Attachment 1.pdf

SECTION C - DESCRIPTIONS/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENTS OF WORK

C. 1. INTRODUCTION.

C.1.1. Background.

The Monongahela National Forest proposes to contract for technical forestry services to conduct the field phase of a Common Stand Exam (CSE) project. Its purpose is to obtain the site and setting characteristics required to identify stand conditions and capabilities in providing the Government information with which management determinations for natural resources will be made.

C.1.2. Scope of Contract.

Work shall consist of locating, establishing, measuring, and recording data for sample plots. The Contractor shall provide labor, equipment, transportaton, supervision, supplies (except those designated as Government furnished), incidentals, and perform all work necessary to conduct Common Stand Exams (CSE) and supplemental data collection. The work performed and the data collected shall be in compliance with the terms, specifications, conditions, and provisions of this solicitation and the FSVeg Common Stand Exam User Guide, Version 2.16.0, dated April 2017 hereafter known as “CSE Handbook”. The Monongahela guide to Common Stand Exams covers the procdure and protocols for work performed. If the contract specifications differ from the CSE Handbook the contract shall take precedence.

C.1.2.1. This contract is a Performance Based, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract.

This contract is a five-year Performance Based, Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC). Once the minimum guarantee is met as stated in clause 452.216-73, the government is under no obligation to issue additional task orders.

C.1.3. Location and Description.

This solicitation is for Common Stand Exams on the Monongahela National Forest. Specific stand locations, and maps for each work item will be provided with the task order. Compartment maps with stand boundary delineations will be provided with task order issuance.

Vicinity Map – Monongahela NF

C. 2. DEFINITIONS.

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

Calendar Days - Every day shown on the calendar, weekends and holidays included.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) - The on-site contract administrator for the Contracting Officer.

The duties and responsibilities of the COR are defined in the letter of designation issued by the Contracting Officer.

Quality Assurance. - The actions taken by the Government to assess the results to determine that they meet contract requirements.

Quality Control. - Those actions taken by a Contractor to control the production of outputs to ensure that they conform to the contract requirements.

Microsites - Small areas atypical of the stand, such as wind-throw pockets, micro-drainage ways, seeps, well-rotted logs, dense pockets of rhododendron, mountain laurel, vines, or excessively rocky areas.

Navigation - The process of traveling from one place to another and knowing where you are in relation to your desired course.

Plot Data Form - Used to collect data at the plot level and is independent of the information collected at the setting level.

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

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 per-acre values.

Setting Data Form - Used to collect data that uniquely identifies each stand.

Shape (.shp) File. Shape file is a format developed by ESRI and used in Arcinfo and other GIS packages. The file extension is .shp.

Stand - A community of trees or other vegetation, possessing sufficient uniformity in regards to composition, age, spatial arrangement, or condition, to be distinguishable from adjacent communities, forming a silviculture or management entity.

Waypoint. - A specific location saved in the gps receiver’s memory.

C. 3. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES.

The Government shall provide the Contractor the following listed materials, supplies, property or services, for use in the performance of this contract, hereinafter referred to as Government-Furnished Property. This property shall be used and maintained by the Contractor in accordance with the provisions of the “Government Property” FAR clause, (Reference Clause 52.245-1).

Item Description Where, When, How

3.1 Project Area Map. Map depicting all compartment

locations for the project area. Provided with task order

3.2 Stand, Acres, and Plot

Summary Chart.

Table showing individual stand information and number of plots required.

Provided with task order

3.3 Compartment Maps.

Individual maps with stand boundary delineations.

Provided with task order.

3.4 National Forest Map.

Provides road closure information and locations.

2 copies

Provided with task order.

3.5 Access behind locked

gates

Some stands are behind Forest road closures (locked gated). The Government will provide access as appropriate. Refer to C-4.1.4.

During period stand is being examined.

3.6 Data Collection and

Inspection Forms

Data Collection and Inspection Forms provide information on data to be collected and quality of installed plots.

Provided at Prework meeting.

3.7 Field Instructions

Common Stand Examination Users Guide, April 2017

Field Instructions handbook for performing Region 9 Common Stand Exams and Monongahela Field Guide

Available from the following website:

FSVeg Field Guides. Monongahela Field Guide provided with task order.

3.8 ExamsPC Software

and instructions ExamsCE Software

Data entry software.

Handheld Personal Data Recorder software.

This software is downloadable from the following website:

CSE PDR Installation (fs.fed.us)

3.9 Plot Location GIS shape files of all plot location

with GPS coordinates

Provided at prework meeting or prior to beginning field work.

All Government-Furnished items shall be returned to the Government upon completion of the contract. Failure to do so may result in charges for damages or replacement.

Services:

(a) At the Contractors request, the Government shall provide one review on the inspection procedures regarding quality assurance. This quality assurance assessment review shall be performed on one plot.

The review will take place prior to field work.

(b) At the Contractors request, the Government shall accompany the Contractor on one plot to review data collection procedures.

(c) At the Contractors request, the Government shall review the ExamsPC data entry software.

C. 4. CONTRACTOR WORK REQUIREMENTS and STANDARDS.

C.4.1. General.

https://fsweb.nrm.fs.fed.us/applications/fsveg/fieldguides.shtml https://fsweb.nrm.fs.fed.us/applications/fsveg/PDR/install.shtml

C.4.1.1. Performance period.

Multiple task order awards shall not change the required performance period for each item. If multiple items are awarded to one Offeror, the respective performance times shall run concurrently, not consecutively. Work may be performed on each item in succession, provided the required rate of progress is maintained. The Government shall issue a Notice to Proceed as soon as the weather and ground conditions are favorable for work. The count of contract time shall start on the date specified on the Notice to Proceed.

C.4.1.2. Rate of progress.

The Contractor shall maintain the rate of progress specified in the work plan portion of their Quality Control Plan.

The minimum acceptable rate of progress shall occur when the percent of work completed falls within 20 % of the time used.

1. SUBMIT AND DOWNLOAD DATA WEEKLY THROUGH THE WORK PERIOD.

REPORT: A contractor representative will deliver work in electronic format weekly through the work season. The work will be downloaded and error checked. The Forest Service will issue weekly reports to the contractor at the time of each download summarizing progress of the contract.

C.4.1.3. Access.

The project area shall be accessed by State, County, or Forest roads. The Forest Service assumes no obligation to plow snow or do special maintenance to keep roads open. Stands are accessible by some combination of 2 or 4-wheel drive vehicle and foot travel. The Monongahela National Forest does not have any trails or areas designated for Off Highway Vehicle use. Motor Vehicle Use Maps can be found on the Monongahela National Forest web site.

The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining all necessary permission, through privately owned land, to gain access to stand locations. If the Contractor cannot obtain permission to access a sample location, the Contractor must notify the Government in writing.

Vehicle access may be difficult or restricted. Stand locations may necessitate that the Contractor walk to the stand or acquire some other means of travel.

C.4.1.4. Locked gates.

In cases where stands are behind Forest Service locked gates, authorization for limited motorized use may be granted. All requests for motorized travel of closed roads must be submitted in writing to the COR for specific roads and specific periods of time The Contractor will be responsible to ensure that gates remain closed and locked at all times and will be subject to all other restrictions of administrative use. The Contractor shall be permitted to drive from the locked gate to the stand with only the minimum number of vehicles necessary for efficient transport of the crew. No access to contractors or employees will be allowed behind locked gates after periods of work. Motorized access will not be permitted behind locked gates during the first week of deer gun hunting season (usually the week of Thanksgiving Day). Contractor shall adjust work schedule to take the closure time into consideration. No Suspend Work Orders will be issued; contract time will run during this period. Any misuse of this authorization may result in revocation of the permission.

C.4.2 Contractor Furnished Unique Services, Items, Property https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/mnf/recreation/ohv https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/mnf/maps-pubs https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/mnf/maps-pubs

Tasks and Critical Subtasks

1. Upon award of a task order, the Contractor shall submit a work plan and schedule for completing data collection on each project area on the Monongahela National Forest land according to the specifications of this Contract and the CSE Handbook.

2. Contractor shall collect data in accordance with the approved work plan and schedule.

3. Contractor may collect/record the setting data and plot/tree data with a portable data recorder using

Exams PDR software or may collect the data on paper forms and record the data in a PC using the Exams PC software.

4. Contractor shall provide electronic field data in Exams PC (.cse) file format.

5. Contractor shall provide and record latitude/longitude coordinates of each plot.

C.4.3. Plot Location and Establishment.

C.4.3.1. Locating Stands To Be Examined

1. The Government will furnish to the contractor a list of compartment and stand numbers to be examined.

Compartment maps showing the present boundaries of the stands to be examined will be provided. These compartment maps will be used as a reference. The old stand boundaries do not necessarily meet current stand typing requirements. It is the contractor’s responsibility to confirm boundaries of the stands to be examined, and provide information regarding needed boundary changes.

2. During field examination, stand boundaries will be refined as needed based on differences in forest type, size, and density of forest vegetation, stand age, and other factors encountered which would affect management decisions.

C.4.3.2. Plot Location

1. The number of plots for each stand will be determined by the Government. Stands will be sampled by measurements in individual plots dispersed throughout the stand. The number of sample plots is based on the acreage of the stand. A list of sample plot locations to be inventoried within each stand (Lat. and Long. coordinates) will be provided by the Forest. The Contractor shall locate plots using a global positioning system (GPS). Accuracy of the GPS used must be within ± 33 feet.

C.4.3.3 Plot Establishment

1. The Contractor shall locate on the ground, the sample plot locations using a GPS and coordinates provided, and mark plot centers with bright plastic flagging (not orange or red) indicating the compartment, stand and plot number. This flagging or flag will have the plot number written on it with permanent “magic marker”. If flagging is used, a wooden stake, native material, nail, or as agreed upon at the pre-work conference, will be used to mark the plot center. Upon inspection, the center point of the marker (wire flag, stick, nail, etc.) where it intersects the ground shall be used as the plot center. A piece of bright flagging will be hung higher up in a tree branch or brush as close as possible over the plot center monument (wire flag or flagging) at eye level. This is to facilitate inspections. The Contractor shall provide colored flagging that is photodegradable/ biodegradable.

2. There shall be one understory vegetation plots for each basal area plot. The understory vegetation plot shall be in the same location as the basal area plot.

3. No plot center shall be located closer than 1 chain from the stand boundary or transportation system roads.

4. Plot center locations shall be altered if necessary to avoid roads/trails, and special protection areas such as streamside zones, seeps, sinkhole ponds, etc. If plot needs to be moved, record a new GPS location and add a remark to the ExamsPC program under “Setting Remarks”

5. Trees will be sampled starting at North from plot center, moving around in a clockwise manner.

C.4.3.4 Site Index Trees

Site Tree Age Measurements for Trees > 5 Inches DBH

One site tree shall be taken for each stand. The Site tree may be selected on or off the plot. Within a stand the site tree should be representative of the stand and dominant or codominant. It should be a tree that has been free to grow throughout its life.

For trees 5.0 inches DBH and larger, age is determined from an increment boring made at breast height (4.5 feet).

To reduce bias, the increment boring should be made at breast height facing plot center. Age is counted from the most current summerwood ring to the pith of the tree. Record the age counted. Diameter of site trees shall be measured to a tenth of an inch.

If the site index tree is not measured on a inventory plot, then record azimuth, bearing, and distance to the site tree from the nearest plot. Increment cores shall be placed back in the hole made by the increment bore and the site tree flagged with two flags (other than the color orange and red) that go completely around the bole of the tree.

Ex. Yellow-poplar core: The ring count is 64 years.

C.4.4. Common Stand Exam.

C.4.4.1. The Contractor shall locate, establish, measure and record data using variable (20 basal area factor) and fixed radius subplot that shall be taken at each designated sample point. CSE data shall be collected and recorded in accordance with the CSE Handbook unless specifically modified by this contract. The Contractor shall collect data necessary to complete the following forms: Setting Data Form, Sample Design Form, Plot Data Form, and Tree Data Form as specified in, Section C.4.5 – Data collection.

Contractor can use paper forms in field to collect data but all data must be submitted electronically.

C.4.4.2. The Contractor shall use appropriate codes in accordance with the CSE Handbook/Mon Handbook

C.4.4.3. The Contractor shall limit Insect and Disease identification to those agents, pests and diseases listed in Appendix 1: Damage Categories, Agents, and Severity Ratings in this document. See C.4.5

C.4.5. Data Collection.

Specific protocols for the collection of data follow. The examination level is considered “1000”. This indicates “quick plots” for the tree data, no understory vegetation data, no Brown’s transects dead & down fuels data, and no surface cover data. This exam will collect site tree data in each stand and record damage codes for the setting (not plot by plot) where damage is apparent.

The following tables demonstrate the required fields for each form that is to be collected and recorded. All data shall be taken in accordance with the CSE Handbook. An “X” in the Exam Level column indicates the required fields for this solicitation.

C.4.5.1. Setting Form.

Setting Data - PDR

Example of PDR screens and fields. Fields that must be completed are not shown in the figure below but are listed below.

Setting Data - PC Example of ExamPC screen and fields. Fields that must be completed are not shown in the figure below but are listed below.

03 21 2

21 WV 083

These fields include:

PR (Proclaimed Region) - (automatically defaults) PF (Proclaimed Forest) - (automatically defaults)

RD (Ranger District) - (defaults, but check to be sure the correct district number is entered) Location (Compartment number. Enter leading zeros to make a total of 5 digits.)

Stand No. (Stand number. Leading zeros enter automatically to make a 4 digit number.)

Project Name (automatically defaults. (Example: “2022WilliamsRiv”).

Exam Level (automatically defaults to ‘1000’) Owner (USFS - automatically defaults)

State (automatically defaults) County (automatically defaults) AdReg Administrative Region (automatically defaults) AdFor Administrative Forest (automatically defaults) Date (the date of the actual field data collection.)

Photo ID (leave blank) Stratum (leave blank) ExPur Exam Purpose (should be ‘SE’ automatically defaults) ExVRef (leave blank) PVRef (leave blank)

Structure (leave blank) CapGr% (leave blank) FMod (leave blank) Elev (leave blank) Aspect (leave blank) Slp (leave blank) SlPos (leave blank) Acres (leave blank) RaG1 (defaults to ‘10’) RaG2 (leave blank)

HtG (defaults to ‘5’) FPhRf (leave blank) Protocol (defaults to ‘CSE’) Examiner (enter name of person conducting the exam) KEEP IT UNIFORM User Code (leave blank) Ref Datum (NAD83)

Mag. Declination (leave blank)

Many of these fields populate automatically. Only a few actually have to be completed by the examiner.

Field Name Exam Level – Quick Plot Comments Accuracy Standard Data Source

Proclaimed Region X 09 No Error Government Proclaimed National Forest X 21 No Error Government

District X District # - see table below No Error Government

Location X Compartment # (5 digits) No Error Government

Stand ID X Stand # (4 digits) No Error Government Administrative Forest X 21 No Error Government

Administrative Region X 09 No Error Government

Project Name X Provided – automatically defaults

No Error Government

Owner X USFS No Error Government

State X

WV –

automatically defaults

No Error Government

Date X date No Error Contractor Exam level X 1000 No Error Government Exam Purpose X SE No Error Government

Examiner X Name of person conducting exam No Error Contractor

Prec. Protocol X CSE No Error Government

Lat.-Long Datum X

NAD83 –

automatically defaults

No Error Contractor

Stand Remarks

X

Brief & important comments on stand conditions.

N/A

Contractor

Species of Management Interest

X See tables below N/A

Stand Damage Category

See Appendix 1

Best estimate

Agent

X If needed “000” N/A Contractor

Severity

See Appendix 1 Best estimate

Damage Part

See Appendix 1 Best estimate

Setting Remarks

Remarks: Indicate in the remarks section pertinent observations. Include items that are not already adequately covered in numeric data, but which may be important in making the proper prescription. A working map of the compartment will be furnished by the COR. Noting features on the map that are observed in the field will expedite the above process. Examples of items or needed information to include are: all road beds, old homesites, fences, corner monuments, areas where logging might be restricted by boulders or rock ledges, fire damage or evidence of past cultural work, waterholes, powerlines, rock outcrops, rhododendron/laurel patches, large areas of blowdown, two-aged stands - showing the ages; i.e., 50/100, live creek/streams, seeps, archeological sites, trails/roads, wildlife signs; i.e., turkey scratches, deer browsing, bear clawing, etc. Include in remarks any management actions thought needed for timber management

Setting Damages

Setting damage will be recorded after the plot data are collected. The category, agent and severity are recorded by selected codes with definitions from dropdown menus. The lists are limited to general groups with the purpose being able to key in on stands with problems rather than using the CSE as a means of diagnosis. Several damage categories may be listed. See Appendix 1 for a list of damages.

Species of Management Interest

Record plant species of management interest which occurs in the setting, but does not occur on any of the plots.

Species of management interest may include noxious weeds, threatened, endangered, or sensitive plants, or management indicator species.

Multiple species codes may be entered. Insure that the species listed below are give preference in recording.

The following table contains two tree species that are of particular interest on the Monongahela.

Code Description JUCI Juglans cinerea – Butternut – Sensitive PIRU Picea rubens- red spruce

The presence of Non-native invasive species (plants, insects and pathogens), Threatened and Endangered Species (TES), etc. will be indicated by simply stating the name of the species seen in a setting along with GPS coordinates, in the Species of Management Interest. Record name of plant along with a GPS coordinate, where either of these species are seen growing in a setting in any abundance. If the contractor encounters a species not included in the Species of Management Interest, that occurrence should be entered in the setting (stand) remarks.

The table below shows species of interest on the Forest. If any of the life form identified below are in the stand, record in the Species of Management Interest.

Life form Description (Code)

Scientific Name Common Name Species Code

Woody Tree (TR) Acer pennsylvanicum striped maple ACPE Woody Tree (TR) Ailanthus altissima tree of heaven AIAL Woody Tree (TR) Fagus grandifolia American beech FAGR

Woody Tree (TR) Prunus pensylvanica fire (pin) cherry PRPE2 Woody Tree (TR) Tsuga canadensis eastern hemlock TSCA Woody Shrub (SH) Rhododendron L. rhododendron RHODO Woody Shrub (SH) Berberis thunbergii Japanese barberry BETH Woody Shrub (SH) Kalmia latifolia mountain laurel KALA Woody Shrub (SH) Lonicera L. honeysuckle LONIC Herbs (HB) na fern 2FERN Herbs (HB) na grass 2GRAM Herbaceous Vine (VI) na woody vine 2VW Herbaceous Vine (VI) na herbaceous vine 2VH Herbaceous Vine (VI) Vitis L. wild grape VITIS Herbaceous Vine (VI) Rosa multiflora multifora rose ROMU

Monongahela National Forest Districts

Code District 01 Cheat 02 Gauley 03 Greenbrier 04 Marlinton/White Sulphur 05 Potomac

County Codes

001 Barbour County 023 Grant County 025 Greenbrier County 027 Hampshire County 031 Hardy County 063 Monroe County 067 Nicholas County 071 Pendleton County 075 Pocahontas County 077 Preston County 083 Randolph County 093 Tucker County 101 Webster County

C.4.5.2. Plot Data Form.

The Plot Data Form shall be used to record the latitude, longitude, aspect, and percent slope of each plot.

Field Name

Exam Level Quick Plot

Comments Accuracy Standard

Data Source

Plot Number X No Error Contractor Latitude X Use GPS ± 33 feet Contractor Longitude X Use GPS ± 33 feet Contractor Aspect X ± 45º Contractor Slope X ± 10% Contractor

Latitude/Longitude Degrees – Maximum of three digits. A leading zero may be entered (i.e. 090).

Minutes – Two digits.

Seconds – Four digits. Seconds shall be rounded to the nearest hundredth (i.e. 17.36).

Maximum allowed error for plot center location is 33 feet.

Aspect Record general direction from North in degrees towards which the plot faces. Ex. 0 = Flat, 183 = 183, 999 = Indeterminate/ Undulating

Slope – Record slope percent to the nearest percent.

A minimum of three plots will be installed in a stand (setting). In stands up to 10 acres in size 3 plots are installed. Stands 10-19 acres in size receive 4 plots, stands 20-29 acres receive 5 plots, 30-39 acres 6 plots, 40-59 acres 7 plots, 60-79 acres 8 plots, and stands 80-99 acres 9 plots. Stands 100 acres and greater will have 1 plot for every 10 acres. These rates may vary some due to stand shape. Predetermined plot locations (Latitude and Longitude) are given to the contractor before work begins, so the contractor does not need to be concerned with determining how many plots go into a stand or where to place them. The contractor just needs to be able to navigate to the pre-determined coordinates.

If a setting is found to be inaccessible, contact the COR.

C.4.5.3. Tree Data Form and Sample Design

Sample design.

The Sample Design Form shall be used to record design parameters. The Government shall provide the Sample Design.

Sample Selection Method

Expansio n Factor

Az. Subpop.

Filter

Selection Criteria Number

Subpop.

Variable

Subpop.

Min. Value

Subpop.

Max. Value

BAF 20 360 ALL 1 DBH 5.0 999.99

FREQ 385 LIVE 2 HGT 0.50 4.49

LIVE 3 DBH .01 4.99

Tree Data

The Tree Data Form shall be used to record tree measurement information. The Contractor shall use the following criteria for selecting trees:

• The Contractor shall install the 1/385 acre (6 foot radius) fixed plot size used in tallying all live trees or shrubs ≥ 6.0 inches in HEIGHT and <4.5 feet HEIGHT and all live trees with a DBH of .01 inches to 4.9 inches.

Trees may be recorded in groups of same species and heights. Only HEIGHTS are required for trees less than 4.5 feet tall. Both DBH and height are required for trees over 4.5 feet in height.

• The Contractor shall use a 20 Basal Area Factor (BAF) prism to tally trees all live and dead trees ≥ 5.0 inches DBH for each stand.

Exam Level

Quick Plot

Comments Accuracy Standard Data Source

Plot # X No Error Contractor Tag ID X No Error Contractor Tree Status X Live (L) or dead (D) only No Error Contractor

Site/Growth Trees

X 1 per stand No Error Contractor

Tree Species X No Error Contractor Tree Count X No Error Contractor DBH X All Trees ≥ 4.5 feet tall.

+/- 5%, SI +/- .2

inches

Contractor

Height X Site Tree and fixed plots

+/- 10% Contractor

Tree Age X Site Tree Only +/- 10% Contractor Tree Remarks Optional No Error Contractor

Tag ID:

Record a number, unique within each plot. On each plot, start with “1” and increment one number for each tree record.

To facilitate inspections, always start collecting tree data with the tree nearest the north azimuth from the plot center.

This will be tree Tag ID “1” when recorded. Rotate clockwise as tree data are collected so that Tag ID number “2” is to the right of Tag ID number”1”, and so on.

Tree Status:

The following tree class codes shall be used.

L Live D Dead

Do not use the other options of “X”, “Y”, or “S”.

Seedlings are trees below DBH (4.5 feet) with a height of at least six inches. Only live seedling trees are recorded, so their “Tree Status” will always be “L”.

Site/Growth Trees:

One site index tree will be measured in each stand. An “S” is recorded meaning “site index” tree. If the site tree is measured off the plot, then an “F” is recorded for site tree. Record the GPS coordinates for “off plot” site trees in the plot remarks of the nearest plot to the off plot site tree, where the data for the tree is recorded. Diameters of site trees are measured to the nearest tenth inch. See Section C.4.3.4 -Site Index Trees.

Tree Species:

Tree Species is recorded using the USDA species codes in a drop down list.

Tree species shall be limited to the list included in Appendix E of the Monongahela Field guide

Tree Count:

Tree Count is recorded as the number of trees a particular record represents.

Trees ≤ 1.00” to 4.99” DBH may be grouped by DBH class and species (fixed plot).

Trees ≥ 5.0” DBH shall be tallied individually (variable plot). The Tag ID, in conjunction with the plot number, uniquely identifies each line of tree data in the setting. Tree count will always be “1”.

“DBH” is recorded for overstory and pole and sapling. Trees will be measured to the nearest 1 inch class.

DBH:

The following size classes shall be used.

DBH Classes CODE .1 – .5 .5 .6 – 1.4 1.0

1.5 – 2.4 2.0

2.5 – 3.4 3.0 3.5- 4.4 4.0 4.5-5.4 5.0

5.5 – 6.4 6.0 6.5- 7.4 7.0 7.5-8.4 8.0

The DBH accuracy standard is +/- 5 %. For example: if a tree measures 8.0 the acceptable range would be from

7.6 to 8.4. In this case any code other than 8.0 would be counted an error. In another example, if a tree measured

7.5 the acceptable range would be from 7.1 to 7.9. In this case, either a 7 code or an 8 code would be counted as a correct entry.

No diameters are recorded for seedling trees (<4.5’ tall).

Tree Heights:

Tree heights are measured to the nearest foot to the top of the crown (total height) on site index trees only (Trees

≥ 5.0” DBH).

Sapling tree heights are recorded to the nearest foot. Seedlings tree heights can be grouped into the following height groups.

Seedling Height Group Height Range (feet) 1 0.5’ (6”) – 1.4’ 2 1.5’- 2.4’ 3 2.5’- 3.4’ 4 3.5’- 4.4’

Tree Age Tree age is recorded for site tree only.

No “damage” (D) codes are recorded on plots (but are recorded for the setting as a generalization after all plot data in a setting has been collected and the examiner has observed damage throughout the stand). Ignoring stand damage will result in a deduction during inspections.

C.4.6. Quality Control.

The Contractor shall prepare a Quality Control Plan as described in Section E.2. - Contractor Quality Control Plan.

The Contractor shall inspect the work in accordance with the accepted Quality Control Plan.

C.4.7. Work Plan and schedule.

1. Upon task order award, the Contractor shall prepare a work plan and schedule that demonstrates work will be completed within the performance period described in individual orders. The Contractor shall provide a general plan with the technical proposal. A supplementary plan and schedules will be provided after issuance of a task order, but before start of work.

2. The Contractor shall advise the Contracting Officer or COR of any periods that the Contractor will not be working that is not specified in the accepted Work Plan.

3. The Contractor shall keep the COR informed as to where he/she is working and where he/she can be contacted. Throughout the project, the contractor is responsible for verbal communication with the COR to discuss problems or changes with the contract as well as the Contractor's progress. Contacts must be made on a regular basis.

4. The Contractor may update the work plan when work is in progress and the Contracting Officer may accept the updated work plan.

C.4.8. Camping and Worksite Conditions.

If the Contractor recommends camping, the Contractor shall prepare a Camping and/or Worksite Plan and operate in a manner that will protect the environmental resources and the public facilities. The Contractor shall be aware of and abide by the rules of the Monongahela National Forest applicable to forest visitors. The Contractor is responsible for campsite clean-up and employee conduct while camping on National Forest land. Requests for camping behind locked gates will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the COR. Contractor shall submit camping requests in writing, specifying exact time and dates of desired use behind locked gates.

C. 5. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY.

The following describes the major items in this solicitation with the performance requirements for the work described.

Performance Requirements

Performance Standard Gov’t Method of Assessment

Acceptable Quality Level

GPS Acquisition Quality meets or exceeds performance standard of + 33 feet

COR or inspector conduct periodic monitoring of operations and random plots consistent with Common Stand Exam Inspection Form and the standards stated in Field Guide.

• The Contractor’s quality will be reflected in the performance evaluation either as acceptable or unacceptable.

GPS Data Delivery Quality meets or exceeds performance standard.

COR or inspector conduct monitoring of delivered data.

• The Contractor’s quality will be reflected in the performance evaluation either as acceptable or unacceptable.

Common Stand Exam Data Collection

Quality meets or exceeds performance standard of < 10.00% error.

COR or inspector conduct random plot sampling consistent with the standards found on the Contract Inspection Forms

• If all Form Scores <20% and Total Score < 10% work is acceptable.

• If any Form Score > 20%, or if Total Score > 10% inspection block is unacceptable and returned for rework.

Common Stand Exam Data Delivery

Quality meets or exceeds performance standard.

COR or inspector conduct monitoring of delivered data.

• Inspection blocks deficient in specifications under section E.2. shall be returned to the Contractor for rework.

Quality Control

Contractor maintains good quality control on all aspects of operation.

Actions not consistent with contract specifications are corrected as per the Quality Control Plan.

COR or inspector randomly sample plots.

• If the Contractor fails to meet standards, work may be suspended or put in Default for failure to take corrective action immediately.

Contractor’s plot inspections are +/- 5% of Government’s.

Quality Control Inspections are completed to meet timeframes

COR or inspector randomly observe Contractor inspection. Review Contractor inspection sheets.

• When Contractor’s plot inspections meet standards, work is acceptable.

• If quality does not meet standard, work is unacceptable.

Additional costs to the Government may be assessed for rework.

Work Plan and Schedule

Work meets schedule as per the accepted work plan.

COR and inspector conduct periodic monitoring.

• Work not completed on schedule is subject to Default and may result in assessment of actual costs.

SECTION D – BLANK

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E. 2. CONTRACTOR QUALITY CONTROL PLAN

E.2.1. Quality Control Plan. The Contractor shall provide a Quality Control Plan (QCP) with the technical proposal. The Contractor shall supplement the QCP within 10 days of contract award based on items awarded to the Contractor and Government comments.

The general Quality Control plan must demonstrate how the Contractor will assure quality meets the requirements and specifications of the contract. It shall specify how quality will be monitored to assure the performance standards are met; the supervision of crew and work; and the personnel that will be performing the quality control.

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

E.2.2 Plot Inspections. The Contractor shall maintain an inspection system that provides an unbiased sample of CSE plot quality and represents the entire work force. A minimum of 5% of the installed plots shall be sampled within each compartment. The Government may observe or re-inspect the Contractor’s plots at any time.

Additional plot inspections (no more than 10% of total plots) will be checked to determine if work is acceptable or not.

E.2.2.1. The Contractor shall provide written inspection data by plot that meets contract requirements.

The Contractor shall use the Inspection Forms provided.

E.2.2.2. All Contractor inspection records shall be provided to the Government based on the schedule proposed by the Contractor and agreed to by the Contracting Officer for quality assurance assessment consistent with the Government Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. All records shall be signed and dated by the person who conducted the inspection.

E.2.2.3. CSE Quality shall be calculated based on the equations specified on the Inspection Forms.

E.3. ACCEPTANCE AND REWORK

E.3.1. Acceptance. The Contractor’s Quality Control inspections for Form Scores and Total Score shall be within 5% of the Government quality assurance to be considered acceptable.

E.3.1.1. 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 52.246-4 Inspection of Services.

E.3.1.2. When the Contractor’s inspection results fall below the performance standard of < 10 % for Total Score; based on the Contractor’s quality control inspection and verified by the Government monitoring, acceptance and payment will not be made until the deficiency(s) has been corrected.

E.3.1.3. Quality assurance assessment and payment will be made only on completed compartments unless otherwise agreed upon by the Contracting Officer.

E.3.1.4. The Government shall initiate a pass-fail check of specified standards and procedures for each inspection block. Inspection blocks deficient in the following specifications are unacceptable on a

"pass-fail" basis and the entire inspection block shall be returned to the Contractor for rework.

The determination of noncompliance with these items may be made during the office edit or during field inspection.

a. All electronic data not submitted to the Forest service in a timely manner.

b. Stands submitted with incomplete and/or inaccurate information on any electronic form.

c. Electronic data that contains errors, or electronic data cannot be read by Government computers.

d. Stands where plots have a reoccurring Latitude & Longitude location error of more than 33 feet.

e. Any stand having less than the prescribed number of sample plots examined. There may be instances where the calculated number of plots are not possible due to unknown conditions. Those should be noted in the setting remarks and the COR informed.

f. Any sample plot center < 1 chain from the stand boundary and/or any sample plot center falling outside the stand boundary.

g. Any sample plot center which cannot be located because of improper labeling, improper reference point labeling or for any other reason attributable to noncompliance with specifications. Exceptions for animal damage, leaf litter depth or snow.

h. Any tree with a discrepancy in tree status between live and dead

i. Any tree with a missing or incorrect tree species on live trees > 5.0” DBH

j. Any stand without a measured site tree

E.3.2 Rework.

E.3.2.1. Upon notification to the Contractor of a failed Total Score of > 10.00%, the Contractor shall be required to rework all forms on every plot within the compartment before beginning work on another inspection block. This will be at no cost to the Government.

E.3.2.2. At the Governments option, during a rework the Contractor may be required to use a different colored ribbon at each plot center. The COR shall specify the color of the ribbon.

E.3.2.3. The Government is not required to provide more than 2 quality assurance assessments on any single inspection block. Results of last quality assurance assessment will supercede any prior results for determining acceptability and payment. Failure to pass 2 quality assurance assessments on a single compartment may result in contract default.

E.3.2.4. The Government will assess the Contractor the actual costs of conducting any additional quality assurance. Items that may be included in the actual damages include but is not limited to: wages of the COR and Government inspector(s), costs of vehicles, meals and lodging.

E.3.2.5. Potential contractors for specific projects are urged and expected to inspect the site where services are to be performed and to satisfy themselves regarding all general and local conditions that may affect the costs of contract performance, to the extent that the information is reasonably obtainable. In no event shall failure to inspect the site constitute grounds for a claim after contract award.

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OF PERFORMANCE

F. 2. DELIVERIES

F.2.1. Contract Performance Time and Required Rate of Progress

The Contractor shall maintain progress at a rate that will assure completion within the performance period. The minimum acceptable rate of progress shall occur when the percent of work completed falls within 20% of the time used.

F.2.2. Contract Time. The Contractor shall start work promptly after receipt of a Notice to Proceed. The Contractor shall maintain progress at a rate that will assure completion within the stated contract time.

All bid items must be completed by the required completion date.

Standard contract time will be 180 days and it is required that Contractor(s) submit a minimum of 10% of work for inspection/acceptance within 30 calendar days of effective date of Notice to Proceed, 50% of the respective Contractor's work must be completed and submitted for inspection/acceptance within 90 calendar days of effective date of Notice to Proceed, and 100% of the respective Contractor’s work must be completed, inspected, and accepted before 180 calendar days.

Contract time may vary depending on size of individual task orders. A general rule will be 90 days for orders up to 400 plots, 180 days for orders over 400 plots, and 270 days for orders over 800 plots.

The Government will issue A Notice to Proceed as soon as weather, vegetation, and ground conditions are favorable for work on one or more of the areas. Contract time will start (1) on the date specified on the Notice to Proceed, if the notice is hand-delivered; Or (2) Contract Time will start on the third-day after the post office has issued a Notice of Certified Mail to the Contractor. Failure of the Contractor to pick-up Certified Mail will not be considered excusable.

F.2.3. Work Completed after the performance period. If the Contractor fails to complete work within the contract time, and is allowed to work beyond that period, the Contractor will be assessed actual damages. Items to be included in the actual damage includes but is not limited to: wages of the COR and Government inspector(s) for quality assurance after the performance period, costs of vehicles, meals, and lodging that are incurred while administering the contract after the performance period. The Forest Service retains all other rights available to it for late performance including termination for default.

F.2.4. Unfavorable Conditions. Adverse weather and/or road conditions may prevent access to the work sites during the contract period. Data must be collected when there is less than 3 inches of snow on the plot location.

Upon written request, the Contracting Officer may authorize additional contract time if unusual adverse conditions prevent access to the work sites for thirty or more consecutive days.

F. 3. FAR 52.236-6 SUPERINTENDENCE BY THE CONTRACTOR

At all times during 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 worksite a competent superintendent who is satisfactory to the Contracting Officer and has authority to act for the Contractor.

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1. SUBMISSION OF DATA

G.1.1. The Contractor shall submit completed payment items within seven (7) days after completion of work.

G.1.2. The unit of measure shall be the plot as described in CSE Handbook and Monongahela CSE protocols.

G.1.3. The Contractor shall submit with each completed inspection block, the following deliverables.

• Electronic field data in ExamsPC/PDR (.cse) file format. All electronic data files shall be submitted in ExamsPC (.cse) format via e-mail or a read/write CD, or other suitable electronic media as approved by the COR.

• Stand list containing stand numbers with examiner name(s) and date(s).

• Contractor shall plot any updated stand delineations on a map

• Upon completion of each inspection block, the Contractor shall ensure that completed data is unique.

• A back-up copy must be held by the contractor until work has been accepted and payment made.

G. 2. METHOD OF MEASUREMENT

G. 2.1. The Government’s quality assurance will not be initiated until the Contractor submits all data and inspection forms for the block. All linear and area measurements under this contract are measured on a horizontal plane within the established boundaries.

G.2.2. If during the office inspection, the COR determines a discrepancy trend is occurring, the COR shall notify the Contractor of the finding.

G.2.2.1 If during the field inspection, the COR notices a discrepancy trend developing, the Government may visit plots not selected in the sample, to review the field(s) in question. These plots will be used to determine if a discrepancy trend does exist. The COR shall notify the Contractor of the findings.

G.2.2.2. If any discrepancy trend continues in any quality assurance assessment(s), the inspection block(s) will be returned for rework.

G. 2.3. Re-measurement. If the COR’s original quality assurance assessment results are unacceptable to the Contractor; the Contractor has the option to request, in writing, a re-measurement. Upon the requested re-measurement the Government will conduct a minimum 2% sample. Requests for re-measurement shall be made within five (5) calendar days after receipt of non-compliance and shall contain documentation to support the probability that an error exists. The contractor may accompany the Contracting Officer’s Representative during the re-measurement.

G.2.3.1. If re-measurement supports a variance of ≤ 5%, there will be no adjustment and the Government’s final results will supersede the original assessment and be used for the basis of acceptance. The Contractor shall pay for the actual cost of re-measurement.

G.2.3.2. If re-measurement results supports a variance of ≥ 5%, acceptance shall be based on the re-measurement results and the Government shall pay for the re-measurement.

G. 3. METHOD OF PAYMENT

G.3.1. Calculation of Acceptable Scores. A point deduction is given for each deficient entry or procedure within an inspection block. Acceptable tolerance levels for individual measurements are shown on the Inspection Forms. Any item or measurement indicated by inspection to be outside these tolerance levels shall be assigned a point deduction. Point deductions shall be calculated for each form within the inspection block and then averaged for a Total Score. An inspection block may fail based on a Form Score or the Total Score.

G.3.1.1. Scores for each Inspection Form are determined by the following method. The total point value is calculated by multiplying the point value of a field times the number of lines of data in that field. The number of errors, corresponding to each field, found during the inspections of the inspection block are recorded in Column C-Number of Errors. The Deduction is calculated by multiplying Number of Errors by Point Value. The Point Deductions are then totaled and divided by the total point value to determine the Total form Score.

Total Form Score = (Deduct Points ÷ Total Points) X 100 = percent error.

G.3.1.2. The Total Score is calculated by averaging all the Form Scores. Errors in any field that have a Point Value of "unacceptable" will fail and the entire inspection block shall be returned to Contractor for rework.

• All Form Scores < 20.00% and Total Score < 10.00% = acceptable.

• Any Form Score ≥ 20.00% = unacceptable, all forms from entire compartment, shall be returned for rework. No payment.

• Total Score > 10.00% = unacceptable, all work from entire compartment shall be returned for rework. No payment.

G.3.1.3. An inspection block is considered complete when all work has been assessed for quality assurance and accepted for payment.

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H. 1. KEY PERSONNEL

H.1.1. The Contractor shall assign to this contract the key personnel identified in their technical proposal and that list may include the following:

• CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATIVE;

• FOREMAN/WOMAN;

• INSPECTOR

(b) During the first ninety (90) days of performance, the Contractor shall make no substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death, or termination of employment. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer within 15 calendar days after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information required by paragraph (c) below. After the initial 90-day period, the Contractor shall submit the information required by paragraph (c) to the Contracting Officer at least 15 days prior to making any permanent substitutions.

(c) The Contractor shall provide detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the Contracting Officer. Proposed substitutes should have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced. The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor within 15 calendar days after receipt of all required information of the decision on substitutions. The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel. The Contractor shall make no substitutions of key personnel without notifying the Contracting Officer within a reasonable timeframe and in advance and shall submit justification (including proposed substitutions) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on the contract. Proposed substitutes should have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced.

H.1.2. Personnel Qualifications - In order for a favorable determination of responsibility to be made, the Contractor shall meet the following minimum experience/education requirements.

1. The Contractor must have successfully completed at least a bachelor's degree in Forestry or Natural Resource Management.

2. The Contractor must have had at least one year of practical forestry experience in management or inventory of upland hardwood forests in the eastern United States.

3. The Contractor, Foreman/woman, Inspector, and field personnel must have a knowledge of commercial tree species, inhibiting species, shrubs, vines, and herbaceous plants and plant communities found on the Monongahela National Forest.

H.1.4. The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel.

H. 2. PREWORK CONFERNENCE

(1) Prior to commencement of work, the Contractor shall attend a meeting to discuss the…