ATTACHMENT 3

STATEMENT OF WORK

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this solicitation is to secure services for:

1) Conifer tree planting of Government furnished tree seedlings by hand tool (hoedad or shovel) method on up to 982 acres in the Deschutes National Forest between two districts –Sisters Ranger District and Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District (BFR).

• Sisters Ranger District will plant up to 284 acres of conifers

• BFR will plant up to 698 acres of conifers (645 acres of base and 53 acres optional) of which

42 of those acres will be assisted migration planting unit for future climate model research.

Line item 18 (Rosland 14). There will be four different lots of trees planted in half acre’s square subunits. There is a total of 64 subunits. ***Refer to Rosland 14 Seedling Trial Specification (Attachment 4) and maps (Attachment 11) for planting instructions.

2) Installation of rigid mesh tube protectors for up to 982 acres, and

3) Grubbing (cutting, scraping, pulling) of all live vegetation within an 18” radius (36” diameter) of each planted seedling on up to 350 acres and within a 36” radius (6 foot diameter) of each planted seedlings within 16 acres of Rosland 14 subunits.

Award of optional items will be contingent on availability of funds and government furnished property.

The Contractor shall furnish all supplies, water tank, water bucket to dip tree roots in, and materials except those designated as government-furnished, equipment, tools, labor, supervision, transportation, and incidentals, to perform all work specified herein. See attached Supplemental Planting and Grubbing Specifications Detailed Unit Information Sheets (DUIS) (Attachment 5) for unit-specific information at each site.

2. PROJECT LOCATION / DESCRIPTION

(1) Location / Description: All work will be performed on the Deschutes National Forest, spanning across both the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District and the Sisters Ranger District. Vicinity and unit maps showing project location and access are attached and made part of this contract.

(2) On the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District, there are six planting areas: Rosland, Tepee, Swamp Wells, Old Wood, Darlene, and Flattop, all located throughout the district (see BFR Reforestation Units Vicinity Maps). The Rosland project area burned in the summer of 2020. Units 14 in Rosland have been bucked, grapple piled, and burned to reduce fuel loading. The Tepee project areas burned in September 2018 and have undergone salvage harvesting. The Swamp Wells project area was burned in 2021 and received bucking and grapple piling treatment in the summer of 2025. The Old Wood project areas burned in 2022, and no site preparation is needed for these sites. The Darlene and Flattop project areas burned in 2024; some units received salvage harvesting while others will be planted without any site preparation.

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Tree Planting, Tube Installation, and Grubbing

On the Sisters Ranger District, the Milli Fire Reforestation (MFR) project area burned during the Milli Fire in the summer of 2017. These units also underwent salvage harvesting, which was completed in 2019.

(3) Specific information for individual units is contained in the Remarks column of the attached Supplemental Planting, and Grubbing Specifications DUIS (Attachment 5).

(4) Accessibility: Work areas may be reached by Forest roads that are accessible by high clearance and 4-wheel drive vehicle. No vehicles will be permitted to operate off system roads without approval of the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Inaccessibility due to snow, fallen trees, slides or washouts on roads may or may not be corrected at the option of the Government. If road access is blocked, the Government may, under FAR 52.212-4 (d) Changes: (a) provide an alternate access route; (b) delete the inaccessible unit(s) or; (c) substitute similar unit(s). Specific information for individual units is contained in the Remarks column of the attached Supplemental Planting, and Grubbing Specifications DUIS (Attachment 5).

(5) Boundaries:

Individual treatment unit boundaries for the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District units have been marked with the following:

a. White tags showing the unit’s name and number, and

b. Yellow or Lime-Glow ribbon.

Individual treatment unit boundaries for the Sisters Ranger District units have been marked with the following:

a. Lime-glow fluorescent green ribbon.

3. CONTROL OF WORK

The Government reserves the right to determine the sequence in which areas or individual treatment units are worked to take best advantage of weather and related conditions or circumstances.

Due to the location of two project sites between different districts and limited planting weather window, the contract will split into two separate operations once the access clears up from snow in the Sisters Ranger District planting units. Due to the placement of project sites across different districts and the limited planting weather window, the contract will be divided into two separate operations once access to the planting units in the Sisters Ranger District is cleared of snow. The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) will provide the foreman five days advance notice to prepare a second crew, which will consist of one foreman, one inspector, and a crew size of 12 planters. A second COR will be assigned so there is coverage for each District project site. The crew size will be reduced back to one crew once COR determines time-sensitive tasks are completed.

PROTECTION OF RESOURCES

(1) Contractor shall protect all known and identified historic or prehistoric sites against destruction, obliteration, removal, or damage during contract operations.

(2) If any cultural or archeological resources, human remains, threatened or endangered species, proposed threatened and endangered species, or sensitive plants are discovered during operation of the contract, the Contractor shall notify the Government immediately, and work will be suspended in the immediate vicinity of the site(s) until a reconnaissance survey is completed by the Government.

(3) Contractor shall bear costs of restoration, provided such payment shall not relieve Contractor from civil or criminal remedies otherwise provided by law.

(4) Recreational Trails/Road Protection

I. Some units may have recreational trails that necessitate protection. In these units:

a) Planting will not occur within the trail prism (roughly 60” wide). No planting within 5 feet minimum on either side of trail and roadbed edges.

b) Contractor will not drive vehicles on trail.

c) The trail will be flagged out by the government for visibility.

II. Specific information for individual units is contained in the Remarks column of the attached Sisters

Supplemental Planting Specification DUIS and BFR Supplemental Planting Specification DUIS (Attachment 5) .

III. See attached Tepee Salv 3B map for trail location.

4. DEFINITIONS

Best Tree – The tallest tree with the fullest crown that is least affected by visible disease, defect and animal, insect or mechanical damage.

Bole – The main stem of a conifer seedling or tree from which individual branches radiate.

Cotyledon Scar – Lowest point on stem from which branches will grow. Marked by a distinct ring in the bark on most species of tree seedlings. Reference Exhibit A (Attachment 7)

Grubbing – The cutting, scraping, or pulling of live shrubs and herbaceous vegetation from around desired conifer seedlings.

Microsite Planting – The planting of tree seedlings in plantable spots most favorable to seedling survival and growth, providing protection from sun, wind, animals, and other damaging agents.

Examples of favorable microsites are spots located adjacent to stumps, snags, and logs greater than 6 inches in diameter and 6 inches in height above ground level. Live, residual trees in good health may not be used as microsites. Reference Exhibits B and P (Attachment 7).

Plantable Spot – An area from which vegetation, ash, duff, and debris has been or can be removed and a tree seedling can be planted as specified elsewhere herein.

Prepared Sites – An area from which logging slash, ash, and competing vegetation has been removed to allow a seedling to be planted in full accordance with all specifications set forth in this contract.

Replanting – Any planting work done in a sub-item, either voluntarily by the Contractor or directed by the Contracting Officer, after the Contractor has given the planting inspection sheets to the Government.

Root Crown – The transition zone between plant stem and root; assumed in this contract to occur within one inch of the surface of the ground.

Root Length – Root length is the distance between the longest root tip and the cotyledon scar.

Satisfactorily Planted Seedling – A seedling planted in full accordance with all planting specifications set forth in this contract. Reference Exhibits C, D, E, G, I, and J (Attachment 7)

Suitable Existing Tree – A planted or naturally existing tree ponderosa pines ≥6" height and free of top leader (apical meristem) damage, forks, or disease, and have a live crown ratio ≥40%. Ignore all other conifer species. Also specified on the BFR Supplemental Planting and Grubbing Specifications DUIS (Attachment 5).

Terminal buds – The growing, vegetative, pointed bud tips of the main stem or leader.

Unplantable Spot – An area within the specified spacing limits in which it is not possible to plant a seedling according to specifications.

Unsatisfactorily Planted Seedling – A planted seedling which fails to meet one or more of the specifications for a satisfactorily planted seedling. Reference Exhibits E, G, I, and J (Attachment 7)

Wasted Seedling – A seedling which is lost, damaged, destroyed, or handled contrary to the specifications for “Care of Seedlings”. Planted seedlings in excess of the maximum number of seedlings creditable as specified elsewhere herein are also considered to be wasted seedlings.

5. TREE PLANTING EQUIPMENT

Contractor's planting tools shall meet the following minimum requirements:

(1) Hand Tools (hoedads and shovels) shall be capable of making a planting hole the width and depth needed to satisfactorily plant the seedlings. Tree seedling species and average root length are listed in the attached Supplemental Planting and Rigid Mesh Tubing Installation Specifications, Exhibit Q (Attachment 7). The hoedad and shovel planting blades shall have minimum lengths of 12 inches and minimum widths of four inches, unless otherwise specified. The head of the scalping blade of the hoedad shall not be included in the minimum length measurement. When using a hoedad, an “Earp Bracket”, or angled handle bracket that holds the blade at a 100-degree angle, is required. When using a shovel, a reinforced blade is required.

(2) Handheld equipment shall be capable of chopping, cutting, or sawing slash to diameters and depths specified and live vegetation or ash to the scalp size specified in the Supplemental Planting Grubbing Specifications DUIS. (Attachment 5)

6. SEEDLING HANDLING EQUIPMENT

(1) Planting bags shall be light colored, shall not retain heat, shall have a minimum depth of 15 inches, and shall be free of defects or contaminants.

(2) Insulated planting bags or planting bags with inserts may be required if conditions warrant.

7. CARE OF SEEDLINGS

The contractor shall adhere to the following specifications for care and protection of tree seedlings:

(1) Seedlings shall be protected at all times from drying, heating, wind, smothering, freezing, crushing, drowning, abrasion, rapid temperature fluctuations or contact with injurious substances.

(2) Seedlings stored in boxes, bags, or bundles shall not be exposed to direct sunlight. Punctured or torn bags or boxes shall be promptly resealed. Containers of seedlings shall be opened only in full shade.

Bundles, bags, or boxes shall be separated to provide free air movement.

(3) Seedlings shall be planted without further root or top pruning or culling. If pruning or culling appears necessary, or if mold, dry roots, evidence of injury, or drying is seen, the conditions shall immediately be reported to the COR or on-site inspector.

(4) Frozen seedlings shall not be handled until completely thawed. They shall be thawed in full shade.

(5) Seedlings in planting bags shall have only their tops exposed. Containerized seedlings shall be maintained in their plastic packaging until ready to be used.

(6) Seedlings shall not be removed from the planting bag until a planting hole has been completely prepared.

(7) Seedlings removed from cold storage facilities shall not be allowed to stand or lay in water or be covered with snow.

(8) Seedlings shall be gently removed, one at a time, to prevent stripping or other injury, and quickly and gently inserted into the planting hole.

(9) Seedlings carried in planting bags shall not exceed the amount that can be carried or removed without injury, or which can be planted before critical heating or drying occurs.

Bags of seedlings shall not be carried into the unit and stored for later planting, unless field storage facilities are provided.

(10) The Contractor shall not dig and replant seedlings other than those located on inspection plots or spot checks of below ground planting quality.

(11) Seedlings in bags shall be planted out before extended breaks, such as lunch. At the COR’s discretion, seedlings left in planting bags before extended breaks shall be placed in shade or the tree truck. Trees thus stored during extended breaks shall be planted before the planting bags are refilled.

(12) Planters shall not carry more than 200 seedlings in each planting bag compartment at any one time (less with large stock).

(13) If conditions warrant, planting operations may be suspended. Should temperatures exceed 65 degrees or winds exceed a consistent 20 mph, special precautions will be taken to ensure seedling survival during handling. Reference Exhibit M (Attachment 7)

(14) Seedlings shall not be removed from shipping containers until needed for preparation or planting.

8. TRANSPORTATION OF SEEDLINGS

(1) Seedlings shall be picked up by the Contractor at the Bend Fort-Rock Ranger Station Tree Cooler in the mornings located at the south side of the Ranger Station.

(2) Seedlings shall be transported by the Contractor in either a fully enclosed insulated wooden floor trailer or fully enclosed insulated pickup canopy. Pick-up beds can only be used for temporary storage of seedlings when weather permits, used with a tarp. Trailer and/or canopy shall be free of any contaminants that might injure or kill the trees, such as oil or gasoline. Trees shall not be transported in heated areas of the vehicle(s).

(3) Seedling boxes shall NOT be stacked higher than 2 boxes on top of each other during transportation.

(4) Inside bag temperature must be kept below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, unless waived by the Contracting Officer. Trees within bags with inside bag temperature found to be above 45 degrees Fahrenheit may be considered damaged or wasted trees. Utilizing ice/snow to keep inside the tree bag temperatures below 45 degrees is allowed.

9. PREPARATION OF SEEDLINGS

Bareroot seedlings shall be removed from storage bags or boxes and dipped by the Contractor into COR Furnished Terra-Sorb and water to submerse the entire root system for a minimum of 30 seconds prior to placement in planting bag. Seedlings shall be dipped in small bundle increments to allow roots to absorb Terra-Sorb completely. Water and Terra-Sorb shall not be shaken or otherwise removed from trees before they are placed in the planting bag. Reference Exhibit K (Attachment 7) for Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

All seedling preparation shall be accomplished in shaded areas protected from winds. Roots shall be kept moist at all times.

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10. PLANTING SPOT SELECTION AND SPACING

(1) Planting Spot Selection: Brush patches containing planting spots shall be planted even though this may require spreading stems aside or working around the stems. Landings, road cuts, and full banks shall be planted where planting spots exist.

(2) Whenever possible, microsite planting is REQUIRED using stumps, down trees, rocks, etc and shall be on the north/northeast side of the microsite object 6 inches or higher within 20 percent variance in average spacing. Seedlings shall be planted within 8 inches of microsite object. Live, healthy residual stocking may not be used as microsites. Failure to microsite will result in the determination of unsatisfactory above ground quality and possibly wasted seedlings charges. The Contractor’s performance will be reflected in the performance evaluation, whether positive or negative. Reference Exhibits B and P (Attachment 7).

(3) Spacing Requirements: Refer to DUIS (Attachment 5) for spacing and seedling per unit requirement.

Seedlings shall be planted to the boundary of all planting areas and around the perimeter of unplantable areas in spots distributed at intervals prescribed. For individual seedlings, the specified average spacing may be varied no more than 20 percent in any direction to find a suitable planting spot.

(4) All planted trees must meet contract standards for above-ground and below-ground planting quality.

Some units may be very rocky/shallow soils and/or open, harsh conditions to allow for higher-density planting in microsites if possible. Where an unplantable spot is encountered from rocky planting spots, the seedlings planted in higher density within an inspection plot will not be counted against the contractor.

(5) Bend Fort Rock District Planting Unit Requirements:

a. Space off of Suitable Existing Tree which are Ponderosa Pine at greater or equal to 6” in height with good crown and vigor. See Supplemental Planting Specifications DUIS (Attachment 5) for exact definition.

(6) Sisters Ranger District Planting Unit Requirements:

a. A minimum number of seedlings planted per unit will be required based on target trees per acre multiplied by unit acreage size. For example, 100 acre unit with a target of 194 trees per acre (15’ x 15’ spacing), a total of 19,400 seedlings would be required to be planted. This requirement is regardless of unplantable ground and other circumstances, unless otherwise specified. Microsite emphasis is still the standard for these units.

b. Reference the Sisters Supplemental Planting Specifications DUIS (Attachment 5) for specific minimum seedlings per unit requirements.

c. As a reference, contractor shall plant the seedlings as if they are required to follow 15’ x 15’ spacing throughout the entire unit.

d. Do NOT space off Suitable Existing Trees. Suitable Existing Tree is defined as a tree which are 6 inches or greater in height and only Ponderosa Pine.

e. If additional seedlings need planted to meet the minimum seedlings per unit requirement, a 50% or greater variation in spacing may be allowed for additional seedlings planted, depending on COR approval.

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11. PLANTING SPOT PREPARATION

(1) Prior to preparing the planting hole, the Contractor shall clear the planting spot of all limbs, logs, snow, bark, rotten wood, rocks and other loose debris and shall scalp ash, duff, sod, crowns of living plants, and roots to moist mineral soil. Clearing and scalping dimensions shall be as shown in the Sisters Supplemental Planting Specifications DUIS and BFR Supplemental Planting Specifications DUIS (Attachment 5). If heavy slash prohibits the specific diameter of scalp, a smaller scalp will be acceptable; however, it shall be sufficient to meet the requirements for filling and firming contained herein. Material on both ends of the slash may need to be cleared. Reference Exhibit P (Attachment 7).

(2) In areas of units that have been subsoiled, seedlings shall not be planted within furrows made by the tines of the subsoiler. Planting spots shall be prepared between furrows by scalping to a depth of one-half the distance between the high point and the low point of the furrow. Reference Exhibit C (Attachment 7).

(3) A full bench scalp or terraced scalp shall be constructed on slopes that exceed 25 percent. The minimum bench width shall be the same dimension as the scalp size listed. Reference Exhibit D (Attachment 7).

12. PLANTING HOLE PREPARATION

Planting holes shall be located near the center of the prepared planting spot and shall be between perpendicular to the ground surface and true vertical. Reference Exhibits E, G and I (Attachment 7).

For Sisters Ranger District Units, the planting hole must be deep enough where all roots and up to the first whorl of seedling will be buried, including the preparation method stated above in this section.

13. SEEDLING PLACEMENT

Seedlings shall be suspended near the center of the hole with roots in a near natural arrangement at a depth such that, after filling, firming, and leveling, the soil comes to a point at or above the cotyledon scar of the tree. Reference Exhibits A (Attachment 7). No portion of the roots shall be exposed, or any live needles or branches covered with soil. The roots shall not be doubled up, twisted, spiraled, or bunched.

For Sisters Ranger District Units, the seedlings must be placed deep enough in the planting hole until the first whorl is level to the surface soil.

The root system shall be aligned with the axis of the planting hole with all roots extending downward. Reference Exhibits E, G and I (Attachment 7)

14. FILLING AND FIRMING

Moist mineral soil shall be filled in and firmed around seedling roots. Dry soil, ash, organic matter, rocks, and other foreign material shall be kept out of holes. Soil shall be filled in and firmed progressively so no loose soil or air pockets remain, and the seedling is as firmly planted as soil conditions will allow. The Contractor shall not wedge the sides of the hole. Firming the soil around the

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Deschutes NF, Bend Fort Rock Sisters RD’s roots shall be accomplished in a manner that ensures the seedling and root systems are not damaged.

Firming of the soil around the seedling with a heel strike pushing into the seedling shall not be allowed.

After the soil is firmed around the roots, it shall be smoothed out to the level of the surrounding mineral soil surface. After planting, the seedling shall be erect and free to grow. The seedling shall not be weighted down with mud or debris. Reference Exhibit E.(Attachment 7)

15. MIXTURE OF PLANTING STOCK

Where a mixture of species or stage planting is required, the Contractor shall plant these mixtures or stages in locations required by the COR or as indicated in the attached Sisters Supplemental Planting Specifications Detailed Info Sheet (Attachment 5) or unit maps (Attachment 11).

16. EXCESS MATERIALS

Upon completion of netting projects where it is determined that no further installation of netting will occur within 72 hours, all excess netting material shall be returned by the Contractor to the Government.

17. TREE DAMAGE

Care shall be taken to prevent damage to trees when installing/maintaining netting. A seedling with a broken or bent-over terminal leader or one with lateral branches which are broken or bent downward, the current installation or maintenance of netting, is not acceptable and will be deducted from creditable trees as unsatisfactory on the inspection summary.

18. CREW SIZE AND ORGANIZATION

(1) Each planting crew shall have one non-planting supervisor, conversant in the English language, and one non-planting, non-supervising Inspector to inspect and record services.

(2) Minimum crew size shall be 12 planters.

(3) Detaching or splitting one or more persons from the crew will not be permitted. Crews shall work in a treatment unit as a single workforce. Crew members shall not be separated or scattered in different parts of the same treatment unit or between units.

19. RIGID MESH SEEDLING PROTECTOR TUBES

(1) Scheduling – Within 48 hours of government’s acceptance of planting on individual units, the contractor shall begin installation of the seedling protectors, unless otherwise specified by COR.

Protector installation shall be performed by crews independent of and in addition to crews responsible for planting.

(2) Installation of seedling protectors shall not commence until acceptance by the Government of the planting of an entire unit. The Government may decide it is in their best interest to order rigid mesh tube protector installation prior to acceptance of the planting on individual units.

(3) Tree Selection – The Contractor shall protect seedlings at the spacing noted in the BFR Supplemental Planting Specifications DUIS (Attachment 5). Seedlings to be protected shall include all current contract planted trees.

20. RIGID MESH SEEDLING PROTECTOR INSTALLATION

(1) One installation per seedling shall consist of one wood stake, one rigid mesh protector and two

“twist-ties.” Reference Exhibit Q (Attachment 7)

(2) The wood stake shall be driven on the south/southwest side of the seedling. Any holes which are created by stakes which are not used shall be filled in.

(3) The wood stake shall be vertically driven into the ground 12-14 inches, so that the side nearest the seedling 2 inches away from the base of the seedling.

(4) The completed installation shall have a protector that is cylindrical and round in shape. Prior to placement over the seedling, a deformed or flattened protector shall be rolled or folded by hand to return it to a cylindrical shape.

(5) Round protectors shall be centered over the seedling. Deformed or oval protectors which cannot be centered over the seedling shall be attached to the stake as shown in Exhibit Q (Attachment 7), minus the usage of an additional bamboo stake.

(6) The protector shall be flush against the stake. The bottom of the protector shall be in contact with the ground.

(7) The completed installation shall be such that the mesh sides of the protector are not pressed against or in contact with the seedling in any manner, affording the seedling the best chance to grow without becoming entangled in the mesh.

(8) Two twist-ties shall be threaded through the mesh of the protector, each passing over at least 3 mesh intersections as shown in Exhibit Q (Attachment 7). The first shall be approximately 2 inches from the top of the stake; the second shall be approximately 3 inches above the ground.

(9) Twist-ties shall be securely and tightly fastened to the stake so it is not possible to lift the protector without disturbing the stake. Ties shall be twisted on the corner of the stake as shown in Exhibit Q (Attachment 7). A minimum of three twists / turns (a turn is 180 degrees) will be required for each twist-tie.

(10) The completed installation shall be vertical. The maximum lean from vertical is 2 inches, as measured from the top of the protector with a plumb bob and ruler.

(11) Care shall be taken to prevent damage to the seedling during the distribution of the stakes and installation of the protectors. Seedlings which are bent, have skinned bark or broken buds or leaders due to the distribution / installation of the protector materials is not acceptable and seedlings as such will be deducted from credible trees as unsatisfactory on the inspection summary.

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21. CONTRACTOR SURVEILANCE AND INSPECTION PROCEDURES

The Contractor shall provide and maintain an inspection system acceptable to the Government covering the services under this contract. The Contractor shall prepare a Quality Control Plan that supports quality control and inspection. The Plan shall be submitted as part of the Solicitation Evaluation Factors.

Be specific about how the two non-planting employees will work together to provide the necessary oversight to recognize and correct deficiencies in real-time, to verify planting quality both above ground and below ground.

The QCP shall specify:

- How quality will be monitored to ensure performance standards are met.

- How the work will be supervised.

- How results of the monitoring will result in quality performance.

- Identify the personnel responsible for performing quality control.

22. CONTRACTOR INSPECTION PROCEDURES (PLANTING)

(1) The Contractor shall conduct inspections of work units and record the results using procedures described herein. Inspections shall be maintained concurrently with contract work. Completed inspection reports shall be made available to the Government within 24 hours of completion of each work unit and will remain part of the permanent contract file.

(2) Each work unit as designated on the attached maps and described within the Supplemental

Specifications DUIS (Attachment 5) shall be inspected as a separate unit and shall not be averaged with any other area for acceptance or payment.

(3) Percentages calculated shall be rounded to the nearest whole percent with those percentages ending in .5 rounded up.

(4) By submission of an inspection report to the Government, the Contractor is certifying that –

a. The work unit is satisfactorily completed.

b. The inspection report reflects the work accomplished.

c. All acres within the unit covered by the report have been completed in their entirety.

d. Tree handling was completed in accordance with the contract clauses stated elsewhere herein.

(5) In the event the Contractor falsifies inspection results, as determined by the Contracting Officer, the

Government may declare the Contractor to be in default of the contract. Additionally, the Government may refer such falsifications to the US Attorney’s Office for possible prosecution pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1001 (Falsification of Government Documents) or 18 U.S.C. 287 (Fraud).

(6) The Contractor shall submit legible inspection reports. Illegible and incomplete reports will be returned to the Contractor for correction and re-submission before Government verification inspections are performed.

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(7) Contractor inspection plots shall be located throughout individual work unit areas to obtain a representative sample of the work.

(8) For planting inspections, contractor shall conduct inspection plots at the rate of 1 plot for every 5 acres with a minimum of 4 plots per unit.

(9) Inspection plots for Sisters Ranger District units will only count trees that were planted during this contract period. Already existing trees will not be counted by the contractor nor the government. Trees planted during this contract will be determined by if the trees have a 12 inch scalp done around the surface.

(10) Plot size for all subitems in this contract shall be 1/50 acre (plot radius of 16.7 feet). Reference Exhibit L (Attachment 7) for slope corrected plot sizes.

(11) The Contractor shall mark all inspection plots on the ground using only pink color flagged markers

(e.g., pin, flags) to locate plot centers. On each plot marker the Contractor shall record, in grease pencil or permanent marker, the plot number to correlate with the inspection form, the date of the inspection and the inspector’s initials.

(12) A map of the treatment unit showing the approximate location of the numbered plots shall be included with each unit inspection report.

23. GOVERNMENT VERIFICATION (PLANTING, GRUBBING AND RIGID MESH)

(1) The Government will conduct verification inspections to determine compliance with specifications. Each sub-item/unit will be verified separately and inspection results on one sub-item/unit will not be averaged with those of other sub-items/units.

(2) Determination of acceptability of the work performed will be based on these verification inspections and will be considered conclusive. The Contractor or a designated representative is encouraged to observe inspections while they are underway.

(3) Verification inspection of a sub-item/unit may or may not be performed immediately following the work.

(4) Government verification inspection for tree planting will consist of observations of tree handling, site preparation, planting and inspection procedures, and examination of individual trees on sample plots.

(5) For Tree Planting, government shall conduct plots at HALF of the rate of the contractor with a minimum of 4 plots per unit. Work quality calculated using the same procedures as outlined herein under Contractor Inspection Procedures for that subitem.

(6) Inspection plots for Sisters Ranger District units will only count trees that were planted during this contract period. Already existing trees will not be counted by the contractor nor the

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Deschutes NF, Bend Fort Rock Sisters RD’s government. Trees planted during this contract will be determined by if the trees have a 12 inch scalp done around the surface.

(7) The Government inspector shall mark all inspection plots on the ground using Blue flagged markers

(e.g., flagging) to locate plot centers. On each plot marker the inspector shall record, in grease pencil or permanent marker, the plot number to correlate with the inspection form, the date of the inspection and the inspector’s initials.

(8) If the results of the Government’s verification inspection are within 5 percentage points of the

Contractor’s inspection results, the Contractor’s inspection results will be used for payment.

(9) If the Government's verification inspection results differ by more than 5 percentage points from the Contractor's inspection results, the Government's inspection will be used for payment.

(10) For seedling protector installation, compliance inspections will be conducted by the Government.

Compliance inspections will be accomplished by visual inspection of each treatment unit and will be based on adherence to required specifications. Compliance inspections will be conducted by the Government within three (3) business days of receipt of Contractor’s completed inspection reports and the Contractor will be notified of any part of the unit(s) requiring additional work or rework.

(11) For Grubbing, compliance inspections will be conducted by the Government. Compliance inspections will be accomplished by visual inspection of each treatment unit and will be based on adherence to required specifications. Compliance inspections will be conducted by the Government within three

(3) business days of receipt of Contractor’s completed inspection reports and the Contractor will be notified of any part of the unit(s) requiring additional work or rework.

(12) Where visual inspection for Seedling protectors and grubbing indicates unsatisfactory work, the Government may install verification plots.

24. UNSATISFACTORY WORK – TREE PLANTING

(1) If the percentage of planting quality for any sub-item falls below 90 percent due to an insufficient number of satisfactory trees above ground, the Contractor may be allowed to replant the sub-item to achieve a higher planting quality percentage. Replanting will be subject to availability of tree stock and shall be requested in writing by the Contractor. Replanting, if allowed, shall be done at a maximum of one time. Replanting will not be allowed where the average below-ground quality for the sub-item is less than 90 percent.

(2) Following completion of replanting, a new inspection shall be made by the Contractor.

(3) The Contractor may be required to replant anywhere the average planting quality falls below 80 percent, provided that additional supplies of suitable seedlings are available.

25. UNSATISFACTORY WORK – INSTALLATION OF SEEDLING PROTECTORS

(1) If the percentage of satisfactory work falls below 80 percent and any portion of the deficiency is correctable, rework may be required. Contractor will be allowed to have a maximum of two rework opportunities.

(2) If the work quality remains below 80 percent after two reworks, no payment shall be made for the unsatisfactory work, and the Contractor will not be given additional opportunity to improve the quality.

(3) Repeated failure to perform at a minimum of 80 percent work quality may cause default action to be taken.

26. REINSPECTION UPON CONTRACTOR REQUEST

(1) If the original verification inspection results are unacceptable to the Contractor, a reinspection may be requested by the Contractor within 5 business days after receipt of notice of the initial inspection results. Request for reinspection shall be made in writing. 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 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 are within 5 percent of the first inspection, plots from the initial inspection and the re-inspection will be combined and used to calculate work quality and payment, and the Contractor shall bear the cost of reinspection.

27. SPECIFIC CONTRACTOR INSPECTION PROCEDURES – TREE PLANTING

(1) The Contractor shall declare any trees handled in a manner inconsistent with contract specifications as wasted trees.

(2) The Contractor shall inspect planting procedures on representative sample plots and examine the planted trees to ensure and measure compliance with the specifications. Utilize the following codes for recording above and below ground compliance on the planting inspection sheet: Reference Exhibit H (Attachment 7).

CODE ABOVE-GROUND INSPECTION

A Planting spot selection B Planting spot preparation C Tree location on planting spot D Planting depth and exposed roots E State position or damage F Firmness G Shade H Spacing

CODE BELOW-GROUND INSPECTION

I Planting hole preparation J Planting hole orientation K Root configuration and orientation L Altered root length & damage M “Foreign” material in planting hole N Loose soil or air pockets

(3) Inspections Within Each Plot - Each plot shall be inspected as follows:

1. Determine from Table I the average number of planting spots for the plot based on the specified average spacing. From this number subtract the number of suitable existing trees (see 5. DEFINITIONS) and the number of unplantable spots. Record the difference as the number of plantable spots on which trees should be planted.

TABLE I

AVERAGE PLANTING SPOTS

AVERAGE SPACING ON 1/50 ACRE PLOTS

14X14 4 (4.44) 15X15 4 (3.87) 16X16 3 (3.40) 17X17 3 (3.01)

20X20 2 (2.17)

2. Determine and record the maximum number of allowable seedlings from Table II

PLANTABLE SPOTS

TABLE II

MAXIMUM

NO. OF TREES

0 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 10

3. Record the number of trees planted on each plot.

A. Determine and record the number of wasted trees on the plot. This will be the number of trees determined by subtracting the maximum number of allowable trees from the number of planted trees recorded, but not less than zero. When planted wasted trees are found and they

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Deschutes NF, Bend Fort Rock Sisters RD’s are considered minor in nature and in no way indicates a trend that average spacing requirements are being exceeded, the Contracting Officer may waive the wasted tree charge.

In no case will a waiver be given if the total of the Planting Inspection Sheet column "Planted Trees" exceeds the total of column "Max Number Allowable Trees" or the number of wasted trees is not minor and indicates a trend that average spacing requirements are being exceeded.

Wasted trees will be calculated by the following: Total number of wasted trees from the Planting Inspection Sheet multiplied by the reciprocal of the plot size, divided by the number of plots taken, multiplied by the number of acres in the sub-item. To this, add the number of trees determined wasted under “CARE OF SEEDLINGS”. For example, if a total of 27 wasted seedlings were found as determined from 40 1/50 acre inspection plots on a 60 acre sub-item, and a bundle of 200 seedlings had been wasted through improper care, the calculations would be made as follows:

(27 50 ÷ 40) x 60 = 2,025 + 200 = 2,225 Wasted Trees

B. Inspect and record the number of planted seedlings meeting the above-ground contract specifications. The maximum number of satisfactory seedlings to be credited shall not exceed that shown in Table II.

(4) Determine and dig the number of seedlings from those determined satisfactory above- ground as shown in Table III.

NUMBER OF SATISFACTORY

(ABOVE GROUND)

PLANTED TREES ON PLOT

TABLE III

MINIMUM NUMBER

TO BE DUG

1/50 ACRE PLOT

1 1 2-6 2 7-9 3 10+ 4

(5) The satisfactory above ground seedlings shall be dug starting with those closest to the plot center and progressing outward. Each dug tree shall be immediately replanted in accordance with specifications.

(6) Record the number of seedlings meeting below-ground contract specifications.

(7) Compute the planting quality by the following formula:

Planting Quality =

No. of Sat Trees Above-Ground x No. of Sat Dug Trees x 100 No. of Plantable Spots No. of Dug Trees

The result of the above calculation will be applied as follows:

a. Plot

1. Divide the total number of satisfactory trees above ground by the total number of plantable spots.

2. Divide the total number of satisfactory trees below ground by the total number dug.

3. Multiply the two totals to get planting work quality percentage.

4. When the number of satisfactory trees above ground is zero or one and the number of plantable spots is zero, the result shall be one (1).

b.Total Sub-item

1. Add the total plot percentages of all plots in the sub-item and divide by the total number of plots in the sub-item to get the average percentage of plot quality in the sub-item.

2. Percentage of planting quality as calculated above will be rounded to the nearest whole percent. Maximum allowable percentage shall be 120 percent per plot.

3. Average planting spots and maximum number of satisfactory trees shown in Tables I and II have been rounded to the nearest whole number and it is mutually understood and agreed that these figures will be used for determining planting quality even though they are not precisely correct from a mathematical standpoint.

28. SPECIFIC CONTRACTOR INSPECTION PROCEDURES – INSTALLATION OF

SEEDLING PROTECTORS

(1) Visual inspection shall be required for quality control while work is in progress. If government finds the

Grubbing to be unacceptable, the Contractor shall install plots for quality control.

(2) If the government requires plots, Contractor shall conduct quality control plots at a rate of 1 plot for every 5 acres with a minimum of 4 plots per unit.

(3) Each plot shall be inspected for:

(a) Number of trees requires protection. This number shall include all trees meeting specifications contained herein and in Both BFR and Sisters Supplemental Planting Specifications DUIS (Attachment 5).

(b) Number of satisfactorily protected trees. This number shall include all trees meeting installation specifications contained herein.

(c) Number of trees unsatisfactorily protected and why (e.g. stake not vertical, stake not pounded in deep enough, loose twist-tie, etc). An installation not meeting all requirements specified

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Deschutes NF, Bend Fort Rock Sisters RD’s herein shall not be considered acceptable and shall be deducted from creditable trees protected on the inspection summary.

(4) Work Quality shall be calculated on the inspection report as follows:

[ No. of Trees Satisfactorily Protected] ----------------------------------------------- = % Work Quality [ No. of Trees Requiring Protection]

29. METHOD OF PAYMENT (INSTALLATION OF SEEDLING PROTECTOR)

Method of payment will be calculated at the same metrics previously stated as the trees planted. See Section 31 herein for reference. (#1-3)

(1) Examples:

(a)

103 Trees Satisfactorily Rigid Mesh

----------------------------------------- = --------- = 89.6% = 90% satisfactory work 115 Trees Requiring Rigid Mesh 115

90% Satisfactory work or greater = 100% Payment rate

(b)

129 Trees Satisfactorily Rigid Mesh 129 ----------------------------------------- = ---------- = 84.3% = 84% satisfactory work

153 Trees Requiring Rigid Mesh 153

84% Satisfactory work + 5% SV = 89% Payment rate (c)

90 Trees Satisfactorily Rigid Mesh 90 ----------------------------------------- = --------- = 76.9% = 77% satisfactory work

117 Trees Requiring Rigid Mesh 117 77% Satisfactory work = No payment made

30. METHOD OF PAYMENT (SPRING TREE PLANTING)

(1) If inspection indicates the work quality percentage is 90 percent or above, payment will be made at 100 percent of the subitem unit price. Maximum allowable percentage shall be 120 percent per plot.

(2) For work quality below 90 percent, a five percent standard variation (SV) will be added and payment will be that percentage of the bid rate down to 80 percent.

(3) For work quality below 80 percent the five percent SV will not be added and no payment will be made to the Contractor.

(4) Examples:

103 Trees Satisfactorily Planted 103

115 Plantable Spots 115

129 Trees Satisfactorily Planted 129 ----------------------------------------- = ---------- = 84.3% = 84% satisfactory work 153 Plantable Spots 153

84% Satisfactory work + 5% SV = 89% Payment rate

(c)

90 Trees Satisfactorily Planted 90 ----------------------------------------- = --------- = 76.9% = 77% satisfactory work 117 Plantable Spots 117

77% Satisfactory work = No payment made

31. METHOD OF MEASUREMENT & REMEASUREMENT

(1) All linear and area measurements required under this contract will be measured on the horizontal plane.

(2) The Contractor may, in writing, at any time after award, request 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.

(3) 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, the payment will be made on the remeasured acreage and the percentage of satisfactory work, and the Forest Service will bear the cost of the remeasurement. Remeasured acres will be rounded to the nearest whole acre for payment purposes.

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Deschutes NF, Bend Fort Rock Sisters RD’s

32. GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY

(1) The Government will furnish the Contractor with property in accordance with the schedule in the attached Government Furnished Property - Schedule for Delivery. (Attachment 6)

(2) Government-furnished tree seedlings will be issued by the Forest Service daily at the tree cooler located at the Bend Fort Rock Ranger District. The COR or Inspector will issue seedlings at the BPAS (Bend Pine Admin Site) Bend Fort Rock Ranger District tree cooler at times and days as previously agreed to with the Contractor. Material such as boxes and burlap will be returned to the government in a neat and orderly fashion to the location agreed upon. The quantity of trees to be issued for the next working day will be based on the average planting production per person and the proposed crew size for the next workday.

(3) The following requirements will be adhered to: Trees will not be issued in the morning if undesirable weather conditions are predicted and indicate planting would not be allowed on the site.

(4) The Contractor shall be responsible for transporting wood stakes, seedling protectors and twist-ties, including loading at Government facility and unloading at the work site. Government furnished property shall be transported in original shipping cartons. The Contractor shall further make arrangements for stockpiling Government furnished property on National Forest Land and shall assume full liability for safeguarding. The COR or Inspector will issue wood stakes, seedling protectors and twist ties at the BPAS Seed Extractory area by coolers at times and days as previously agreed to with the Contractor.

(5) The Contractor shall be responsible for loss, damage or destruction of Government property unless the

Contractor can show the damage resulted from causes beyond the Contractor's control and without the Contractor's fault or negligence.

(6) All excess seedling protectors, stakes, and twist ties shall be removed from individual units, placed back in their original packaging and returned to the Government at the delivery location. Loose stakes shall be stacked prior to final payment.

(7) Plastic bags used to package protectors and strapping material used to bind wooden stakes shall be disposed of by the Contractor off National Forest Land in accordance with existing laws. Cardboard used for package will be allowed to leave at BPAS tree cooler site for the Government to recycle.

(8) Charges for Government-Furnished property wasted, lost, or damaged by the Contractor:

Q-Plug +1.5 Seedlings @ $ 0.56 Each Containerized Seedlings @ $ 0.65 Each Wooden Stakes @ $ 0.50 Each Seedling Protectors @ $ 0.50 Each Twist-Ties @ $ 0.10 Each

(9) The Contractor may be charged administrative costs incurred by the Government for repeated failure to meet Government Representatives at previously scheduled times and places.

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Deschutes NF, Bend Fort Rock Sisters RD’s

33. CONTRACTOR OBLIGATIONS (18” and 36” RADIUS GRUBBING)

(1) The Contractor shall furnish all equipment, labor, supervision, transportation, materials, tools, supplies and incidentals necessary to perform the described work according to the specifications, if awarded.

34. CONTROL OF WORK (18” and 36” RADIUS GRUBBING)

(1) Weather predictions indicate a hazardous fire condition warranting curtailing of operations as specified elsewhere in this contract.

(2) When snow depth…