12444124Q0105 Attachment 1 FY24 Statement of Work Shortleaf Pinecones Seed Extraction.docx

Cone Collection Specifications

1. Scope of Work: This is a fixed price contract. The contractor shall provide all equipment, equipment operators, labor transportation, supplies, and perform all work necessary to pick fresh, ripe shortleaf pinecones in accordance with specifications and provisions of the contract. Picking of the cones shall be by hand using bucket trucks, or such equipment as cherry pickers due to tree height.

The contractor shall furnish all equipment, equipment operators, labor, supervision, transportation, supplies, tools and perform all work necessary to pick, clean, bag, tag and tie fresh, ripe short leaf pinecones in accordance with specifications and provisions of this contract. Picking of the cones shall be by hand using clippers or by twisting the cones off the limbs in a manner not to damage the trees or limbs. Collectors are required to use bucket trucks with a reach of 75 feet minimum; or such equipment as cherry pickers due to tree height. Some collection areas are in steep, unleveled terrain and will require skilled truck operators and aerial lift expertise. 4-wheel drive trucks or lifts are necessary in some areas and are recommended. Collectors are not allowed to climb trees but may pick from the ground or the back of trucks where low hanging limbs permit this.

All the ripe, fresh, insect-free cones on each tree must be picked, measured to full bushel and placed into Forest Service supplied burlap bags. Appropriate tags, bags and zip ties will be provided by the Forest Service. There will be two tags per bagged bushel of cones. One tag inside each bag, and the second tag on the zip tie to close the bushel bag. Cones must be clean and free of foreign matter such as twigs, pine needles and branches. Government employees will make periodic field inspections for quality control and adherence to the collection specifications. Contractor may pick in quantity and bring the cones to the equipment shed to clean and remove debris before measuring and bagging each bushel. A cone cleaning table with rails will be provided by the Forest Service to speed this process. Bagged and tagged burlap bushels will be stored outside in the shade or racks to prevent molding until the collection is complete. This storage area will be established prior to the beginning of collection.

Time is critical in the cone collection operation. Collection cannot be started until cones are ripe. However, collection must be completed before the cones open. This time period usually lasts approximately 30 calendar days but may vary significantly due to weather conditions. Figuring in a few days for bad weather gives a more realistic maximum collection period of 45 days. It is expected the contractor will work 7 days a week, and in all but extremely inclement weather.

2. Location: The cones shall be collected from the Beech Creek Seed Orchard, located on the Nantahala National Forest, Tusquitee Ranger District, in Cherokee County, North Carolina, approximately 12 miles west of Murphy, NC (see attached map for specific location).

Contract collection area will be in 4 separate short leaf portions of the Orchard. The four areas total approximately 70 acres and include approximately 1200 trees. Priority will be given to collections in sites #1 and #2 first, and they may be combined. If the maximum of 200 bushels cannot be collected from these two sites, the contractor may move to site #3. The contractor will strive to collect a target of 200 bushels from the areas combined. The minimum accepted from the areas combined will be 50 bushels of cones. The contractor will collect a total of 200 bushels from this area however, keep cones separated from the respective blocks. A pre-bid site visit to the seed orchard is highly advised and can be arranged with Purchasing Agen Randall Taylor and cc communication: Yvonne Ledford, Orchard Manager at 828-837-5152 ext. 103

3. Notification: The date work shall begin is estimated to be between September 15 and October 30, 2024. Contractor must insure availability for communications during this period. The contractor shall commence operations within 3 days of notification from the Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

4. Damage to trees: Care must be taken to avoid damage to trees. Intentional cutting or breaking of large to medium sized limbs is prohibited. It is understood that a small amount of inadvertent damage or breakage may occur however, excessive damage is not allowed and could result in financial compensation to the government.

5. Collection Method: Cones shall be picked by pulling or cutting from trees. Trees should be collected consecutively. All the ripe, fresh, insect-free cones on each tree should be picked. A few cones may inadvertently be missed. If this occurs and a minimum few remain, it will be acceptable. Collectors shall not skip around and pick only trees with large numbers of easy to reach cones.

6. Equipment: All equipment used in performing work shall be of the proper type, sufficient size, capable of being operated at sufficient height, and at sufficient speed and be in such mechanical condition as to enable the Contractor to perform work in accordance with these specifications. The COR may order the removal and require replacement of any unsatisfactory equipment. Equipment must meet Occupational Safety and Health Act Standards (OSHA).

Solicitation 12444124Q0105 Beech Creek Genetic Resource Management Areas (GRMA) Seed Orchard Collection of Shortleaf Pinecones for Seed Extraction FY 24

7. Operating Supplies: Contractor shall furnish an operator, all tools, clippers, all fuel, oil, grease, repairs, and pay for any other expenses incidental to operating of the equipment. All gas and oil cans and other debris, generated by the Contractor during this contract shall be removed by the Contractor from Forest Service land as work progresses.

8. Repairs, Loss Damage or Destruction: Repairs to equipment shall be made and paid for by the contractor. The Government will not be responsible for loss, damage or destruction of equipment furnished under this contract except for such loss, damage or destruction resulting from negligent or wrongful act(s) of government employee(s) while acting under the scope of their employment. All claims arising under these clauses will be submitted in writing to the Contracting Officer.

9. Measurement and Payment: This is to be considered as a by-the-job contract. All quotes should reflect the total project cost per bushel. No hourly rate quotes will be accepted.

10. Unit of Measure: Supplied bags should contain approximately 1 bushel of shortleaf cones, however, cones shall be measured by contractor prior to delivery to the government. Government employees will inspect to ensure measurement accuracy. The quantity of cones to be paid for shall be the actual number of bushels accepted as determined by Government. Contractor may be present of inspection and assistance if contractor desires.

11. Completion Date: Cones shall not be acceptable if collected prior to issuance of the effective date of the Notice to Proceed by the COR. Generally, this date will be from September 20 to October 20, 2024. The contract shall be considered complete when the minimum of 50 bushels is collected or the maximum of 200 bushels is reached. Determining factors of completion may be due to weather, premature opening of cones or inability to effectively collect quality cones.

12. Contractor Representative (COR): The COR for the contract is Todd Sharkey. Mr. Sharkey may be reached at the Tusquitee Ranger District at 828-837-5152 or cell 828-361-2311. A pre-work conference with the COR and the Contractor is required prior to initiating any work and to be scheduled within 7 days of contract award.

Shortleaf collection areas are outlined below with priority given to site #1 then #2 then #3 and then #4.

Beech Creek Genetic Resource Management Area (GRMA) or seed orchard. Coordinates to the orchard are approximately 35-05-00.21N - 84-07-30.40W located about 13 miles west of Murphy, NC.

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