (≤40 ft contract tolerance; ≤20 ft tested).

Accuracy tests meet FSH

2409.12 Ch. 50. GPS data review 100% compliance

Final GPS boundary files free of slivers/overlaps; vertices ≤150 ft apart.

Shapefiles clean, sequential, and error-free. GIS review 100% compliance

Final corrected polygon shapefiles submitted for each unit.

Shapefiles complete, properly formatted, and topologically clean.

Document review 100% compliance

Layout fully completed (flagging, GPS, layout cards) before painting begins.

No painting prior to COR acceptance of layout. Field inspection 100% compliance

Boundary paint applied where required using leave-tree tracer paint.

Paint visible, durable, and correctly placed. Field inspection 95% compliance

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Painted boundary trees inter-visible, not harvest trees, and meet leave-tree criteria.

No painted trees designated for harvest;

spacing appropriate.

Field inspection 100% compliance

Paint applied as three vertical stripes at ≥4.5 ft height.

Stripe placement correct and consistent. Field inspection 95% compliance

Stump marks applied correctly (12 in or 1/3 DBH).

Stump marks visible and correctly sized. Field inspection 95% compliance

Boundary tags used at high-visibility locations as directed by FS.

Tags placed at trailheads, parking areas, etc. Field inspection 100% compliance

Raw and post-processed GPS data and shapefiles provided.

All required data formats submitted. Document review 100% compliance

Contractor provides 30-day notice for FS marking activities.

Notice provided within Normal Operating Season. Document review 100% compliance

Performance Requirements Summary Item 4- Volume Determination

A. Volume Determination Cruise Design/Plan prepared by a Registered Professional Forester (RPF).

Cruise Plan signed/stamped by an RPF; credentials verifiable.

Document review 100% compliance

Cruise Plan follows FSH

2409.12 and FS direction unless deviations are approved.

Plan aligns with FS Manuals/Handbooks;

deviations documented and approved.

Document review 100% compliance

Cruise Plan approved by FS prior to implementation.

Written FS approval received before field work begins. Document review 100% compliance

Addendums prepared and approved when modifications occur.

Addendum includes date, justification, and FS approval.

Document review 100% compliance

Pre-cruise information developed and included.

Pre-cruise data complete, accurate, and consistent with plan.

Document review 95% compliance

Cruise designed to achieve ≤25% Maximum Sampling Error

(MSE).

Design parameters meet FSH 2409.12 Ch. 40;

accuracy meets Ch. 50.

Document review 100% compliance

B. Cruise Plots Cruisers supervised by qualified RPF and properly trained.

RPF oversight documented;

cruisers demonstrate correct procedures.

Field observation 100% compliance

Plot measurements follow Cruise Plan

Plot layout, tree selection, and measurements match approved plan.

Field inspection 95% compliance

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Data maintained in consistent format and organized structure.

Files complete, labeled, and consistent across subdivisions.

Data review 95% compliance

FS tally sheets or digital cruise files used and returned.

All tally sheets/files complete and submitted with final report.

Document review 100% compliance

C. Final Cruise Processing and Report Cruise processed using National Cruise Program

(NATCRS).

Final CRZ file functional and error-free. Data review 100% compliance

Cruise meets Maximum Sampling Error (MSE) requirements.

MSE ≤ 25%; corrective action taken if exceeded. NATCRS output review 100% compliance

Additional samples collected when required and agreed to by

FS.

Additional samples unbiased, properly located, and incorporated.

Field verification & data review 100% compliance

Contractor cooperates with FS inspections per FSH 2409.12 Ch. 60.

No obstruction; deficiencies corrected promptly. FS inspection records 100% compliance

Cruiser performance and procedures meet FS standards.

No critical errors; inspection results satisfactory. Field inspection 95% compliance

Final cruise report complete and submitted.

Report includes all required components (plan, addendums, data, CRZ file, tally sheets).

Document review 100% compliance

Remedies for Non-Performance for work associated with items 3 and 4.

• Rework at contractor expense when deficiencies result from contractor error (e.g., exceeding MSE, incorrect measurements).

• Increased inspection frequency for repeated deficiencies.

• Possible rejection of work if performance standards are not met.

Performance Requirements Summary Item 8- Suppresion Repair

Pull back berms along constructed firelines.

Berms fully pulled back to restore natural contour; no spoil piles left.

Field inspection 95% compliance

Recontour disturbed areas to restore natural drainage and infiltration.

Slopes blended to natural grade; no artificial channels or ponding created.

Field inspection 95% compliance

Scatter slash or organic material for erosion control.

Slash distributed evenly; no large piles; adequate ground cover achieved.

Field inspection 95% compliance

Scarify compacted soils. Soil loosened to depth specified by COR; no Field inspection 95% compliance

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Seed disturbed areas where required.

Seed applied at correct rate and coverage; species per FS direction.

Field inspection & document review 100% compliance

Install water bars as needed.

Water bars are spaced, angled, and constructed per FS standards;

functional and stable.

Field inspection 95% compliance

Work aligns with Incident Suppression Repair Plans (ISRP).

All actions consistent with approved ISRP direction;

deviations approved by

COR.

Document review 100% compliance

All repaired areas are left in stable condition with no new erosion risks.

No rills, gullies, or unstable soil conditions created by repair work.

Field inspection 95% compliance

All work completed within designated fireline footprint; no off-site disturbance.

No damage outside fireline corridor; sensitive areas protected.

Field inspection 100% compliance

All debris and materials removed from site unless otherwise directed.

No trash, equipment, or excess materials left behind.

Field inspection 100% compliance

Government Inspection Procedures - The COR, or a designated inspector (GTM), will make periodic inspections while work is in progress, as needed to ensure work is proceeding satisfactorily. The Contractor shall notify the COR when units are started, when problems are encountered and when contract work needs government oversight.

1. Each unit will be inspected as a separate unit. Units will not be averaged with other units for acceptance or payment.

2. When units are completed and ready for government inspection, Contractor’s designated representative shall request unit inspection in writing, prior to moving out of the general area.

3. The COR, or designated inspector, will determine compliance with contract specifications through informal visual inspections. In the event visual inspection indicates work to be in non-compliance with specifications, prompt corrective action and/or rework shall be required.

Reinspection Upon Contractor Request

1. If Government inspection results are unacceptable to the Contractor, a reinspection may be requested, in writing, within 5 business days after receipt of notice of said inspection results. The same inspection procedure will be used; however, the inspection pattern will be shifted so that new inspection plots will not overlap previously inspected plots.

2. If reinspection results – rounded up to the nearest whole percent – indicate a variance of more than 5 percent from the first inspection, the results of the second inspection will be used to calculate work quality and payment, and the Government will bear the cost of reinspection.

3. If reinspection results – rounded up to the nearest whole percent – are within 5 percent of the first inspection, plots from the initial inspection and the reinspection will be combined and used to calculate work quality and payment, and the Contractor shall bear the cost of reinspection.

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Government Inspection Procedures – Items 1-7

Table 1 – Minimum Acceptable Quality Levels (AQL) of Work

ITEM DESCRIPTION SCHEDULE UNIT Min AQL

1 Cut and Remove Included Timber MANDATORY Ton NA

2 Reconstruction of National Forest System Roads

MANDATORY/

OPTIONAL MILE NA

3 Flag, Tag, Paint and Measure Boundaries OPTIONAL ACRE 95%

4 Volume Determination OPTIONAL Lump Sum 95%

5 Cut and Remove included Timber (Ground Based) OPTIONAL Ton NA

6 Cut and Remove Included Timber (Skyline/Tethered) OPTIONAL Ton NA

7 Cut and Remove Included Timber (Helicopter) OPTIONAL Ton NA

SECTION V – PAYMENT METHODS

Method of Measurement for Acreages

All acreage estimates in the schedules were determined by using GPS or digitized using GIS mapping. All mandatory units are flagged, the majority of boundaries are painted, the exception being along FS system roads and the following units

1. Square Tin Subdivision: Units 4, 11,12 and 14 are virtual boundary

2. Fred Burr Unit 1a will be tagged with black and yellow paper sign boundary tags before implementation

Contractor is responsible for obtaining a GPS receiver(s) that is capable of determining the location of the geo-fence boundary within the contract tolerance. Allowable contract tolerance is 30 feet. National Technology Development Program GPS Receiver accuracy reports by GPS manufacturer and model are available at:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/database/gps/mtdcrept/accuracy/index.htm.

Acreage will be rounded to the nearest acre and is final unless:

a. The contract is modified or,

b. The Government makes a determination to remeasure or,

c. The Contractor exercises his/her option under the following Remeasurement provisions:

Remeasurement

1. The Contractor may request, in writing, remeasurement of any units under this contract if he/she feels that acreage stated on the project maps is incorrect. The remeasurement must be within the existing perimeter of the respective unit. No variance of the unit perimeters as laid out on the ground for this contract will be allowed. All requests for remeasurement must be made prior to payment for each completed unit. Remeasurement will be performed by the Government.

2. If remeasurement indicates that a variance of ten percent or less exists on units of 1 to 5 acres, five percent or less exists on units of more than five but less than 20 acres, or if three percent or less exists on units of 20 acres or larger, the Contractor shall pay for the actual costs of the remeasurement. Under this condition, payment will be made on the acreage stated on the project maps. If the remeasurement indicates the actual acreage varies by more than the above factors from that stated on the project maps, https://www.fs.usda.gov/database/gps/mtdcrept/accuracy/index.htm

Page 13 of 16 Stevensville & Darby Ranger Districts the payment will be made on the remeasured acreage and the Forest Service will pay for the cost of the remeasurement.

Acceptance and Payment – Item 1, 5,6 and 7

1. If informal visual inspection indicates acceptable work quality, the Contractor will be paid 100 percent of their bid rate.

2. In the event that formal inspections are used, the rate of payment to the Contractor will be calculated as follows:

C2.355# – DESIGNATION BY PRESCRIPTION

(a) For work quality above acceptable range (under cutting) of leave tree basal area, Contractor will have opportunity to rework for 100% payment. If contractor decides to not rework there will be a reduction of payment of 20% for being 1-20 basal area over acceptable range and a 100% payment reduction for units above 20 basal area over acceptable range.

(b) For work quality below acceptable range (over cutting) of leave tree basal area there will be a reduction of payment of 50% for being 1-20 basal area below acceptable range and a 100% payment reduction in payment for units over 20 basal area below acceptable range.

(c) For work quality above acceptable DMR rating, a 5% reduction in payment will occur for every tree left above acceptable limit listed in C2.355#.

(d) For work quality above acceptable Max Stump Diameter, a 10% reduction in payment will occur for every tree left above acceptable limit listed in C2.355#.

(e) For work quality not meeting Designated Leave Tree selection, a 5% reduction in payment will occur for every tree not meeting designated leave tree species listed in C2.355#.

C2.351# – DESIGNATION BY SPACING.

(a) For work quality above acceptable range (under cutting) of leave tree spacing, Contractor will have opportunity to rework for 100% payment. If contractor decides to not rework there will be a reduction of payment of 20% for being 1-5 feet over acceptable distance and a 50% payment reduction for units 6-10 feet and 100% reduction 10 or more feet above acceptable distance.

(b) For work quality below acceptable range (over cutting) of leave spacing there will be a reduction of payment of 20% for being 1-5 feet below acceptable distance and a 100% payment reduction for units over 6 feet below acceptable distance.

(c) For work quality not leaving largest stump diameter, a 5% reduction in payment will occur for every stump with a larger diameter than residual leave tree measured from, per C2.351#.

(d) For work quality not meeting Designated Leave Tree selection, a 5% reduction in payment will occur for every tree not meeting designated leave tree species listed in C2.351#.

C2.38# - SPECIES DESIGNATION

(a) For work quality not meeting leave tree species (under cutting), Contractor will have opportunity to rework for 100% payment. If contractor decides to not rework there will be a reduction of payment of 5% for every cut tree not removed.

(b) For work quality not meeting leave tree species (over cutting) there will be a reduction of payment of 5% for every designated leave tree cut.

(c) If applicable For work quality above acceptable Max Stump Diameter, a 10% reduction in payment will occur for every tree left above acceptable limit listed in C2.38#.

C2.358# – INDIVIDUAL TREES (LEAVE TREE MARKING)

(a) For work quality not meeting Marked designated leave trees (under cutting), Contractor will have opportunity to rework for 100% payment. If contractor decides to not rework there will be a reduction of payment of 5% for every cut tree not removed.

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(b) For work quality not meeting Marked designated leave trees (over cutting), there will be a reduction of payment of 10% for every cut tree.

Acceptance and Payment – Item 2 and 8

Full payment will be made when visual and/or measurement inspection indicates specifications have been met.

Acceptance and Payment – Item 3 and 4

Payment for Items 3 and 4 will be made after the Government determines that all required work has been completed in accordance with contract specifications, Forest Service Manuals and Handbooks, and the performance standards identified in the PRS. Partial payments may be agreed to at the CO discretions.

Incomplete or non‑compliant work will not be accepted for payment.

SECTION VI – DEFINITIONS

ACCEPTABLE QUALITY LEVEL (AQL): Acceptance of work will be based on compliance with all specifications corresponding to the appropriate task(s). A minimum AQL is required for all service work – hand or mechanical. The minimum AQL will receive a satisfactory performance rating.

BASAL AREA: The total cross-sectional area of trees measured at breast height (4.5’), expressed in square feet per acre. Used as an expression of stand density.

BIOMASS TREES: Any conifer material 2 feet in height to 4.9 inches DBH.

BOLE SPACING: The horizontal distance in feet from the edge of one leave tree bole to another leave tree bole, measured from the outside bark of each tree.

BROWNS TRANSECT: A line intercept method for measuring the amount of fuel on the ground.

BRUSH: Vegetation consisting of shrub species with single or multi-stems originating at or near ground level not normally reaching more than 15 feet in height.

CIRCULAR PLOT: A sample plot within a thinning unit that is used to determine the number of desirable trees and other contract specifications.

COARSE WOODY DEBRIS: Woody material left on the ground to meet wildlife habitat requirements.

CROWN RATIO: The ratio of live crown length (tip of leader to base of the crown) to total tree length/height.

CROWN SPACING: The horizontal distance in feet between the dripline of a live crown to another live crown.

CLEARCUT: A cutting prescription in which all trees within a boundary are designated to be cut.

CROWN RATIO: The ratio of live crown length (tip of leader to base of the crown) to total tree length/height.

CROWN SPACING: The horizontal distance in feet between the dripline of a live crown to another live crown.

CUT TREES: Trees that do not possess the characteristics of desirable leave trees and are required to be cut.

As described by the contract or otherwise marked to be cut.

CUTTING UNIT: See Treatment Unit definition

DAMAGED TREES: Trees damaged beyond recovery. A tree that is larger than 2 feet in height, and has the top knocked out, is leaning more than 10 degrees, has less than one half of its original limbs, or has approximately 50% of bark removed from the circumference of the bole.

DBH: Diameter at breast height, measured at a point of 4.5 feet above the ground level on the uphill side of the tree.

DECKING: Stockpiling of trees in a designated area.

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DEAD/DYING TREES: Trees with the crown foliage changing from green to red, yellow, or needleless. Any tree that has pitch tubes indicating Mountain Pine Beetle infestation.

DESIGNATION BY SPECIES AND DIAMETER (DXSD): A cutting prescription in which species and diameter are used to determine which trees will be left and which will be cut.

DIB: Diameter inside bark.

GIS: Geographic information system

HANG-UP TREE: Any cut tree suspended above ground level.

HEALTHY REGENERATION: Young, healthy, dwarf mistletoe free conifers, less than 4.9 inches in diameter, free of defect or characteristics.

LEAVE TREE: Trees that possess desirable characteristics and that serve to create the basis for designated spacing requirements or are otherwise designated to be left.

LOPPING AND/OR SCATTERING: Cutting limbs from trunks of cut trees, bucking, and moving and rearranging of slash concentrations to reduce the fuel bed height as specified.

NON-SAWTIMBER TREE: For all conifer species, minimum diameter of 5 inches DBH to minimum diameter by species identified in Appendix B, Division A.

OVERSTORY REMOVAL: A cutting prescription where all trees greater than a specified size are cut. Trees less than the specified size are protected.

PAYMENT UNIT: See Treatment Unit.

PILING: Gathering and stacking of downed wood and activity slash by hand or mechanical methods into piles constructed and located as indicated by technical specification and project maps.

PROGRESSION OF WORK: Work conducted in a progressive, workmanlike and orderly manner by the Contractor.

RHCA: Riparian Habitat Conservation Area

RESERVE CLUMPS: Groups of trees within a treatment area that are protected from cutting, may also include Individual Reserve trees.

SAWTIMBER TREE: Included timber meeting sawlog size specifications as defined in Appendix B, Division A.2.

SLASH: Woody material existing or created that has accumulated on the forest floor. Woody material includes logs, pieces of logs, tops, and branches.

SUBDIVISION: Portions of the project area separated into smaller, clearly defined groups of harvest units for administrative and operational purposes.

UNIT: See Treatment Unit.

TEMPORARY ROADS: Non-permanent roads that are constructed by Contractor for the purpose of treatment unit access.

TREATMENT UNIT: An individual area on the ground in which activities will be performed and which may appear as a separate pay item in the Schedule of Items.

UNSATISFACTORY WORK: If work quality falls below the AQL, the COR will issue a work order or notice of noncompliance to the Contractor in writing. Untreated or unsatisfactory treated areas shall be reworked to obtain satisfactory work quality.

VARIABLE PLOT: A sampling technique where trees are selected based on size and distance from plot center, rather than trees within a fixed radius.

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VIRTUAL BOUNDARY: A unit boundary that is shown on the map but is not demarcated on the ground. The contractor must use mapping applications in order to locate these boundaries in the unit.

WHOLE TREE YARDING: Whole tree logging includes cutting tree and removing the entire tree, including tops and branches, to the landing.

WILDLIFE TREE: Standing tree marked to be reserved as a wildlife tree. Used by birds and small mammals for shelter, nesting, perching, etc

SECTION VI – DEFINITIONS