Statement of Work CadMan IDIQ_052721.pdf

US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Statement of Work

Cadillac-Manistee Ranger District Wildlife Habitat IDIQ

May 27, 2021

Contents Project

General Information

1.0 Scope of Work

2.0 Background

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

4.0 Government Furnished

5.0 Deliverables / Schedule

Project Cadman Wildlife Habitat IDIQ

General Information

1.0 Scope of Work

The goal of this contract is to improve wildlife habitat within the Cadillac-Manistee Ranger District, Manistee National Forest, Michigan. The objectives of this contract are to secure services to provide the following habitat treatments:

• Planting Potted Trees/Shrubs

• Planting and Protecting Potted Trees/Shrubs

• Tree Felling ≤ 18” DBH

• Handing-cutting Brush ≤6” DBH and Piling

• Mechanical Brushing ≤ 6” DBH and Piling

• Mechanical Brushing ≤ 3” DBH

• Hand-cutting Brush ≤ 3” DBH and herbicide

• Mechanical Tree Felling ≤ 10” DBH and Piling

The Contractor(s) will be responsible for providing all personnel and equipment necessary for multiple years of contract execution and completion. The Government will furnish potted trees and potted tree protection materials. Both base and optional work items are included in the contract for all five fiscal years, 2021-2025.

All base work items will be completed each year, as awarded. If funding is available within a fiscal year, additional optional work items will be awarded. If out-year quantities increase or decrease significantly, the selected Contractor(s) may be allowed to adjust bid item prices accordingly. Pre-treatment condition of out-year job areas (both base and optional items) will be within the range of complexities (e.g., distance from roads, stem densities, topography, and slope) found in the fiscal year 2021 base items.

2.0 Background

Table 1. General description of the treatment, pretreatment condition, and desired post-treatment condition of the wildlife habitat. Specific and General Technical Specifications are presented later, in Section 3 of this document.

Treatment Pre-treatment Condition, General Description of Treatment, and Desired Post-treatment outcome

Planting Potted Trees/Shrubs

Forested stands or openings suitable for planting trees/shrubs. This treatment involves planting Government furnished trees/shrubs. Planted trees/shrubs will improve cover and food sources for wildlife.

Planting and Protecting Potted Trees/Shrubs

Forested stands or openings suitable for planting trees/shrubs. This treatment involves planting government furnished trees/shrubs and protecting the trees/shrubs with Government furnished supplies. Planted and protected trees will improve cover and food sources for wildlife.

Tree Felling ≤

18” DBH

Forested stands, savannas, or openings encroached by woody trees and shrubs. Felling trees between 8” and 18” DBH via hand cutting (e.g., chainsaws) will improve wildlife habitat for a variety of game and non-game species by reducing canopy cover and providing coarse woody debris.

Hand-Cutting Brush ≤ 6” DBH and Piling

Lowland or upland shrub stands with moderate to high stem densities of shrub species, including stump sprouts. Shrub species to be cut include but are not limited to; alder, oak, maple. Motorized mechanical equipment is not permitted in these job areas and must be completed via hand-cutting (e.g., chainsaws, brush-cutter saws) and piling cut brush by hand. This treatment will increase edge habitat to benefit wildlife. Piles will also provide cover for wildlife.

Mechanical Brushing ≤ 6” DBH and Piling

Openings or savannas encroached by woody trees and shrubs that may have uneven ground but are accessible by motorized mechanical equipment (e.g., masticators, tractors, bobcats, brush hogs). Brushing and piling will reduce woody trees and shrubs and will enhance native grasses and wildflowers. Piling also will provide cover for wildlife.

Mechanical Brushing ≤ 3”

DBH

Openings or savannas encroached by woody trees and shrubs that are accessible by motorized mechanical equipment (e.g., masticators, tractors, bobcats, brush hogs).

Brushing will reduce stem density and will enhance native grasses and wildflowers.

Brushing ≤ 3” DBH and Herbicide

Openings or savannas encroached by woody trees and shrubs, including stump sprouts.

Brush will be cut and herbicide will be applied to the freshly cut stump. This treatment will reduce stem density, prevent re-growth, and will enhance native grasses and wildflowers.

Mechanical Tree Felling ≤ 10” DBH and Piling

Forested Stands, Savannas, or Openings encroached by trees and shrubs that are accessible by motorized mechanical equipment (e.g., hydro-axes, shear cutters, bobcats, tractors, skid steers). Trees ≤ 10” DBH will be cut and piled. This treatment will reduce tree and shrub density and will enhance native grasses and wildflowers. Piling also will provide cover for wildlife.

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

3.1 Detailed Statement of Work

3.1.1 Planting Potted Trees/Shrubs (Base and Optional Items #1)

Logistics:

The COR will provide Contractor with planting site maps at least 14 days prior to the scheduled Prework Meeting between the Government and the Contractor. During the prework meeting, the COR will provide the Contractor with directions on how to receive the Government-furnished potted trees/shrubs from the Cadillac- Manistee Ranger Station in Wellston, Michigan. Navigating to and locating planting sites is the responsibility of the Contractor. Individual planting sites may occur immediately adjacent to Forest Service (high clearance 4WD “two tracks”), County, or State Roads (hereafter referred to as roads), or alternatively, planting sites may be located up to 0.75 miles (straight-line distance) from the nearest road. Access to planting areas located away from roads must be done on foot, without the use of motorized all-terrain or 4-wheel drive vehicles. At each planting site, the Contractor will plant 10 potted trees/shrubs. Within the planting site, COR will mark individual tree/shrub planting locations with flagging and/or pin flags a minimum of 14 days prior to start of work. The Period of Performance for Tree/shrub planting will be March 15 and May 15, but planting may only occur when snow is not present at planting sites. The Contractor will notify COR when planting is complete. To evaluate survival, final inspection will occur 7-14 days after Contractor notifies COR planting is complete.

The following technical specifications must be met for an acceptable level of work:

a) Contractor will pick-up Government furnished property from the Cadillac-Manistee Ranger Station/COR after a Notice to Proceed has been issued by Contracting Officer. Contractor will maintain a record of when trees/shrubs are picked up and when they are planted. To maximize survival trees/shrubs must be planted within 48 hours (unless specified otherwise by the COR) of being picked up

b) Contractor is responsible for tree/shrub survival during transport and planting. Care must be taken by the Contractor to keep roots hydrated and not damage trees when moving or planting them. Improper handling resulting in tree mortality or damage (including drying out) is unacceptable.

c) 10 Trees/shrubs will be planted by Contractor at each planting site. Contractor will make every effort to plant as close to the flagging and/or pin flags as possible. Minimum spacing between trees is 10 feet.

d) Contractor will perform the following for all planted trees/shrubs:

i. Clear existing vegetation and debris in a 36-inch diameter circle not exceeding 4-inch depth at planting site.

ii. Dig planting hole slightly larger than the size of the tree/shrub pots. Hole will consist of primarily mineral soil and be free of debris, foreign material, or excessive organic matter. Add

1.5 teaspoons of Government furnished soil moisture granules to hole.

iii. Gently remove tree/shrub from pot and agitate bottom of roots before planting. Firmly pack soil around planted tree/shrub roots removing any air pockets. Trees/shrubs will be planted so the root flare is slightly above or at the soil surface.

iv. Water each tree/shrub with 1.0 gallon of water after planting.

v. Install Government furnished tree ring mat at base of tree/shrub on top of cleared area.

vi. Place a Government furnished wooden stake 2’ from each planted tree/shrub.

e) 95% of planted trees/shrubs must be alive and 100% of trees/shrubs must be correctly planted/protected at the time of the COR’s final inspection. Alive is defined as pliable, green colored foliage, and/or green colored cambium.

3.1.2 Planting and Protecting Potted Trees/Shrubs (Base and Optional Items #2)

Logistics:

The COR will provide Contractor with planting site maps at least 14 days prior to the scheduled Prework Meeting between the Government and the Contractor. During the prework meeting, the COR will provide the Contractor with directions on how to receive the Government-furnished potted trees/shrubs and caging materials from the Cadillac-Manistee Ranger Station in Wellston, Michigan. Navigating to and locating planting sites is the responsibility of the Contractor. Individual planting sites may occur immediately adjacent to Forest Service (high clearance 4WD “two tracks”), County, or State Roads (hereafter referred to as roads), or alternatively, planting sites may be located up to 0.75 miles (straight-line distance) from the nearest road. Access to planting areas located away from roads must be done on foot, without the use of motorized all-terrain or 4-wheel drive vehicles. At each planting site, the Contractor will plant and protect 10 potted trees/shrubs. Within the planting site, COR will mark individual tree/shrub planting locations with flagging and/or pin flags a minimum of 14 days prior to start of work. The Period of Performance for Tree/shrub planting and Protection will be March 15 and May 15, but planting may only occur when snow is not present at planting sites. The Contractor will notify COR when planting is complete. To evaluate survival, final inspection will occur 7-14 days after Contractor notifies COR planting is complete.

The following item-specific technical specifications must be met for an acceptable level of work:

a) Contractor will pick-up Government furnished property from the Cadillac-Manistee Ranger Station/COR after a Notice to Proceed has been issued by Contracting Officer. Contractor will maintain a record of when trees/shrubs are picked up and when they are planted. To maximize survival trees/shrubs must be planted within 48 hours (unless specified otherwise by the COR) of being picked up

b) Contractor is responsible for tree/shrub survival during transport and planting. Care must be taken by the Contractor to keep roots hydrated and not damage trees when moving or planting them. Improper handling resulting in tree mortality or damage (including drying out) is unacceptable.

f) 10 Trees/shrubs will be planted by Contractor at each planting site. Contractor will make every effort to plant as close to the flagging and/or pin flags as possible. Minimum spacing between trees is 10 feet.

c) Contractor will perform the following for all planted trees/shrubs:

i. Clear existing vegetation and debris in a 36-inch diameter circle not exceeding 4-inch depth at planting site.

ii. Dig planting hole slightly larger than the size of the tree/shrub pots. Hole will consist of primarily mineral soil and be free of debris, foreign material, or excessive organic matter. Add

1.5 teaspoons of Government furnished soil moisture granules to hole.

iii. Gently remove tree/shrub from pot and agitate bottom of roots before planting. Firmly pack soil around planted tree/shrub roots removing any air pockets. Trees/shrubs will be planted so the root flare is slightly above or at the soil surface.

iv. Water each tree/shrub with 1.0 gallon of water after planting.

v. Install Government furnished tree ring mat at base of tree/shrub on top of cleared area.

d) At the time of planting, Contractor will use Government furnished supplies to install a 36” wide circular cage (14 gauge galvanized fencing or poly deer fence) around planted trees/shrubs. Cage height will range from 5’ to 6’. Cages will be flush with ground and affixed to ground using Government furnished hardware. Cages will be affixed to a T-post at three points with zip-ties and T-post shall be driven into the ground 16” to 24” deep.

e) 95% of planted trees must be alive and 100% of trees/shrubs must be correctly planted/protected at the time of the COR’s final inspection. Alive is defined as pliable, green colored foliage, and/or green colored cambium.

3.1.3 Tree Felling ≤ 18” DBH (Base and Optional Item #3)

The COR will provide the Contractor with tree felling site maps at least 14 days prior to the scheduled Prework Meeting between the Government and the Contractor. Navigating to and locating tree felling sites is the responsibility of the Contractor. Individual tree felling sites may occur immediately adjacent to Forest Service, County, or State Roads (hereafter referred to as roads), or alternatively, tree felling sites may be located up to 0.75 miles (straight-line distance) from the nearest road. Access to tree felling sites located away from roads must be done on foot, without the use of motorized all-terrain or 4-wheel drive vehicles. Within the tree felling site, the COR will mark 10 individual trees between 8” and 18” DBH with flagging/paint a minimum of 14 days prior to start of work. The COR may also mark each tree to indicate the direction it should be felled.

The 10 individual trees at a tree felling site will be close to and within sight of one another. The Period of Performance will be no less than 45 consecutive days, between the timeframe of July 16 and March 14, to complete the work. Specific Period of Performance dates will be provided to Contractor when task orders are awarded.

The following items are required for an acceptable level of work:

(a) The Contractor will fell individually marked trees in a directional manner according to the COR’s marking scheme. After felling, the crown of the tree must be in contact with the ground and the tree cannot be suspended from shrubs, trees, or snags. It is acceptable to suspend crown on other individually marked trees that have previously been felled. If the Contractor identifies hazards/concerns related to felling specific individually marked trees, they may request that alternate tree(s) be selected by the COR. If approved, alternate trees selected by the COR will be adjacent to the same felling site and will be of similar DBH. Work must be completed via hand cutting (e.g., chainsaws).

(b) Stumps must be left no greater than 6 inches above the ground.

(c) Do not cut or damage reserve or protected species as identified by the COR.

3.1.4 Hand-Cutting Brush ≤ 6” DBH and Piling (Base and Optional Items #4)

The COR will provide the Contractor with job area maps at least 14 days prior to the scheduled Prework Meeting between the Government and the Contractor. Navigating to and locating tree felling sites is the responsibility of the Contractor. Individual job areas may occur immediately adjacent to Forest Service, County, or State Roads (hereafter referred to as roads), or alternatively, job areas may be located up to 0.75 miles (straight-line distance) from the nearest road. Access to job areas located away from roads must be done on foot, without the use of motorized all-terrain or 4-wheel drive vehicles. The COR will mark job area boundaries and reserve species/islands with flagging/paint a minimum of 14 days prior to start of work. The Period of Performance will be no less than 60 consecutive days, between the timeframe of July 16 and March 14, to complete the work. Specific Period of Performance dates will be provided to Contractor when task orders are awarded.

a) Contractor will use hand tools (e.g., chainsaws, brush-cutter saws) to cut all brush 1” ≤ 6” DBH. It is acceptable if woody stems or vegetation less than 1” DBH are damaged or cut during the brushing process.

b) Stumps must be left no greater than 6 inches above the ground.

c) All woody stems cut during the brushing process must be consolidated into brush piles at COR-specified locations within the job area. Brush piles must occupy a minimum area of 8’ length by 8’ width by 4’height but not exceed 15’ length by 15’ width by 8’ height. Brush piles must be constructed so slash is packed down with adequate density that piles are not able to be seen through.

d) Do not cut or damage reserve or protected species or reserve islands as identified by the COR.

3.1.5 Mechanical Brushing ≤ 6” DBH and Piling (Base Item #5 and Optional Item #5)

COR will provide Contractor with job area maps at least 14 days prior to the scheduled Prework Meeting between the Government and the Contractor. Navigating to and locating job areas is the responsibility of the Contractor. The use of mechanical equipment is allowed. Individual job areas may occur immediately adjacent to Forest Service, County, or State Roads (hereafter referred to as roads), or alternatively, job areas may require contractors to operate the equipment off-road to access the job areas. Off-road access routes from roads to job areas will be identified and marked in advance by COR. Alternate off-road access routes requested by the Contractor must be approved by the COR. Any Contractor requests to cut vegetation, move woody debris, or otherwise modify off-road access routes must be approved by the COR. Job area boundaries will be delineated by the COR with flagging and/or paint at least 14 days prior to start of work.

Individual reserve trees, shrubs or reserve islands of trees/shrubs will be marked with flagging and/or paint by the COR at least 14 days prior to the start of work. If there is question about where the job area boundary or reserve trees/shrubs/islands, contact the COR for clarification. The Period of Performance of no less than 45 consecutive days, between the timeframe of July 16 and November 14, to complete the work.

Specific Period of Performance dates will be provided to Contractor when task orders are awarded.

e) Contractor will use motorized vehicles/mechanical equipment, including but not limited to masticator, tractor, bobcat, brush hog, and/or hand tools including but not limited to chainsaws and brush saws to cut all deciduous and conifer woody species 1” ≤ 6” DBH. It is acceptable if woody stems or vegetation <1” DBH are damaged or cut during the brushing process.

f) Stumps must be left no greater than 6 inches above the ground.

g) All woody stems cut during the brushing process must be consolidated into brush piles at COR-specified locations within the job area OR must be run through a brush hog or forestry mulching attachment head.

If run through a brush hog or forestry mulching head, brush must at a minimum severed from the stump, be de-limbed, and lay within 6” of the ground. If piled, brush piles must occupy a minimum area of 15’ length by 15’ width by 6’ but not exceed 25’ length by 25’ width by 15’ height. Brush piles must be constructed so slash is packed down with adequate density that piles are not able to be seen through.

h) Do not cut or damage reserve or protected species or reserve islands as identified by the COR.

i) Upon completion of work within the job area, off-road access routes will be rehabilitated (hereafter, rehabilitation brush piles) by the Contractor using natural materials present on site. Rehabilitation brush piles will occur at up to 3 locations flagged by the COR, typically the start, middle, and end points of the off-road access route. Rehabilitation brush piles must be constructed to dimensions preventing an All-terrain and/or 4-Wheel Drive vehicles from traveling from the road to the job area along the Contractor’s off-road access route. Rehabilitation brush piles must be, at a minimum, as wide as the off-road access route, 4’ tall, and be constructed at an adequate density. Adequate density is defined as a brush pile that the COR cannot completely disassemble with a handsaw in 15 minutes or less.

3.1.6 Mechanical Brushing ≤ 3” DBH (Base Item #6 and Optional Item #6)

COR will provide Contractor with job area maps at least 14 days prior to the scheduled Prework Meeting between the Government and the Contractor. Navigating to and locating job areas is the responsibility of the Contractor. The use of mechanical equipment is required. Individual job areas may occur immediately adjacent to Forest Service, County, or State Roads (hereafter referred to as roads), or alternatively, job areas may require contractors to operate the equipment off-road to access the job areas. Off-road access routes from roads to job areas will be identified and marked in advance by COR. Alternate off-road access routes requested by the Contractor must be approved by the COR. Contractor requests to cut vegetation, move woody debris, or otherwise modify off-road access routes must be approved by the COR. Job area boundaries will be delineated by the COR with flagging and/or paint at least 14 days prior to start of work.

Individual reserve trees, shrubs or reserve islands of trees/shrubs will be marked with flagging and/or paint by the COR at least 14 days prior to the start of work. If there is question about where the job area boundary or reserve trees/shrubs/islands, contact the COR for clarification. Specific Period of Performance will be no less than 45 consecutive days, between the timeframe of July 16 and November 14, to complete the work. Specific Period of Performance dates will be provided to Contractor when task orders are awarded.

The following item-specific technical specifications must be met for an acceptable level of work:

a) The Contractor will use mechanical equipment (e.g., skidsteers, hydro-axes, fecon, brush hog, bobcats, tractors, masticators, mulching attachment) to brush all herbaceous vegetation and woody vegetation > 24” tall and ≤ 3” DBH within the job areas. The brushing process should effectively mulch, chip, de-limb, and/or shred woody vegetation woody vegetation > 24” tall and ≤ 3”. After the brushing process, brush must, at a minimum, be severed from the stump, be de-limbed, and lay within 6” of the ground.

b) Upon completion of work within the job area, off-road access routes will be rehabilitated (hereafter, rehabilitation brush piles) by the Contractor using natural materials present on site. Rehabilitation brush piles will occur at up to 3 locations flagged by the COR, typically the start, middle, and end points of the off-road access route. Rehabilitation brush piles must be constructed to dimensions preventing an All-terrain and/or 4-Wheel Drive vehicles from traveling from the road to the job area along the Contractor’s off-road access route. Rehabilitation brush piles must be, at a minimum, as wide as the off-road access route, 4’ tall, and be constructed at an adequate density. Adequate density is defined as a brush pile that

3.1.7 Brushing ≤ 3” DBH and Herbicide (Base and Optional Items #7)

COR will provide Contractor with job area maps at least 14 days prior to the scheduled Prework Meeting between the Government and the Contractor. Navigating to and locating job areas is the responsibility of the Contractor. Individual job areas may occur immediately adjacent to Forest Service, County, or State Roads (hereafter referred to as roads), or alternatively, may be located up to 0.5 miles (straight-line distance) from the nearest road. Access to job areas located away from roads must be done on foot, without the use of motorized all-terrain or 4-wheel drive vehicles. Job area boundaries will be delineated by the COR with flagging and/or paint at least 14 days prior to start of work. Individual reserve trees, shrubs or reserve islands of trees/shrubs will be marked with flagging and/or paint by the COR at least 14 days prior to the start of work. If there is question about where the job area boundary or reserve trees/shrubs/islands, contact the COR for clarification.

Specific Period of Performance will be no less than 45 consecutive days, between the timeframe of July 16 and March 14, to complete the work. Specific Period of Performance dates will be provided to Contractor when task orders are awarded.

a) The contractor will use hand tools (e.g., Brush cutter saws, chainsaws, loppers etc) to cut all stump sprout deciduous (non-pine) stems > 24” tall and ≤ 3” DBH. Stems will be cut cleanly using sharp tools, to the extent that the COR could set a coin on the cut stem and it would remain without sliding off. Stem height will be <6” from the ground.

b) Hand operated equipment will be used to spot apply glyphosate or triclopyr and dye on all cut stems within 5 minutes of cutting OR Methylated Seed Oil may be used as a carrier and stumps can be treated with herbicide and dye within 14 days of cutting. Petroleum based carriers are not allowed.

c) Contractor will maintain a current State of Michigan commercial pesticide applicators business license and all applicators will have current State of Michigan herbicide certification and be certified for the type of habitat(s) required for this contract. Contractor will provide a copy of license/certifications upon request of the COR.

d) Application operations shall be conducted as indicated on the herbicide label, including approved concentrations, rates/acre, and environmental conditions. Only chemicals approved for aquatic use shall be used adjacent to waterways and wetlands or whenever directed. Aquatic approved chemicals include the aquatic formulation of glyphosate (Rodeo® or equivalent product).

e) Herbicide dye will be used according to manufacturing label.

f) The Contractor will provide a written Safety Plan that demonstrates how the Contractor will ensure a safe work environment for themselves and their employees, including a chemical spill plan documenting procedures in the event of a chemical spill on-site or in transport. The Contractor is responsible for the cleanup of any spills and will notify the COR immediately of any spills. The Contractor must have herbicide labels and copies of material safety data sheets (MSDS) of chemicals used on site. The Contractor must provide copies of MSDS of chemicals to the COR prior to the start of work.

g) The Contractor will maintain an accurate daily log record of herbicide used in each area as described below. Other minimum record requirements include copies of hazardous material handling certificates, copies of material safety data sheets (MSDS) of chemicals used, and the location of the waste site and/or use destination locations. The Daily Log must record the Contract Line Item, target plant species, chemical used (product name and EPA registration number), quantity of herbicide (volume applied & unit of measure – including product and carrier/dilutant), application rate (active ingredient applied & unit of measure), and adjuvant used (product name & rate applied, if any). The log will record weather information consisting of wind velocity (MPH), wind direction, air temperature (F), condition (cloud cover), relative humidity (RH), and precipitation (inches). Other log requirements include date, time of day (start time and stop time), treatment location, approximate acres treated, hours to complete task, type of application (method/technique), color of dye used on job area, name of certified applicators, type of equipment used, plus optional information such as any other miscellaneous notes or observations. All treatment daily logs and summary log must be completed separately for each wildlife opening of the job area that herbicide is applied to such that total volume of herbicide can be determined for that land unit.

A copy must be made available to the Forest Service at billing or upon request.

h) Contractor will place caution signs around sprayed areas according to the appropriate interval per label directions of the chemical used. Signage will be removed after treatment is completed.

i) Contractor will conduct treatments at a sufficient interval and concentration to meet or exceed the kill rate ranging from 85-90% for target undesirable vegetation, and with no mortality to nearby or interspersed desirable non-target native plant species because of inadvertent treatment or overspray of herbicides (refer to Quality Control Plan); or values specified in this contract. The Contractor will provide a Quality Control Plan that demonstrates how the Contractor will ensure minimum kill rates are met for target species.

j) All herbicide applicator staff must be able to identify target species in the field, including during dormant seasons, to a sufficient degree to avoid mortality of desirable non-target native species and to meet minimum kill rates to target species infestations (as specified in the Quality Control Plan); or values specified on this contract.

3.1.8 Mechanical and/or Manual Tree Felling ≤ 10” DBH and Piling (Base and Optional Items #8)

COR will provide Contractor with job area maps at least 14 days prior to the scheduled Prework Meeting between the Government and the Contractor. Navigating to and locating job areas is the responsibility of the Contractor. The use of mechanical equipment is allowed. Individual job areas may occur immediately adjacent to Forest Service, County, or State Roads (hereafter referred to as roads), or alternatively, job areas may require contractors to operate the equipment off-road to access the job areas. Off-road access routes from roads to job areas will be identified and marked in advance by COR. Alternate off-road access routes requested by the Contractor must be approved by the COR. Contractor requests to cut vegetation, move woody debris, or otherwise modify off-road access routes must be approved by the COR. Job area boundaries will be delineated by the COR with flagging and/or paint at least 14 days prior to start of work.

Individual reserve trees, shrubs or reserve islands of trees/shrubs will be marked with flagging and/or paint by the COR at least 14 days prior to the start of work. If there is question about where the job area boundary or reserve trees/shrubs/islands, contact the COR for clarification. The Period of Performance will be no less than 45 consecutive days, between the timeframe of July 16 and March 14, to complete the work.

Specific Period of Performance dates will be provided to Contractor when task orders are awarded.

a) Contractor may choose between two methods (or a combination of both methods) for killing all live trees and shrubs >1” DBH and ≤ 10” DBH. Cut stumps must be ≤ 6” from the ground and will be treated with herbicide OR live trees may be uprooted whole (e.g., excavator or dozer) and piled. When herbicide is used, Contractor will follow specifications below. When trees are uprooted whole, soil disturbance from uprooting the trees must be rehabilitated so that the stump hole is filled and exposed soil from each stump location does not exceed an 8’ by 8’ area. Contractor must indicate their selected method at the Pre-Work Meeting.

b) All woody stems cut or uprooted during the treatment process must be consolidated into brush piles at COR-specified locations within the job area. Brush piles must occupy a minimum area of 15 feet length by 15 feet width by 6’ height but not exceed 25’ length by 25’ width by 15’ height. Brush piles must be constructed so slash is packed down with adequate density that piles are not able to be seen through.

c) Upon completion of work within the job area, off-road access routes will be rehabilitated (hereafter, rehabilitation brush piles) by the Contractor using natural materials present on site. Rehabilitation brush piles will occur at up to 3 locations flagged by the COR, typically the start, middle, and end points of the off-road access route. Rehabilitation brush piles must be constructed to dimensions preventing an All-terrain and/or 4-Wheel Drive vehicles from traveling from the road to the job area along the Contractor’s off-road access route. Rehabilitation brush piles must be, at a minimum, as wide as the off-road access route, 4’ tall, and be constructed at an adequate density. Adequate density is defined as a brush pile that

3.2 General Technical Requirements (Applicable to all Items)

(a) Job Area Prioritization - The Contractor may be required to treat certain Forest Service specified job areas prior to others. This information will be given to the Contractor at least 14 days before the start of work and will be reviewed at the Pre-Work Meeting.

(b) Communication Expectations/Anti-Procrastination Clause – Before a Notice to Proceed is issued, the Contractor will provide the COR with a written Schedule of Work stating when the Contractor intends to begin to perform the work, where the work will begin, and scheduled progression through job areas.

The Contractor is required to inform the COR at least 7 days in advance before beginning work.

Cancellations or rescheduling by the contractor, shall be done in writing by the Contractor, at least 7 days in advance. If the Contractor cancels or postpones scheduled meetings, equipment inspections, or start dates, it may result in the COR requiring an additional 7 days before he/she is available to meet with contractor or conduct equipment inspections and thus start dates may be delayed but the Period of Performance will remain the same. Procrastination by the Contractor will not be grounds for an extension. Procrastination is defined as waiting to begin work until the last 21 days of the Period of Performance.

(c) Protected Wildlife, Vegetation, and Cultural Resource Sites – Avoid harming or harassing any wildlife species encountered during contract activities. Protected plant, wildlife, and/or cultural resource sites will be identified and flagged off on a site-by-site basis by the COR and will be discussed during the pre-work conference. Communicate all concerns/discoveries relating to wildlife, vegation, and cultural resource sites to the COR immediately before continuing work.

(d) Equipment Cleaning - To prevent the spread of non-native invasive species, the Contractor’s equipment will be inspected prior to starting work with the Forest Service. All equipment must be cleaned and free of brush, debris, mud, dirt, and plant parts including roots and seed prior to travel on Forest Service roads, before entering the first job area, and between moving from one job area to another. Methods of equipment cleaning may include, but are not limited to powerwashing, steam-cleaning, running through a car wash, or compressed air cleaning. The COR will inspect equipment upon being brought onto National Forest System lands for the first time, or subsequent times if the equipment is taken off site and returned.

(e) Herbicide Use - Herbicide transport, use, mixing, and disposal will comply with all federal, state, and local regulations. Herbicide solutions will be mixed at appropriate locations, not within wildlife openings, to eliminate the potential for spills in naturally vegetated areas. Application will not occur within 2 days of forecasted major rain events. Install temporary signs at treated areas to notify visitors.

Remove signs after treatment has concluded.

(f) Salvage - No cut materials are to be salvaged, sold, or collected.

(g) Snags – Standing dead trees or shrubs will not be cut or disturbed, unless they pose a hazard to operation. Discuss with COR before removing/felling any snags.

(h) Private Land – No activity or trespassing will occur on non-National Forest System lands. It is always the Contractor’s responsibility to avoid trespassing. Contact the COR if there are any questions about job area boundaries.

(i) Personal Protective Equipment – Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be worn at all times while in job areas. Unsafe work practices could result in a ‘Stop Work’ order being issued by the Contracting Officer or further penalties.

(j) Inspections - Inspections will be completed by the Government, occasionally, during performance of the contract and again after the Contractor completes all work within a work item. Inspections are for the benefit of the government. The Contractor will inspect their own work and only tender for acceptance work that has met specifications.

(k) Pre-Work Conference - A pre-work conference will be scheduled and completed with the Contractor after award and prior to the commencement of work. The conference will be by mutual agreement between the COR and the Contractor.

(l) Resource Protection:

i. Protection of Streams, Lakes and Reservoirs - The Contractor shall take every precaution to prevent pollution from fuels, oils, chemicals, silt, or other harmful materials of any stream, lake, or reservoir located in or near the job areas. All water bodies shall be kept free of Contractor-generated debris.

ii. Debris Disposal - All litter generated by the Contractor during this contract shall be removed from Forest Service land as work progresses.

3.3 Definitions

’ - units in feet, ” - units in inches ≤ - less than or equal to > - greater than DBH – Diameter at breast height, units are in inches. Breast height is defined as 4.5’ above the ground.

Tree felling – A process resulting in the cutting of trees of a specified DBH.

Crown – Branches growing outward from the main truck of a tree.

Snags – Standing dead trees or shrubs.

Piling – Moving and consolidating vegetative and woody material from treatment activities into piles of specified dimensions.

COR – Contracting Officer Representative.

Pre-Work Meeting – A meeting between the Contractor and Government to discuss specifics regarding contract and task orders. Must take place before work can begin.

Notice to Proceed – a document provided by the Contracting Officer allowing the Contractor to begin work.

Period of Performance – The amount of time the Contractor has to provide the services.

Extension – Modification of the Period of Performance.

Quality Control Plan – A written quality control plan provided by the Contractor that demonstrates the ability to complete all tasks to the required Performance Quality Standards and/or to Acceptable Quality Levels.

Work Plan and Schedule – Provided by Contractor stating the start date, production rate, completion date, labor, and equipment list.

4WD – Four wheel drive vehicles.

4.0 Government Furnished

The Government will furnish supplies for Base and Optional Items #1 and #2. Specifically, the Government will provide live potted trees/shrubs, fencing, t-posts, soil moisture granules, tree ring mats, wooden stakes, and zip-ties. Logistics will be discussed during the Pre-Work Meeting and supplies will be available for pickup from the Cadillac-Manistee Ranger Station, 1170 Nursery Road, Wellston Michigan. Pickups will be available from 8 am to 4 pm, Monday-Thursday, and not on Government Holidays. Pickup requests will require 7 days advance notice from the Contractor to the COR.

5.0 Deliverables / Schedule

ITEM NO./ DESCRIPTION

FY21 BASE ESTIMATES

ESTIMATED

QUANTITY

BID PRICE PER UNIT

TOTAL AMOUNT

(Estimated Quantity x Bid Price Per Unit)

1. Planting Potted Trees/Shrubs

10 Planting Sites (100 Trees Total)

$________/Planting Site $____________________

2. Planting and Protecting Potted Trees/Shrubs

8 Planting Sites (80 Trees Total)

$________/Planting Site $____________________

3. Tree Felling ≤ 18” DBH 15 Tree Felling Sites (150 Trees

Total)

$________/Tree Felling Sites

4. Hand-cutting Brush <6” DBH and Piling

16 Acres $________/Acre $____________________

5. Mechanical Brushing ≤ 6” DBH and Piling

136 Acres $________/Acre $____________________

6. Mechanical Brushing ≤

3” DBH

103 Acres $________/Acre $____________________

7. Brushing ≤ 3” DBH and herbicide

10 Acres $________/Acre $____________________

8. Mechanical and/or Manual Tree Felling ≤ 10” DBH and Piling

18 Acres $________/Acre $____________________

All items will be awarded based on price, qualifications, relevant experience, past performance. Multiple awards may be made.

FY21 OPTIONAL WORK

BID PRICE PER UNIT

1. Planting Potted Trees/Shrubs $________/Planting Site

2. Planting and Protecting Potted Trees/Shrubs $________/Planting Site

3. Tree Felling ≤ 18” DBH $________/Tree Felling Sites

4. Hand-cutting Brush ≤ 6” DBH and Piling $________/Acre

5. Mechanical Brushing ≤ 6” DBH and Piling $________/Acre

6. Mechanical Brushing ≤ 3” DBH $________/Acre

7. Brushing ≤ 3” DBH and herbicide $________/Acre

8. Mechanical and/or Manual Tree Felling ≤ 10” DBH and Piling $________/Acre

FY22 BASE ESTIMATES

ESTIMATED

QUANTITY

PRICE PER UNIT

TOTAL AMOUNT

(Estimated Quantity x Price Per Unit)

1. Planting Potted Trees/Shrubs

5 Planting Sites (50 Trees

Total)

$________/Planting Site

2. Planting and Protecting Potted Trees/Shrubs

5 Planting Sites (50 Trees

Total)

$________/Planting Site

3. Tree Felling ≤ 18” DBH 10 Tree Felling

Sites (100 Trees Total)

$________/Tree Felling Sites

4. Hand-cutting Brush ≤ 6” DBH and Piling

10 Acres $________/Acre $____________________

5. Mechanical Brushing ≤ 6” DBH and Piling

70 Acres $________/Acre $____________________

6. Mechanical Brushing ≤ 3”

DBH

50 Acres $________/Acre $____________________

7. Brushing ≤ 3” DBH and herbicide

5 Acres $________/Acre $____________________

8. Mechanical and/or Manual Tree Felling ≤ 10” DBH and Piling

10 Acres $________/Acre $____________________

FY22 OPTIONAL WORK

BID PRICE PER

UNIT

1. Planting Potted Trees/Shrubs

$________/Planting Site

2. Planting and Protecting Potted Trees/Shrubs

$________/Planting Site

3. Tree Felling ≤ 18” DBH $________/Tree Felling Sites

4. Hand-cutting Brush ≤ 6” DBH and Piling

$________/Acre

5. Mechanical Brushing ≤ 6” DBH and Piling

$________/Acre

6. Mechanical Brushing ≤ 3”

DBH

$________/Acre

7. Brushing ≤ 3” DBH and herbicide

$________/Acre

8. Mechanical and/or Manual Tree Felling ≤ 10”

$________/Acre

FY23 BASE ESTIMATES

ESTIMATED

QUANTITY

BID PRICE PER

UNIT

TOTAL AMOUNT

(Estimated Quantity x Bid

Price Per Unit)

1. Planting Potted Trees/Shrubs

5 Planting Sites (50 Trees

Total)

$________/Planting Site

2. Planting and Protecting Potted Trees/Shrubs

5 Planting Sites (50 Trees

Total)

$________/Planting Site

3. Tree Felling ≤ 18” DBH 10 Tree Felling

Sites (100 Trees Total)

$________/Tree Felling Sites

4. Hand-cutting Brush ≤ 6” DBH and Piling

10 Acres $________/Acre $____________________

5. Mechanical Brushing ≤ 6” DBH and Piling

70 Acres $________/Acre $____________________

6. Mechanical Brushing ≤ 3”

DBH

50 Acres $________/Acre $____________________

7. Brushing ≤ 3” DBH and herbicide

5 Acres $________/Acre $____________________

8. Mechanical and/or Manual Tree Felling ≤ 10”

FY23 OPTIONAL WORK

BID PRICE PER

UNIT

1. Planting Potted Trees/Shrubs

$________/Planting Site

2. Planting and Protecting Potted Trees/Shrubs

$________/Planting Site

3. Tree Felling ≤ 18” DBH $________/Tree Felling Sites

4. Hand-cutting Brush ≤ 6” DBH and Piling

$________/Acre

5. Mechanical Brushing ≤ 6” DBH and Piling

$________/Acre

6. Mechanical Brushing ≤ 3”

DBH

$________/Acre

7. Brushing ≤ 3” DBH and herbicide

$________/Acre

8. Mechanical and/or Manual Tree Felling ≤ 10”

FY24 BASE ESTIMATES

ESTIMATED

QUANTITY

BID PRICE PER

UNIT

TOTAL AMOUNT

(Estimated Quantity x Bid

Price Per Unit)

1. Planting Potted Trees/Shrubs

5 Planting Sites (50 Trees

Total)

$________/Planting Site

2. Planting and Protecting Potted Trees/Shrubs

5 Planting Sites (50 Trees

Total)

$________/Planting Site

3. Tree Felling ≤ 18” DBH 10 Tree Felling

Sites (100 Trees Total)

$________/Tree Felling Sites

4. Hand-cutting Brush ≤6” DBH and Piling

10 Acres $________/Acre $____________________

5. Mechanical Brushing ≤ 6” DBH and Piling

70 Acres $________/Acre $____________________

6. Mechanical Brushing ≤ 3”

DBH

50 Acres $________/Acre $____________________

7. Brushing ≤ 3” DBH and herbicide

5 Acres $________/Acre $____________________

8. Mechanical and/or Manual Tree Felling ≤ 10”

FY24 OPTIONAL WORK

BID PRICE PER

UNIT

1. Planting Potted Trees/Shrubs

$________/Planting Site

2. Planting and Protecting Potted Trees/Shrubs

$________/Planting Site

3. Tree Felling ≤ 18” DBH $________/Tree Felling Sites

4. Hand-cutting Brush ≤ 6” DBH and Piling

$________/Acre

5. Mechanical Brushing ≤ 6” DBH and Piling

$________/Acre

6. Mechanical Brushing ≤ 3”

DBH

$________/Acre

7. Brushing ≤ 3” DBH and herbicide

$________/Acre

8. Mechanical and/or Manual Tree Felling ≤ 10”

FY25 BASE ESTIMATES

ESTIMATED

QUANTITY

BID PRICE PER

UNIT

TOTAL AMOUNT

(Estimated Quantity x Bid

Price Per Unit)

1. Planting Potted Trees/Shrubs

5 Planting Sites (50 Trees

Total)

$________/Planting Site

2. Planting and Protecting Potted Trees/Shrubs

5 Planting Sites (50 Trees

Total)

$________/Planting Site

3. Tree Felling ≤ 18” DBH 10 Tree Felling

Sites (100 Trees Total)

$________/Tree Felling Sites

4. Hand-cutting Brush ≤ 6” DBH and Piling

10 Acres $________/Acre $____________________

5. Mechanical Brushing ≤ 6” DBH and Piling

70 Acres $________/Acre $____________________

6. Mechanical Brushing ≤ 3”

DBH

50 Acres $________/Acre $____________________

7. Brushing ≤ 3” DBH and herbicide

5 Acres $________/Acre $____________________

8. Mechanical and/or Manual Tree Felling ≤ 10”

FY25 OPTIONAL WORK

BID PRICE PER

UNIT

1. Planting Potted Trees/Shrubs

$________/Planting Site

2. Planting and Protecting Potted Trees/Shrubs

$________/Planting Site

3. Tree Felling ≤ 18” DBH $________/Tree Felling Sites

4. Hand-cutting Brush ≤ 6” DBH and Piling

$________/Acre

5. Mechanical Brushing ≤ 6” DBH and Piling

$________/Acre

6. Mechanical Brushing ≤ 3”

DBH

$________/Acre

7. Brushing ≤ 3” DBH and herbicide

$________/Acre

8. Mechanical and/or Manual Tree Felling ≤ 10”

The Government may issue an order to other than the lowest quoter, make multiple or single awards, waive minor informalities or irregularities in quotes received, award less than the estimated quantity, or elect not to award at all. If necessary, the Government may conduct discussions with any or all quoters.

5.1 FY21 Job Area locations.

See Section J for job area maps. Bidders are urged to conduct their own field reviews as this is the best way to evaluate complexity and conditions on the ground. Job area boundaries may not be flagged/painted until after an award is made. Job areas with multiple treatments occurring may be identified on a single job area map. The decimal degree GPS coordinates in the table below are within the job area boundaries.

FY21 Job Area Locations Job Area

Name Project Location Treatment Acres/Sites Decimal Degrees

Base Item 1 – Planting Potted Trees/Shrubs

16-11 T21N R12W Section 19, South Branch Township, Wexford County

Planting Potted Trees/Shrubs

4 sites (40 trees total)

44.23369 -85.75667

16-17 T21N R12W Section 19, South Branch Township, Wexford County

Planting Potted Trees/Shrubs

2 sites (20 tress total)

44.23183 -85.75505

44.23104 -85.75295

85-29 T21N R11W Section 09, Henderson Township, Wexford County

Planting Potted Trees/Shrubs

4 sites (40 trees total)

44.23090 -85.65174

44.23012 -85.65168

44.23022 -85.65036

Total Sites 10 sites (100 trees total)

Base Item 2 - Planting and Protecting Potted Trees/Shrubs

T21N R12W Section 19, South Branch Township, Wexford County

Planting and Protecting Potted Trees and Shrubs

2 sites (20 trees total)

44.23386 -85.75754

44.23531 -85.75739

16-17 T21N R12W Section 19, South Branch Township, Wexford County

Planting and Protecting Potted Trees and Shrubs

1 site (10 trees total)

44.23278 -85.75434

85-29 T21N R11W Section 09, Henderson Township, Wexford County

Planting and Protecting Potted Trees and Shrubs

1 site (10 trees total)

44.23028 -85.64987

Olga Lake T21N R11W Section 33, 34

Henderson Township, Wexford County

Planting and Protecting Potted Trees and Shrubs

4 sites (40 trees total)

44.17260 -85.63752

44.17260 -85.63873

44.17276 -85.63370

Total Sites 8 sites (80

Base Item 3 – Felling Trees ≤ 18” DBH

T21N R12W Section 19, South Branch Township, Wexford County

Felling Trees ≤

18” DBH

4 sites (40 trees total)

44.23369 -85.75667

16-17 T21N R12W Section 19, South Branch Township, Wexford County

Felling Trees ≤

18” DBH

1 sites (10 trees total)

44.23104 -85.75295

85-29 T21N R11W Section 09, Henderson Township, Wexford County

Felling Trees ≤

18” DBH

2 sites (20 trees total)

44.23090 -85.65174

44.23012 -85.65168

Olga Lake T21N R11W Section 33, 34

Henderson Township, Wexford County

Felling Trees ≤

18” DBH

4 sites (40 trees total)

44.17260 -85.63752

44.17260 -85.63873

44.17276 -85.63370

395-29 T21N R16W Section 22, Stronach Township, Manistee County

Felling Trees ≤

18” DBH

4 sites (40

44.20327 -86.22864

Total Sites 15 sites (150

Base Item 4 – Hand-cutting Brush ≤ 6” DBH and Piling

Alder Unit A T21N R16W Section 22, 23

Stronach Township, Manistee County

Hand-cutting Brush ≤ 6” DBH and Piling

12 acres 44.20610 -86.22451

Alder Unit C T21N R16W Section 24

Stronach Township, Manistee County

Hand-cutting Brush ≤ 6” DBH and Piling

3 acres 44.20189 -86.19747

Alder Unit F T21N R15W Section 30

Stronach Township, Manistee County

Hand-cutting Brush ≤ 6” DBH and Piling

1 acre 44.18843 -86.18156

Total 16 acres

Base Item 5 – Mechanical Brushing ≤ 6” DBH and Piling

16-11 T21N R12W Section 19, South Branch Township, Wexford County

Mechanical Brushing ≤ 6” DBH and Piling 3 acres 44.23403 -85.75731

16-17 T21N R12W Section 19, South Branch Township, Wexford County

Mechanical Brushing ≤ 6” DBH and Piling 8 acres 44.23194 -85.75446

Comp 334 T20N R15W Section 06, Meade Township, Mason

County

Mechanical Brushing ≤ 6” DBH and Piling 60 acres 44.16480 -86.15249

356-25 T20N R18W Section 24, Grant Township, Mason County

Mechanical Brushing ≤ 6” DBH and Piling 10 acres 44.12191 -86.41754

85-29 T21N R11W Section 09, Henderson Township, Wexford County

Mechanical Brushing ≤ 6” DBH and Piling 10 acres 44.23027 -85.64965

91-8 T21N R11W Section 11, Henderson Township, Wexford County

Mechanical Brushing ≤ 6” DBH and Piling 7 acres 44.22838 -85.60645

Grant T20N R18W Section 24, Grant Township, Mason County

Mechanical Brushing ≤ 6” DBH and Piling 38 acres 44.12298 -86.40264

Total 136 acres

Base Item 6 – Mechanical Brushing ≤ 3” DBH

334-16 T20N R15W Section 06, Meade Township, Mason

County

Mechanical Brushing ≤ 3” DBH

14 acres 44.16611 -86.14495

Comp 334A T20N R15W Section 06, Meade Township, Mason

County

Mechanical Brushing ≤ 3” DBH

12 acres 44.16977 -86.14635

Comp 334B T20N R15W Section 06, Meade Township,…