Attachment_1_-_IDIQ_STATEMENT_OF_WORK.pdf

12414620Q0001 – National Forests in Alabama Stand Exam Project Attach 1 ‐ Page 1 of 9

National Forests in Alabama Stand Exam Project Scope of Work (SOW)

1.1. Scope of Work

The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, transportation, supervision, supplies (except those designated as Government-furnished), incidentals, and perform timber stand examinations plots on National Forests in Alabama. Data will be collected using the most recent version of Forest Service Common Stand Exam protocols. The CSE Field Guide R8 Appendixes and list of compatable data recorders can be found at http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/nris/products/fsveg/index.shtml. The contract pre-work conference will include a discussion of the proposed project work schedule, a work order, and plan work and inspection activities.

TOTAL SIZE AND NUMBER OF PROJECT ___ FOR ____ PLOTS

1.2 Location and Description The project is located on the National Forests in Alabama Ranger Districts. Project areas located on the Bankhead, Oakmulgee, Conecuh, Shoal Creek, Talladega and Tuskegee ranger districts.

1.3 AccessibilityThere is the possibility that a four-wheel drive vehicle may be necessary to travel on some Forest Service roads. Foot travel to and from stands of .1 to .5 miles will be common. Slopes are extremely variable and may exceed 35% in some cases. Feral hogs, Bees, poisonous and snakes and other enviromental conditions may be encountered.

1.4 Performance Period

An average workday production per field crew (two man) is estimated at 15 plots/day. The Contractor shall maintain progress at a rate that shall assure completion and acceptance of work within the contract time frame assigned per district. The Contractor will provide weekly progress status reports. Similarly, the Contractor shall not withhold data from submission to the Forest Service such that available inspectors cannot complete the timely inspections as provided for in this contract per district.

Following contract award, the Forest Service will issue a Notice to Proceed or otherwise indicated in the task order, stating the amount of time and the start date, as soon as practicable. Contract time will not begin until the Contractor has been provided Government-furnished items.

The contractor shall be required to commence work under this contract within 10 (ten) calender days after the effective date of the Notice to Proceed and must be completed within 45 days. A notice to proceed will not be issued until after a pre-work conference is held. Contract work may began no sooner than October 1 and must be completed by April 30.

1.5 Government-Furnished Items

The Forest Service will deliver to the Contractor the following listed materials, supplies, property or services; hereinafter referred to as Government-Furnished Items, at the pre-work conference or at a mutually agreeable time thereafter but in any case prior to field work. The Contractor shall be liable for all loss or damage of such Government-Furnished Items until it has been returned. Completion and final acceptance of work required under this contract will be contingent on the return of all Government-furnished items in serviceable condition. The Contractor will be charged by a reduction in contract

12414620Q0001 – National Forests in Alabama Stand Exam Project Attach 1 ‐ Page 2 of 9 payments the replacement cost of Government-furnished items lost or damaged to the extent of becoming unserviceable.

Government Furnished

Items Quantity When, Where, How to be Furnished

Site Map One per Crew Upon Request After Award Common Stand Exam Program

One per Crew Upon Request After Award

Common Stand Exam User Guide and R8 Appendixes

One per Crew Prior to Award

Color copies of aerial photos

One per Crew Upon Request After Award

GPS Shapefiles As needed Required After Award

1.6 Qualifications

The person in charge of the work being performed should hold a minimum of a 4-year degree in forestry from an SAF accredited or recognized college or university.

The persons performing the work should hold a minimium of a 2-year degree in forestry from an SAF accredited or recognized college. Two years verifiable technical experience in collecting field data for timber inventories, stand examinations, or timber cruises may be substituted for the education requirements.

In addition, each person must also be able to demonstrate the following:

a. Proficiency in the interpretation of aerial photography.

b. Ability to distinguish between stand types both in the field and on original or photocopied aerial photographs.

c. Proficiency in the use of hand held compass, pacing, and map distance and area measurements.

d. Ability to accurately identify local tree and shrub species, generally to the species level, including listed non-native invasive species.

e. Proficiency in the use of forest measurement equipment.

f. Knowledge of common forest insects and diseases.

If person cannot demonstrate these qualifications, then replacement of that person may be required

2 DEFINITIONS

The following are definitions that refer to data elements and attributes for collecting Common Stand Exam data.

Plot Data Form. The Plot Data form is used to collect data at the plot level and is independent of the information collected at the setting level. This data is collected individually for all sample plots in the stand.

pdr (.pdr) File. Personal Data Record is a file format containing filed data that has been created using ExamsPC software. The file extension is .pdr.

Sample Design Form. The Sample Design form contains information about how the data was collected, which trees, shrubs and cover are measured, and how the measurements shall be converted to pre-acre values.

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Setting Data Form. The Setting Data form in used to collect data that uniquely identifies each stand.

Stand. A stand is a community, particularly of trees, possessing sufficient uniformity as regards composition, age, spatial arrangement, or condition, to be distinguishable from adjacent communities, so forming a silvicultural or management entity.

3 Performance Work Statement

3.1 Number of Plots

Number of plots will be identified by stand and plot locations will be generated by the Government.

3.2. Distribution of Plots

3.2.1 Plots will be in a grid format in each stand. In order to maintain representation, the required number of plots will be well distributed and within the predominant species composition. If a pre-generated gps plot falls in an area that is not representative of the stand (i.e. hardwood hedgerows, windrows, or home sites), offset one chain to capture representative species.

3.2.2 The Forest Service will inspect for the distribution of plots within stands during field inspections.

Plot data not representative of the stand will be handled in one of four ways. The Forest Service may:

(1) recognize the plot(s) as being in an inclusion and satisfying the requirement for plotting inclusions therefore not necessitating replacement; or

(2) recognize the plot(s) as being in an inclusion but being in excess of the requirement for plotting inclusions therefore affecting payments; or

(3) require replacement plot(s) in the predominant vegetation community for those determined to be non- representative of the stand up to the required number of plots for that stand size; or

(4) require the creation of a new stand of which the non-representative plot or plots become a part and supplemental plots will be required to be taken up to the required number for that new stand size.

3.3 Plot Identification

The Government will supply the number and locations of plots in stands requiring stand exams. The plot locations will be supplied in a common electronic format compatible for use in a Garmin type handheld gps unit or ESRI maping products.

The Contractor shall mark sample plot centers on the ground with materials and methods that ensure they can be recovered for a minimum of one year from the date established.

1. A wire flag is acceptable for the plot center marker. The top of the marker shall be at least one foot above surrounding duff, litter, and down woody debris and also flagged or otherwise made to contrast with natural surroundings.

2. In addition, a free-hanging piece of flagging a minimum of 18” long and of a color to be highly visible shall be suspended no less than 4 feet nor more than 8 feet high as near as practicable over the plot center on a living stem of any diameter or a dead stem at least 1 inch in diameter.

3. Flagging will be marked with the stand number, the plot number, and the date the plot was taken with waterproof ink near the free end of the flagging. Specific materials and methods of marking will be agreed upon at the pre-work conference.

4. Additional flagging is required at approxmately 4.5 feet above the ground to mark the first tree

12414620Q0001 – National Forests in Alabama Stand Exam Project Attach 1 ‐ Page 4 of 9 measured on a plot with the tied knot in the flagging indicating the direction toward plot center.

Any site trees shall also be flagged at breast height with the letters “ST” written on the loose end of the flagging to indicate the tree is a site tree.

5.

3.4 Recording Requirements

The Forest Service will supply the CSE software. The Forest Service will set the sample design and form requirements. Modifications shall be made by the Forest Service, if necessary. Examples of the data settings in CSE are found in included attachments.

3.5 Setting Form (CSE)

3.5.1 For each stand in the contract, the contractor shall record the basal area with a 10 factor prism (BAF) of all stems greater than 5.0” DBH within the plot, and a fixed plot size of 1/300th acre for stems less than 5.0” DBH within the plot, when applicable. The BAF and fixed plot size will remain the same throughout all stands of the contract and are not to be changed by the contractor.

3.5.2 The contractor shall be responsible for collecting and filling out the Setting Form for all data items that are set to “YES” in the “Required” column of the table below.

3.6 Plot Form (CSE)

3.6.1 The following items are required to be recorded at each plot on the Plot form (see Attachment):

Example Plot Data Form). Detailed information and lists of valid codes for each data item are found in the Common Stand Exam Users Guide and Appendices and are available as ‘Help’ on the PDR within the software. The contractor shall be responsible for collecting and filling out the Plot Data Form for all data items that are set to “YES” in the “Required” column of the table below.

Field Num

Field Description

Required

Data Source

Comments

Region YES Government Proclaimed Forest YES Government District YES Government

Location

YES

Site List

Stand Num YES Site List 1 Plot Num YES Contractor Internal to software 2 Latitude YES Collect 3 Longitude YES Collect 4 Capable Grow Area N/A Not collected 5 Aspect YES Collect 6 Slope N/A Not collected 7 Slope Position N/A Not collected 8 Slope Horz Shape N/A Not collected 9 Slope Vert Shape N/A Not collected

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10 Elevation YES Collect 11 Existing Vegetation YES Collect 12 Potential Vegetation YES Collect 15 Fuel Model N/A Not collected 16 Residual Description Code N/A Not collected 17 Dist Seed Wall N/A Not collected 13 History N/A Not collected 14 History Date N/A Not collected 18 Plot Remarks YES Contractor Note unique features not easily detected in tree data.

3.6.2 All plot data fields, whether required by this contract or not, are included on the plot data form provided in Attachment identified as Example Plot Data Form, non required field may not necessarly appear in the CSE program as set up by Government. Fields not specifically required by this contract are to be left blank (null).

3.7 Tree Form (CSE)

3.7.1 Begin recording standing tree data on the Tree form at azimuth 360 (North), progressing in a clockwise direction around plot center. Trees shall be recorded in the following order:

a. All trees, live and dead, with a DBH of 5.0 or greater shall sampled on the variable radius (BAF 10) plot first. Measure the first sawtimber tree from north to represent all of the sawtimber trees by species, measurement shall include diameter and height. Next measure all of the pulpwood trees in the same fashion as the sawtimber measurements.

An individual measurement shall be made for each different species if more than one species is represented on the plot.

For example: 12 sawtimber size trees on plot, First Tag - 6 of which are 12” PITA xx ft., Second Tag 4 are 14” PIEL xx ft, and Third Tag 2 are 16” PIPA2 xx ft. The next Tag(s) would contain data for puplwood by quantity, species, diameter, and height

Products are as follows:

Hwd pulpwood= 6.0” to 11.9” (6-11” category) Hwd sawtimber= 12.0”+ Pine pulpwood = 5.0” to 9.5” (5-9” category) Pine sawtimber= 9.6” +

12414620Q0001 – National Forests in Alabama Stand Exam Project Attach 1 ‐ Page 6 of 9 b.All live stems with a DBH of less than 5.0 DBH shall sampled on the small fixed radius (1/300th acre) plot second.

All stems on small fixed radius plot that have heights that are below Diameter Breast Height (d.b.h.) are only recorded to the nearest foot by number and species.

All stems on small fixed radius plot that have heights that are above d.b.h. are recorded to the nearest foot in height, nearest inch in diameter, and by number and species.

3.7.2 Details of tree data collection are in Common Stand Exam User Guide. That information is amended with the following:

Site Growth Sample Trees ( recored as “B” in CSE Program Tree Data column “S”*) shall be located on plot, and marked with flagging. Information on flagging shall include, DBH, height, age, and RaG1.

*Screen shot of “Site / GST Field” in CSE Program

SITE- A minimum of 1site tree will be sampled per stand. Site trees selected will all have the following characteristics to the maximum extent feasible:

On the list in Attachment identified as List of Acceptable Site Trees, In the dominant or co-dominant crown class, Be of the species defining the Forest Service cover type of the stand. In the event that the stand shows itself to be a mixed stand, 2 Site Growth Sample Trees (B) will be measured. The 2 Site Growth Sample Trees should represent the major dominant species found in the stand.

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Showing no evidence of insect, disease, or physical damage that would affect the height over age relationship, Growing in a representative site location, Age > 30 years and < 80 years.

(a) DBH- Record the diameter at breast height for site trees to the nearest 0.1 inch.

(b) Height. Total height in feet from the ground to the tip of the terminal leader will be required for all site trees recorded.

(c) Age. Record the age of the site tree at the point it was increment cored. Record the age counted, per the Region 8 Silvicultural Examination and Prescription Field Book A representative tree will:

be of the predominate species of the main canopy;

estimated to be of the predominate age class present in the stand based on species, diameter, height, and condition variables; and free of defect that makes growth rings unreadable or missing.

(d) Radial Growth. Measurement made utilizing the last ten (10) years of growth in 1/20th of an inch. For example: ½ inch = 10/20 of an inch or 10 in RaG1, ¾ inch = 15/20 of an inch or 15 in RaG1.

FOR NON-SITE TREES

(a) DBH - Record the diameter at breast height in 1” diameter classes for all products except for site trees.

Example: 6.5”to 7.4”= 7” tree;

(b) Height. Total height in feet from the ground to the tip of the terminal leader will be required for all site trees recorded. Sawtimber and pulpwood trees will also have heights recorded the same way.

3.7.3 The following items, except as noted, are required to be collected by the Contractor for each tree on the plot, for the specified exam level. Detailed information and lists of valid codes for each data field are found in the Common Stand Exam User Guide and Appendices. The contractor shall be responsible for collecting and filling out the Tree Data Form for all data items that are set to “YES” in the “Required” column in the following table.

Field Description Quick Plot

Data Source

Required for:

Location/Watershed YES Site List Stand Number YES Site List Plot Num YES Contractor All trees Tag Num YES Contractor All trees, internal to software Tree Status YES Contractor All trees Site/GST YES Contractor Fill for site trees only, “B” for on plot, leave blank for non-site trees

Species YES Contractor All trees Tree Count YES Contractor All trees DBH YES Contractor All trees Height YES Contractor Site trees, to the nearest foot, and first Sawtimber

12414620Q0001 – National Forests in Alabama Stand Exam Project Attach 1 ‐ Page 8 of 9 and first Pulpwood tree by species to within 5 feet

Crown Ratio YES Contractor All trees Radial Growth YES Contractor Site trees only Age YES Contractor Site trees only

3.7.4 If a woody species occurs on any plot and that species is not on the selection list in the template provided, the Contractor shall; (1) code “species” as either “2TE” or “2TD” and, (2) note the species common name in the “Tree Remarks”.

3.7.5 All tree data fields, whether required by this contract or not, are included on the tree data form provided in Attachment. Fields not specifically required by this contract are to be left blank (null) on any hardcopy forms used and in any subsequent re-entry into the software.

3.8 Field Notes

Provide simple stand level treatment notes in Tree Remarks column on last Tag# of last Plot recorded in stand. For example: Thin, Don’t thin, CC, or Re-examine for treatment. Treatment notes should be based on apparent condition of stand, disease/damage present, basal area, or pine Forest Type species found. Identify any information not easily extrapolated from data, but might affect harvesting activities. For example, if a hardwood inclusion runs parallel to plots but no plots fall in inclusion. Also note if stand delineation needs to occur, based on changes in forest type, condition class, or other issues.

4. Data Transfer

The data will be transferred to the ExamsPC program by the Forest Service. The contractor is responsible for data stored on the PDRs until the data is uploaded. The Contractor shall submit completed stand information in electronic form within seven (7) days after completion of each Compartment.

5. Inspection And Acceptance

5.1 Compliance Inspection

The CO or Contracting Officer Representative (COR) will, by formal review, determine if the specified progress and methods of work are being carried out. Failure to comply with specified work standards may be cause for termination of the Contractor's right to proceed.

5.2 Inspection of Work

5.2.1 Compliance with contract specifications and the basis for payment will be determined by both office and field inspection procedures. An inspection block, as established by the Government for payment purposes, will consist of a complete compartment, unless noted in work order. An initial inspection may be done on less than 50 plots if requested by Contractor.

5.2.2 Office inspection will cover all required items for which field visits to plots centers are not needed.

Office inspection will occur first, both for efficiency in field inspection and to allow the Contractor the

12414620Q0001 – National Forests in Alabama Stand Exam Project Attach 1 ‐ Page 9 of 9 opportunity to correct errors detected. Office inspection procedures will include reviewing data in ExamsPC by the Government.

5.2.3 If an error trend appears, inspection intensity may be increased. The Forest Service is not constraining itself by this contract to any maximum or minimum sample. The field inspection will be based on a printout of the appropriate data.

5.2.4 The Government will make the initial office inspection of each Compartment without cost to the Contractor within 10 calendar days of the date that correctly-formatted data has been received by the designated Forest Service Contract Officer’s Representative. Field inspections will be completed within 10 business days after an error-free report has been generated from the data. Should corrections be required as a result of field inspections, no charge will be made for the first rework inspection.

Thereafter, any contract re-inspection required will be at the Contractor's expense. Re-inspection charges may include, but are not limited to: inspector's wages for travel time to and from work site;

inspector's wages to re-inspect; COR wages; and vehicle use rate and mileage.

5.3 Accuracy Standards

The accuracy standards are located in Region 8 Common Stand Exam Field Guide Appendix.

(http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/nris/ftp/fsveg/cse_user_guides/cse_R8_fieldguide.exe)

5.4 Correction of Unacceptable Work

5.4.1 The Forest Service reserves the right to require unacceptable Compartments, as determined under Section 5.3 Accuracy Standards”, to be reworked. Upon written notification by the CO that a Compartment is unacceptable, the Contractor may be required to complete and submit rework before beginning work on another Compartment. The Forest Service will specify rework requirements for each unacceptable Compartment. In the case of data errors, the Government can require that they be corrected. In the case of plot location errors, the Government may require that the plots be relocated and measured.

5.4.2 The Government will re-inspect Compartments that have been reworked to determine compliance using both office and field inspections. Field re-inspections will consist of a mixture of previously inspected and previously un-inspected plots with the selection of plots at the discretion of the Forest Service.

5.4.3 If reworked Compartments fail during the first re-inspection, additional rework may be allowed at the discretion of the CO or failure to pass re-inspection may result in contract default.

5.5 Re-inspection Upon Contractor Request

If initial inspection results are not acceptable to the Contractor, a re-inspection without corrective actions having been taken may be requested, in writing, up to seven (7) days after receiving notification of unacceptable work. If the re-inspection confirms the results of the original inspection, the Contractor shall reimburse the Government for actual costs incurred for performing re-inspection through a contract payment reduction. If re-inspection indicates that work does meet acceptable standards, the Government assumes the cost of only that re-inspection.