1240BE26Q0033 Attachment 3 Statement of Work.pdf

ATTACHMENT 3

STATEMENT OF WORK

Ochoco NF 2026 Spring and Fall Tree Planting and Seedling Protection

1. DESCRIPTION OF WORK

The purpose of this solicitation is to provide services for planting and seedling protection of conifers and riparian hardwoods/native vegetation during the spring and fall of 2026 in multiple project areas on the Ochoco National Forest. Conifer planting and seedling protection(s) will be performed on the Paulina Ranger District and Lookout Mountain Ranger Districts in multiple fire areas that burned in 2024 including the Crazy Creek, Rail Ridge, Wiley Flat Fires. Additionally, one project area, the Lake Project Area, was part of a recent sanitation harvest and hazard tree mitigation next to Walton Lake, a popular recreation site and developed campground. Approximately 500,000 seedlings will be planted in Spring 2026.

Approximately 95% of conifer stock is ponderosa pine, with 5% western larch and some native hardwoods.

Multiple stock types will be planted in this contract including 1-0 bareroot, 2-0 bareroot, and containerized seedlings. The native riparian hardwoods include multiple native species.

In addition to planting conifers and riparian hardwood material; the installation of seedling protection(s) on conifers is included as multiple optional bid items. Seedling protection(s) are to be installed on trees planted in this contract and will be provided to contractor as Government Furnished Property (GFP). Seedling protection(s) may include shade wickets, flex netting, and rigid mesh tubing. Flex netting and rigid mesh tubing are for animal damage (browse) protection of seedlings. Shade protection is for minimizing sun scald and heat stress on seedlings. Availability of GFP could determine different animal damage seedling protections in different areas. A single unit will not have a mix of two animal damage seedling protection(s), such as flex netting and rigid mesh tubing will not be installed in the same unit, so a unit would contain only rigid mesh tubing or flex netting as ordered. Some installation of 1)shade and 2)animal damage seedling protection(s) for planted seedlings may be awarded for the same unit.

The contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, and all supplies necessary to perform the work described here in, including the transportation of all Government Furnished Property (GFP) from storage locations to work sites.

Historically spring planting conditions on the Ochoco National Forest occur Mid-April to early May with approximately 6 weeks of acceptable conditions during portion(s) or all of the daylight hours. Due to current 2026 snowpack levels, acceptable spring conditions may occur as early as March 31st and have a shorter (estimated 4 weeks) or longer window of acceptable spring planting conditions. The selected vendor will be given as much advance notice as possible for when the 2026 planting areas are ready. If conditions remain acceptable, a longer than a 4-week period of performance for spring conifer planting and seedling protection may be acceptable to the government during spring operations.

It is possible that multiple spring conifer planting sites will be ready for planting at the same time due to elevation, snow melt, and weather.

- There may be a break in planting conifers and the planting of riparian plants depending upon weather and site conditions.

- There may be break(s) during spring conifer planting due to planting conditions within different project areas.

- It is possible that multiple spring conifer planting sites will be ready for planting at the same time due to elevation, snowmelt, and weather.

Four Week Plan: Contractors must include a proposed plan as part of the evaluation criteria that details how a contractor could plant conifers in these area(s) and provide seedling protection requirements as described herein in as short as a four-week period.

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Ochoco NF 2026 Spring and Fall Tree Planting and Seedling Protection

The planting of riparian areas is planned for April to August, depending upon the weather, stream and soil conditions. The planting occurs along streambanks and within the stream channel in areas of shallow water, in areas of soil and rock deposition near log jams and/or stream structures in burned areas. Gravel and sandbars inside the stream channel will also be planted. The water depth may be variable.

Fall conifer planting may occur September through December depending upon weather and site conditions as determined by the government. No seedling protections will be ordered for fall planting.

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 to unit(s) is blocked, the Government may: (1) suspend work, (2) delete the inaccessible subitems, (3) substitute similar subitems. Roads shown on unit maps indicate access to units and are not to suggest the roads are open within units or for any further travel. In the case of walk-ins due to road conditions, contractors are permitted to use ATVs or snowmobiles along roads as permitted by the Ochoco National Forest’s Motorized Vehicle Use Map with adherence to local and state requirements for vehicle operation.

Information about each individual unit is provided on unit/vicinity maps and in Detailed Unit Information Sheets. In case of an unforeseen events, boundaries may also change prior to planting or units dropped altogether and, in such cases, will be clearly communicated by the COR and may be substituted within the same general areas. Any sensitive resource areas that will need to be avoided will also be communicated by the COR prior to planting.

The Government will provide georeferenced .pdf maps, or shapefiles (if requested), for all units. The Contractor is required to furnish GPS device(s) compatible with .pdf format georeferenced maps and capable of better than 30ft accuracy. Any sensitive resource areas that will need to be avoided will also be communicated by the COR prior to planting.

Planting conifers after a wildfire can involve working in slippery ash soils, down logs and overhead snags.

Riparian planting involves working along (and within) flowing creeks with slippery streambeds and logs, deeply saturated soils, irregular ground surfaces, and climbing over logs along the streams. Crews shall work safely and have the proper safety gear (footwear/boots) for all these working conditions. The selected vendor needs to submit a safety plan that considers these job hazards at the time of the post award conference.

2. LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland Office 3160 NE Third Street Prineville, OR 97754

A Yale key to access closed areas may be requested from the office listed above. Note: Approximately 75% of project is accessible without a key. Each fire will have some areas with locked access.

The Wiley Flat Fire project area is in the Maury Mountains. From the city of Prineville drive on Highway 380 towards Paulina. The area is located south and southeast of Post, Oregon accessed via OR-380 East to FS road 1600 East. Access to conifer project area can occur from both 17 Forest Roads and Forest Road 16. While access through the forest from Forest Road 16 may be possible, the Government will not guarantee access to the conifer location via this route.

The Crazy Creek Fire project area is located east of Prineville, following Hwy 26. Turn right onto US-26 E/NE 3rd St and turn east onto Ochoco Creek Rd, the road transitions into the 4200. Continue onto Canyon Creek

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Rd/NF-42. Turn left onto Big Springs Rd/NF-4270 and take a slight right onto S Little Summit Rd/NF-500.

The Rail Ridge Fire project area is located east of Paulina Oregon, following OR-380 turn north on Beaver Creek Rd, from there turn east on to Puett Rd, lastly turn northeast on to FS-5800 until project area is reached.

Motor vehicles use maps are free and can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/ochoco/maps-guides All laws and regulations in regard to Motor Vehicle Use Maps and state laws must be followed

Vicinity and unit maps showing project location and access are attached and made part of this contract. See the 2026 Ochoco Planting Data Sheets (Attachment 4) for information about walk-in units. Old or closed roads, within units may be available for seedling transport with an ATV/UTV if approved by the CO/COR.

a) Accessibility

i. Work areas may be reached by forest roads that are accessible by standard two-wheel drive pickup during summer months, unless otherwise indicated in the 2026 Ochoco Planting Data Sheets (Attachment 4). Spring road conditions can necessitate the use of a 4-wheel drive vehicle. The roads that access these planting sites are a variety of native surface, gravel, dirt and/or paved roads.

ii. 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(c) changes: (a) provide an alternate access route; (b) delete the inaccessible unit(s); or (c) substitute similar unit(s).

iii. Native surface roads (where there is no gravel on the road surface) may be undrivable when saturated with moisture from rain or snow melt. This is especially true for internal roads within the Crazy Creek Fire and parts of the Rail Ridge Fire. UTV or ATV usage may be necessary for access to units along the listed roads. The expectation is that all project areas will be in spring conditions and unknown road conditions could be present.

iv. No vehicles will be permitted to operate off road for this planting contract.

v. Some planting areas will require walk-ins of greater than ¼ mile denoted on detailed unit information sheets. Walk-in miles shall be incorporated into the per acre rate.

b) Boundaries

Conifer unit boundaries are flagged with orange flagging and white Forest Service contract tags. Tags face into the unit and will be mostly located at the major corners of units. Unit boundaries may have sparse flagging. Virtual boundaries, if included, require the use of a GPS capable device. Crazy Creek units are labeled “C” followed by the number, Wiley Flat is abbreviated “W” followed by the number, Rail Ridge is abbreviated “R” followed by the number. Lake units use white “Lake IRSC” Sale Area Tags and blue paint are the boundary unless otherwise noted. Acreage determination for all conifer units was done with a GPS enabled device and then processed in GIS. Maps are provided as a .pdf for contractor’s use with GPS enabled device and software like Avenza for field navigation.

3. CONTRACT DEFINITIONS

Plantable spot: An area where the soil is suitable for planting a tree.

Unplantable spot: An area within the specified spacing limits in which it is not possible to plant a seedling according to specifications due to rock, stumps, water or other inhibiting physical factors.

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Satisfactorily planted seedling: A seedling planted in full accordance with all planting specifications set forth in this contract. See Exhibits E, G, I and J (Attachment 5). For Exhibit G, the first diagram is the example of “satisfactory” and is labeled as such.

Unsatisfactorily planted seedling: A planted seedling which fails to meet one or more of the specifications for a satisfactorily planted seedling. See Exhibits G and I (Attachment 5). For Exhibit G, all examples are “unsatisfactory” except for the first diagram that is labeled “satisfactory”.

Wasted seedling: Seedling which is lost, damaged, destroyed, or handled contrary to the specifications for care of seedlings. Planted seedlings more than the required number of seedlings as specified on the 2026 Ochoco Planting Data Sheets (Attachment 4).

Cotyledon scar: Marks left on a seedling's stem after the initial seed leaves (cotyledons) fall off, often serving as an indicator of the original soil depth during planting. These opposite scars are located above the root collar and below the first true leaves. Marked by a distinct ring in the bark on most species of tree seedlings: See Exhibit A (Attachment 5).

Root length: Root length is the distance between the longest root tip and the cotyledon scar. See Exhibit A (Attachment 5).

Replanting: Any planting work done in a sub-item, either voluntarily by the contractor or directed by the CO, after the contractor has given the planting inspection sheets to the Government. See Exhibit H for example of planting inspection sheet (Attachment 5).

Mineral soil: Where soil content is less than 70 percent coarse rock fragments greater than 2mm in Size.

Microsite planting: The planting of tree seedlings in plantable spots that are most favorable to seedling survival and growth. Examples of favorable microsite features that provide protection from sun, wind, animals, and other damaging agents, example of spots located on the following: See Exhibit B (Attachment 5).

Planting spot preparation/scalping: An area from which debris, 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.

See Exhibit D and P(Attachment 5). 18 inch x 18 inch scalps are required for all conifers unless otherwise listed. A plus or minus 25% variance of square inches, no is allowed. Scalps will be examined as part of the determination of planting quality and included under satisfactory trees in planting inspection form.

Tree height: Tree height will be measured from the ground to the tip of the seedling.

Suitable Existing Tree: A tree of good form and vigor which shows no physical damage and which conforms to the size, characteristics, and species specified on the detailed information sheet.

4. CREW ORGANIZATION

i. Contractor shall provide overhead personnel/supervisor/foreman/inspectors who are conversant and can read the contract documents in English.

The number of crews and size of crews available for this project shall be described in technical evaluation factors/technical proposal. The Contractor is expected to provide crews as described in their technical proposal and have the capacity to maintain crew size throughout project dates. Any changes shall be approved in writing by COR.

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ii. During the performance of this contract, a non-planting Foreman and a non-supervising, non-planting Inspector are required to be onsite with each group of 12-20 workers (dedicated to planting and/or seedling protection). Total of 14-22 personnel in one “planting crew”.

iii. A group of 11 workers or less may have one overhead person who performs both general contractor oversite and contract inspection duties (Foreman/Inspector). Total of 12 or less personnel, to form a “planting crew”.

iv. Crews with greater than 20 workers (dedicated to planting and/or seedling protection) must be approved in writing by COR and identified as part of the evaluation factors/technical proposal.

v. Generally, crews shall work in a unit as a single work force, unless approved by the COR or representative. Typically, crew members shall not be separated or scattered in different parts of the same treatment unit or in between units. Detaching or splitting up the crew may be permitted while planting units of small acreage, with approval of the CO/COR.

vi. Foreman is required to notify COR with the crew size (number of personnel, including overhead personnel) at least three days in advance to ensure proper Government monitoring and inspection. If the contractor chooses to use two or more crews of planters with the ability to go to multiple conifer planting sites at any one time, then an English-speaking supervisor/foreman will need to be utilized for each separate crew.

vii. For riparian planting crew size shall not exceed eight people, unless pre-authorized by the COR

viii. Seedling protection may occur once a planting unit is accepted by the government. Planting protection installation does not require the same weather window as planting does. A plan to utilize the planting crew, a separate crew, or some combination there-in shall be included in the technical proposal. If a separate crew is used the crew must retain at least one English speaking foreman to communicate with COR or representative. The number of foreman/ inspector requirements are the same for seedling protection as conifer planting. There is no stated minimum number of planters that may complete seedling protection work in the timeframe it is required in.

5. SUPERVISION BY THE CONTRACTOR

At all times during the performance of this contract and until the work is completed and accepted, the contractor shall directly superintend the work or assign and have on the work a competent represented superintendent who has authority, in writing, to act for the Contractor (a Contractor’s Representative). The Government may, at its option suspend work, with full count of contract time continuing, if the Contractor fails to provide a Contractor’s Representatives who are (1) conversant in English, and (2) able to read and understand the contract.

6. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED EQUIPMENT

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

a. Conifer planting: Planting tools shall be capable of clearing debris and exposing bare soil to diameters and depths specified and removing live vegetation or ash to the scalp size specified in the Schedule of Items (Attachment 2). Planting tools shall be capable of making a planting hole the width and depth needed to satisfactorily plant the seedlings. Tree seedling species, stock types and final amount will be determined by COR prior to planting.

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b. Riparian planting: Hand tools shall be capable of making a planting hole the width and depth needed to satisfactorily plant the seedlings. No scalping is required when planting in a stream, or on the edge of the stream.

c. Seedling handling equipment: Planting bags shall be light color, shall not retain heat, shall have a minimum depth of 15 inches, and shall be clean and free of defects or contaminants, and intact (no holes in the bottom of the tree bag).

d. Contractor shall furnish containers to transport water to the planting sites for bareroot seedling dipping. Contractor shall furnish a container to place water into to dip bareroot seedlings at bag up location(s).

e. Contractor shall furnish a means of transporting seedlings from the tree coolers to the planting site.

A refrigerated trailer or truck shall be capable of maintaining a temperature of 33o -36o F during transit and while at the planting site.

7. NOXIOUS WEED CONTROL

i. In order to prevent the potential spread of noxious weeds onto the Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland, the contractor shall be required to furnish the Forest Service with proof of weed-free equipment. (Use Attachment 6 Equipment Cleaning Form).

ii. Noxious weeds are defined as any exotic plant species established or that may be introduced in the State, which may render the land unfit for agriculture, forestry, livestock, wildlife, or other beneficial uses.

Noxious weeds are designated by the Oregon Department of Agriculture, the Crook, Wheeler, or Grant County Weed Board, or by other appropriate agencies having jurisdiction.

iii. All equipment and vehicles to be used at the job site shall be cleaned and certified free of noxious weeds and their seeds prior to entrance onto the National Forest. The restriction shall include all equipment and vehicles whether they are owned, leased, or borrowed by the contractor or subcontractor.

iv. Cleaning shall remove all dirt, grease, debris, and materials that may harbor noxious weeds and their seeds. This may require the use of a pressure hose. Cleaning shall occur off Federal lands. The contractor shall use the equipment cleaning inspection/verification form to document cleaning has occured.

v. Equipment, materials and vehicles shall be visually inspected by a designated Forest Service employee, and certified in writing to be reasonably clean and weed free. Inspections will take place at a location designated by the Forest Service employee in advance of equipment arrival. Equipment and vehicles are expected to proceed directly to the job site following the inspection.

vi. Certification shall remain valid for each identified piece of equipment or vehicle only for the duration of the specified project and only as long as the vehicle or equipment remains at the job site. Equipment and vehicles (Not including passenger vehicles - this includes pickups and vans) that leave the job site, such as during breaks of contract performance, will need to be recertified as weed free before they are allowed to return to the job site or re-enter the National Forest.

8. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

Government-furnished tree seedlings will be available for pick up daily. Seedlings shall be transported by

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the contractor to the planting site. Riparian plants will be stored at Lamonta Work Center tree cooler (in Prineville). Conifer seedlings may be stored at Ochoco Ranger Station tree cooler (approximately 25 miles east of Prineville), Lamonta Work Center tree cooler (in Prineville), or alternative Forest Service cooler location(s) as determined by the COR.

The contractor shall inform the COR of the number of trees needed for the next workday. Trees will not be issued if unfavorable weather conditions exist.

Any ordered seedling protection materials will be available for pick up daily with tree seedlings. The contractor shall tell the COR the number of items needed for the next workday based on contractors Work Plan with adequate time to prepare materials for pickup.

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.

9. SCHEDULE FOR DELIVERY OF GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

1) Type of Property: maps, plot inspection book, and Forest Service key to work behind gated roads, as needed.

Planned Delivery Time: Prior to field work.

2) Type of Property: Water and Terra-Sorb for dipping bareroot seedlings.

Place of Delivery: Lamonta, Ochoco Ranger Station or as provided by COR.

Planned Delivery Time: No water delivery to units will made by the Government. Water is available at seedling pickup locations. The contractor is responsible for filling and hauling water to planting unit.

3) Type of Property: All Seedling protection materials to be installed and any vegetative materials to be planted.

Place of Delivery: Lamonta or Ochoco Ranger Station or as provided by COR.

Planned Delivery Time: Prior to field work.

10. CARE OF CONIFER SEEDLINGS

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

a. Transport of seedlings from tree cooler to project areas

i. Seedlings shall be transported by the contractor to the planting site. Riparian plants will be stored at Lamonta Work Center tree cooler (in Prineville). Conifer seedlings may be stored at Ochoco Ranger Station tree cooler (approximately 25 miles east of Prineville), Lamonta Work Center tree cooler (in Prineville), or alternative Forest Service cooler location(s) as determined by the COR.

ii. The transportation device shall be clean and free of any contaminants that might injure or kill trees, such as oil, gas, and herbicides. Seedlings will not be transported in heated areas of vehicles. The contractor may need to make multiple trips from the tree cooler to the project area to facilitate transportation and temperature requirements. The contractor may also consider the need to plant early morning and then late afternoon or evening in order to keep the seedlings cool and plant when

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the air temperature and humidity are appropriate as defined in Exhibit M (Attachment 5).

iii. Contractors’ equipment shall be in good working order capable of maintaining a refrigerated temperature through the planting day unless deemed unnecessary by the COR.

iv. The contractor shall have the proper fuel to power refrigerated equipment to maintain seedling temperatures between 33o -36o F Fahrenheit.

1. The contractor may need to move the seedling transportation equipment to a shady location, when available, in order to meet the temperature requirement stated above.

2. Boxed seedlings shall not be dropped, thrown or otherwise rough handled during transportation.

Boxes shall not be exposed to direct sunlight and shall only be opened in the shade.

b. Handling of seedlings

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

ii. Seedling 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.

iii. Frozen seedlings shall not be handled until completely thawed. They shall be thawed in full shade.

iv. 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. Depending upon planting weather conditions, the number of bareroot seedlings that can be bagged up and carried into the unit may be limited. Seedlings in planting bags shall have only their tops exposed.

v. Should air temperatures, relative humidity or wind conditions make for adverse planting conditions, planting operations will cease until conditions return to favorable planting conditions. See Exhibit M (Attachment 5).

vi. Seedlings shall not be removed from planting bag until a planting hole has been completely prepared.

vii. Seedlings shall not be allowed to stand, lay in water, or be covered with snow.

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

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

x. Seedlings in bags will be planted out before extended breaks, such as lunch.

xi. Planters shall not carry more than 200 conifer seedlings at any one time in their planting bag. The number of seedlings that can be bagged up may change during the course of the workday depending upon weather conditions.

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11. PREPARATION OF BAREROOT SEEDLINGS

a. Contractor is responsible for transporting water and providing containers sufficient in amount/size to dip root systems completely without compacting roots on the bottom of the container. Water will be available for filling containers at each tree cooler location.

b. All bareroot seedlings shall be gently removed from seedling boxes and the entire root system dipped into clean water or Terra-sorb for a minimum of ten seconds prior to placing them in planting bags. The number of seedlings to be bagged up will depend upon weather conditions at the time of bag up, to ensure roots do not dry out in the planting bags before being planted.

c. Some units may utilize a slurry of Terra-Sorb for root dipping. Terra-Sorb will be mixed by the COR and all safety requirements will be followed when applying it to bare root seedlings. See Exhibit K (Attachment 5).

d. All seedling preparation shall be accomplished in shaded areas protected from wind. Roots shall be always kept moist. Excess water shall not be shaken off or otherwise removed from trees before they are placed in the planting bags.

12. SPACING AND PLANTING SPOT SELECTION

a. Microsite Priority:

i. Planting spots should be selected to utilize best planting microsites available. Spacing may be adjusted within 25% variance in average spacing. Planting spots shall be prepared on the north side of stumps, logs and terrain features that provide partial protection from sun, wind, animals, loose debris, and other agents detrimental to seedlings. See Exhibit B for microsite descriptions

b. Seedlings Spacing Requirements:

i. Seedlings shall be planted to the boundary of all planting units and around the perimeter of unplantable areas in spots distributed at the spacing prescribed. For individual seedlings, the specified average spacing at the tree level. It is acceptable 25 percent (%) variation in any direction to find a suitable planting spot. Some areas may have more varied spacing as directed by COR. In this case the unit average of TPA/total seedlings planted within a unit shall be the total planned seedlings for the unit as listed on the 2026 Ochoco Planting Data Sheets (Attachment 4).

ii. Where an unplantable spot is encountered, the planter shall plant in the closest available plantable spot and adjust spacing as needed to meet unit average trees per acre.

iii. Planting intent is to achieve an average spacing across planting units and an average number of trees per acre as specified in the 2026 Ochoco Planting Data Sheets (Attachment 4). Areas of unplantable ground within a unit will be compensated for by decreasing the spacing in plantable areas.

c. Planting Spot Selection:

i. Roads, road cut and fill banks, and trails will not be planted, unless otherwise instructed by the

COR/CO.

ii. Planting spots will space off of existing suitable trees, which for this contract, is stated on the 2026 Ochoco Planting Data Sheets (Attachment 4). For suitable existing overstory with a DBH greater of

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nine inches and more than 30% live crown and without mistletoe the spacing of ten feet from the edge of the dripline shall be used for planting spot location. Dead or dying trees, or western Juniper or lodgepole pine of any size, and trees with mistletoe are not considered to be existing suitable trees.

13. PLANTING SPOT PREPERATION

i. Prior to preparing the planting hole, 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 are 18 inches by 18 inches for all units. See Exhibit P (Attachment 5).

ii. 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. See Exhibit D (Attachment 5).

14. PREPARING THE PLANTING HOLE

Planting holes shall be located near the center of the prepared planting spot and shall be perpendicular to the ground surface and true vertical. See Exhibit J(Attachment 5).

An open hole, broken out as shown in Exhibit E (Attachment 5), deep and wide enough to fully accommodate the roots of the seedlings to be planted as required. The planting hole shall be broken out on four sides, with the back of the hole being broken out after the seedling is suspended in the center of the hole. This specification is for both conifer seedlings and riparian plants in mineral soil.

15. SEEDLING PLACEMENT

i. Bare Root Seedlings: The bareroot seedling 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 that is one inch above the cotyledon scar of the seedling. No portion of the roots shall be exposed. The roots shall not be doubled up, twisted, spiraled, or bunched. The root system shall be aligned with the axis of the planting hole with all roots extending downward. See Exhibit E, G and I

ii. Containerized Seedlings: The containerized seedlings shall be planted in the center of the prepared hole at a depth at which after filling, firming and leveling, the soil has a depth of one inch above the top of the plug. No portion of the roots shall be exposed above the ground. Live needles or branches shall not be covered with soil. Plug growing material shall not be distorted or broken from the root system during the planting process. The root system shall be aligned with the axis of the planting hole with all roots extended straight downward. See Exhibit E and J (Attachment 5).

16. FILLING AND FIRMING

i. Moist mineral soil shall be filled in and firmed around seedling roots. Dry soil, ash, organic matter, rocks, and other foreign materials 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.

ii. The contractor shall not wedge the sides of the hole. Firming the soil around the roots shall be accomplished in a manner that ensures the seedling and root systems are not damaged. After the soil is firmed around the roots, it shall be smoothed out to the level of the surrounding mineral soil surface.

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iii. After planting, the seedling shall be erect and free to grow. Firming the soil with the foot is not an acceptable way to firm the soil for upland plantings. See Exhibit E (Attachment 5).

iv. Planting tools may be used to firm the soil in the manner shown in Exhibit E (Attachment 5). Soil firming shall be accomplished while the seedling is held suspended near the center of the hole. The contractor shall not wedge the sides of the hole. Firming the soil around the roots shall be accomplished in a manner that ensures the seedling and root systems do not have air holes and that roots are not damaged.

v. Container seedlings will have no more than one inch of mineral soil on top of the container soil plug.

vi. See Exhibit I (Attachment 5) for examples of satisfactory container seedling placement and unsatisfactory container seedling placement.

17. RIPARIAN PLANTING REQUIREMENTS

The Government will identify the planting areas for the different plant species based on the different growing requirements for the different plants. Cottonwood, alder, willow and dogwood will be planted on the edge of the stream, sand and gravel bars in the stream, and in areas of deposition behind logs in streams.

Bulrush and some sedges will be planted along the edge of the stream and in the stream, while other sedges will be planted in areas to create a dry meadow. Seedlings and container stock shall be planted in the same way as conifers, unless otherwise stated. See Exhibit X (Attachment 5).

Containerized seedling heights typically range from four(4) inches to 18 inches.

i. Spacing of planting stock will vary depending on the availability of sediment, gravel bars, sandbars, soil moisture, logs, and other woody material. Planting in streams will be concentrated next to logs and other woody material when available. Typically, no more than three seedlings of the same species shall be placed within any ten-foot length of stream course, actual spacing of plants on a stream course may vary depending upon the type of plant being planted. In some areas multiple species will be planted with plants going into different zones of moisture.

ii. Some planting sites may occur in areas where the species being planted is also naturally regenerating or it was previously planted at that site. In this case, the planters shall space off the existing plants by approximately three feet. Planting will not occur under the canopy of existing riparian plants unless it is determined appropriate by the COR.

iii. Some planting areas will require walk-ins of greater than ¼ mile.

18. PRIORITY TREATMENT OF UNITS

The Government will determine the order in which units will be treated for both riparian and conifer planting to best take advantage of weather and related conditions or circumstances.

19. 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 one or two non-planting employees (Foreman and Inspector) will work together

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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.

20. CONTRACTOR INSPECTION PROCEDURES

1) Planting contract inspection procedures

a. The contractor shall:

i. Install a series of 1/50th (16.7’) acre plots with slope correction; See Exhibit L(Attachment 5). Plots shall be located throughout the planting areas to obtain a representative sample of the work.

NOTE: Larger plots may be approved by COR. Plot size shall not change within individual units.

ACRES IN SUB ITEM NUMBER OF PLOTS

1 – 39 1 per acre 40+ 1 per 2 acres

ii. Mark inspection plots on the ground by using flagged markers to locate the plot centers. Identify them by consecutively numbering each plot and indicate the date of inspection. An additional piece of flagging shall be hung at least four feet above the ground adjacent to marked plot center.

iii. Declare seedling handled in a manner inconsistent with contract specifications as wasted seedlings.

iv. Inspect planting procedures on representative sample plots and examine the planted seedlings to ensure compliance with the specifications. Utilize government provided inspection card. Use the following codes for recording above and below ground compliance on the planting plot cards:

CODE ABOVE-GROUND INSPECTION

A Planting Spot Selection

B Planting Spot Preparation C Tree Location on Planting Site, Scalp

D Planting Depth and Exposed Roots

E Stem Position or Damage

F Firming

G Shade- Microsites

H Spacing

AA Other Specifications, Scalp

CODE BELOW-GROUND INSPECTION

I Planting Hole Preparation

J Planting Hole Orientation K Root Configuration and Orientation

L Altered Root Length and Damage

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M “Foreign” Material in Planting Hole

N Loose Soil or Air Pockets

O Other Specifications

v. Determine and dig the number of seedlings from those determined satisfactory aboveground as shown below. 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.

NUMBER OF SATISFACTORILY PLANTED SEEDLINGS ON PLOT

ABOVE GROUND NUMBER TO BE DUG

1 1 2 – 6 2 7 – 9 3

10 Plus 4

vi. Compute the planting quality by the following formula:

Planting Quality =

No. of Sat Trees Above Ground X No. of Sat Dug Seedlings X 100 No. of Plantable Spots No. of Dug Seedlings

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

a. Plot

i. Divide the total satisfactory seedlings above ground by the total number of plantable spots.

ii. Divide the total satisfactory seedlings below ground by the total dug.

iii. Multiply the two totals together, then multiply by 100 to arrive at planting quality percentage.

iv. When the number of satisfactory seedlings above ground is zero or one and the number of plantable spots is zero, the result shall be 1.0.

b. Total sub-item

i. 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 subitem.

ii. Percentage of planting quality as calculated above will be rounded to the nearest whole percent.

Maximum allowable percentage shall be 100 percent per plot.

c. Inspection Results

i. Inspection shall be maintained concurrent with contract work. Contractor inspection results shall be available to the COR at the completion of each planting day for the work completed that day.

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ii. The contractor shall submit legible plot cards. Illegible and incomplete sheets shall be returned to the contractor for correction and re-submission before Government verification inspections are performed.

iii. By submission of the plot cards to the Government, the contractor is considered to be certifying that the unit is:

1. Satisfactorily completed,

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

3. Plot cards reflect the work accomplished.

2) Seedling protection inspection procedures

i. Install a series of 1/50th (16.7’) acre plots with slope correction; See Exhibit L (Attachment 5). Plots shall be located throughout the planting areas to obtain a representative sample of the work.

NOTE: Larger plots may be approved by COR. Plot size shall not change within individual units.

ACRES IN SUB ITEM NUMBER OF PLOTS

1-39 1 per acre 40+ 1 per 2 acres

Mark inspection plots on the ground by using flagged markers to locate the plot centers. Identify them by consecutively numbering each plot and indicate the date of inspection.

ii. Inspection of unit(s) shall be performed while work is in progress.

The vendor can use the planting inspection cards and clearly mark the top of the card as an inspection for seedling protection. The number of plots needed for this inspection are the same as specified for planting, as determined by the unit acreage.

a) Each plot shall be inspected for:

i. All planted trees shall have protection as ordered.

ii. Number of satisfactorily protected trees; this number shall include all trees meeting installation specifications contained herein.

iii. Number of trees unsatisfactorily protected and why; an installation not meeting all requirements specified herein shall be considered unacceptable.

b) Work quality shall be calculated at the unit level for payment as follows:

[No. of trees satisfactorily protected] ----------------------------------------------- = % work quality

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[ No. of trees requiring protection]

In the event the contractor falsifies inspection results, as determined by the CO, 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 l8 U.S.C. 287 (Fraud).

3) Unsatisfactory work

i. If the percentage of work quality for any sub-item falls below 90 percent the contractor may be allowed to rework the sub-item in order to achieve a higher work quality percentage. Replanting, if allowed, shall be done a maximum of one time.

ii. Following completion of rework, a new inspection shall be made by the contractor. Payment will be based on the new inspection.

iii. The contractor may be required to rework any unit where the average work quality falls below 80 percent, provided that additional supplies are available. Replanting will be subject to availability of tree stock. All additional cost will be absorbed by the contractor as determined by the CO.

21. GOVERNMENT INSPECTION

The Government will conduct 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. The contractor or a designated representative is encouraged to observe Government inspections while they are underway.

i. It is possible that Government inspections could be cold plots depending upon Government staffing.

Cold plots are those plots that are done after a contractor has completed the planting or other service items during the contract term.

ii. Government verification inspection will consist of observed tree handling, spot preparation, planting and inspection procedures, and examination of individual trees above and below ground.

iii. Government reserves the right to perform visual inspections in place of established plots. Unacceptable work will not be determined by visual inspection alone.

iv. Government inspection for basis of payment will consist of tree handling, planting spot preparation, planting and seedling protection.

v. Government inspection plots, when installed, will be installed and work quality calculated using the same procedures as outlined herein under contractor inspection procedures.

vi. If the results of the Government’s inspection results are within five percentage points of the contractor’s inspection results, the contractor’s inspection results will be used for payment.

vii. If the Government's inspection results differ by more than five percentage points from the contractor's inspection results, the Government's inspection will be used for payment.

22. CONIFER PLANTING: RE-INSPECTION UPON CONTRACTOR REQUEST PLANTING

If the original inspection results are unacceptable to the contractor, the contractor will have the option to

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request, in writing, a full inspection by the Government. Requests for reinspection shall be made, in writing, within five calendar days after receipt of initial inspection results. If the Government's reinspection results differ by more than five percentage points from the contractor's original inspection results, the Government's reinspection results will be used for payment and the contractor shall bear the Government's reinspection costs.

23. RIPARIAN: INSPECTION OF RIPARIAN PLANTING

The Government shall perform 100 percent visual inspection of the planting, including tree handling for this contract. No contractor inspection plots necessary for riparian planting.

24. SEEDLING PROTECTION

Seedling protection will consist of one or more of the following: flex netting, rigid mesh tubing, and/or shade. See Exhibits Q, Y, and Z (Attachment 5).

Installation of seedling protection shall not commence until planting unit acceptance by the Government.

The Government may decide it is in their best interest to order protection installation to commence prior to acceptance of the planting on individual units. Seedling protection shall be installed within 24 hours of planting acceptance. Contractor shall follow the guidelines below:

1) Flex netting.

i. Netting will be supplied to contractor in 5,000’ rolls. The contractor is responsible for cutting netting into ten-inch segments before installation.

ii. The Flex netting shall be gently placed over the needles of the seedling. See Exhibit Y (Attachment 5).

iii. If the terminal leader and first whorl of branches are not sufficient to secure the netting as described herein, a second whorl of lateral branches shall be included in the installation. On larger trees, if the terminal leader is at least 12 inches in length and provides sufficient needles for the installation to be secured as described herein, the inclusion of the first whorl within the netting will not be necessary.

iv. Securing the netting shall be accomplished by gently pulling the installation upward or downward to cause the needles to begin to project through the netting material. Netting material shall be secured to the tree in such a manner that a gentle tug or a moderate wind of 10-20 mph does not alter the installation.

v. After installing the netting material, if the netting material extends beyond the terminal bud more than six inches it shall be folded over on itself.

vi. After folding to the proper length, the material at the top of the installation shall be carefully stretched so that upon completion the opening at the top is three to five inches.

vii. In all cases, the dominant leader must be protected with 5 inches of netting material extending past the live terminal bud. The terminal bud shall not be damaged and shall be erect and free to grow.

viii. Any installation where netting material is less than four inches below or more than six inches above the terminal bud will be considered an unsatisfactory installation.

ix. Installations consisting of excessive amounts of netting will be considered unsatisfactory on the inspection summary, and excess netting will be counted as wasted material. An example of excessive netting would be the inclusion of a second whorl within the installation, when it is obvious that one whorl would be sufficient to secure the installation.

x. Heavy duty cutting tools will be needed to cut the lengths of flex netting from the 5,000’ rolls. These tools will not be provided.

2) Rigid mesh tubing

i. Rigid mesh tubing includes tube, wooden stake and twist ties.

Installation of seedling protection shall not commence until planting acceptance by the Government. The Government may decide it is in their best interest to order installation of protection to commence prior to acceptance of the planting. Contractor shall follow the guidelines issued below:

i. The Contractor shall protect all newly planted conifer seedlings as ordered within 24 hours after planting acceptance.

ii. Rigid mesh tubing installation will follow guidelines issued in Exhibit Q (Attachment 5).

iii. When installing stakes, follow guidelines issued in Exhibit Q (Attachment 5). If rock or other inhibiting factors are encountered, rotate the stake around the conifer seedling until a uninhibited location is found.

iv. Government shall furnish all equipment including: rigid mesh tubing, stakes, and twist ties.

v. Excess rigid mesh tubing, stakes, and twist ties will be returned to the Government after completion of project.

vi. A tool for pounding in stakes will be needed, no tools will be provided by the government.

3) Shade

i. Shade includes both the wicket and the envelope. See Exhibit Z (Attachment 5).

Tree shade installation on planted seedlings would occur after government acceptance of planting. Government may decide it is in their best interest to order shade installation prior to planting acceptance. Contractor shall follow guidelines issued below.

i. This work involves placing the wicket 2” – 6” inches from the planted seedling with the shaded over the wicket. Place the shade on the south side of the seedling. If rocks or other material inhibit the placement of the wicket on the south side, then placement may be on the southwest, southeast or west side of the seedlings will be acceptable.

ii. The contractor shall treat all newly planted seedlings within a unit.

iii. Government shall furnish…