att1_revised_sow.pdf

12569R18Q0018 Amendment 2 Revised Attachment 1 Eastside Hiawatha N.F. CSE Services

INTRODUCTION PROJECT LOCATION AND STATEMENT OF WORK

The objective of this contract is to collect data from plots in stands on the East zone of the

Hiawatha National Forest using the Common Stand Exam (CSE) protocols. Contractors will use either electronic portable data recorders and or field data forms to collect field data and input this data into the ExamsPC/ExamsPDR data collection software as specified in this document, the Hiawatha National Forest Field Guide to Common Stand Exam (Hiawatha Field Guide), and the NRM NRIS FSVeg Field Guide. Contractors will use navigation techniques to either install plots on a systematic grid or to locate and install plots in pre-determined locations.

The collection of data will occur in locations throughout the St. Ignace Ranger District of the

Hiawatha National Forest, in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Access to much of the Forest can occur by highways and National Forest System roads found throughout the forest. Access to specific plot locations and stands to be surveyed will require foot travel from the nearest access point. Use of any off road vehicle will be in conformance with the Forest OHV Policy.

Scope of Work

a) The Contractor shall furnish all labor, services, materials, equipment, transportation, supervision, supplies (except those designated as Government-furnished), incidentals, and facilities necessary to conduct Common Stand Exam (CSE) in compliance with terms, specifications, conditions, and provisions of this contract.

b) Field work shall consist of: locating, establishing and marking plots; measuring and recording data for variable-radius plots; and assessing and recording stand-level setting conditions.

c) Non-field work in support of field examinations includes recommendations for adjustments to the compartment base map, including stand boundaries, roads, streams, ponds, lakes and other feature locations; review and verification of electronic data prior to submission (quality control). The work performed and the data collected shall be in compliance with the terms, specifications, conditions and provisions of this solicitation and the current Hiawatha Field Guide.

d) This contract is a performance-based, fixed-price contract.

DEFINITIONS

Plot Type Variable-Radius Plot—best suited for getting estimates of densities in larger diameter classes. These plots are quick to install and work well for volume estimates, but may not be suited for regeneration surveys or for finding occurrences of rare plants. This is most often used for overstory plots.

Quick Plot A quick plot exam may group trees by species, diameter, heights, and/or damage classes.

Measurement tolerances are relaxed to allow for ocular estimation of many parameters. Limiting the information gathered and reducing measurement accuracy standards.

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 52.245-4). If the Government fails to make timely delivery of such Government-furnished property suitable for its intended use, and upon written request from the Contractor, the contracting officer shall make an equitable adjustment of contract delivery or performance dates or contract price, or both, pursuant to the "Changes" clause of the general provisions of this contract.

Government-furnished Property

Item Government-furnished property Description Where, When, How

Software for ExamsPC and ExamsCE

Software for PC and handheld PDR.

(updates required to run newest version, up to contractor to download and use current version)

This software is downloadable from FSVeg website:

http://www.fs.fed.us/nrm/fsveg/index.shtml

Templates

Blank templates for sample design, data collection (setting, plot, tree levels), etc.

will be provided electronically.

Provided at pre-work meeting and as needed for updates.

CSE Forms One paper copy of the field CSE forms.

(Setting, Plot, Tree, Sample Design)

Provided Upon Request from COR

CSE Inspection Forms Inspection Forms provide information on quality of installed plots and Contractor payment results.

Provided Upon Request from COR

Hiawatha Field Guide Field instructions handbook including forms and codes for performing Common Stand Exams. Also available hard-copy at Hiawatha N.F. offices, by request.

The Hiawatha Field Guide is available from the COR in electronic format upon request

CSE User Guide Guide describes CSE and use;

downloadable complete or by chapter.

CSE user guide downloadable from the FSVeg website:

http://www.fs.fed.us/nrm/fsveg/index.shtml

National Forest Map and Motor Vehicle Use Map(s).

Provides road information, locations, etc.

One of each map provided at pre-work meeting.

Project Area Maps Maps depicting all compartment locations for the project area.

Provided w/ contract.

Stands to be Inventoried

Map and Table showing individual stands to be inventoried.

Provided w/ contract.

GIS and Compartment Maps

GIS compartment map (paper): aerial photography overlaid w/ current stand lines, roads, additional info as needed.

(e.g. soils, management areas, etc.)

and regular paper compartment map.

Shapefiles and files compatible with

GPS

As contract progresses and Contractor requests.

Compartment records A list of stands to be surveyed, with data from the last cycle of examinations.

As contract progresses and Contractor requests.

Other reference material

Aerial Photos, Digital Orthographic photos, stereoscope (only for use while at government facility).

As contract progresses and Contractor requests.

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. The Contractor shall be liable for all loss or damage of such delivered Government-furnished property until completion and final acceptance of work.

Government-furnished Services

a) Review of the inspection procedures at the Contractor’s request, or the Government Contracting

Officer’s Representative (hereafter referred to as “COR”), the COR shall provide one review of the inspection procedures. This review shall be performed on one plot.

b) Review data collection procedures at the Contractor’s request, the COR shall accompany the

Contractor on one plot to review data collection procedures.

c) Review the Exams software at the Contractor’s request, the COR shall review the ExamsPC, ExamsCE, and ActiveSync software, and provide initial assistance in familiarization with programs and use.

d) Notification of updates of program versions as needed. The COR will coordinate with Contractor(s) regarding upload of data from current program version, prior to updating to new program version.

e) As needed, COR will supply Contractor(s) with appropriate e-mail and/or web addresses for information, technical assistance, program updates and electronic copies of appropriate sections of “Common Stand Exam Users Guide”.

f) Final uploads of Contractor’s data. The COR will upload data files to the FSVeg database using a

Government PC. Load errors resultant of data entry errors may require correction(s) and resubmission of data files by Contractor. No adjustments will be made due to personnel or program errors that result in data errors or loss of data. (Contractor is advised to keep back-up copies of all data submitted.) Discs become the property of the Government after upload. (Data may also be submitted via e-mail.)

g) Access behind locked gates. Some stands are behind Forest Service locked gates. Access to some stands behind locked gates may be possible during the period the stand is being examined, if a closure order or law is not being violated.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

The Contractor shall adhere to the data-collection procedures in this Section and in the Hiawatha Field Guide. Each stand will be treated as an entity and pertinent data will be entered in the ExamsPC/PDR program. All measurements shall be made in accordance with the Hiawatha Field Guide and NRIS FSVeg Field Guide, which describe measurement procedures as specified in this contract. Where discrepancies between the contract and the Hiawatha Field Guide occur, the contract shall have precedence.

1) Examination Level and Plot Information Stands shall be examined using a Quick Plot examination level that will collect the data needed. The amount of information collected is listed below by type of form. The total number of sample plots and plot locations are enclosed.

a) Plot Type—the type of plot is variable radius.

b) Sample Design—Which size BAF to use is determined by the contractor for each stand. An average of 7 to 9 trees per plot is required.

c) Number of Plots— The number of plots to be installed will be provided by the government for each stand, but not the plot locations. Follow plot location and establishment guidelines below.

d) Plot Location and Establishment—Plots will be established using a systematic grid approach.

No plot shall be closer than 66 feet to the stand boundary. Plot locations will be established at regular intervals along a sample line. Distance between plots should not be less than 3 chains or greater than 15 chains, unless stand size or shape limits this requirement. On average, plots should be 5 chains apart. Data collected on a plot shall be completely within the stand being inventoried and shall not overlap another plot. Plots should be taken wherever they fall, not moved to other locations to avoid thick patches of brush, downfall, slash piles, or other unpleasant conditions. The only exception to this rule occurs when a plot would otherwise fall within 66 feet from open boundaries, such as roads and power lines, or within special protection areas such as streamside zones, seeps, sinkhole ponds, etc. All plots should be kept at least 66 feet from these areas, unless stand size or shape limits this requirement.

The Contractor shall mark each plot center on the ground with flagging, minimum of 12 inches long, attached to a stake, wire, or piece of wood that is at least 24 inches in length and firmly monumented in the ground. Another flag, minimum of 12 inches long, shall be hung 6 to 8 feet above the ground over or near plot center. On the higher flag, mark the stand number and plot number. Stand plot number must be marked on the flagging on the ground plot.

Once plot center is established, the Contractor shall start at True North and rotate clockwise when tallying trees. The first tree on the plot will be True North or slightly east. Plot center will be used when inspecting the Contractor’s work. Variations in this scheme can be made if agreed upon by the COR.

e) Data—All plot data shall be recorded at each plot using the Common Stand Exam (CSE) software or on a data sheets then entered by the contractor into the CSE software. Completed exams shall be delivered to the Forest Service as electronic files with the “CSE” or “PDR” file extensions as created by the CSE software.

f) Other—All data standards will conform to those addressed in the Hiawatha Field Guide.

2) Setting Form Data (The Exams program in which data is collected refers to stands as “settings”.) The Setting Form shall be used to record stand information, level of exam, exam purpose, etc. Many of these fields populate automatically, if the PDR has been set up with templates (provided by COR) by the contractor. Only a few actually have to be completed by the examiner.

Setting Form Fields (and associated forms/documents) Field Name Exam Level Data Source

Project Name X Government Region X Government Proclaimed National Forest X Government District X Government Location (Compartment) X Government Setting (Stand) X Government

(Contractor if creating a new stand)

Owner X Government State X Government County X Government Admin Forest X Government Admin Region X Government Date X Contractor

Examination Level X Government Exam Purpose X Government Existing Vegetation Reference Code X Government Existing Vegetation Code (EV) X Contractor Structure X Contractor Acres X Government Examiner X Contractor Precision Protocol X Government Size-density (User Field) X Contractor Stand (setting) Remarks X Contractor Year of Origin (YOR) (in setting remarks) X Contractor Stand Condition (in setting remarks) X Contractor Features (in setting remarks) X – if applicable Contractor Species of Management Interest (in setting remarks)

X – if applicable Contractor

Stand Damage Category (in setting remarks) X – if applicable Contractor Stand Damage Agent (in setting remarks) X – if applicable Contractor Stand Damage Severity (in setting remarks) X – if applicable Contractor Site Index Tree Location – in setting remarks X Contractor Sketch Map and Traverse Notes – on comp map X Contractor

Several fields in the Setting Form are scheduled to be upgraded in the NRM database structure, such as Year of Origin. When this happens, those data need to shift from Remarks (see below) to the new Setting field. Coordination will be needed if FSVeg versions change.

Structure and size density at the setting level should be entered after all plots have been completed, so as to reflect the examiner’s opinion of the averages for the entire stand.

Associated forms and documents include the Setting Remarks Form and GIS compartment map.

The Setting Remarks Form shall be used to record stand year of origin; condition, features, damage;

species of management interest; success/health of regeneration; as well as forest health issues, brief stand description, any man made or natural feature of interest or concern, etc. Not all items will be applicable to all stands.

The GIS or paper compartment map shall show plot locations, S.I. tree locations, and proposed stand realignments; it may also show traverse notes. Site sketches should be used to show unusual situations (illegal blinds, dump sites, other notes of interest).

Refer to the Additional Requirements and Information section for more details on compartment map

3) Sample Design The Sample Design Form shall be used to record design parameters. The Government shall provide the Sample Design required. The contractor will need to modify it to include the chosen

BAF.

4) Plot Data Form The Plot Data Form shall be used to record information relevant to the plot.

Field Name Exam Level Data Source Header Information X Contractor Plot Number X Contractor Plot Latitude X Contractor

Plot Longitude X Contractor Existing Vegetation Code (EV) X Contractor Size-density (User Field) X Contractor

The Contractor shall supply GPS coordinates to standard. A GPS unit is required to obtain latitude & longitude (plot location) within + 3-meter accuracy, using the UTM - NAD 1983 coordinate system. The Exams data collection program requires lat/long format. Contractor must supply plot locations either as a shapefile or UTM data that can be exported to a shapefile.

The Size-density field is available through a drop-down screen, and is also described in the Hiawatha Field Guide (see Section 2 “Setting”, User Code.) Size-density at the plot level should reflect a combination of basal area at the plot and surrounding conditions.

5) Tree Data Form The Tree Data Form shall be used to record tree measurement information in all exam levels.

Header Information X Contractor Plot Number X Contractor Tag # X Contractor Tree Status X Contractor Tree Class X Contractor Site Tree One site tree per stand Contractor Tree Species X Contractor Tree Count X Contractor DBH Trees ≥ 4.5 feet tall. Contractor Height* One site index tree/stand and all dead trees Contractor Age One site index tree/stand Contractor Wildlife Use As applicable Contractor Tree Damage Category As applicable Contractor Tree Damage Agent Required if Category is recorded. Contractor Tree Damage Part Required if Category is recorded. Contractor Tree Damage Severity Required if Category is recorded. Contractor

*For dead trees (snags), give an ocular estimate of the tree height.

For Site Trees, total height should be measured to the nearest foot.

All items shall be collected in accordance with the Hiawatha Field Guide. Additionally, many of the items to be recorded in the Tree Form (and other forms) have drop-down lists with codes and descriptions to select from. Some of the fields are described, below.

6) Additional Requirements and Information Examples of applicable information are stand condition (especially, but not limited to Beech Bark Disease, stand line changes, campsites, wildlife species noted, old home sites, fences, corner monuments, trash dumps, illegal blinds, probable trespass or fire damage should be noted in setting remarks or drawn on a map to identify location. Also, areas in which logging might be restricted by permanent or seasonally restrictive soil conditions, wetlands or streams, steep slopes, etc. A map of the compartment or GIS data source will be furnished for noting these kinds of features.

The Contractor should notify the COR if an update is needed to the compartment base maps to reflect changed conditions or errors found during examination. Updates shall be based on results of field examination.

Insect and Disease Beech Bark Disease, Emerald Ash Borer, Dutch Elms Disease, White Pine Blister Rust are present on the Hiawatha National Forest. If/when apparently resistant trees are found, they should be specially noted in Setting Remarks. If resistant trees are found off plot, GPS waypoints should be taken. General conditions regarding BBD should also be noted in Setting Remarks and Compartment Narratives. (Example: “Beech scale present in stand,” or, “Resistant trees found off plot 6.”

New insects and diseases that are in the Midwest and could potentially be found on the Hiawatha National Forest: Asian Longhorn Beetle, Hemlock Wooly Adelgid, Heterobasidian Root Disease, if found should be noted and brought to the COR attention.

Note any pockets of mature tree morality, including pine and hardwoods in setting remarks.

CONTRACTOR WORK REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS

Performance period Award of multiple items shall not change the required performance period for each item. If multiple items are awarded to one contractor, the respective performance times shall run concurrently, not consecutively, unless mutually agreed upon in advance. 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. Termination date will be noted in the solicitaion.

Rate of progress The Contractor shall maintain the rate of progress that completes the work on time. The minimum acceptable rate of progress shall be when the percentage of work completed is within 10% of the percentage of time used and data must be turned in as work progresses.

Access 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-wheel or 4-wheel drive vehicle, snowmobile and foot travel. Forest Service roads open to vehicular access are printed on the Motor Vehicle Use Maps. FS roads not shown on the MVUM are closed to vehicular use; contractor shall not be permitted to drive on closed roads. There may also be seasonal restrictions on some FS roads. (This applies only to FS system roads.) The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining necessary permission to gain access to stand locations through privately owned land.

Locked gates In cases where stands are behind 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. If access is granted behind a gate, 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 firearms are permitted behind locked gates. No motorized access will be allowed behind locked gates after periods of work.

Motorized access will not be permitted behind locked gates during hunting season of turkey, deer, or bear.

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 gates may constitute loss of privileges.

Contractor-furnished Property The Contractor shall furnish transportation, supervision, materials, supplies, equipment and labor to successfully complete the contract.

Performance Summary Requirements

The following standards and tolerances are established for accepting the recorded data.

Accuracy Standards For purposes of evaluating the accuracy of data collected by the contractor, a pass-fail system and a point value system have been established for the various items to be measured. Specified items constitute a definite point loss as defined in this subsection; however, other items have tolerance ranges in which a measurement discrepancy is allowed.

Failure to recognize and/or report substantial stand boundary changes or inclusions may result in an Unacceptable Stand. A stand will be ruled as an Unacceptable Stand if the minimum number of plots specified is not taken.

All data entries must be recorded accurately and all applicable fields must be completed. All maps, sketches, flags and other hand-written items must be legible. Failure to complete required fields, inaccurate entries or illegible information will constitute an error and the appropriate point loss will be assessed.

Major Items for Data Delivery The following describes the major items for data delivery with the incentives and deductions for the work described.

Major Items for Data Delivery and Incentives/Deductions

Performance Requirements

Performance Standard

Acceptable Quality Level

Gov’t Method of

Assessment Incentive/Deduction

Work Plan and Schedule

Work meets schedule as per the accepted work plan.

Yes or No COR and inspector conduct periodic monitoring.

• The Contractor’s ability to maintain the work schedule and complete work on schedule will be reflected in the performance evaluation as either positive or negative incentive.

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

Performance Requirements

Performance Standard

Acceptable Quality Level

Gov’t Method of

Assessment Incentive/Deduction

Common Stand Exam Data Collection

Quality meets or exceeds performance standard of < 5.00% error for Form Score and < 10.00% for Total Score.

Yes or No COR or inspector conduct random plot sampling consistent with the standards found on the Common Stand Exam Inspection Form and the Hiawatha Field Guide.

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

• If Contractor achieves < 5.00% error for Form Score and < 10.00% for Total Score, work is acceptable and the Contractor will receive full pay.

• If Contractor achieves > 5.00% on any Form Score, the entire inspection block for that form is unacceptable and shall be returned for rework.

Common Stand Exam Data Delivery

Quality meets or exceeds performance standard.

Data is submitted in timely fashion.

Yes or No COR or inspector conduct monitoring of delivered data.

• Data not submitted as described may be subject to pay reduction penalty.

GPS

Acquisition

Quality meets or exceeds performance standard agreed upon, based on technical merit proposal.

Yes or No COR or inspector conduct periodic monitoring of operations and random plots consistent with Common Stand Exam Inspection Form and the standards stated in the Hiawatha 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.

Yes or No COR or inspector conduct monitoring of delivered data.

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

INSPECTION, ACCEPTANCE AND REWORK

Basis of Acceptance Acceptance will be determined based on compliance with the contract specifications on the basis of an inspection by the COR or the designated inspector. Noncompliance will result in non-acceptance of the work. If the Contractor’s work is determined to be unacceptable, including data that exceeds tolerance standards, the Government may initiate any remedies described in FAR 52.246-4 Inspection of Services.

Payment will be made only on completed and accepted compartments unless otherwise agreed upon by the Contracting Officer.

Inspection Rates 10 percent of plots within a compartment or inspection block will be selected for inspection, unless COR determines that a greater % needs to be inspected (primarily during initial phase of contract).

Initial Phase of Contract During the initial phase of the contract, the Contractor and/or their representative may be required to accompany the COR during the inspection of selected plots completed by the Contractor.

Payment Delay for Correction of Deficiencies When the Contractor’s inspection results fall below the performance standard of < 5% error for Form Score and < 10% for Total Score, based on the Government inspection, acceptance and payment will not be made until the deficiency(s) has been corrected.

Inspection Procedures The Government shall initiate a pass-fail check of certain specified standards and procedures for each inspection block, stand, and/or plot. Inspection blocks/stands/plots deficient in the following specifications will be judged unacceptable on a "pass-fail" basis and the entire inspection block may 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.

Unit Unacceptable errors. Pass-Fail Basis for Inspection Block, Stand or Plot

Block Electronic data that cannot be read by Government computers.

Comp Stand delineation must be complete and accurate, for stands included in contract.

Stand Forms, maps, or other required documents that are incomplete, inaccurate, illegible or cannot be reproduced. Applies to paper or electronic items. This includes, but is not limited to setting remarks, and stand/compartment. Sketch maps.

Stand Any error found in the Sample Design.

Stand Any stand having less than the prescribed number of sample plots examined.

Stand Any stand with plots not evenly distributed throughout the stand.

Stand Any stand in which a definite error occurs in Setting Data Form or Tree Data Form.

Stand Any stand in which the point loss in the Setting Data Form exceeds 10 points, Plot Data

Form exceeds 9 points, or Tree Data Form (BAF or FRQ) exceeds 100 points,.

Stand Site Index trees not flagged or not found will be counted as a definite error, and shall be ruled as an unacceptable stand as described in the Technical Accuracy Standards.

Stand Any stand in which the Contractor fails to recognize and/or report substantial stand boundary changes which have occurred as described under Item C.4.6, “Additional Requirements and Information”. Substantial changes include the following:

- Opening inclusions of greater than or equal to 1 acre.

- Any changes in forest type and/or size-density where past harvests subdivide old stands.

- Any changes in forest type and/or size-density where natural factors subdivide old stands (e.g. beaver activity or blowdown).

- Major changes in forest type within a stand causing a portion of the stand to need subdividing. (e.g.. pine to hardwood)

Plot Any sample plot center < 1 chain from the stand boundary, any sample plot center falling outside the stand boundary, and/or overlapping data. (i.e. the same vegetation measured on more than one plot)

Plot

Plot Centers and Flagging - Plot centers not properly located, not flagged, or not found (due to improper labeling, improper directions, improper staking, improper GPS referencing, or for any other reason attributable to noncompliance with specifications) will be treated as an unacceptable plot as described in the Technical Accuracy Standards.

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

Unit Unacceptable errors. Pass-Fail Basis for Inspection Block, Stand or Plot Plot Any tree with a missing or incorrect tree species on live trees

Setting Data - The total point loss for Setting information shall not exceed Ten points. Eleven points or more will be considered an Unacceptable Stand.

Errors exceeding the tolerance range will result in a point loss or ruling of Unacceptable Stand. For example, Existing Vegetation, Stand Condition and Timber Land Suitability Class (provided by the Government with recommended changes by the Contractor) are very important; any error in these three fields will be judged as a definite error, and shall be ruled as an Unacceptable Stand.

Setting Data Item Definite Error

Accuracy Standard Point Value

Proclaimed Region X Complete/accurate Unacceptable Proclaimed National Forest X Complete/accurate Unacceptable Admin Region X Complete/accurate Unacceptable Admin Forest X Complete/accurate Unacceptable District X Complete/accurate Unacceptable Location (Compartment) X Complete/accurate Unacceptable Setting (Stand) X Complete/accurate Unacceptable Owner X Complete/accurate Unacceptable Project Name X Complete/accurate Unacceptable Examiner X Complete/accurate Unacceptable Date X Complete/accurate Unacceptable Examination Level X Complete/accurate Unacceptable Exam Purpose X Complete/accurate Unacceptable Precision Protocol X Complete/accurate Unacceptable State X Complete/accurate Unacceptable County X Complete/accurate Unacceptable Acres X Complete/accurate 2 Existing Vegetation Reference Code X None-----------> Unacceptable Existing Vegetation Code (EV) X None-----------> Unacceptable Structure X Complete/accurate 2 Size-density (User) X Complete/accurate 2 Stand Remarks (see example in Hiawatha Field Guide)

Year of Origin

Even-aged stands only

+/-5% +/-10% +/-19% if >19%

Unacceptable Stand Condition X Complete/accurate 2

Site Index X Complete/accurate 2 VT Openings Complete/accurate 2

Regen If applicable Complete/accurate 2 w/in-Stand Features If applicable See comments, below n/a

Stand Damage Category If applicable Each 2 Stand Damage Agent If applicable Each 1

Stand Damage Severity If applicable Each 1 Total / Cumulative Points for Stand

Remarks if >5 points Unacceptable

No point losses will be assessed for missing within-stand features. This does not relieve the examiner from reporting items of Additional Information.

Size-density is described in the Hiawatha Field Guide and has a list of drop-down values in the CSE software. Use the criteria provided in the Hiawatha Field Guide to determine the correct size-density code for the setting at the end of the examination for the stand. Different methods are used for overstory versus understory plots. The codes are reiterated below.

Code Size-Density Description 0 Nonstocked (less than 16% stocked) 1 Seedling-Sapling; Poor (16% - 39% stocked) 2 Seedling-Sapling; Medium (40% - 69% stocked) 3 Seedling-Sapling; Well ("over" 70% stocked) 4 Poletimber; Poor (16% - 39% stocked) 5 Poletimber; Medium (40% - 69% stocked) 6 Poletimber; Well ("over" 70% stocked) 7 Sawtimber; Poor (16% - 39% stocked) 8 Sawtimber; Medium (40% - 69% stocked) 9 Sawtimber; Well ("over" 70% stocked)

Plot Data - The total point loss for Plot information shall not exceed nine points. Ten points or more will be considered an Unacceptable Plot.

Plot Data Item Definite

Accuracy Standard Point Value

Header Information X Complete/accurate Unacceptable Plot Number X Complete/accurate Unacceptable Correct Number of Plots in Form X Complete/accurate Unacceptable Plot Latitude X Complete/accurate 4 Plot Longitude X Complete/accurate 4 Slope Percent X Complete/accurate 1

Existing Vegetation Code (EV) X Each error----> For missing entry->

Unacceptable

Size-density (User field) X Complete/accurate 2 Plot locatable; well-flagged, accurate directions X Complete/accurate Unacceptable

Since the number of plots will vary with stand size, each plot will be evaluated as an entity to determine its acceptability or unacceptably. Within individual plots, a maximum of 9 points may be lost in Plot Data before the plot is considered unacceptable.

A stand will be ruled as an Unacceptable Stand if the number of Unacceptable Plots exceeds the standards set in the following table:

Number of Plots Allowable Number of

Unacceptable Plots 1-3 No unacceptable plots allowed 4-10 1 11-20 2 21-30 3 >30 plus 1 for every additional 10 plots

Failure to provide plot data for the full number of plots specified will result in one Unacceptable Plot for each plot not provided, unless previously agreed upon by Contractor and COR.

Tree Form Data Since the number of plots will vary with stand size, each plot will be evaluated as an entity to determine its acceptability or unacceptably. Within individual plots, a maximum of 100 points may be lost in Tree Data before the plot is considered unacceptable.

Tree Data Item

Definite

Accuracy Standard Point Value

Header Information X Complete/accurate Unacceptable Plot Number X Complete/accurate Unacceptable Tag # X Complete/accurate Unacceptable Tree Status X Complete/accurate Unacceptable Tree Class X Complete/accurate Unacceptable Tree Species X Complete/accurate Unacceptable Tree Count 1* See footnote

DBH 1 DBH Class See footnote table 2 below

Site Index Tree Species (based on matrix) X No errors Unacceptable Site Index Tree Quality (good quality dominant or co-dom.) X Each 20

Site Tree – Measured to 1/10 inch X +/- 2/10 inch 20 Height (SI tree) X +/-10% 20

Age (SI tree) X

+/- 10% for trees ≥ 3” DBH and are ≤ 300 yrs. 20 +/- 15% for trees

> 300 yrs.

Height (Snag) +/- 20% 2 Wildlife Use Each 2 Snag Decay +/- 1 class 5 Tree Damage Category Each 10 Tree Damage Agent Each 5 Tree Damage Part Each 5 Tree Damage Severity Each 5

1/ Tree Count Tolerance Range Accuracy Standards

Type Plot Count Tree Count Accuracy Standard Point value for tree count errors (after allowable error) BAF 1-10 trees No error allowed Unacceptable plot BAF 11-20 trees +/- 1 tree allowed without penalty 51 BAF >20 trees +/- 2 trees allowed without penalty 51

2/ DBH Tolerance Range Accuracy Standards

Type Plot

Tree Count DBH Accuracy Standard

Point value for DBH class errors

(after allowable error) BAF 1-15 1 error allowed without penalty 15 BAF 16+ 2 errors allowed without penalty 15

BAF Any Four or more DBH class errors (60 points) will result in an Unacceptable Plot Unacceptable plot

* A DBH class error means measurement off by 1 class. Example: A 6.7” tree would be recorded as “6”. If recorded as a “4” or “8”, this would equal 1 error; if recorded as a “10”, this would equal 2 errors. Refer to NRIS FSVeg Field Guide for detailed tolerance levels.

Sample Design Form Data

Errors in all Sample Design fields are critical and constitute a definite error, except for Remarks.

Sample Design Item Definite Error Accuracy Standard Point Value

Form Header X No errors Unacceptable stand Form Type X No errors Unacceptable stand Selection Method Type X No errors Unacceptable stand Sample Expansion Factor X No errors Unacceptable stand Selection Criteria Number X No errors Unacceptable stand Subpop Filter X No errors Unacceptable stand Subpop Variable X No errors Unacceptable stand Subpop Min Value X No errors Unacceptable stand Subpop Max Value X No errors Unacceptable stand

Sample/Select Remarks Complete and accurate 5

REWORK

Rework of Plots Upon notification to the Contractor of a failed Form Score of ≥ 5.00% error, the Contractor shall be required to rework all forms (of the failed type) on every plot within the inspection block before beginning work on another inspection block. This will be at no cost to the Government. Repeated failure to perform work above the 95% level will be considered reason for contract termination and default action.

Rework of Entire Inspection Block 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 entire inspection block before beginning work on another inspection block. This will be at no cost to the Government. Repeated failure to perform work above the 90% minimum level will be considered reason for contract termination and default action.

Error and Discrepancy Trends of Collected Data If the Government determines that a series of continuous errors or discrepancies are occurring that could affect the validity of the stand data at either the plot level or the stand level, the contractor will be required to reexamine all stands within the compartment being inspected to correct the problem. A second inspection by the COR will be made upon completion of the Contractor's rework.

The table below shows items of particular importance and what accuracy is expected. The issue of continuous errors or discrepancies is not limited to these items.

Data Item Stand

Accuracy Standard

Compartment or Inspection Block

Accuracy Standard

Notes

Average BA 95% 95% Rework specified stands or entire compartment

Average DBH 90% 90% Rework specified stands or entire compartment

Recurring GPS errors in location of sample plots greater than the acceptable error shall make the stand survey unsatisfactory and relocation of sample plots and re-measurement shall be required.

Rework Flagging Requirement

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. If a different color of flagging is called for it shall be at the Contractor’s expense.

Re-Inspection Limitation The Government is not required to provide more than two inspections on any single inspection block.

Results of the last inspection will supercede any prior results for determining acceptability and payment.

Failure to pass two inspections on a single inspection block may result in contract default.

SUBMISSION OF DATA AND INVOICES

1. The unit of measure shall be one plot. Each data submission shall be a minimum of one compartment, unless agreed upon in advance by Contractor and COR.

2. The Contractor shall submit completed payment items (compartment data) within 60 days of beginning data collection or 14 days of completing data collection, whichever is sooner. For example, if data collection for a compartment begins on May 1 it must be completed and submitted by June 30 at the latest. If the last data collected for that same compartment is taken on June 3, the data must be completed and submitted by June 17th. (This is to facilitate field inspection.)

Payment for compartment data submitted late will be reduced by 2% for each business day that it is late.

The Contractor shall submit with each inspection block the following deliverables:

1. Complete electronic field data in Exams PC/Exams CE (.cse) file format on a read-only CD (or submitted via e-mail). Data must be able to be read from the COR’s Forest Service computer.

Submit 1 .cse file for each compartment using a logical naming convention. (Ex: D3_C24.cse) Multiple compartments can be included onto one *.cse file if agreed upon.

2. Compatible GPS file for plot locations. Submit 1 gps file for each compartment using a logical naming convention. (Ex: D3_C24.gps)

3. Updated stand delineations on aerial photo overlays, compartment maps or GIS maps, provided by Forest Service.

4. Invoices must be completed according to FAR 32.905(b)(1). Invoices must be submitted in IPP.

METHOD OF MEASUREMENT/INSPECTION

The Government’s inspection will not be initiated until the Contractor submits all data for the inspection block, typically by compartment (unless agreed upon in advance by Contractor and COR). Only stands requested for examination by the Government shall be paid for. Data collected by the Contractor in stands that do not meet the collection parameters of this contract shall be rejected for payment, unless a mutual agreement is made between the Contractor and the Forest Service. All linear and area measurements under this contract are measured on a horizontal plain within the established boundaries.

Plots selected for field inspection shall be checked for accuracy in geographic GPS coordinates. If the coordinates are not within tolerance as agreed upon, all plots in the inspection block shall be returned to the Contractor for rework plus the incorrectly located plots shall be relocated and remeasured.

If during the office inspection, the COR determines a discrepancy trend is occurring, the COR shall notify the Contractor of the finding. (This includes failure to regularly use Setting Remarks as shown in the example within the Hiawatha Field Guide.)

If during the field inspection, the COR notices a discrepancy trend developing, the Government may visit additional plots, 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. If any discrepancy trend continues in any inspection, the inspection block(s) will be returned for rework.

Re-measurement If the COR’s original inspection results are unacceptable to the Contractor, the Contractor has the option to request, in writing, a re-measurement. 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. Upon the requested re-measurement the Government will conduct a minimum 2% sample. The same inspection procedure will be employed. If the re-inspection confirms the original inspection as not meeting standards, the contractor shall reimburse the Government for actual costs incurred for making the re-inspection. If the re-inspection fails to confirm the original inspection and indicates work meets acceptable standards, the Government assumes the costs of re-inspection. The results of the re-inspection will be the basis for payment. The Contractor may accompany the Contracting Officer’s Representative during the re-measurement.

METHOD OF PAYMENT

Payment Calculation A point deduction is given for each deficient entry or procedure within an inspection block. Acceptable tolerance levels for individual measurements are shown in “Inspection Procedures” and on Inspection Sheets. 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 added together for a Total Score. An inspection block may fail based on a Form Score or the Total Score.

Scores for each data type (Setting Data, Plot Data, Tree Data (variable radius), Tree Data (fixed radius) will be calculated using the associated Inspection Form. Form Scores are based on a ratio of point deductions (for errors found during inspection) to total possible points for the items inspected. (Sample Design is also inspected, but is pass/fail with no errors allowed.)

On the inspection forms, column A shows point value for the field, for each individual setting, plot, or tree.

Column B records the number of errors, by field, for each individual setting, plot, or tree. Column C, “Point Deduction”, is calculated by multiplying Column B by Column A. The Point Deductions are then totaled in Column D, “Total Deductions”. Field F, “Total Form Score” is calculated by dividing the sum of Column D by the sum of Column E, Total Possible Points (actual number of stands, plots or trees inspected x value for field).

Point Deduction (Column C) = Number of Errors (Column B) x Point Value (Column A)

Total Form Score (Field F) = Total Deductions (Sum of Column D) ÷ Total Possible Points (Sum of Column E)

The Total Score is calculated by summing all the Form Scores; see Total Form Score Calculation on the cover of the CSE Inspection Form. Errors in any field that has a Point Value of "unacceptable" will fail and the entire inspection block shall be returned to Contractor for rework.

Form Score.

• All Form Scores < 5.00 and Total Score < 10.00 = acceptable, 100% payment.

• Any Form Score ≥ 5.00 = unacceptable, all forms from entire inspection block, shall be returned for rework. No payment.

Payment may be reduced for data that is not submitted in a timely fashion. An inspection block is considered complete when all work has been assessed for quality assurance and accepted for payment. A letter of satisfactory completion of work will be issued and kept on file for contracts for which all form scores are < 5 and all total scores are < 10.