1240LS21Q0052-San Juan-Wolf Den-Cut-Deck-Skid-Slash-final.pdf

Wolf Den Cut/Deck/Skid & Slash San Juan National Forest

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SECTION B- SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

Base Items:

Work

Item

Project Name Treatment

Unit

Unit of

Measure

Quantity Cost / Acre Extended

Price

Cut/Skid/Deck/Slash Unit 1 Acres 100 $ $

Cut/Skid/Deck/Slash Unit 2 Acres 2 $ $

Cut/Skid/Deck/Slash Unit 3 Acres 1 $ $

Cut/Skid/Deck/Slash Unit 4 Acres 2 $ $

Cut/Skid/Deck/Slash Unit 5 Acres 4 $ $

Cut/Skid/Deck/Slash Unit 6 Acres 2 $ $

Cut/Skid/Deck/Slash Unit 7 Acres 3 $ $

Cut/Skid/Deck/Slash Unit 8 Acres 3 $ $

TOTAL ACRES 117

Grand Total of Base Items $

Optional Items:

Work

Item

Project Name Treatment

Unit

Unit of

Measure

Quantity Cost / Acre Extended

Price

Cut/Skid/Deck/Slash Unit 9 Acres 6 $ $

Cut/Skid/Deck/Slash Unit 10 Acres 21 $ $

Cut/Skid/Deck/Slash Unit11 Acres 11 $ $

Cut/Skid/Deck/Slash Unit 12 Acres 3 $ $

Cut/Skid/Deck/Slash Unit 13 Acres 11 $ $

Cut/Skid/Deck/Slash Unit 14 Acres 2 $ $

Cut/Skid/Deck/Slash Unit 15 Acres 3 $ $

Cut/Skid/Deck/Slash Unit 16 Acres 90 $ $

Cut/Skid/Deck/Slash Unit 17 Acres 2 $ $

Cut/Skid/Deck/Slash Unit 18 Acres 2 $ $

Cut/Skid/Deck/Slash Unit 19 Acres 5 $ $

TOTAL ACRES 156

Grand Total of Options Items $

Grand Total of Base and Option Items $

Some unit acreages are estimated quantities; payment will be made for actual acres treated and accepted.

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The Government may/may not award all items. The Government also reserves the right to make partial award of the base award line item and then add optional award items to the contract at a during the life of the base award.

Company name:

Date:

Print Name of Authorized

Official:

DUN’s Number:

Signature of Authorized

Official:

Phone Number:

E-Mail Address:

Date, Time, and Place Offers are due

June 10, 2021 @ 1:00 PM Mountain Time

All offers MUST be emailed to the Contracting Officer christine.m.hansen@usda.gov

Government Points of Contact

Contracting Officer Contracting Officer Representative

Ms. Chris Hansen David Casey

801-908-1910 (work) 970-882-6830 (work) christine.m.hansen@usda.gov david.casey2@usda.gov mailto:christine.m.hansen@usda.gov mailto:christine.m.hansen@usda.gov mailto:david.casey2@usda.gov

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SECTION C – DESCRIPTIONS/SPECIFICATIONS

C.1. GENERAL

C.1.1. Introduction

The purpose of the Fork service contract is to implement a cutting (thinning), skidding and decking treatment along with slash treatments. Project can be implemented with both hand and/or mechanical means. The project area covers a total of 310 acres with bids all-inclusive of solicitation specifications.

All acres/units in the schedule of items should be quoted. Units are located on USFS (Public) Land West of the town of Dolores, CO. The Mancos-Dolores Ranger District is responsible for the project. The locations and boundary of the treatment unit is shown on the Contract Area Map in the solicitation.

Contractors are to provide all labor, supplies and equipment to implement both the mandatory items as well as optional items.

C.1.2. Definitions

Deck: Centrally locating skidded logs in an orderly manner to meet specifications

Fell (cut tree): To cut a tree and place flat on the ground from a standing position

Skid: Moving logs/boles by mechanical means to designated areas

Bole/Log – The trunk or stem of a tree.

Cut Tree – All trees designated to be cut with blue paint.

Pile Slash – Centralizing slash in small clusters according to slash specifications for later burning

DBH – Diameter at Breast Height (4.5 feet above the ground)

Treatment Unit – Area where contract work will be completed that is delineated on the Project Area

Map.

C.1.3. Scope of Work

Specific Tasks and Work Sequence

Cutting, limbing, skidding and decking shall be performed in an organized systematic manner.

Project boundary has been delineated in orange vertical paint marks with a stump mark facing the unit.

Trees larger than 20” DBH should not be felled at any time

The Project Area has been surveyed for all cultural sites. Should any heritage or cultural sites be discovered during operations, the Contractor should immediately stop treatment in that area and contact the agency representative.

Fell all trees without orange slash mark (leave tree mark) 20”DBH and less

Fell all dead trees 20” dbh and less

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Post cut stump height shall be less than 12”

Do not cut any tree with a W painted on it

Post Felling Processing

All felled trees 6.0”dbh and bigger shall have the top severed from the stem at 3” upper diameter

All felled trees 6.0” dbh and bigger shall be limbed of both live and dead branches as close to the bole edge as possible.

Trees designated for cutting not meeting the 6” diameter requirement for post processing shall be slashed according to the contract slash specifications.

Limbing shall not leave any protruding edges of branch collars or any other edges that would limit later mechanical processing. Logs may need to be rolled over to facilitate complete limbing.

Slash Processing

80% of all Contractor created Slash shall be piled

Cut trees 5.9” DBH and less are considered slash

Piles shall be constructed to facilitate full consumption when they are burned. Piles shall be compact with most small diameter slash on the bottom and larger diameter on top.

Air pockets (empty space-void of slash) within piles shall be kept to a minimum. Proper cutting of slash prior to piling facilitates minimal air spaces.

Piles are to be taller than wider

Piles shall not be less than 10 feet in diameter and no more than 20’ and will require some long distance dragging of material.

Piles shall not be placed in roads, trails or adjacent to or on fences. Slash treatment along roads shall be done without affecting the proper functioning of channels leading to and from drainage structures.

Best effort shall be made to not pile on contractor cut and processed boles

Slash treatments shall be concurrent and progress with the cutting.

Skid/Deck

Applies to all contractor felled trees 6” diameter or larger that is 8’ and longer in length.

Skid logs to designated decking areas indicated on the contract area map and deck. On the ground the

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Contracting Officer Representative (COR) will designate the actual footprint of the decking area.

• No decking in road prisms or soil protection zone

• No skidding of logs across Forest System Road without COR approval

• Decks need to be compact, neat and orderly with minimal air space

• All butt ends of the log shall be facing one direction

• The minimum height of a deck is 6’

• Larger and fewer decks are preferred

• COR will designate exact deck location on the ground with flagging

• Contractor’s operations shall not unnecessarily damage young growth or other trees to be reserved.

• The Contractor’s operations shall be conducted reasonably to minimize soil erosion. Equipment shall not be operated when ground conditions are such that excessive damage will occur.

Contractor shall adjust the kinds and intensity of erosion control work done to ground and weather conditions and the need for controlling runoff. Operation may be suspended verbally by agency representative, followed by written direction at any time due to resource damage.

• Dispersed skidding practices shall be used

• Additional trees may need to be cut in order to accommodate decking of logs depending upon contractor’s plan of operation, equipment and space needs. Cut trees are required to be processed to specification above. Review of project area is encouraged, as accurate descriptions of above logistics shall be worked into the contractor’s bid and plan of operations. Final approval of plan of operation including, layout and designated tree felling and slash processing; will occur at post award meeting upon award.

C.1.4. Location of Project Areas

The Project Area is located on the Mancos-Dolores Ranger District, San Juan National. A Vicinity Map showing the general location of the project area is attached to this solicitation. The project area is located in

Dolores County, in the “Glade Area” near NFSR 504.

Directions: Project area is located roughly 12 miles east of the town of Dove Creek, CO and approximately 24 miles north of the town of Dolores, CO. From Dolores, CO take Hwy 184 west 8 miles toward the town of Lewis, CO to Hwy 491. Turn right on Hwy 491 and head north 8.3 miles to

County Rd 16. Turn right on County Rd 16. Refer to vicinity and contract are map for further directions to specific units.

Access onto the project site is provided by a combination of paved highways, Forest Service dirt surface roads and jeep trails. Four (4) wheel drive vehicles are recommended in and around the project area. It will be the contractor’s responsibility to get the equipment to the work site.

C.1.5. Environmental Considerations

Clean Up:

Project sites shall be cleaned up, and all refuse removed by the Contractor. The Contractor shall be responsible for disposal of materials in a manner consistent with State, Federal and local laws and for all expenses incurred with disposal. Public or private access roads damaged by the Contractor shall be restored at the Contractors expense to the same condition they were in at the commencement of work.

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Use of 2-wheel and 4-wheel vehicles is permitted in the project areas. Off-road driving will be prohibited when soils are wet and rutting may occur.

Hazardous Materials:

A. Use of Hazardous Materials and/or petroleum products requires that all appropriate State and

Federal Regulations be complied with including, but not limited to, Materials Safety Data Sheets

(MSDS) on hand and use of necessary Personal Protective Clothing (PPE).

B. On-site disposal of Hazardous Materials or Waste including hydrocarbons is not authorized. On-site disposal will subject the contractor to at least the cost of reclamation and the appropriate disposal of contaminated soil.

C. Incidental (de minimus) leaks from fittings, gaskets or ruptured hoses will not subject the contractor to remedial requirements. They will be considered to be normal and unavoidable losses. Continual leaks will be noted on inspection reports and correction through maintenance required.

D. Maintenance and repair operations that require the draining of engines or hydraulic systems may be conducted on site only if the fluids are captured, containerized, and removed from public lands for proper disposal.

Noxious Weeds:

Before coming on site initially, the contractor-furnished trucks or other vehicles and equipment must be washed in order to remove all dirt, debris, and plant material that could result in transfer of noxious weeds. They must be washed any time they are used on a different project before being brought back into the project area. The Contracting Officer Representative will inspect equipment when it comes onto forest administered lands and/or the contractor shall be required to furnish Forest Service with proof of weed-free equipment.

Water Quality- The following measures shall be observed to protect stream courses:

1. The Contractor’s operations shall be conducted to prevent debris from entering stream courses.

In the event the Contractor causes debris to enter stream courses in amounts which may adversely affect the natural flow of the stream, water quality or fishery resource, the Contractor shall remove such debris as soon as practicable, but not to exceed 48 hours, and in an agreed manner that will cause the least disturbance to stream courses.

2. Equipment shall not be operated in stream courses or riparian areas felling may occur in this area. COR designated crossings are negotiated in prework meeting. Contractor shall cross perpendicular to direction of flow.

3. Equipment must not be operated in riparian areas, which is defined as permanent or intermittent wet spots or drainages with willows, cottonwood trees or other riparian vegetation. These areas are protected by description and may or may not be delineated on the ground.

Wet Period Restrictions

Forest Service “all-weather” roads with a gravel or paved surface can be operated on during most weather conditions except extremely wet periods. All other roads are native surface. Travel on native

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surface roads and off-road with equipment is restricted when the soil is saturated. Soils are too wet when the moisture content exceeds the plastic limit. If soils within 6 inches of the surface can be rolled into threads 3 millimeters in diameter without breaking or crumbling the soils are too wet for operations. If the soils are saturated such that ruts 4 inches or deeper and 10 feet long are created by heavy vehicles, the Contractor shall cease operations in that area. If conditions persist, the COR may suspend the

Contract until the soils dry out or freeze. If the Contract is suspended due to wet conditions, the

Government is not responsible for additional mobilization costs.

Other Resource Protection

All of the activities associated with this project shall be conducted in such a manner that there shall not be any adverse impact to the following resources listed.

1. Wildlife: There is a no activity mitigation on this contract for large game production: No activities from May 15 – June 30th. Also, if birds of prey or other protected species are discovered within or adjacent to unit(s) delays in access to unit(s) may occur.

2. Surface Conditions - Wheeled motorized equipment shall not be operated when conditions are muddy, or the soil moisture is high enough for the vehicles to leave ruts over 4.0 inches in height for

10 ft or more. When/If such conditions are encountered, the Contractor shall stop work and immediately notify the COR/PI.

3. Litter- Contractor shall clean-up all generated litter and dispose of it at an approved sanitary landfill or other location and in a manner approved by the CO/COR.

4. Protection of Improvements and Survey Monuments- The Contractor(s) shall avoid any damage to improvements such as, but not limited to, fences, gates, utility poles, survey markers or monuments, claim stakes, survey witness trees and cultural sites. The Contractor will be required to repair or pay fair market value to replace any damaged improvements.

Reservoir or Stream Courses:

Trees shall be directionally felled away from reservoirs or stream courses. Stream courses identified on project maps shall be free of activity slash for a distance of 20 feet from the high water mark on either side of the stream course.

The following improvement and developments shall be free from treatment slash created by the tasks in this contract:

• The area adjacent to cut and fill slopes, and ditches for a distance of 10 feet measured from the upper cut slope and the lower shoulder of the road. Material shall be less than 6 feet in length to prevent barriers along roads.

• Culverts for a distance of 15 feet.

• Improvements such as unit boundaries, roads, telephone lines, power lines, established trails, stock driveways, fence lines, established land corners. Do not fall any trees which may fall on power lines.

• Reservoir or stream courses as required in the task order.

Bio-based products utilization:

The Contractor must comply with the Agricultural Act of 2014; the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (FCEA), 7 U.S.C. 8102; the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (FSRIA), 7

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U.S.C. 8102; the Federal Acquisition Regulation; Executive Order (EO) 13514, “Federal Leadership in

Environmental, Energy and Economic Performance,” dated October 5, 2009; EO 13423, “Strengthening

Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management,” dated January 24, 2007; and

Presidential Memorandum, “Driving Innovation and Creating Jobs in Rural America through Bio-based and Sustainable Product Procurement,” dated February 2012, to provide bio-based products.

The Contractor shall utilize products and material made from bio-based materials to the maximum extent possible without jeopardizing the intended end use or detracting from the overall quality delivered to the end user. All supplies and materials shall be of a type and quality that conform to applicable

Federal specifications and standards. All supplies and materials to be used in the performance of work described herein are subject to the approval of the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

The following is an example list of products that may be used in this contract for which bio-based products are available. The list is not all inclusive. It is desirable that Contractors be able to supply the greatest number of bio-based products listed meeting the health and environmental specifications.

Hydraulic Fluids Penetrating Lubricants Diesel Fuel Additives

Multi-purpose Lubricants Degreasers Lube Chain Lubricants

Chain Bar Lubricants All Purpose Cleaners

Bio-based products that are designated for preferred procurement under USDA’s Bio-preferred Program must meet the required minimum bio-based content as stated in the USDA Final Rule available at www.biopreferred.gov. The Contractor shall provide data for their bio-based products such as bio-based content and source of bio-based material.

In addition to the bio-based products designated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the bio-preferred program, the Contractor is encouraged to use other commercially available bio-based products.

The Contractor shall submit with the initial proposal a complete list of bio-based products, indicating the name of the manufacturer, cost of each material, and the intended use of each of the materials that are to be used in carrying out the requirements of this contract (see Experience Questionnaire).

Additionally, the winning Contractor on each anniversary date of the contract shall compile a complete list of bio-based products, including the information above, purchased to carry out the contract requirements. The Contractor shall list volume to be used and total cost for each individual product.

This information will be used for reporting purposes (see Section I, FAR Clause 52.223-2 and Section L, FAR Provision 52.223-1).

This submittal will be approved by the COR in writing. The Contractor shall not commence work until this submittal is approved by the COR in writing. The Plan must be reviewed and updated annually, and as required by the COR. The Plan must contain and define the following elements:

• The Contractor’s written policy stating its commitment to the use of bio-based products, employee health and safety, and sound environmental management practices.

• Detail on how the Contractor intends to keep abreast of the development and increasing availability of designated and non-designated bio-based products and how any new or improved products will be incorporated on an ongoing basis into contract performance.

• Proposed bio-based construction products which must be selected in accordance with the criteria included above. At a minimum, the Plan must identify products by brand name for each of the product types.

NOTE: A Contractor may propose more than one product within a product category and/or propose a product or products addressing more than one product category.

• The product guides which define standard operating procedures for instructing staff in the proper use, storage, and disposal of bio-based products; proper maintenance of equipment; and other procedures/instructions to accomplish work under this contract.

The Contractor shall provide data on the quantity and dollar values of bio-based products used in this contract. The data shall be submitted to the COR quarterly.

A demonstration of proper use, an effective training program, and technical assistance are essential to the success of the purchase and use of some bio-based products that may function differently than a conventional product.

C.1.6. Traffic Control

Public safety is the top priority for this project. It is the contractor’s responsibility to provide for traffic control needs during project operations. Access roads to the project sites shall need full signage to ensure public safety. Trails in the project area can be busy with recreationists and shall require appropriate signage. Access into and through the project site shall remain open to the public at all times.

The Contractor shall maintain roadways free of vehicles, tools and debris.

C.1.7. Notification or Cessation or restart of work

The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) whenever the Contractor intends to cease operations for three or more days and shall notify the COR before starting operations after a shutdown of three or more days.

C.1.8. Personnel Requirements and Crew Supervision/Project Leader

A qualified, English speaking crew leader must be on-site directing work at all times.

Failure to maintain a crew leader, who demonstrates the minimum skills and ability as shown below, will result in suspension of work until an acceptable on-the-ground crew leader is provided. A maximum of five (5) days will be allowed to produce a qualified crew leader. Failure to produce a qualified on-the-ground crew leader within five days may result in the Contracting Officer (CO) issuing a Suspend Work Order.

1. Contractor shall maintain an adequate workforce at all times to ensure timely completion of the work and is responsible for the crew knowing the requirements of the contract. The crew is responsible for maintaining a safe working environment.

2. Persons designated by the Contractor as supervisor must remain with and effectively direct the crew by (1) making periodic inspections of the crew’s work, (2) advising them as to the improper and unsafe work methods, (3) providing instructions for correcting any improper work methods encountered.

3. Emergency transportation will be provided by the Contractor at all times. Crew members shall not

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be allowed to work alone.

The Contractor’s on-site representative shall be fully conversant and literate in the English language and shall be in the work area whenever work is in progress.

All work under this contract shall be performed in a skillful and workmanlike manner. The forest service may require, in writing, that the contractor remove from the work any employee deemed by the forest service to be incompetent, careless, or otherwise objectionable. All equipment and/or materials incorporated into the work covered by this contract shall be of the most suitable grade for the purpose intended, unless otherwise specifically provided in this contract. The Contractor shall furnish equipment on a fully operational basis, with competent, fully-qualified operators.

C.1.9. Detailed Unit Information

It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor (i.e. knowledge and experience of the project leader) to determine the quantity of work contained within the established boundaries of the project. Acreage of the units was determined by calculations based on a horizontal plane using GIS technology. Contractor will be paid for actual treated acres.

C.1.10. Work Camps

Work camps may be established only in locations authorized in advance by the Contracting

Officer Representative (COR), and only after the prior written authorization of the responsible land manager. Should such a work camp be authorized, the Contractor shall maintain the camp in an orderly and sanitary manner. All fire regulations and permits shall be followed. Upon vacating a camp and project, and prior to the final payment, the Contractor shall remove all garbage and refuse and other signs of occupancy to the satisfaction of the COR or Project Inspector. Contractor shall be responsible for disposal of materials in a manner consistent with State, Federal and local laws and for all expenses incurred with disposal.

C.1.11. Contractor Furnished Equipment

Equipment Requirements: At least one, mobile, tracked or wheeled, hydraulically or PTO driven, mechanical feller buncher with processor or other similar equipment and skilled feller, and one skidder shall be furnished on a fully-operational basis, with a competent, fully-qualified operator, and shall be capable of cutting trees with a stump diameter of 3 inches and larger in diameter at six inches above ground level measured on the uphill side. Equipment shall be washed with a high-pressure system before entering and exiting project lands. All soil and plant parts shall be removed to prevent the spread of noxious weeds in and out of the project area. Upon award, contractor shall demonstrate how provided equipment will exhibit the capacity to cut, limb and skid the vegetative material to the appropriate deck.

C.1.12. Equipment and Workmanship

All equipment and/or materials incorporated into the work covered by this contract shall be of the most suitable grade for the purpose intended, unless otherwise specifically provided in this contract. All work under this contract shall be performed in a skillful and workmanlike manner. The Forest Service may require, in writing, that the contractor remove from the work any employee deemed by the Forest

Service to be incompetent, careless, or otherwise objectionable.

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C.1.13. Security of Equipment and Property

The Contractor may leave equipment at the work site, however, the Contractor shall be solely responsible for protection of equipment and is solely responsible if the equipment is lost, stolen or damaged.

C.1.14 Surface Conditions

Operations shall not occur under conditions that prevent the proper operation of equipment. These conditions may include snow, frozen ground or when the soil exceeds 15% moisture content. When such conditions are encountered, the Contractor shall stop work and notify the Forest Service.

C.1.14. Surface Disturbance

Public or private access roads damaged by the Contractor shall be restored at the Contractors expense to the same condition they were in at the commencement of work. Equipment and vehicles must not be operated or driven outside of the flagged boundaries except on identified roads or trails. All-terrain vehicles may be used within project areas as long as vehicle use does not create a visible trail.

Equipment use will be prohibited when soils are wet and rutting might occur. All created visible trails and/or ruts will be reclaimed at the expense of the contractor.

C.1.15. Acceptance of Work

The Forest Service shall perform an inspection upon Contractor’s written request and assurance that work has been completed. Request shall be for a reasonable portion of work. Acceptance may be made for all or portions of work.

Measurable Performance Standards:

1) Trees with a 3 inch stump diameter and larger have been cut, limbed, skid and decked to designated landings.

2) Stump height.

3) Position and height of slash.

Acceptable Quality Standards:

1) The Forest Service will conduct visual inspections, to determine compliance with work specifications. Initial inspection will consist of a review to ensure trees with 3 inch stump diameters and larger as stated above are cut, limbed, skid and decked in designated landings.

2) If the contractor disagrees with the informal walk thru results of the Forest Service, the contractor may request a formal systematic sample across the treatment area.

a. For stump height: A series of ten 1/30 acre plots (21.5 ft. radius circular plot) will be systematically distributed across the unit. Plot centers will be marked. The Forest Service will record the plot number, if the plot is satisfactory or unsatisfactory, and the reason for an unsatisfactory rating on each plot. Each plot will receive a rating of pass or fail. A plot will receive a pass rating when no more than two unacceptable trees or high stumps are left within the plot. At the end of the inspection, the work quality will be determined by the following formula:

i. Number of acceptable plots/total number of plots X 100 = Work Quality %.

ii. Where work quality is >= 90%, work item will be accepted.

iii. Where work quality < 90%, contractor shall re-work to meet specifications.

b. For the slash treatment: A series of ten 1/30 acre plots (21.5 ft. radius circular plot) will be

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systematically distributed across the unit. Plot centers will be marked. The Forest Service will record the plot number, if the plot is satisfactory or unsatisfactory, and the reason for an unsatisfactory rating on each plot. Each plot will receive a rating of pass or fail. A plot will receive a pass rating when all slash is properly treated. At the end of the inspection, the work quality will be determined by the following formula:

i. Number of acceptable plots/total number of plots X 100 + Work Quality %.

ii. Where work quality is >= 90% work item will be accepted.

iii. Where work quality is < 90%, contractor shall re-work to meet specifications

C.1.16. Work Hours

Work hours under this contract shall be limited to the time between one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset each day. Work hours may extend into darkness only when the contractor’s equipment is suitably outfitted with exterior lighting sufficient to allow safe operation; AND only when mutually agreed upon between the contractor and the COR. Work may be done on Saturday, Sunday, and legal national holidays as mutually agreed between the Contractor and the COR

C.1.17. Work Schedule

The work schedule shall be submitted at the post award conference.

C.1.18. Delays

The contractor is expected to complete all contract performance in a timely manner, regardless of the contractor or subcontractor's other work load, including any work being performed under other government or state contracts. A delay or failure to perform may be considered excusable when the delay or failure arises from causes beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of the

Contractor or subcontractor. Examples of these causes are (1) acts of God or of the public enemy,

(2) acts of the Government in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, (3) fires, (4) floods,

(5) epidemics, (6) quarantine restrictions, (7) strikes, (8) freight embargoes, and (9) unusually severe weather. In each instance, the failure to perform must be beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of the Contractor or subcontractor.

Upon request of the Contractor, the Contracting Officer shall ascertain the facts and extent of the failure.

If the Contracting Officer determines that any failure to perform results from one or more of the causes above, the delivery schedule may be revised, subject to the State’s contract termination rights under the contract.

Note: “Unusually severe weather” means weather that is outside the normal weather patterns for a specific area at a specific time of the year. For example, strong wind and snow storms in fall and winter, or strong wind, rain or hail storms in spring and summer are not considered unusually severe. An unusually severe snow, wind or rain storm is one that is worse than even the harshest normal conditions during a season.

C.1.19. Project Meetings

Post Award Conference:

1. Location: Meetings shall be held at the project site, or as determined by the CO.

2. Notification: A post awa conference will be held prior to the start of work. The Contractor will be

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notified in advance of the meeting time, date and place. The purpose will be to review required work, project specifications, schedules, payments, and administrative provisions of the contract.

3. Attendance: The Contractor, subcontractors and the persons responsible for coordination of the work shall be present at the meeting via conference call.

4. Presentation: The Contractor shall be prepared to summarize and explain procedures planned for each project and present the work schedule requested in the specifications.

Progress Meetings:

1. Location: Meetings shall be held at the project site, or as determined by the COR.

2. Notification: Meetings may be called by either the COR or the Contractor. Request shall state who should attend.

C.1.20. Fire Season and Prevention Stipulations

1. Fire Danger:

The fire precautionary season is July 1 through October 31. Work during this period, shall comply with all applicable federal laws relating to fire prevention and with all special conditions of work as directed by the COR.

2. Fire Prevention Stipulations:

The Contractor will notify the Forest Service of any fires and comply with all rules and regulations administered by the Forest Service concerning the use, prevention and suppression of fires on federal lands, including any fire prevention orders that may be in effect at the time of the permitted activity. The

Contractor may be held liable for the cost of fire suppression, stabilization and rehabilitation. In the event of a fire, personal safety will be the first priority of the Contractor. The Contractor will:

1. Operate all internal and external combustion engines on federally managed lands per 36 CFR 261.52, which requires all such engines to be equipped with a qualified spark arrester that is maintained and not modified.

2. Carry shovels, water, and fire extinguishers that are rated at a minimum as ABC - 10 pound on all equipment and vehicles.

3. Initiate fire suppression actions in the work area to prevent fire spread to or on federally administered lands. If a fire spreads beyond the capability of workers with the stipulated tools, all will cease fire suppression action and leave the area immediately via pre-identified escape routes.

4. Notify the Durango Dispatch 970-385-1324 immediately of the location and status of any escaped fire or call 911.

5. Notify the Forest Service Contracting Officer Representative immediately of the incident.

C.1.21. Preservation of Historical and Archaeological Data

The Contractor agrees that should he or any of his employees in the performance of this contract discover evidence of possible scientific, pre-historical, historical, or archeological data he will notify the

COR immediately giving the location and nature of the findings. The COR will then notify the District

Archaeologist.

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1. Where appropriate by reason of discovery, the COR may order delays in the time of performance and/or changes in the work. If such delays and/or changes are ordered, the time of performance and contract price shall be adjusted.

2. The Contractor agrees to insert this paragraph in all subcontracts, which involve the performance of work on the terrain of the site.

C.1.22. Protection of Cultural Resources

Location of known historic or prehistoric sites, buildings, objects, and properties related to American history, architecture, archaeology and culture, such as settler or Indian artifacts, protected by American

Antiquities Act of 1906 (16 U.S.C. 431-433), National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C.

470) and the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (16 U.S.C. 470aa-ll) (36 CFR 296.4 and

36 CFR 261.9(g)), shall be identified on the ground by the Government. The Government may unilaterally modify or cancel this contract to protect an area, object of antiquity, artifact, or similar object which is or may be entitled to protection under these Acts regardless of when the area, object or artifact is discovered or identified. Discovery of such areas by either party shall be promptly reported to the other party and operations will be suspended at that location until the significance or potential significance of the site is determined.

Contractor shall protect all known and identified historic or prehistoric sites, buildings, objects, and properties related to American history, architecture, archaeology and culture against destruction, obliteration, removal or damage during Contractor's operations. Contractor shall immediately notify the

Government if disturbance occurs to any known site, and shall immediately halt operations in the vicinity of the site until the Government authorizes the Contractor to proceed. Contractor shall bear costs of evaluation and restoration in accordance with 36 CFR 296.14(c), provided that such payment shall not relieve Contractor from civil or criminal remedies otherwise provided by law.

C.1.23. Notice to Proceed

Unless notified by the Forest Service COR that notice-to-proceed will be delayed, receipt of the contract or purchase order by email shall constitute Notice to Proceed. The COR may issue a separate delayed notice-to-proceed for any reason including adverse soil, vegetative, climatologic or other environmental conditions.

C.1.24. Contract Performance

The Contractor shall begin work within seven (7) calendar days from the effective date of the notice to proceed. The Contractor shall continue performance of the work under the contract without delay or interruption except by causes beyond his control identified in the Delays clause. While an extended performance window is provided in this statement of work, this extended window is designed for contractor’s who may have multiple contracts to complete for the Forest Service at the same time as this contract. The extended performance window is not to be construed as a full performance time window just for this project unless approved in advance in writing by the Forest Service Contracting Officer.

Once the contractor is on site working, the contractor shall work diligently and complete all work within the project performance time in the Contract Time clause below.

It is the contractor’s sole responsibility to complete contract performance regardless of contractor’s current work load, including other Government contracts. If necessary, the contractor will be expected to take whatever means are necessary to ensure timely contract performance. At the discretion of the contractor, this may include sub-contracting, additional

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equipment/manpower and/or any other necessary action. Any necessary action taken by the contractor to ensure timely completion shall be at no additional expense to the Forest Service beyond the original contract price.

C.1.25. Communications

The Contractor shall keep the Contracting Officer advised as to where the Contractor or Contractor’s representative may be reached by phone during period of work suspension and periods of time without work. Further, the Contractor shall maintain contact with the Contracting Officer during periods of work suspension or periods of time without work.

For the life of this contract, the contractor shall monitor the email address and telephone number provided to the government. The government requires response to email or telephone inquiries within three days. Not responding within three days is an un-satisfactory business practice and will reflect on the performance evaluation, subsequent source selections, and may result in contract termination. Email sent by the government to the contractor shall be considered received the same day they are sent.

C.1.26. Measurement

All linear and area measurements under this contract are measured on a horizontal plane without the established boundaries. Acreages will be determined by using GIS by digitizing boundaries from ortho-photos and calculating the acreages. Boundaries are marked as indicated in the task order.

C.1.27. Re-Measurement

The Contractor may at any time after award request re-measurement of any item. The request must be in writing within 10 days after completion of a unit or pay item. The method of re-measurement will be the same as the original method of measurement used, unless another method is mutually agreed upon. The

Government’s re- measurement of the item will be made within established boundaries. If re-measurement indicates a variance of 5 percent of less in the acreage stated in the task order, there will be no adjustment in acres and the Contractor shall pay for the actual cost of re-measurement.

C.1.28. Inspection

Surveillance Plan: The Forest Service will inspect completed acres for and provide recommendations to improve work quality while work is in progress. The Contractor is responsible for providing quality control to assure that work complies with the contract specifications.

CONTRACTOR QUALITY CONTROL

The Contractor shall provide quality control for all thinning operations. The Contractor is expected to conduct their own prompt inspections to ensure that all thinning and slash treatment requirements are being met. Government inspections are for payment determination only and are not intended to be used as a quality control by the Contractor. Any delay in Government inspections will not cause the

Government to be responsible for the Contractors thinning quality.

Quality control includes the monitoring of quality while work is in progress and an unbiased sample of thinning and other work to determine actual quality percentage.

GOVERNMENT QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN

1. Inspection. The Government’s quality assurance inspections will determine compliance with specifications and provide the basis for computing the rate of payment. Inspections will consist of visual observations and sample plots to determine compliance with the specifications.

Determination of the acceptability of the work performed will be based on these inspections, which will be considered conclusive, except as otherwise provided in the contract. The Contractor or his representative may observe inspections while they are underway.

Acceptance will be determined based on compliance with the contract specifications.

Noncompliance will result in non-acceptance of the work. If the Contractor’s work is determined to be unacceptable, the Government may initiate any remedies described in FAR 52.212-4(a) Contract

Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items, Inspection/Acceptance. The Contract Officer

Representative (COR) and/or designated inspector(s) will make periodic inspections. The

Contractor’s representative is encouraged to observe the inspection process.

2. Rework and Re-inspection after Rework. Inspections after rework will be made in the same manner as the first inspection but on different areas.

3. Inspection of Slash Treatment and Other Contract Requirements. Acceptance will be determined by inspection of areas requiring treatment and will be based on adherence to the specifications.

Noncompliance with any of the specifications will classify the treatment as unsatisfactory and rework will be required to bring the treatment up to specification standards.

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

The following describes the major items in the contract with the incentives and deductions for the work described.

Work

Statement

Performance

Standard

Gov’t Method of Assessment

Incentive/ deduction skidding specifications

Quality meets specifications

Visual

Inspection and fixed plot inventory

Rework required if

Contractor fails to meet standard. And/or payment reduction decking specifications

Quality meets specifications

Visual

Inspection and fixed plot inventory

Rework required if

Contractor fails to meet cutting and piling

Specification

Quality meets specifications

Visual

Inspection and fixed plot inventory

Rework required if

Contractor fails to meet

Acceptable Quality Levels (AQL)

Acceptable Quality Level – Skidding Treatment

AQL 90% acceptable level of performance

MONITIORING METHOD – Visual inspections and sampling of Contractor’s work

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Acceptable Quality Level – Decking Treatment

AQL 90% acceptable level of performance

MONITIORING METHOD – Visual inspections and sampling of Contractor’s work

C.1.29. Final Inspection

Location: Meeting shall be held at the project sites, or as determined by the COR.

Notification: The Contractor shall notify the COR at least three (3) working days before completing date so the Government can schedule the final inspection.

Deficiencies: The Contractor shall correct deficiencies and project areas will be re-inspected by the CO

C.1.30. Acceptance

Based on inspection results, if the quality level falls below contract specifications, the COR will immediately notify the Contractor in writing and instruct the Contractor to improve the quality of work.

If the quality of the work is not raised to an acceptable level after written notification, the COR may issue a suspend work order to resolve the problem, during which time contract time will continue to run.

If untreated or unsatisfactorily treated areas are the primary reason for unsatisfactory work, the

Contractor shall rework acres designated by the Forest Service until satisfactory work quality is obtained.

C.1.31. Payment

After inspections of completed tasks, the COR will calculate the pay rate subject to approval by the

Contracting Officer.

The pay rate will be calculated by multiplying the inspection percentage times the contract unit price per unit (acre or feet). When the inspection percentage is 90% or greater, payment will be made at the full contract price. If the inspection percentage is below 90%, no payment will be made.

Invoices will be submitted for payment through the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) www.ipp.gov.

Rejected invoices must be corrected and resubmitted. IPP will advance the approved invoice to the

Contracting Officer for payment processing.

Payment can be by one final payment, following a final inspection of the completed project, and consistent with the payment clause in the Forest Service standard terms and conditions. Or, can be made by completion of each cutting unit, following inspections and approval of work.

C.1.32. Winter Shutdown

At the sole discretion of the Forest Service this contract may be stopped at any time due to frozen soil or other winter conditions. Once the contract work is stopped for winter, the Forest Service may pay the contractor and cancel the remaining portion of the contract or issue a resumption of work order when spring weather permits. Contractor must proceed diligently with all work as weather permits until a stop-work order is issued.

http://www.ipp.gov/

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C.1.33. Government Points of Contact

David Casey, Supervisory Forester, San Juan National Forest; Office Phone: 970.882.6830 david.casey2@usda.gov

Chris Hansen, Contracting Officer, Office Phone, 801.908.1910 christine.m.hansen@usday.gov

C.2. Site Visit

There will-not be a site visit scheduled. It is strongly recommended that Bidders inspect the site where services are to be performed and to satisfy themselves regarding all general and local conditions that may affect the cost of contract performance, to the extent that the information is reasonably obtainable.

C.3. GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY

C.3.1. Maps

The contractor will be provided maps of the project area with roads and units delineated.

For this project shape/KML file(s) [ X ] are [ ] are not available.

If available, files will be provided to any bidder who requests them. To request a shape/KML file, bidder must submit a request for the file(s) by email to david.casey2@usda.gov

Properly submitted requests will be granted and file(s) will be provided by the Forest Service representative by return email as long as the emailed request is sent prior to the closing time. The contracting officer identified elsewhere in this solicitation shall be sent a cc: of the emailed request. Requests for shape or KML files submitted by fax or phone will not be honored. The Forest Service is not responsible if said files cannot be delivered by email because of the bidder’s email system limitations. It is the sole responsibility of the bidder to ensure that his/her email capability is adequate. Shape/KML files will not be delivered under any other format or method. No other comments or questions are allowed in an emailed request.

Under no circumstances shall the shape/KML files by considered part of the contractual document. They will be provided for informational purposes only. Any .pdf files provided in this bid document, and the actual physical site location shall govern any contractual interpretation or dispute related to this project.

No other Government property will be furnished on this project.

mailto:christine.m.hansen@usday.gov

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SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clauses: https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far (FAR clauses begin with 52)

Department of Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) Clauses: https://www.acquisition.gov/agar

(AGAR clauses begin with 452)

Deviations to clauses may be viewed at:

https://www.dm.usda.gov/procurement/policy/FARClassDeviations.htm

52.203-3 Gratuities (APR 1984)

52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights and Requirement to Inform Employees of

Whistleblower Rights (JUN 2020)

52.204-4 Printed or Copied Double-Sided on Postconsumer Fiber Content Paper (MAY 2011)

52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance (OCT 2018)

52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance (AUG 2020)

52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items (OCT 2018)

Addenda to 52.212-4:

Replace paragraph (r) of clause 52.212-4 with the following as specified in DEVIATION 2017-1

(AUG 2017):

(r) Compliance with laws unique to Government contracts. The Contractor agrees to comply with 31

U.S.C. 1352 relating to limitations on the use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal contracts; 18 U.S.C 431 relating to officials not to benefit; 40 U.S.C. chapter 37, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards; 41 U.S.C. chapter 87, Kickbacks; 10 U.S.C. 2409 relating to whistleblower protections; 49 U.S.C. 40118, Fly American; and 41 U.S.C chapter 21 relating to procurement integrity.

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/agar

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52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders –

Commercial Items (JAN 2021) (DEVIATION JUL 2020)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, which are incorporated in this contract by reference, to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

(1) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements

(Jan 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations

Act, 2015 (Pub.