Attachment_02_-_Performance_Work_Statement.pdf

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SECTION 1- GENERAL

SCOPE OF WORK: The contractor shall provide any and all labor, materials, equipment, tools, transportation, supplies, services, incidentals, permits, and licenses necessary to perform Timber Marking and Timber Cruising on the Mark Twain National Forest; except for Forest Service Timber Marking Tracer Paint and R9 Timber Sale Cruise Tally Cards (Attachment A) which will be issued to contractor by the Government. The Contractor shall follow all State and Federal regulations, including OSHA guidelines. All work shall be performed in accordance with the terms, conditions and specifications of this solicitation and any resultant contract.

This statement of work consists of completing the tasks/subtasks in Section 5 to the performance requirements of the technical specifications. Acreages listed have been determined by Global Positioning System (GPS) Traverses. Cut Units or Payment Units in Timber Sales will have the Unit boundaries marked and GPS traversed prior to Contractor’s crews walking over the areas and estimating the volumes to be cut and removed from the sale area.

CERTIFIED CRUISER REQUIREMENTS: 1264R418R0001 is being solicited in such a way as to result in a pool of successful contractors – creating a set of Multiple Award Task Order Contracts (MATOCs). Successful contractors/awardees shall be required to have a minimum of one Certified Cruiser present whenever the contractor is cruising trees for volume/defect estimations. This certification shall be obtained within 30 days of contract award. Contractor may have multiple employees with Certified Cruiser credentials. To become a Certified Cruiser, the candidate cruiser(s) will be required to pass a written exam and field practicum established by the Forest Service. Location will be on the Mark Twain National Forest and scheduling will be determined by the Forest Service. An individual candidate cruiser may attempt the written exam and/or field practicum twice per contract period of performance. FAILURE OF A CONTRACTOR TO SUCCESSFULLY QUALIFY A

MINIMUM OF ONE EMPLOYEE AS A CERTIFIED CRUISER WITHIN 30 DAYS OF CONTRACT

AWARD SHALL RESULT IN CONTRACTOR BECOMING INELIGIBLE FOR TASK ORDER AWARDS.

DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION: The areas are located within the boundaries of the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri. Specific locations, area data, and maps will be issued with each task order.

BOUNDARIES: Individual cut or payment unit boundaries will be premarked by the Forest Service prior to Contractor doing the work. Boundaries will be marked on trees with two diagonal slash marks at eye level and two spots of Forest Service Orange or Pink Tracer paint on the stump next to ground so that all marks will face the interior of the Unit and can be seen from the interior of the Unit. All units will be signed from an access point along the boundary of the unit to identify the Unit. Signs will indicate the payment unit and Timber Sale Name. Generally, Units representing the volume for specified road construction or reconstruction will be estimated by Forest Service Crews prior to Contractor starting any work within that Timber Sale.

RE-MEASUREMENT: The Contractor may at any time after issuance of a Task Order (prior to invoice) request re-measurement of acres. The request must be in writing to the Contracting Officer. Payment will be based on the re-measurement of the acreage, except no adjustment shall be made for areas less than 1 acre. The Contractor shall pay for the cost of re-measurement if the re-measurement results in an increase of less than 10 percent; cost determined by multiplying the hourly burdened rated for the COR by the hours necessary to re-measure and deducting amount from current Task Order. Method of re-measurement to be used will be done with GPS (Global Positioning System) traverses by the Government.

PAYMENT: Payment for performed work shall be made at the contract price per acre for timber marking/cruising actually completed by the Contractor and accepted by the Government. Payment will be processed for completed units only and for a minimum amount of $5,000 or the entire Task Order.

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CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATIVE: The contractor shall provide a contract representative for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate(s) who shall act for the contractor when the contractor is absent shall be designated in writing to the contracting officer. The contractor representative or alternate shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The contractor representative and alternate(s) must be able to read, write, speak, understand English, and communicate with his crews. The contractor representative and/or alternate(s) must be Certified Qualified Cruisers who have passed both a written and field examination prior to award of this contract.

PRE-WORK CONFERENCE: Prior to commencement of work, the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) will arrange a meeting with the Contractor to discuss the contract terms and work performance requirements. A work progress schedule will be developed at this meeting.

Prior to commencement of work, preferably at the pre-work conference, the Contractor shall designate in writing a person to act for him in his absence. The Contractor or the designated representative shall be on the job whenever work is in progress. Contractor’s representative and/or alternate must be certified as Qualified Cruisers and have taken and passed both the written and field examinations for Qualified Cruisers.

In the absence of the Contractor, the authorized representative will take action as required to keep the job in progress under the terms of the contract. The presence of the Contractor's Representative or Contracting Officer's Representative on the job will not relieve the Contractor of responsibility for satisfactory performance.

WORK PROGRESS: The Contractor shall complete all work within the contract time stated on each task order.

When Task Orders are sent out for bid the request for bids will contain a Contract Time – generally this shall be 1 day for every 3 acres plus 5 days for initial mobilization. The Contract Time listed in the Task order shall be binding – the calculations in the previous sentence are a general guideline only.

DAMAGE TO PROPERTY: The Contractor shall be responsible for any damage caused by his/her personnel or equipment to any existing structures, private or public. Damaged items shall be repaired or replaced by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government. In the event of interruption to utility service, the Contractor shall promptly notify the proper authority and shall cooperate with the authority in the restoration of service.

PROTECTION OF IMPROVEMENTS: Any improvements damaged by the contractor’s work shall be repaired to the condition that existed prior to the start of work at the contractor’s expense. ATV/UTV use by the Contractor will be permitted when approved by the COR in writing (for each Task Order) and only to the extent necessary to accomplish work associated with that specific task orders.

SECTION 2- DEFINITIONS

2.1 STANDARD DEFINITIONS

TERMS MEANING

Acceptable Quality Level

(AQL)

The maximum allowable deviation from perfect performance that may occur before the Government will invoke payment deduction. An AQL does not allow a contractor knowingly to offer defective service, but limits reduced payment to circumstances in which defective performance results in a measurable reduction in the value of services rendered.

Defective Service A unit of service which contains one or more defects, or nonconformance with specified requirements.

Performance Requirements Summary (PRS)

Identifies the key service outputs of the contract that will be evaluated by the Government to assure contract performance standards are met by the contractor.

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Quality Assurance Those actions taken by the Government to assure services meet the requirements of the Performance Work Statement (PWS) Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

A Government person appointed by the contracting officer to help the contracting officer with contract administration and surveillance.

Government Inspector A Government person responsible for surveillance of contractor performance.

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)

An organized written document used for quality assurance surveillance that contains specific methods the Government will use to perform surveillance of the contractor.

Quality Control Those actions taken by a contractor to control the performance of services so that they meet the requirements of the PWS.

Random Sampling A sampling method in which each service output in a unit has an equal chance of being selected.

Calendar Days Every day shown on the calendar, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays included.

2.2 TECHNICAL DEFINITIONS

Basal Area (BA) The cross-sectional area of a tree at DBH, used to determine stocking.

Basal Area Factor (BAF) The critical angle used to determine BA with a prism

Cut Tree Marking (CTM)

A method of identifying the trees intended for removal in a stand during harvesting. The trees are designated with applications of paint at eye level (or DBH) and on the butt of the tree (see Section D1 under General Technical Specifications for more specific instructions on paint application using CTM).

Designation by Description (DxD)

A method of identifying the trees intended for removal in a stand during harvesting. The trees to be harvested will be marked with chalk to identify that someone has visited that individual tree and accounted for it properly. In addition, lesser amounts of trees not captured by designation criteria, but identified for removal by CTM per sthe stand prescription and/or cruise plan.

Field Data Recorder (FDR)

A device that allows the cruiser to electronically record data in the field.

At this time the Mark Twain does not allow for FDR use. Hard Copy Tally Cards are required (Attachment A). If at some point during the life of this contract the Mark Twain begins to utilize FDR notification will be sent to the contractor pool regarding what will/won't be accepted. Any contractor not wishing to switch to FDR will not be required to.

Leave Tree Marking (LTM)

A method of identifying the trees intended to be left in a stand during harvesting. The trees are designated with painted bands or stripes on all sides at eye level (or DBH) and paint on the butt of the tree (see Section D2 under General Technical Specifications for more specific instructions on paint application using LTM).

Sample Group Groupings within a Strata of similar trees for sampling purposes.

Sample Interval How often to measure a tree in each Sample Group/Strata combination.

Sample Tree Cruising (STR) A method of measuring tree volume by taking a specific sample of the marked trees for measurment and recording.

Strata A subdivision of a population of trees which improves sampling error.

Timber Cruising The method by which volume estimations for timber are made based on tree count and measurement.

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SECTION 3- GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY: The Government will furnish (1) Forest Service Timber Marking Tracer Paint and (2) R9 Timber Sale Cruise Tally Cards (Attachment A) to the Contractor (3) Chalk/applicators.

Campgrounds or other dispersed camping areas may be used for work related camping with PRIOR COR approval.

No other supplies or services will be supplied to the contractor.

SECTION 4- CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS/SERVICES

CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS/SERVICES: Except for those items listed in Section 3, the contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, equipment, tools, transportation, supervision, supplies, and incidentals necessary to perform Timber Marking/Cruising activities (this may include flagging, GPS, prism, D-Tape, clinometer, tally counters, marking guns, tree sounding devices, cruiser vests, etc.)

SECTION 5- PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT TASKS & CRITICAL SUBTASKS

5.1 Quality Control Plan

The contractor shall establish and maintain a proactive Quality Control Plan. The QC Plan is to be submitted as part of the offeror’s Technical Proposal. Any changes to Plan after award shall require Government review/acceptance.

5.2 Work Plan

The work plan shall describe how the contractor plans to perform Timber Sale Prep activities including methods, personnel, and equipment. This information is requested in further detail in the Evaluation Factors.

5.3 Progress Schedule

The contractor shall prepare and submit to the COR a practical work schedule for each task order the contractor competes for. This schedule should show the order in which the contractor will perform the work ordered and the dates on which the contractor contemplates starting and completing each road included on the project lists that accompany each task order.

5.4 Contractor Inspection Records

The contractor shall submit to the COR, all inspection records completed for each task order issued.

5.5 Safety Plan

Contractor shall provide a Safety Plan – requested in the Evaluation Factors. The Safety Plan shall include how the contractor intends to address Fire Suppression.

SECTION 7- PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

Task/ Subtask Quality/

Performance Standards

Acceptable Quality Level

(AQL)

Inspection Type Negative Incentives Positive Incentives

5.0 Timber Marking &

Timber Cruising

See Standard Specifications for Timber Marking and Timber Cruising

Minimum AQL is 90%

1) Verify contractor, records, data & reports 2)Periodically witness contractor inspection 3)Independent Governemnt verification

1) Rework at no cost to Government; 2) Acceptance with consideration;

3) Less than satisfactory performance evaluation;

4)Non-compliant contractor inpsection system: Contractor bears 100% of government inspection cost; 5) Poor performance may lead to Option Periods not being exercised.

Satisfactory or better performance rating

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GENERAL TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

A. Cruise Plan & Silvicultural Prescription

The Cruise Plan and Silvicultural Prescription for each task order can be found at the District Office, and should be referred to prior to beginning any Timber Marking/Cruising work on any Task Order. An Individual Cruise Plan with specific Marking/Cruising Guidelines will be provided to the Contractor as each Task Order is sent out for bid. These Guidelines will provide specific direction on where the timber is located and how it is to be marked and cruised.

The Forest Service may identify protected areas (such as sensitive plants, archaeological sites, etc.) in the Cruise Plan.

The contractor may need to avoid marking trees for removal in these areas, the Cruise Plans will have specific instructions for the contractor to follow. Should the contractor discover potential protected areas not designated by the Forest Service within the sale area or individual unit, notify the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) immediately and before proceeding so that proper preservation or safety measures can be taken if necessary.

B. Marker Certification

Reference the Section: CERTIFIED CRUISER REQUIREMENTS

C. Tree Marking Tracer Paint Accountability

The Government will furnish the necessary Tree Marking Tracer Paint required to complete the task order. Paint accountability is considered a very serious aspect of successful completion of contract requirements and will be covered in detail at the Pre-Work meeting.

All government Tree Marking Tracer Paint cans, full or empty, not in immediate use by the contractor, are required to be in locked storage. Tree Marking Tracer Paint remains property of the United States. Any unused quantities will be returned to the Government upon completion of the task order. All used paint cans shall be returned to the Government with the residual paint in the cans dried. Final payment invoices will not be processed until all paint is accounted for and completed “Mark Twain National Forest Contractor Tree Marking Tracer Paint Log” forms (Attachment B) are provided to the COR.

D. Timber Marking and Timber Cruising

Under this contract three different kinds of TIMBER MARKING may be used:

1. Cut Tree Marking (CTM): Trees to be removed are to be designated with Blue, Yellow, or Green Timber Marking Tracer Paint at or above eye level mark and at ground level.

2. Leave Tree Marking (LTM): Trees to be left uncut are to be designated with Orange or Pink Timber Marking Tracer Paint at or above eye level and at ground level.

3. Designation/CTM (DXX/CTM): Majority of trees to be removed are designated by some other means than individually painting, Trees may be defined by characteristics such as an entire species, species group, and/or size class). Additional trees may be individually marked (CTM) if they don’t fall within the designation criteria.

Under this contract one kind of TIMBER CRUISING may be used:

1. Sample Tree (STR) Cruising- The Sample Tree cruising method involves measuring a specified proportion (Sample Interval) of trees in the sub-population defined in the cruise plan. The remaining trees (trees not

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All tree measurements shall be done in accordance to the Qualified Cruiser Reference Guide which is posted with this solicitation as Attachment 04.

D1. Cut Tree Marking (CTM) with Sample Tree Cruising (STR)

In this contract CTM and STR will be used together for all 5.1 task items.

Cut Tree Marking Cut Tree Marking (CTM): Trees to be removed are to be designated with Blue, Yellow, or Green Timber Marking Tracer Paint at or above eye level mark and at ground level.

Direction for Eye Level Marks (or DBH): Two paint marks at eye level (or DBH) will be used to designate all trees for cutting. Marks are to be placed on opposite sides of the tree. Marks will be either a 3” diameter spot or a horizontal or diagonal stripe. If stripes are used a minimum mark would be 2 inches in width and 6 inches long.

Direction for Stump Marks: Two stump marks will be used on all trees unless otherwise specified by the COR or Inspector at the Pre-work Meeting. Stump marks shall be placed inside large root pockets or between bark fissures where possible to protect them from damage during felling and skidding. Also, paint shall be placed on clean bark or wood or areas free or scraped free of moss, lichen, loose bark, or other debris. Marks shall be located on the LOW SIDE of the stump and in recessed portions of the stump where possible. Liberal amounts of paint shall be used on stump marks, since these are very important marks and must be durable. Ideally, the marker would use two applications of paint per mark to apply an adequate amount of paint and the paint mark would touch the ground, (about 10% of the mark on the ground and 90% on the stump).

This marking procedure, when completed properly, will allow paint marks on all cut trees to be seen from any direction.

A draft copy of the sale area map shall be maintained with shading of progress- these maps shall be kept in a pre-sale folder. The R9 Timber Sale Cruise Tally Cards and Contractor Tree Marking Paint Log shall be kept daily and filed in the pre-sale folder. The pre-sale folder shall be kept neat and orderly at all times.

Sample Tree Cruising

While individually marking trees, trees designated for removal shall be measured and/or counted at an interval identified in the cruise plan. Sample populations may be further stratified by having multiple sample groups. A proportional sample of trees are measured and counted while other trees within the sample population are merely counted with no specific measurements being recorded. Trees shall be counted by the use of tally counters or comparable tools. Trees to be measured shall be selected each time a multiple of the sampling interval is reached on the counting mechanism.

Total numbers of individuals and their respective measurements within each sample group are recorded on the R9 Timber Sale Cruise Tally Card. The Tree number and cruiser identification should be painted on each tally tree and flagging should also be tied to the tree.

At the pre-work conference it will be determined when the contractors completed R9 Timber Sale Cruise Tally Cards will be given to the COR. The Contractor will be required to keep copies of the R9 Timber Sale Cruise Tally Cards until payment is recommended by the COR. The Government will be responsible for entering data from the Tally Cards into the FS Cruiser program.

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D2. Leave Tree Marking (LTM) with Sample Tree Cruising (STR)

In this contract LTM and STR will be used together for all 5.2 task items.

Leave Tree Marking Leave Tree Marking (LTM): Trees to be left uncut are to be designated with Orange or Pink Timber Marking Tracer Paint at or above eye level and at ground level.

Direction for Eye Level Marks (or DBH): The mark near eye level will be either a horizontal band completely around the tree or diagonal stripes, or some other method, so that the marks can be seen from any direction within the payment unit.

Direction for Stump Marks: There will be two stump marks applied to all Leave Trees unless otherwise specified by the COR or inspector at the Pre-work Meeting. Stump marks shall be placed inside large root pockets or between bark fissures where possible to protect them from damage during felling and skidding. Also, paint shall be placed on clean bark or wood or areas free or scraped free of moss, lichen, loose bark, or other debris. Marks shall be located on the LOW SIDE of the stump and in recessed portions of the stump where possible. Liberal amounts of paint shall be used on stump marks, since these are very important marks and must be durable. Ideally, the marker would use two applications of paint per mark to apply an adequate amount of paint and the paint mark would touch the ground, (about 10% of the mark on the ground and 90% on the stump).

A draft copy of the sale area map shall be maintained with shading of progress- these maps shall be kept in a pre-sale folder. The R9 Timber Sale Cruise Tally Cards and Contractor Tree Marking Paint Log shall be kept daily and filed in the pre-sale folder. The pre-sale folder shall be kept neat and orderly at all times.

While using LTM as a designation method, it is strongly recommended that all trees for retention be individually marked prior to conducting the sample tree cruise (STR). After leave trees have been designated with paint, the remaining trees that meet product and utilization specifications identified in the cruise plan shall be cruised per the sampling standards identified in the cruise plan. Using this combination of designation and cruising technique requires that the contractor visit every tree meeting utilization specifications. The contractor shall use a chalk mark(s) to indicate that a specific tree has been visited and counted.

Trees designated for removal by stand prescription and/or cruise plan (those not marked with Orange or Pink paint) shall be measured and/or counted at an interval identified in the cruise plan. Sample populations may be further stratified by having multiple sample groups. A proportional sample of trees are measured and counted while other trees within the sample population are merely counted with no specific measurements being recorded. Trees shall be counted by the use of tally counters or comparable tools. Trees to be measured shall be selected each time a multiple of the sampling interval is reached on the counting mechanism.

Total numbers of individuals and their respective measurements within each sample group are recorded on the R9 Timber Sale Cruise Tally Card. The Tree number and cruiser identification should be written on flagging and tied to the measured tree.

At the pre-work conference for each Task Order it will be determined when the contractors completed R9 Timber Sale Cruise Tally Cards will be turned over to the Primary COR. The Contractor will be required to keep copies of the R9 Timber Sale Cruise Tally Cards until payment is approved in IPP by the Primary COR for that Task Order. The Government will be responsible for entering data from the Tally Cards into the FS Cruiser program.

D3. Designation by Description (DxD) with Sample Tree Cruising (STR)

In this contract DxD and STR will be used together for all 5.3 task items.

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DxD/Cut Tree Marking

Designation by Description/CTM (DxD/CTM): Majority of trees to be removed are designated by some other means than individually painting, Trees may be defined by characteristics such as an entire species, species group, damage class, and/or size class). Additional trees may be individually marked (CTM) if they don’t fall within the designation criteria. Trees requiring cut tree marking (CTM) will be designated with Blue, Yellow, or Green Timber Marking Tracer Paint at or above eye level mark and at ground level.

Direction for Eye Level Marks (or DBH): Two paint marks at eye level (or DBH) will be used to designate additional trees for cutting (those not within the designation criteria). Marks are to be placed on opposite sides of the tree. Marks will be either a 3” diameter spot or a horizontal or diagonal stripe. If stripes are used a minimum mark would be 2 inches in width and 6 inches long.

Direction for Stump Marks: Two stump marks will be used on all trees unless otherwise specified by the COR or Inspector at the Pre-work Meeting. Stump marks shall be placed inside large root pockets or between bark fissures where possible to protect them from damage during felling and skidding. Also, paint shall be placed on clean bark or wood or areas free or scraped free of moss, lichen, loose bark, or other debris. Marks shall be located on the LOW SIDE of the stump and in recessed portions of the stump where possible. Liberal amounts of paint shall be used on stump marks, since these are very important marks and must be durable. Ideally, the marker would use two applications of paint per mark to apply an adequate amount of paint and the paint mark would touch the ground, (about 10% of the mark on the ground and 90% on the stump).

This marking procedure, when completed properly, will allow paint marks on all cut trees to be seen from any direction. A draft copy of the sale area map shall be maintained with shading of progress- these maps shall be kept in a pre-sale folder. The R9 Timber Sale Cruise Tally Cards and Contractor Tree Marking Paint Log shall be kept daily and filed in the pre-sale folder. The pre-sale folder shall be kept neat and orderly at all times.

While using DxD as a designation method, trees designated for removal in the cruise plan shall be cruised per the sampling standards identified in the cruise plan. Using this combination of designation and cruising technique requires that the contractor visit every tree meeting removal designation specifications. The contractor shall use a chalk mark(s) to indicate that a specific tree has been visited and counted. In addition, trees not captured by designation criteria, but identified for removal by CTM per the stand prescription and/or cruise plan, must be incorporated into the cruise population.

Trees designated for removal shall be measured and/or counted at an interval identified in the cruise plan. Sample populations may be further stratified by having multiple sample groups. A proportional sample of trees are measured and counted while other trees within the sample population are merely counted with no specific measurements being recorded. Trees shall be counted by the use of tally counters or comparable tools. Trees to be measured shall be selected each time a multiple of the sampling interval is reached on the counting mechanism.

Total numbers of individuals and their respective measurements within each sample group are recorded on the R9 Timber Sale Cruise Tally Card. The Tree number and cruiser identification should be written on flagging and tied to the measured tree.

At the pre-work conference it will be determined when the contractors completed R9 Timber Sale Cruise Tally Cards will be given to the COR. The Contractor will be required to keep copies of the R9 Timber Sale Cruise Tally Cards until payment is recommended by the COR The Government will be responsible for entering data from the Tally Cards into the FS Cruiser program.

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D4. Utilization Standards & Specifications Utilization Standards- FSH 2409.18 Chapter 50

Min. Tree Specs 1/ Min. Piece Specs

Product Type DBH (in.)

Lenth

(ft) 2/

DIB @ Small End (in.) % of Gross Measure

Hardwood Sawtimber 11.0 8 7.6 40% Misc. Convertible Hardwood 9.0 8 7.6 40% Hardwood Fuelwood 5.0 8 4.0 90% sound 3/, & reasonably straight 4/ Pine Sawtimber 11.0 8 7.6 40% Misc. Convertible Pine 9.0 8 7.6 40% Pine Post 5.0 8 4.0 100% sound & reasonbly straight Cedar Sawtimber 6.0 7 5.0 40% Cedar Post 4.0 7 3.0 100% sound & reasonbly straight

1/ A minimum tree must include atleast one piece that meets minimum specs.

2/ Plus trim allowance 3/ 90% applies to rot, voids, and char. Mechanical type defects such as sweep, crook, spider heart, and ring shake shall not be considered as deductions for soundness.

4/ Reasonably straight is when the true center line of a minimum length piece does not deviate more than one-half the inside diamter of the small end, plus one inch from a straight line drawn between the centers of the ends of the piece.

*Topwood species/product offered as Subject to Agreement is classified as Pulpwood

D5. Species Codes Code Species Code Species

68 Eastern Redcedar 802 White Oak 110 Shortleaf Pine 806 Scarlet Oak 403 Hickory 833 Northern Red Oak 602 Walnut 835 Post Oak

837 Black Oak

E. CONFIDENTIAL NATURE OF INFORMATION

Timber Sale Data The Contractor shall not divulge, and shall take all reasonable steps to insure that no member of its organization divulges, any information concerning this timber sale data to any person other than those duly authorized representatives of the Contracting Officer. In addition, neither the Contractor nor any of the Contractor's employees may be involved in bidding on any timber sale(s) resulting from this contract.

Archaeological Sites Any archeological sites encountered are protected by law and shall not be disturbed. The Contractor is encouraged to be alert for potential archeological sites and report their location to the Contracting Officer. Disclosure of any archeological information to any persons, other than those duly authorized as representatives of the Contracting Officer, may be subject to legal penalties.

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Threatened, endangered, or Sensitive Species (Plant, Animal, or Bird) Any of these species encountered are protected by law and shall not be disturbed. The Contractor is encouraged to be alert for potential indicators (such as nests) or actual sightings and report their location to the Contracting Officer.

Disclosure of any information associated with these species to any persons, other than those duly authorized as representatives of the Contracting Officer, may be subject to legal penalties.

5.0 Timber Marking & Timber Cruising

As mentioned earlier, a Cruise Plan and Silvicultural Prescription for each task order can be found at the District Office, and should be referred to prior to beginning any Timber Marking/Cruising work on any task order. The Cruise Plan will have more specific Marking/Cruising Guidelines than what is listed below (see example Cruise Plans provided).

5.1 Cut Tree Marking with Sample Tree Cruising

5.1.1 Clearcut with Reserves (CTM; STR)

Trees to be cut shall be designated with paint by CTM. Commercial trees will be marked within the Payment Unit to leave a BA/Acre of 0 ft2, except:

a.) 7-10% of the stand will be left as reserve groups/trees as described in the Cruise Plan.

b.) Trees within Watercourse Protection Zones (WPZ’s) c.) Other areas/trees may also be identified in the Cruise Plan not to be marked (Ex. Arch sites, certain products/species, etc.).

5.1.2 Seedtree/Shelterwood with Reserves (CTM; STR)

Trees to be cut shall be designated with paint by CTM. Commercial trees will be marked throughout the payment unit to leave a BA/Acre of 10-30 ft2 except:

a.) 7-10% of the stand will be left as reserve groups/trees as described in the Cruise Plan.

b.) Trees within Watercourse Protection Zones (WPZ’s) c.) Other areas/trees may also be identified in the Cruise Plan not to be marked.

In order to obtain the desired leave BA/acre stated above (10-30 ft2 BA), select trees to be marked based on the description in the individual stand prescription and/or Cruise Plan for the Payment Unit.

5.1.3 Open Woodland Thinning (CTM; STR)

Trees to be cut shall be designated with paint by CTM. Commercial trees will be marked throughout the payment unit so as to leave a BA/Acre of 30-60 ft2 except:

a.) Trees within Watercourse Protection Zones (WPZ’s) b.) Other areas/trees may also be identified in the Cruise Plan not to be marked.

In order to obtain the desired leave BA/acre stated above (30-60 ft2), select trees to be marked based on the description in the individual stand prescription and/or Cruise Plan for the Payment Unit.

5.1.4 Commercial Thinning (CTM; STR)

Trees to be cut shall be designated with paint by CTM. Commercial trees will be marked throughout the payment unit so as to leave a BA/Acre of 50-80 ft2 except:

a.) Trees within Watercourse Protection Zones (WPZ’s)

In order to obtain the desired leave BA/acre stated above (50-80 ft2), select trees to be marked based on the description in the individual stand prescription and/or Cruise Plan for the Payment Unit.

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5.1.5 Salvage (CTM; STR)

Trees to be cut shall be designated with paint by CTM. All standing and merchantable trees of a certain species (Ex.

Black Oak) or trees of certain species that display certain characteristics will be marked. This could leave the stand in a wide range of Basal Areas. Trees will not be marked within:

a.) Watercourse Protection Zones (WPZ’s)

5.1.6 Blowdown Salvage (CTM; STR)

Trees to be cut shall be designated with paint by CTM as described in the prescription and/or cruise plan. All trees of a certain damage classification (Ex. All merchantable trees leaning greater than 45 degrees from vertical) or trees that display certain characteristics will be marked. This could leave the stand in a wide range of Basal Areas. Trees will not be marked within:

5.1.7 Pine First Thinning (CTM; STR)

Trees to be cut shall be designated with paint by CTM. Commercial trees will be marked throughout the payment unit so as to leave a BA/Acre of 50-90 ft2 except:

a.) Trees within Watercourse Protection Zones (WPZ’s) b.) Other areas/trees may also be identified in the Cruise Plan not to be marked (Ex. Arch sites, certain products/species, etc.).

In order to obtain the desired leave BA/acre stated above (50-90 ft2), select trees to be marked based on the description in the individual Cruise Plan for the Payment Unit.

5.2 Leave Tree Marking with Sample Tree Marking

In this Task Item, Leave Trees will be identified first, then cut Trees will be cruised afterwards.

5.2.1 Clearcut with Reserves (LTM; STR)

Trees to be left shall be designated with orange or pink paint by LTM. Leave trees will be marked with paint so that the desired BA/Acre of 0 ft2 would result after harvesting. In order to obtain the desired leave BA/acre stated above (0 ft2), select trees to be marked (left) based on the description in the individual Cruise Plan for the Payment Unit. Trees shall be designated as leave so as to:

a.) Leave uncut 7-10% of the stand as described in the Cruise Plan.

b.) Leave all trees located within Watercourse Protection Zones (WPZ)

5.2.2 Seedtree/Shelterwood with Reserves (LTM; STR)

Trees to be left shall be designated with orange or pink paint by LTM. Leave trees will be marked with paint so that the desired BA/Acre of 10-30 ft2 would result after harvesting. In order to obtain the desired leave BA/acre stated above (10-30 ft2), select trees to be marked (left) based on the description in the individual Cruise Plan for the Payment Unit. Trees shall be designated as leave within all Watercourse Protection Zones (WPZ’s).

5.2.3 Open Woodland Thinning (LTM; STR)

Trees to be left shall be designated with orange or pink paint by LTM. Leave trees will be marked with paint so that the desired BA/Acre of 30-60 ft2 would result after harvesting. In order to obtain the desired leave BA/acre stated above (30-60 ft2), select trees to be marked (left) based on the description in the individual Cruise Plan for the Payment Unit. Trees shall be designated as leave within all Watercourse Protection Zones (WPZ’s).

5.2.4 Commercial Thinning (LTM; STR)

Trees to be left shall be designated with orange or pink paint by LTM. Leave trees will be marked with paint so that the desired BA/Acre of 50-80 ft2 would result after harvesting. In order to obtain the desired leave BA/acre stated

12 | P a g e above (50-80 ft2), select trees to be marked (left) based on the description in the individual Cruise Plan for the Payment Unit. Trees shall be designated as leave within all Watercourse Protection Zones (WPZ’s).

5.2.5 Pine First Thinning (LTM; STR)

Trees to be left shall be designated with orange or pink paint by LTM. Leave trees will be marked with paint so that the desired BA/Acre of 50-90 ft2 would result after harvesting all unmarked trees. In order to obtain the desired leave BA/acre stated above (50-90 ft2), select trees to be marked (left) based on the description in the individual Cruise Plan for the Payment Unit. Trees shall be designated as leave within all Watercourse Protection Zones (WPZ’s).

5.3 Designation by description (DxD)

5.3.1 Designation by Species/Diameter (DxSPP)/CTM; STR)

All merchantable trees of a certain species (Ex. Red Oak species group) will be marked with chalk. This would represent the majority of trees identified for removal. In addition, lesser amounts of trees not captured by designation criteria, but identified for removal by CTM per the stand prescription and/or cruise plan, must be incorporated into the cruise population. This could leave the stand in a wide range of Basal Areas. Trees will not be marked for removal within:

b.) Other areas/trees identified in the Cruise Plan not to be marked.

QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN

CONTRACT –Timber Marking & Timber Cruising on the Mark Twain National Forest.

This Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) has been developed pursuant to the requirements of the Performance Work Statement (PWS) in this contract. This plan sets forth procedures and guidelines that will be used in evaluating the technical performance of the contractor.

A. PURPOSE OF THE QASP

The QASP is intended to accomplish the following:

• Define the roles and responsibilities of participating government officials and the contractor;

• Identify the types of work to be performed and the inspections to be performed to validate adequacy;

• Describe the evaluation methods that will be employed by the government in assessing the contractor’s inspection program and performance to the quality/performance standards required for each task;

• Provide copies of the contractor’s inspection records and Government quality assurance monitoring forms that will be used by the government in documenting and evaluating the contractor’s performance;

• Describe the process of performance documentation.

The contractor is responsible for performing inspection services pursuant to the inspection clause and for providing and maintaining the inspection forms, approved by the government, to perform the contractor’s inspection services.

The contractor has represented themselves, to be responsible for meeting the prescribed quality/performance standards in the statement of work.

B. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) will be designated on each Task order. The COR’s roles and responsibilities will be listed on their designations and include the following: monitoring, assessing, recording, and reporting on the technical performance of the contractor on the schedule of inspections submitted by the contractor and approved by the government. The COR will either witness the contractor’s performance of the inspections performed by the contractor or will evaluate the contractor’s inspection results as to documented findings relative to meeting the standards for each task/subtask within the statement of work. The COR will have primary responsibility

13 | P a g e for completing quality assurance monitoring forms which will be used to document the inspection and evaluation of the contractor’s work performance.

The Contracting Officer (CO) will have overall responsibility for overseeing the contractor’s performance and for the day-to-day monitoring of the contractor’s performance in the areas of contract compliance, contract administration, cost control, and property control; reviewing the COR’s assessment of the contractor’s performance; and resolving all differences between the COR’s and the contractor’s version.

C. TYPES OF WORK TO BE PERFORMED/SCHEDULE OF INSPECTIONS

This contract calls for the contractor to perform the following tasks and subtasks and to perform inspections at the completion of the tasks/subtasks as a minimum and or for intermediate inspections as determined at contract award by the COR/CO. The contractor’s quality control plan/schedule will be modified accordingly and will be one of the basis for the award of the contract.

ALL Timber Marking & Timber Cruising

As work is being performed and at completion of task

Compliance with:

1)Timber Marking Technical Specs

2)Timber Cruising Technical Specs &

3)Cruis Plan/ Silv Rx

1)Contractor Records, Data, &

Reports 2)COR/Inspector

Daily Diary

Random / Periodic / 100%

(may vary on individual Task Orders/Zones)

C1. Inspection for Adherence to Marker Certification The Government will ensure that the Contractor or Contractor’s Representative certifications for Qualified Cruiser are valid and current.

C2. Inspection for Adherence to Tree Marking Tracer Paint Accountability No discrepancies in paint count; all paint cans used by the Contractor are returned to the Government. Lost paint cans will incur a penalty charge of $500, and may be deducted from any payments due to the contractor. Timber Marking Tracer Paint must be kept in secure, locked facilities when not in actual use in the field. Paint stored in vehicles must be in securely locked storage boxes out of public view. Timber Marking Tracer Paint should be returned to the Government on a specified schedule. The paint must not be stored in vehicles over holidays, weekends, or extended periods. The Government may also perform periodic Tracer paint security inspections. This may include off site temporary storage facilities.

C3. Inspection for Adherence to Timber Marking, Timber Cruising, and Cruise Plan/ Silvicultural Rx

Timber Marking:

• Cut trees are marked in blue, yellow, or green Tracer Paint as designated in the Cruise Plan. Leave trees are marked or banded in orange or pink Tracer Paint as designated in the Cruise Plan.

• Trees designated for removal must meet minimum specifications for the species/products being removed.

• Tree Selection and Leave BA- the Government will inspect trees selected for cut or leave. Tree selection should follow the description in the Cruise Plan/Silvicultural Rx at least 90% of the time. Remaining BA/Acre should average within 10 ft2 +/- of the designated leave BA as listed in the stand. If the above conditions are not met upon inspection by the COR, Contractor may be required to mark additional trees in the payment unit, and/or deduct trees with black paint from the payment unit, or remark the entire payment unit.

• Designated trees have eye level marks and a stump marks no higher than 6” above the ground, and paint touches the ground at some point on the stump.

• USFS Check Cruiser should be able to find a minimum of 25 tally (measured) trees with flagging on the sale area.

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• If the above conditions are not met upon inspection by the COR, Contractor may be required to remark the Payment Unit.

Timber Cruising:

• The Government will perform random inspections to ensure compliance with cruise standards.

• For the Sample Tree Cruising Method the Government will perform a Check Cruise on a minimum of 25 tally (measured) trees per sale area. Measurements by the Check Cruiser will be compared to the measurements recorded by the Contractor. Acceptable work will be determined with the completion of the R9 Check Cruise Evaluation Report Form (Attachment C). Final payment is contingent upon an acceptable Check Cruise on the Sale as a whole.

• Contractor’s Quality Control for Sample Tree Cruising: The contractor is responsible for quality control and will check tally (measured) trees in each payment unit to determine tree selection and measurements of trees.

Blue ribbon (or other color agreed on) will be tied on inspected trees with the following information on it:

Selection: Acceptable/Not Acceptable Measurements: Acceptable/Not Acceptable Marking: Acceptable/Not Acceptable

Failure to meet cruise standards requires contractor adjustments or re-performance started within 24 hours.

D. METHODS OF SURVEILLANCE

The government will monitor the contractor’s performance on a continuous basis. The methods the government will use are identified above. The COR will first verify the results of the contractor’s inspection, completeness and adequacy of the documentation of the contractor’s inspection results. The government COR will perform periodic independent inspections. The contractor shall be required to rework/repair or replace the effort until the quality/ performance standard is achieved. In the case of COR performed inspections that differ from results noted by the contractor performed inspections the costs for these re-inspections will be deducted from the Task Order amount.

These costs will be determined by multiplying the hourly burdened rated for the COR by the hours necessary to re-inspect – not to exceed 10 hours per re-inspection. Inspections will be performed to the schedule submitted by the contractor and approved by the government. Variances from the schedule must be pre-approved by the CO – submit requests to Primary COR.

E. QUALITY ASSURANCE (QA) FORMS AND REPORT

1. The COR will use a quality assurance monitoring form to document and evaluate the contractor’s performance under the contract. This can consist of a Form, a Memo for record or an entry in a daily or weekly diary. The form when completed will document the COR’s understanding of what the contractor was supposed to do, what was actually done, and the impact or consequences of what was done. The documentation will also identify the additional steps required of the contractor if there is a nonconformance.

2. The COR will judge each event in accordance with the performance standards and performance requirements stated in the Quality/Performance Requirements stated in the contract either in section 5 of the Statement of Work (SOW) or in section 7 of the SOW.

3. The COR must substantiate all tasks which he judges to be indicative of “unacceptable” performance.

Performance at the “acceptable” level is expected and need not be substantiated.

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4. In accordance with Section C above, the contractor shall furnish (weekly, at a minimum) to the COR copies of all inspection forms generated by the contractor witnessing inspections performed. The COR will forward copies of all completed QA monitoring forms to the CO and contractor inspection records prior to processing payments. The contractor is required to respond in writing to any negative QA monitoring form(s) within 5 working days after receipt of the form(s).

F. ANALYSIS OF SURVEILLANCE RESULTS

1. The CO will review each QA monitoring form prepared by the COR. When appropriate, the CO may investigate the event further to determine if all the facts and circumstances surrounding the event were considered in the COR’s opinion outlined on the forms. The CO will immediately discuss every event receiving a substandard rating on the forms. The CO will immediately discuss every event receiving a substandard rating with the contractor to assure that corrective action is promptly initiated.

2. Upon completion of the contract/task order the COR will perform a performance evaluation of the contractor using the results documented as above and provide to the CO for further action.

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Attachment A

USDA Forest Service Eastern Region

R9 TIMBER SALE CRUISE TALLY CARD

FORES

T

DISTRIC

T

SALE

NO. P.U. NO. DATE

SHEE

T

O F

SALE

NAME

CRUISER

S

PAINT

BRAND

BATCH

NO.

COLO

R

Plot/ Tree/ Sam ple

Cou nt/ Tree Sawlo gs Non- Saw Liv e/ Cut/ Tre e

Crui ser

Card No.

Line No.

Strat um

Gro up

Mea sure Count Speci es DBH Height %Def ect

%Rec

ov. 4” Ht. Tot.

Ht.

%Def ect Dea d Lea ve

Gra de ID

1 .

2 .

3 .

4 .

5 .

6 .

7 .

8 .

9 .

10 .

11 .

12 .

13 .

14 .

15 .

16 .

17 .

18 .

19 .

20 .

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INSTRUCTIONS

Forest 2-digit forest number District 2-digit district number Sale No. 5-digit sale number P.U. No. Payment unit number Date Date cruised Sale Name Name of the sale Cruisers Cruiser names or IDs Paint Brand Brand of paint used Batch No. Batch number of paint used Color Color of paint used Plot/Card No. Plot number for area-based cruises. Cruise card number for tree-based cruises.

Tree/Line No. Area-based cruising: Tree numbers must be unique within a plot. Number each plot beginning with 1.

Tree-based cruising: Number trees sequentially regardless of strata, sample group, etc.

Stratum Stratum code Sample Group Sample group code Count/Measure For STR or PCMTRE: enter C for a count tree record; enter M or leave blank for a measure tree record.

Tree Count Number of trees tallied for this record Species 3-digit species code DBH DBH to the tenth-inch Sawlog - Height Height from ground to the top of the sawtimber portion in feet Sawlog - %Defect Percent defect in sawtimber material not recoverable Sawlog - %Recov.