12639219R0014_Chipp_CSE_IDIQ_2019-2024.doc

12639219R0014

Minnesota Shared Services Contracting Unit

Common Stand Exam

UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

MNSSCU

8901 Grand Ave. Place

Duluth, MN 55808-1122

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations "offer" and "offeror" mean "bid" and "bidder".

SOLICITATION

(Hour)

(Date)

CAUTION - LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See Section L, Provision No. 52.214-7 or 52.215-1. All offers are subject to all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.

CALL: Contract Technical Clark Bartelt Gary Swanson 218-626-4353 218-335-8652 clarkabartelt@usda.gov ghswanson@fs.fed.us

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACH.

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

NOTE: Item 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the provisions at 52.214-16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period.

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted by the offeror) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item, delivered at the designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

(See Section I, Clause No. 52-232-8)

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amend-ments to the SOLICITATION for offerors and related documents numbered and dated):

15A.

NAME AND ADDRESS

OF OFFEROR

CODE

FACILITY

OFFER (Type or Print)

15B. TELEPHONE NO. (Include area code and extension)

18. OFFER DATE

IS DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE - ENTER

FORMCHECKBOX

SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

AWARD (To be completed by Government)

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

FORMCHECKBOX

10 U.S.C. 2304 (c) (

FORMCHECKBOX

41 U.S.C. 253(c) (

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

IMPORTANT - Award will be made on this Form, or on Standard Form 26, or by other authorized official written notice.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

STANDARD FORM 33 (REV.9-97)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.214(c)

PART I—THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B--SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

1,903 Common Stand Exam (CSE) Plots

2019 Common Stand Exam Project Area of

Marcell Northeast

Chippewa National Forest

Item

Description

Est.

Unit

Bid Price

Quantity

2019NE1

Lump Sum

495 CSE Plots in

119 stands, 1,972 acres

2019NE2

225 CSE Plots in

58 stands, 850 acres

2019NE3

362 CSE Plots in

89 stands, 1,369 acres

2019NE4

327 CSE Plots in

84 stands, 1,164 acres

2019NE5

494 CSE Plots in

117 stands, 2,041 acres

SECTION C--DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

SCOPE OF CONTRACT

The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, transportation, supervision, supplies (except those designated as Government furnished), incidentals, and perform all work necessary to conduct Common Stand Exam (CSE) in compliance with terms, specifications, conditions, and provisions of this solicitation. This contract will be an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with one base year and four option years. Multiple contracts may be awarded from this solicitation. The bid items above are an intitial project which will be awarded as a task order under a contract. Future projects will also be awarded as a task order under the general IDIQ contracts.

BASIS OF AWARD

Award will be made on a per bid item basis. Offers may be submitted for any and/or all items.

1. To avoid being awarded less work than desired within the contract period, offers may limit the minimum number of plots that will be accepted. The minimum number of plots I will accept is:

2. To avoid being awarded more work than can be accomplished within the contract period, offers may limit the maximum number of plots that will be accepted. The maximum number of plots I will accept is:

LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

The project is located on the Deer River District on the Chippewa National Forest (Forest).

1. A summary of acres and number of stands to be surveyed, by forest type, is included in the attached exhibits.

2. A vicinity map is included in the attached exhibits, showing locations of stands to be surveyed by bid item.

3. Work will consist of locating, establishing, measuring and recording data for sample plots. A list of plot locations (coordinates) will be furnished at the prework meeting. Work will consist of locating, establishing, measuring and recording data for sample plots.

Accessibility

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

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

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

A. Stand Examination Instructions

1. A list of sample plot locations to be inventoried within each stand (Lat. and Long. coordinates) will be provided by the Forest. The Contractor shall locate plots using a global positioning system (GPS). Accuracy of the GPS used must be within 10 meters.

The Contractor shall locate, on the ground, the sample plot locations using a GPS and coordinates provided, and mark plot centers with bright pink plastic flagging indicating the plot number, or a bright pink wire flag indicating the plot number.

2.

To facilitate inspection, the Contractor shall mark all plot centers with bright pink flagging or a bright pink wire flag. This flagging or flag will have the plot number written on it with permanent “magic marker”. If flagging is used, a wooden stake, native material, nail, or as agreed upon at the pre-work conference, will be used to mark the plot center. Upon inspection, the center point of the marker (wire flag, stick, nail, etc.) where it intersects the ground shall be used as the plot center. If the plot location may be obscured from view in any way, a piece of bright pink flagging will be hung higher up in a tree branch or brush as close as possible over the plot center monument (wire flag or flagging). This is to facilitate inspections.

B. Survey Technique

A global positioning system (GPS) shall be used to locate plot centers. Acceptable error is +/- 10 meters from plot center. Recurring errors in location of sample plots greater than the acceptable error shall make the stand survey unsatisfactory and relocation of sample plots and remeasurement shall be required.

All sampling protocols for this CSE contract will follow those found in the CSE 2019 Field Guide. In the CSE 2019 Field Guide, protocols are described in detail. Contractors should read these detailed procedures before bidding on this contract. The CSE 2019 Field Guide may be found online at http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5157917.pdf , or by contacting the project manager.

C. Recording Instructions

Plot data will be entered directly into a handheld personal data recorder (PDR), provided by the contractor. The PDR software used for data entry must be the “ExamsPC” software designed for collecting common stand exam data. The most current software version will be used. A .cse file with the Chippewa National Forest’s CSE protocols must be obtained from the Forest (contact the project manager). This is the template that must be used. ExamsPC software can be downloaded from the internet at: http://www.fs.fed.us/nrm/fsveg/index.shtml#software, and loaded onto any PDRs used for data collection prior to starting the contract.

D. Qualifications

The success of this field inventory is dependent primarily on the Contractor's professionalism and expertise. It is necessary that the Contractor's staff meet certain standards. A crew can consist of one or more individuals (a 2 person crew is recommended as ideal). Specific demonstrated technical experience may be substituted for a given educational requirement. Minimum technical qualifications are specifically defined as follows:

1. Each crew must have a crew leader with undergraduate courses in mensuration, tree identification, plant identification, silviculture, and ecology, and three months prior experience collecting data for Forest inventory or vegetation classification.

2. Each crew member must be able to use a GPS.

3. Each crew member must have undergraduate courses in mensuration, botany, or other related natural resource course work or equivilant experience.

4. Each crew member must be able to satisfactorily interpret aerial photographs.

The Contractor shall designate crew leaders for each crew. The crew leader shall be the individual responsible for ensuring plot measurements are taken in accordance with the accuracy standards. The Contractor will agree to use only personnel meeting these qualifications for performance of the work specified herein.

DATA COLLECTION SPECIFICATIONS

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

Setting Data Fields that must be completed on the setting form are illustrated in following figure.

These fields include:

PR (Proclaimed Region) (automatically defaults)

PF (Proclaimed Forest) (automatically defaults)

RD (Ranger District) (defaults, but check to be sure the correct district number is entered! For this project the district will be either ‘03’).

Location (Compartment number. Enter leading zeros to make a total of 5 digits.)

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

Project Name (automatically defaults. For this project: ‘2019NE1’, ‘2019NE2’, ‘2019NE3’, ‘2019NE4’, or ‘2019NE5’).

Exam Level (automatically defaults to ‘1000’)

Owner (USFS - automatically defaults)

State (automatically defaults)

County (automatically defaults)

AdReg Administrative Region (automatically defaults)

AdFor Administrative Forest (automatically defaults)

Date (the date of the actual field data collection.)

Photo ID (leave blank)

Stratum (leave blank)

ExPur Exam Purpose (should be ‘SE’ automatically defaults)

ExVRef (leave blank)

PVRef (leave blank)

Structure (leave blank)

CapGr% (leave blank)

FMod (leave blank)

Elev (leave blank)

Aspect (leave blank)

Slp (leave blank)

SlPos (leave blank)

Acres (leave blank)

RaG1 (defaults to ‘10’)

RaG2 (leave blank)

HtG (defaults to ‘5’)

FPhRf (leave blank)

Protocol (defaults to ‘CSE’)

Examiner (enter name of person conducting the exam) KEEP IT UNIFORM

User Code (enter the year of origin…see data collection section)

Ref Datum (NAD83)

Mag. Declination (leave blank) Many of these fields populate automatically. Only a few actually have to be completed by the examiner.

User Code (Year of Origin) The contractor will determine the year of origin for each stand. For multi-aged stands, base the year of origin on the oldest trees in a stand, where those oldest trees have a basal area of at least 50 ft2/acre. If the basal area of the overstory trees is less than 50 ft2/acre, base the year of origin on intermediates or understory. Enter the year of origin into the “User Code” found on page four (4) of the setting information (for the stand shown in “Setting Data” above, the year of origin is “1922”). The ages of site trees may be helpful in determining the year of origin. Additional increment borings may be required.

Plot Data

Plot data will include Latitude and Longitude.

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

If a setting is found to be flooded after reaching the first plot, record any dead trees on that plot and state in the “Setting Remarks” (NOT in the “Plot Remarks”) that the stand is flooded. The remaining plots in the setting may be dropped by contacting the project manager. The one recorded plot will be paid.

Tree Data & Sample Design To facilitate inspections, always start collecting tree data with the tree nearest a north azimuth from plot center. This will be tree TagID “1” when recorded. Rotate clockwise as tree data are collected so that TagID number “2” is to the right of TagID number “1”, and so on.

As seen in the figure above, tree data is collected with two sample designs. Overstory tree data (trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 5”+) are collected on a variable radius plot using a 10 basal area factor (BAF) prism (angle gauge). Tree data for trees with a DBH of .01” to 4.99” (poles) are collected on a 1/100 acre fixed radius plot (11.8 foot radius). Seedling tree data (trees with heights less than 4.5 feet) are also collected on the 1/100 acre fixed radius plot. Data for both live and dead trees are collected for overstory and pole trees. Only data for live seedlings are collected.

Overstory trees with a DBH of 5”+ are measured using an angle gauge with a BAF of 10. A BAF of 10 will always be used for overstory trees. Both live and dead trees are counted. Record overstory trees first.

Pole trees are measured on a 1/100th acre fixed radius plot. Pole trees are those with a DBH of .01” to 4.99”. Both live and dead trees are tallied. Record trees measured on the 1/100th acre plot after recording overstory trees. Record all pole trees with a diameter of .01” to .99”, as a .5” diameter. Poles that are 1” to 2.99” DBH, record as 2” DBH. Poles that are 3” to 4.99”, record as 4” DBH. Record pole trees within a diameter class as all one height. Average the height of all the poles in a diameter class and record that average height for that tree TAG#.

Seedling trees are also tallied on the 1/100th acre fixed radius plot. Seedling trees are trees less than 4.5 feet tall, but at least 6 inches in height (in other words, they don’t have a DBH). Only live seedlings are recorded.

Lump and record all seedlings as being 3’ tall. Record all seedling trees of a species using only one TAG#.

Tree data will include “Tree Status” (T). This will either be “L” for live or “D” for dead. Do not use the other options of “X”, “Y”, or “S”. “Species” is recorded using the USDA species codes in a drop down list. “Tree Count” (TCnt) is recorded as the number of trees a particular record represents. For trees with a DBH the TCnt should always be “1”. It’s acceptable to group trees without DBH, but record a separate record for trees with a DBH. “DBH” is recorded for overstory and pole trees, estimated in two inch diameter classes (a 5 inch tree would be recorded as 6”, a 7.5 inch tree would be recorded as 8” and so on). Tree “heights” (Hgt) are measured to the nearest foot. No “damage” (D) codes are recorded on plots (but are recorded for the setting as a generalization after all plot data in a setting has been collected and the examiner has observed damage throughout the stand). Ignoring stand damage will result in a deduction during inspections.

Three site trees will be measured in each setting, no more than one per plot so they will be distributed through the setting. An “S” is recorded meaning “site” tree. An “F” is recorded for site trees not on a plot (off plot). Record the GPS coordinates for “off plot” site trees in the plot remarks of the nearest plot to the off plot site tree, where the data for the tree is recorded. All site trees in a setting must be of the same species. Tie a pink flag around each site tree and mark it with the tree “TagID” number using permanent marker. Leave the increment core in the increment hole in the tree trunk, projecting somewhat, so it may be retrieved and used by plot inspectors. If the increment breaks, place it on the ground at the base of the tree below the increment hole. Heights of site trees must be measured to the nearest one foot, the same as all other trees. Diameters of site trees are measured by 2” diameter classes like all other trees with a DBH.

Seedlings are trees below DBH (4.5 feet) with a height of at least six inches. Only live seedling trees are recorded, so their “Tree Status” will always be “L”. No diameters are recorded for seedling trees.

Overstory trees with a DBH of 5”+ are measured using an angle gauge with a BAF of 10. A BAF of 10 will always be used for overstory trees. Both live and dead trees are counted. Record overstory trees first.

Pole trees are measured on a 1/100th acre fixed radius plot. Pole trees are those with a DBH of .01” to 4.99”. Both live and dead trees are tallied. Record trees measured on the 1/100th acre plot after recording overstory trees.

Seedling trees are also tallied on the 1/100th acre fixed radius plot. Seedling trees are trees less than 4.5 feet tall, but at least 6 inches in height (in other words, they don’t have a DBH). Only live seedlings are recorded.

Lump and record all seedlings as being 3’ tall. Record all seedling trees of a species using only one TAG#.

Site Tree Age Measurements for Trees > 3 Inches DBH

Site tree data is collected for each setting. Site trees may be selected on or off of plots. Within a setting all site trees must be of the same species, which should be representative of the stand. They should be trees that have been free to grow throughout their lives. They do not need to represent the age of the stand.

For trees 3.0 inches DBH and larger, age is determined from an increment boring made at breast height (4.5 feet). To reduce bias, the increment boring should be made at breast height facing plot center. Usually the boring for measuring radial growth is also used for age measurement. Age is counted from the most current summerwood ring to the pith of the tree. Record the age counted, do not add an estimate of the number of years to grow to breast height.

The ring count is 64 years, so record “64” for the tree age.

Vegetation Cover Data

No vegetation cover data is being collected on this contract.

Down Woody Material Data

No down woody material data is being collected on this contract.

Setting Data

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

Setting Remarks

The presence of garlic mustard or buckthorn will be indicated by simply stating the name of the species seen in a setting along with GPS coordinates, in the Setting Remarks. Record “garlic mustard” or “buckthorn”, along with a GPS coordinate, where either of these species are seen growing in a setting in any abundance.

Contractors will receive a $10 incentive payment for each setting they identify as having either of these species, not to exceed 2% of the total value of any bid item.

Format in which Data is to be Provided The Contractor shall provide data to the Government in the file format created by the ExamsPC software (*.cse). Submit these files to ghswanson@fs.fed.us, rrjohnson@fs.ed.us, argustafson@fs.fed.us and lburke@fs.fed.us . Files will be e-mailed weekly, on weekends, so they have arrived and are ready to load on Monday mornings. Each week’s work will constitute a “block”.

SECTION D--PACKAGING AND MARKING

{For this Solicitation, there are NO clauses in this Section}

SECTION E--INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): www.arnet.gov/far/

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

52.246-4 Inspection of Services--Fixed-Price (AUG 1996)

Inspections will be conducted by the government, on five percent of the plots. The Contractor shall submit data to the government every seven (7) days as stands are completed. This data will be used for random inspections of 5% of sampled plots. Immediately upon downloading, inspection reports will be generated and sent to inspectors.

A. Compliance Inspection

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

B. Inspection of Work

The Government will inspect the stand examinations to determine compliance with contract specifications and to provide a basis for payment. The Contractor shall submit completed stand information every seven (7) days during the contract period. The work completed in each seven (7) day period will constitute a "block". Electronic files (*.cse) should be named to correspond to these blocks.

Completed work, consisting of required electronic data will be turned in for inspection. Inspection will only be made on completed stands. At least 5% of the plots within a block will be selected for inspection to determine if the prescribed work standards have been met. This will constitute the minimum sample plot inspection for determining satisfactory performance. Each block of work will be judged acceptable or unacceptable based on the 5% inspection.

The Government will make the initial inspection of each block of completed stands without cost to the Contractor. No charge will be made for the first rework inspection on the Contractor's first work block. Thereafter, any re-inspection required due to the Contractor reworking a block will be at the Contractor's expense. Re-inspection charges may include, but are not limited to: inspector's wages for travel time to and from work site; inspector's wages to re-inspect; per diem cost (meals, lodging, field costs); COR wages; and vehicle use rate and mileage.

C. Determination of Acceptable Work

An inspection will be performed by the Government for evaluation of contract specification compliance. The following criteria will be used for determination of acceptable or unacceptable work. For each block the number of errors is multiplied by the point value. Points are then tallied for each form. On the setting form a final score is derived by dividing the total points by the number of settings inspected. On the plot form a final score is derived by dividing the total points by the number of plots inspected. On the large and small tree forms a final score is derived by dividing the total points by the number of trees inspected. A block will pass if the total score for any individual form is less than “5”, and the total points for all forms combined is less than “10”.

Setting Data Form

Plot Data Form

Plot must be able to be re-located by the inspector and deemed to be within 10 meters of the pre-assigned coordinates.

The correct number of plots must be submitted for each setting unless deferred in writing by the project manager. Plot coordinates must be accurate. Plots must fall within the stand.

Large Tree Data Form

Trees must be within the correct 2” diameter class.

Site Trees

1/ No tolerance for recording a tree when none are actually present in the designated 2-inch diameter class. The recording of a variable plot tree when none are present will result in an unacceptable error.

2/ Species error are by tree tag. A tag with one tree misidentified is one error. A tree tag with 3 trees with the wrong species is also one error. Large trees should not be grouped. Only small trees.

Height

Diameter

Trees

Range on plot

Tolerance All

0 trees

All

5”+ dbh+

1+

3/ All site trees within a setting must be same species.

Small Tree Data Form

1/ No tolerance for recording a tree when none are actually present in the designated diameter class. The recording of a fixed plot tree when none are present will result in a single discrepancy.

Height

Diameter

Trees on plot

Tolerance

< 4.5 feet

1-5

+/- 2 trees

< 4.5 feet

6+

+/- 50%

> 4.5 feet <1 inch

1-5

+/- 1 tree

> 4.5 feet <1 inch

6+

+/- 20%

All

1” – 4.9” dbh

1-5

+/- 1 tree

All

1” = 4.9” dbh

6+

+/- 10%

2/ All trees must be within correct 2-inch diameter class.

3/ Species error are by tree tag. A tag with one tree misidentified is one error. A tree tag with 3 trees with the wrong species is also one error. Large trees should not be grouped. Only small trees.

2.

Block examinations deficient in the following specifications are unacceptable on a "pass-fail" basis and will be returned to the Contractor with the entire block for rework. The determination of noncompliance with these items may be made during the office edit or during field inspection.

a.

Electronic data not submitted to the Forest Service in a timely manner after Contractor completion.

b.

Electronic data that cannot be read by Government computers.

c.

Stands where plots have a reoccurring Lat & Long location error of more than 10 meters.

d.

Stands having less than the prescribed number of sample plots examined.

e.

Any sample plot center which cannot be located because of improper plot center labeling, or for any other reason attributable to noncompliance with specifications f.

Stands submitted with incomplete information.

g.

Stands submitted with inaccurate information.

h.

Stands with fewer than 3 site trees of the same species.

D. Rework of Unacceptable Work

The Government reserves the right to require unacceptable blocks, as determined under

Section C. Determination of Acceptable Work, to be reworked. Upon written notification by the CO that a block is unacceptable, the Contractor may be required to complete and submit rework before beginning work on another block. The Government will specify rework requirements for each unacceptable block. In the case of data errors, the Government can require that they be corrected. In the case of plot location errors, the Government may require that the plots be relocated and measured.

1. Correction of Data Errors (note: “Forms” refers to electronic forms in PCExams. Only the “TREE FORM” and “SETTING FORM” are being used under this contract.):

For failure of data on the Form: Correct individual items or measurements in the Form that failed. (i.e. if Tree Form fails, then only that form would need to be reworked). This may require revisiting all stands and sample plots in the block.

For failure of data across Forms: Correct all items and measurements on all forms. This may require revisiting all stands and sample plots in the block.

2. Correction of Plot Location Errors:

a. Incorrectly located plots shall be relocated and sampled.

The Government may re-inspect blocks of data that have been reworked to determine compliance.

If reworked and re-inspected blocks fail during the first re-inspection, additional rework may be allowed at the discretion of the CO. Failure to pass inspection may result in contract default.

E. Demonstration of Inspection Procedures

Upon written request from the Contractor, the Government will perform one re-inspection of one sample plot at no cost to the Contractor as an example of inspection procedures and demonstration of potential problems. The Contractor shall accompany the Government inspector on the re-inspection.

F. Re-inspection Upon Contractor Request

If the original inspection results are not acceptable to the Contractor, a re-inspection may be requested, in writing, up to seven (7) days after receiving notification of unacceptable work. If the re-inspection confirms the results of the original inspection, the Contractor shall reimburse the Government for actual costs incurred for performing re-inspection. If re-inspection indicates that work does meet acceptable standards, the Government assumes the cost of re-inspection.

SECTION F--DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998) This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): www.arnet.gov/far/

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

52.242-14 Suspension of Work (APR 1984) 52.242-17 Government Delay of Work (APR 1984)

AGAR 452.211-74 Period of Performance (FEB 1988) It is anticipated that contract award will be made by March1, 2020. The period of performance of this contract is from May 20, 2020 through October 30, 2020, with work commencing before May 20, 2020.

The Contractor shall be assessed actual damages, per day, for any work not completed within the time specified by this contract, unless a time extension has been approved by the Contracting Officer. Actual damages include, but are not limited to time and travel spent on the project by Government officials.

INCENTIVE/DISINCENTIVE CLAUSE

Performance of work above the minimum acceptable standard will result in a favorable performance rating for future work with the Government.

The contractor shall correct all deficiencies brought to its attention at no additional cost to the Government. Re-inspection costs will be deducted for any block that was reworked (other than the first block). Poor performance will result in an unfavorable past performance rating for future Government contracts.

SECTION G--CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

AGAR 452.215-73 Post Award Conference (NOV 1996) A post award conference with the successful offeror is required. It will be scheduled at a date to be determined after the date of contract award. The conference will be held at a site to be determined.

GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY

The Government will provide the following item(s) of Government property to the Contractor for use in the performance of this contract. This property shall be used and maintained by the Contractor in accordance with the provisions of the "Government Property" FAR clause contained elsewhere in the contract.

The Government will deliver to the Contractor the following listed materials, supplies, property or services hereinafter referred to as Government furnished Property at the places and times specified below. Items in this list do not need to be returned to the Government.

1. A vicinity map showing the locations of stands and plots where sampling will occur.

2. List of plot locations with Latitude and Longitude coordinates.

3. Software for a Personal Data Recorder (PDR) for CSE data entry with Chippewa NF protocols.

Above Government furnished Property will be made available to the Contractor at the prework conference. In addition, Forest Service aerial photos will be made available to the contractor to make copies of for field use, at the contractors expense. Original aerial photos will not be taken into the field. The ExamsPC software for PDRs is available on the internet (http://fsweb.ftcol.wo.fs.fed.us/pdr/software/common_stand_exam/) and may be downloaded for data entry by the contractor.

Any photos, maps, overlays, and unused Government furnished items not listed above shall be returned to the Government upon completion of the contract. Failure to do so will result in charges for replacement.

SECTION H--SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

AGAR 452.237-74 Key Personnel (FEB 1988)

(a) The Contractor shall assign to this contract the following key personnel: (To be identified in proposals)

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

(c) The Contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the Contracting Officer. Proposed substitutes should have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced. The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor within 15 calendar days after receipt of all required information of the decision on substitutions. The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel.

METHOD OF PAYMENT

A.

Progress payments may be made monthly on the number of sample plots within completed inspection/payment blocks that have been accepted. No payment will be made for unacceptable blocks.

B.

Deductions:

Re-inspection costs will be deducted for any block that was reworked (other than the first block).

C.

Special Incentive An incentive payment of $10 per setting will be paid, per species, where “buckthorn” or “garlic mustard” are found and entered into the setting remarks with a GPS coordinate indicating a spot where either of these species is located. The total of these incentive payments will not exceed 2% of the total value of any given bid item.

PART II--CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I--CONTRACT CLAUSES

FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998) This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

www.arnet.gov/far/ www.usda.gov/procurement/policy/agar.html

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

52.202-1 Definitions (JUL 2004) 52.203-3 Gratuities (APR 1984)

52.203-5 Covenant Against Contingent Fees (APR 1984)

52.203-6 Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (SEP 2006)

52.203-7 Anti-Kickback Procedures (JUL 1995)

52.203-8 Cancellation, Rescission, and Recovery of Funds for Illegal or Improper Activity (JAN 1997)

52.203-10 Price or Fee Adjustment for Illegal or Improper Activity (JAN 1997)

52.203-12 Limitation on Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions (SEP 2007)

52.204-4 Printed or Copied Double-Sided on Recycled Paper (AUG 2000)

52.204-9 Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel (SEP 2007) 52.209-6 Protecting the Government's Interest when Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (SEP 2006)

52.215-2 Audit and Records -- Negotiation (JUN 1999)

52.215-8 Order of Precedence--Uniform Contract Format (OCT 1997)

52.219-6 Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (JUN 2003) 52.219-8 Utilization of Small Business Concerns (MAY 2004) 52.219-14 Limitations on Subcontracting (DEC 1996)

52.222-3 Convict Labor (JUN 2003)

52.222-4 Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act -- Overtime Compensation (JUL 2005)

52.222-21 Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (FEB 1999)

52.222-26 Equal Opportunity (MAR 2007)

52.222-35 Equal Opportunity for Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and other Eligible Veterans (SEP 2006)

52.222-36 Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities (JUN 1998)

52.222-37 Employment Reports on Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans (SEP 2006)

52.222-41 Service Contract Act of 1965, as Amended (JUL 2005)

52.222-44 Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Act--Price Adjustment (FEB 2002)

52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons (SEP 2007)

52.223-5 Pollution Prevention and Right-to-Know Information (AUG 2003)

52.223-6 Drug-Free Workplace (MAY 2001)

52.223-14 Toxic Chemical Release Reporting (AUG 2003)

52.225-13 Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (FEB 2006)

52.227-1 Authorization and Consent (JUL 1995)

52.227-2 Notice and Assistance Regarding Patent and Copyright Infringement (AUG 1996)

52.229-3 Federal, State, and Local Taxes (APR 2003)

52.232-1 Payments (APR 84)

52.232-8 Discounts for Prompt Payment (FEB 2002)

52.232-9 Limitation on Withholding of Payments (APR 1984)

52.232-11 Extras (APR 1984)

52.232-17 Interest (JUN 1996)

52.232-18 Availability of Funds (APR 1984) 52.232-23 Assignment of Claims (JAN 1986)

52.232-25 Prompt Payment (OCT 2003)

52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer – Central Contractor Registration (OCT 2003)

52.233-1 Disputes (JULY 2002)

52.233-3 Protest After Award (AUG 1996)

52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (OCT 2004)

52.237-2 Protection of Government Buildings, Equipment, and Vegetation (APR 1984)

52.242-13 Bankruptcy (JUL 1995)

52.243-1 Changes--Fixed-Price (AUG 1987)--Alternate I (APR 1984)

52.244-6 Subcontracts for Commercial Items (MAR 2007) 52.245-1 Property Records (JUN 2007) 52.246-25 Limitation of Liability—Services (FEB 1997)

52.248-1 Value Engineering (FEB 2000)

52.249-2 Termination for Convenience of the Government (Fixed-Price) (MAY 2004)

52.249-8 Default (Fixed-Price Supply and Service) (APR 1984) 52.253-1 Computer Generated Forms (JAN 1991)

AGRICULTURE ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 4) CLAUSES

452.237-70 Loss, Damage, Destruction or Repair (FEB 1988)

452.237-75 Restrictions Against Disclosure (FEB 1988)

52.204-7 Central Contractor Registration (JUL 2006)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause—

“Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database” means the primary Government repository for Contractor information required for the conduct of business with the Government.

“Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number” means the 9-digit number assigned by Dun and Bradstreet, Inc. (D&B) to identify unique business entities.

“Data Universal Numbering System+4 (DUNS+4) number” means the DUNS number means the number assigned by D&B plus a 4-character suffix that may be assigned by a business concern. (D&B has no affiliation with this 4-character suffix.) This 4-character suffix may be assigned at the discretion of the business concern to establish additional CCR records for identifying alternative Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) accounts (see the FAR at Subpart 32.11) for the same parent concern.

“Registered in the CCR database” means that—

(1) The Contractor has entered all mandatory information, including the DUNS number or the DUNS+4 number, into the CCR database; and

(2) The Government has validated all mandatory data fields, to include validation of the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and has marked the record “Active”. The Contractor will be required to provide consent for TIN validation to the Government as a part of the CCR registration process.

(b)

(1) By submission of an offer, the offeror acknowledges the requirement that a prospective awardee shall be registered in the CCR database prior to award, during performance, and through final payment of any contract, basic agreement, basic ordering agreement, or blanket purchasing agreement resulting from this solicitation.

(2) The offeror shall enter, in the block with its name and address on the cover page of its offer, the annotation “DUNS” or “DUNS+4” followed by the DUNS or DUNS+4 number that identifies the offeror’s name and address exactly as stated in the offer. The DUNS number will be used by the Contracting Officer to verify that the offeror is registered in the CCR database.

(c) If the offeror does not have a DUNS number, it should contact Dun and Bradstreet directly to obtain one.

(1) An offeror may obtain a DUNS number—

(i) If located within the United States, by calling Dun and Bradstreet at 1-866-705-5711 or via the Internet at http://www.dnb.com; or

(ii) If located outside the United States, by contacting the local Dun and Bradstreet office.

(2) The offeror should be prepared to provide the following information:

(i) Company legal business name.

(ii) Tradestyle, doing business, or other name by which your entity is commonly recognized.

(iii) Company physical street address, city, state and Zip Code.

(iv) Company mailing address, city, state and Zip Code (if separate from physical).

(v) Company telephone number.

(vi) Date the company was started.

(vii) Number of employees at your location.

(viii) Chief executive officer/key manager.

(ix) Line of business (industry).

(x) Company Headquarters name and address (reporting relationship within your entity).

(d) If the Offeror does not become registered in the CCR database in the time prescribed by the Contracting Officer, the Contracting Officer will proceed to award to the next otherwise successful registered Offeror.

(e) Processing time, which normally takes 48 hours, should be taken into consideration when registering. Offerors who are not registered should consider applying for registration immediately upon receipt of this solicitation.

(f) The Contractor is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the data within the CCR database, and for any liability resulting from the Government’s reliance on inaccurate or incomplete data. To remain registered in the CCR database after the initial registration, the Contractor is required to review and update on an annual basis from the date of initial registration or subsequent updates its information in the CCR database to ensure it is current, accurate and complete. Updating information in the CCR does not alter the terms and conditions of this contract and is not a substitute for a properly executed contractual document.

(g)

(1)

(i) If a Contractor has legally changed its business name, “doing business as” name, or division name (whichever is shown on the contract), or has transferred the assets used in performing the contract, but has not completed the necessary requirements regarding novation and change-of-name agreements in Subpart 42.12, the Contractor shall provide the responsible Contracting Officer a minimum of one business day’s written notification of its intention to:

(A) Change the name in the CCR database;

(B) Comply with the requirements of Subpart 42.12 of the FAR;

(C) Agree in writing to the timeline and procedures specified by the responsible Contracting Officer. The Contractor must provide with the notification sufficient documentation to support the legally changed name.

(ii) If the Contractor fails to comply with the requirements of paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this clause, or fails to perform the agreement at paragraph (g)(1)(i)(C) of this clause, and, in the absence of a properly executed novation or change-of-name agreement, the CCR information that shows the Contractor to be other than the Contractor indicated in the contract will be considered to be incorrect information within the meaning of the “Suspension of Payment” paragraph of the electronic funds transfer (EFT) clause of this contract.

(2) The Contractor shall not change the name or address for EFT payments or manual payments, as appropriate, in the CCR record to reflect an assignee for the purpose of assignment of claims (see FAR Subpart 32.8, Assignment of Claims). Assignees shall be separately registered in the CCR database. Information provided to the Contractor’s CCR record that indicates payments, including those made by EFT, to an ultimate recipient other than that Contractor will be considered to be incorrect information within the meaning of the “Suspension of payment” paragraph of the EFT clause of this contract.

(h) Offerors and Contractors may obtain information on registration and annual confirmation requirements via the Internet at http://www.ccr.gov or by calling 1-888-227-2423, or 269-961-5757.

52.222-39 Notification Of Employee Rights Concerning Payment Of Union Dues Or Fees (Dec 2004)

(a) Definition. As used in this clause- "United States" means the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Wake Island.

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this clause, during the term of this contract, the Contractor shall post a notice, in the form of a poster, informing employees of their rights concerning union membership and payment of union dues and fees, in conspicuous places in and about all its plants and offices, including all places where notices to employees are customarily posted. The notice shall include the following information (except that the information pertaining to National Labor Relations Board shall not be included in notices posted in the plants or offices of carriers subject to the Railway Labor Act, as amended (45 U.S.C. 151-188)).

Notice to Employees

Under Federal law, employees cannot be required to join a union or maintain membership in a union in order to retain their jobs. Under certain conditions, the law permits a union and an employer to enter into a union-security agreement requiring employees to pay uniform periodic dues and initiation fees. However, employees who are not union members can object to the use of their payments for certain purposes and can only be required to pay their share of union costs relating to collective bargaining, contract administration, and grievance adjustment.

If you do not want to pay that portion of dues or fees used to support activities not related to collective bargaining, contract administration, or grievance adjustment, you are entitled to an appropriate reduction in your payment. If you believe that you have been required to pay dues or fees used in part to support activities not related to collective bargaining, contract administration, or grievance adjustment, you may be entitled to a refund and to an appropriate reduction in future payments.

For further information concerning your rights, you may wish to contact the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) either at one of its Regional offices or at the following address or toll free number:

National Labor Relations Board Division of Information 1099 14th Street, N.W.

Washington, DC 20570 1-866-667-6572

1-866-316-6572 (TTY)

To locate the nearest NLRB office, see NLRB's website at http://www.nlrb.gov.

(c) The Contractor shall comply with all provisions of Executive Order 13201 of February 17, 2001, and related implementing regulations at 29 CFR part 470, and orders of the Secretary of Labor.

(d) In the event that the Contractor does not comply with any of the requirements set forth in paragraphs (b), (c), or (g), the Secretary may direct that this contract be cancelled, terminated, or suspended in whole or in part, and declare the Contractor ineligible for further Government contracts in accordance with procedures at 29 CFR part 470, Subpart B-Compliance Evaluations, Complaint Investigations and Enforcement Procedures. Such other sanctions or remedies may be imposed as are provided by 29 CFR part 470, which implements Executive Order 13201, or as are otherwise provided by law.

(e) The requirement to post the employee notice in paragraph (b) does not apply to-

(1) Contractors and subcontractors that employ fewer than 15 persons;

(2) Contractor establishments or construction work sites where no union has been formally recognized by the…