NEW_REVISED_-_1264R418R0003_-_Attachment_02_-_Performance_Work_Statement.pdf

SCOPE OF WORK: The contractor shall provide any and all labor, equipment, supplies, services, permits, and licenses necessary to perform stand improvement, site preparation by felling, planting, restoration, herbicide treatments, and survey activities on the Ava/Cassville/Willow Springs, Doniphan/Eleven Point, Houston/Rolla/Cedar Creek, Poplar Bluff, Potosi/Fredericktown, and Salem Ranger Districts of the Mark Twain National Forest. The contractor must be registered with the Department of Labor under the Migrant and Seasonal Workers Protection Act or certify that the Act does not apply. The Contractor shall follow all State and Federal regulations, including OSHA guidelines.

The felling specifications are similar in many items listed and described below. The general reason for the separate items is to define the differentiation of the site conditions of the items.

Acreages listed will have been determined by Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in conjunction with Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

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: Most boundaries have previously been marked by two orange paint slashes on sides of trees or by hanging flagging around each area. Others may have fences, roads, Right-of Ways, (e.g.

powerline) or natural features (open lands) which were used as boundaries.

SALVAGE RIGHTS: No salvage rights exist under this contract.

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.

NON-PERFORMANCE: Cutting non-designated trees or not cutting designated trees will be considered non-performance. If non-performance cannot be remedied (i.e. reworked), payment for the pertinent acres will be forfeited and damages may be assessed. See the Performance Requirements/Quality Assurance Plan for specific information.

PAYMENT: Payment for performed work will be based on actual acres completed by the Contractor and accepted by the Government. Payment will be processed for completed areas only, and for a minimum amount of $10,000.00 or the entire Task Order.

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, and understand English, and effectively communicate with their crew members.

PROTECTION OF IMPROVEMENTS: Any improvements damaged by the contractor’s work shall be repaired/restored to the condition equal or better than existed prior to the start of work. This shall be accomplished at the contractor’s expense and be subject to Government approval.

CONTRACT TIME and Seasonal Restrictions*:

Arriving crews will give a minimum of 3 days’ notice to COR of unit issuing Task Order.

Departing work crews will notify COR AT LEAST 24 hours before leaving, preferably sooner.

No contract chainsaw work will be allowed during the Missouri Firearms Deer Season (November).

Orders with seasonal restrictions* (i.e. “leaf off only”) will be identified on the Task Order. It may likely be for only specific areas within the order. On orders with seasonal restrictions, due diligence to complete the order in first available unrestricted season is expected as long as the order is presented with the allocated days available in unrestricted season.

After receiving a Task Order, coordination with the COR on a work schedule is critical, as work will commence no later than 10 days after receiving a Notice to Proceed, unless other arrangements are made in advance.

CONTRACT TIME: Each Task Order request will contain the contract time for that order – typically represented as X days after Notice to Proceed. Below are general guidelines to how that time is typically calculated to assist offerors in calculating their ceiling prices.

• (4.4) Planting - contract time shall be 1 day for every 5 acres, but must be completed during the current (or upcoming) year’s season listed in Item 4.4;

• (4.7) Surveys – 1 day for every 10 acres;

• (4.5) Herbicide – generally same as Chainsaw work PLUS all contract work shall be done during the current appropriate application season for the targeted vegetation;

• (4.1, 4.2, 4.3 & 4.6) All Other (Chainsaw) – generally 1 day for every 3 acres for orders less than 500 acres & 1 day for every 9 acres for orders over 500 acres plus 5 days mobilization.

A. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT TREATMENT STANDARDS

RESOURCE PROTECTION, USE AND MAINTENANCE OF IMPROVEMENTS: The Contractor shall use every precaution necessary to prevent damage to public and private property. Information in this section applies to all work as a result of 1264R4R180003.

1. Protection of Land Survey Monuments: The Contractor shall protect all known survey monuments, witness corners, reference monuments, bearing trees, and boundary line trees against avoidable destruction, obliteration, or damage during the operation.

2. Refuse Disposal: Papers, cans, bottles, or other refuse resulting from the Contractor's operations shall be removed from National Forest lands.

3. Erosion Control: The Contractor shall (1) avoid operating equipment when soil conditions are such that excessive damage will result; (2) construct erosion control structures as needed to control erosion problems caused by the operation; and (3) repair promptly any existing erosion control structures damaged by the operation.

4. Protection of Cultural Resources: Discovery of historic or prehistoric sites, buildings, objects, and properties by either the Government or the Contractor shall promptly be reported to the other party.

5. Protection of Improvements: When the Contractor's operations are adjacent to private property, railway property, utility company property, or other property, work shall not begin until all necessary arrangements to prevent damage have been taken by the Contractor. In the event of damage to private fencing improvements, the improvement must be restored immediately to the same or better condition that existed prior to the start of the work. In the event of interruption to utility services because of accidental breakage or as a result of lines being exposed or unsupported, the Contractor shall promptly notify the proper authority and shall cooperate with that authority in the restoration of service.

6. Protection of Reserve Trees and Excluded Trees: Reserve trees and excluded trees shall be protected from damage or destruction in the Contractor's operations. Damage includes any injury to the living crown, bole or roots of reserve trees.

7. Prevention of Oil Spills: The Contractor shall take appropriate prevention measures to insure that any spill of oil or oil based products do not enter any stream or other waters.

8. Landings, Roads, and Skid Trails: Any temporary roads opened by the Contractor must be closed upon completion of work. Any access via closed temporary roads should be coordinated with the COR.

9. Fire Prevention and Control: Warming fires will not be permitted except when leaves are wet or a place cleared of flammable material is used. If conditions warrant, the Government may prohibit fires. All fires must be completely extinguished before leaving.

B. GENERAL TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – applies to all items

• Trees specified for cutting shall be completely cut below the lowest live limb and within 6 inches of the ground.

• Trees to be felled that will damage desirable trees should be double girdled.

• Felling shall be done in such a manner as to (1) avoid damage to residual crop trees, (2) avoid concentrated accumulation/build-up of felled material next to or against residual trees, and (3) lay felled material as flat as possible on the ground.

• No felled trees will be left hanging or leaning on residual trees.

• The Contractor must release or cut all "spring trees" present or that he creates. A "spring tree" is a tree of any species or size that is bent over or prohibited from growing a straight pole from the original leader.

Reserve Trees and Exceptions: Do not cut the following:

• Any trees along area boundaries that have blaze marks that may indicate a property line.

• Any tree indicating area boundaries.

• Designated wildlife trees.

• Reserve Trees and trees in Reserve areas.

• Any other tree, species, or size limits designated by the COR as leave trees or excluded trees.

• All dead standing trees (unless hazardous).

Slash Disposal: Slash and other debris resulting from the Contractor's operations shall be removed from the following:

• Stream courses identified on the project maps.

• Lakes.

• Private land.

• The cleared area of telephone lines, power lines, and pipelines.

• Roads identified on the project maps and associated drainage ditches.

C. ITEMIZED TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

4.1. STAND IMPROVEMENT

4.1.1. Release – Manual (Pine)

Excluding exceptions, all pine shall be released from competing or overtopping hardwoods.

Excluding exceptions, all stems within a six (6) foot radius of the pine to be released and greater than one-half (1/2) the height of the pine shall be treated as follows.

• All stems shall be completely cut below the lowest live limb and within six (6) inches of the ground.

• The six (6) foot clearing radius will be measured from the stem of the pine being released to the vertical face (drip edge) of the hardwood crowns.

4.1.2. Precommercial Thinning - PCT (crop tree release)

Select Crop Trees* on a 20’x20’ spacing.

*Crop Trees are selected based on species preference, relative dominance (height compared to the canopy), crown size, straightest stem, and absence of disease or other defects.

The order of species preference may vary depending on the desired species in a particular stand, however, in most cases the following order of preference will apply:

1. Shortleaf pine

2. White oak

3. Red oak

4. Black oak

5. Scarlet oak

6. Walnut

7. Hickory

8. Post oak

Select shortleaf pines as crop trees over other species if they are within 2 feet in height of the surrounding canopy height.

Cut all stems that have crowns within 1 ft. of the crown of the crop tree or overtopping the crop tree.

Multiple–stemmed hardwoods selected as crop trees shall be reduced to the best stem.

Grapevines attached to crop trees will be cut.

Cut all cedar greater than 2 feet in height throughout the unit.

Do not cut any tree larger than 9 inches DBH (diameter breast height). Task Orders and/or COR may specify a wider diameter range on individual items.

Any crop tree nicked to the cambium layer is unacceptable.

4.2. SITE PREPARATION BY FELLING*

4.2.1. Even-aged Regeneration

Excluding Reserve trees and Exceptions, cut all stems ≥1” DBH and < 9” DBH, below the lowest live limb and within 6 inches of the ground. Task Orders and/or COR may specify a wider diameter range on individual items.

4.2.2. Storm Damage Salvage Area Regeneration**

Same as 4.2.1.

**These areas of storm damage mimic even-age harvesting operations where most, if not all the over-story trees were damaged and subsequently harvested. Jackpot piles of tops exist throughout the area from the wind event, and accessibility is hindered.

4.2.3. Uneven-aged Regeneration

1. Within Group Openings and/or smaller gaps, cut all stems ≥1” DBH and < 9” DBH, below the lowest live limb and within 6 inches of the ground. Task Orders and/or COR may specify a wider diameter range on individual items.

2. Within the Areas described above, and through-out the remaining matrix, cut trees damaged from logging in the same diameter range as described above. This includes all spring trees, trees with broken crowns or boles, or trees with bark damage through the cambium layer on more than 33% of the circumference of the bole.

Cut all cedar greater than 2 feet in height throughout the unit.

*Trees not to be treated in all items: Do not cut Redbud, Dogwood, or Serviceberry within a 100 foot wide strip along State Highways, County roads, or Forest Service System Roads. Additional reserve trees may be specified by the COR or listed in the Task Order.

4.3. RESTORATION TREATMENTS*

4.3.1. Glade restoration**

Excluding exceptions, cut all cedar greater than 2 feet in height and all hardwoods stems ≥1” DBH and < 9” DBH shall be completely cut below the lowest live limb and within 6 inches of the ground. If hardwood treatment is to be excluded it will be listed by diameter range and/or species on the Task Order. Pine trees < 5” DBH may be fell and will be specified in the Task Order if this work needs to be performed.

4.3.2. Deleted – Reserved

4.3.3. Midstory Control

Excluding exceptions, all stems ≥1” DBH and < 9” DBH, shall be completely cut below the lowest live limb and within 6 inches of the ground.

Cut all cedar greater than 2 feet in height throughout the unit.

*Trees not to be treated in all items: Do not cut Redbud, Dogwood, or Serviceberry within a 100 foot wide strip along State Highways, County roads, or Forest Service System Roads. Additional reserve trees may be specified by the COR or listed in the Task Order.

**See “Blufftop Glade Restoration” (Exhibit 1 to this document) description on retaining remnant oldgrowth individual cedar.

4.3.4. Deleted – Reserved

4.4. PLANTING (This section applies to both bare-root stock and containerized seedlings).

The planting season begins upon availability of seedlings (normally after January 1) and ends on April 15 or whenever seedlings break dormancy, whichever occurs first.

Care of Seedlings: Seedlings shall be protected at all times from drying, heating, smothering, freezing, crushing, drowning, abrasion, rapid temperature fluctuations or contact with injurious substances, i.e. gasoline, oil, or diesel fuel. Seedlings stored in boxes, bags, or bundles shall not be exposed to direct sunlight.

Field Handling: Seedlings must be handled, stored and transported in a manner to protect them from sun and wind and to maintain the air temperature of bags/bundles between 32 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

In the field, seedlings shall be stored in full shade and covered with a light colored, heat resistant tarp. When a planter returns to bag up with more seedlings, the planter must recover the remaining seedling packages with the heat resistant tarp.

Tree seedlings shall not be removed from shipping containers until needed for preparation for planting.

Planting bags shall be a light color, shall not retain water or heat, shall have a minimum depth of 15 inches, and shall be free of defects. Planting bags shall be constructed in such a manner as to allow easy and unrestricted removal of seedlings, one at a time.

Only one bag/bundle of seedlings per crew shall be opened at one time. Bags of seedlings shall be kept sealed prior to planting of the seedlings. Partially used bags will be kept closed to prevent exposure of the seedlings to the air. If any bag is torn, snagged or otherwise opened, the Contractor shall immediately patch or reseal it.

Tree seedlings shall be planted without further root or top pruning or culling. If pruning or culling appear necessary, or if mold, dry roots, evidence of injury or drying or dying is seen, the condition shall be immediately reported to the COR or Inspector.

Tree seedlings shall not be removed from planting bags until immediately before planting in a prepared hole.

Planters must remove only one tree at a time from the planting bag when they are ready to plant it, thus allowing a minimum time of root exposure. Under no circumstances will planters be allowed to carry several trees with exposed roots from one planting spot to another. The government does not guarantee the number of trees per bag, box or bundle. Tree number may be exact or an average based on weight or some other method. Seedlings are not to be exposed to drying or other damage by recounting them.

A hole for planting may be created only after the area has been scalped and the surface debris removed far enough away such that when the planting hole is created no debris can fall into the hole preventing an air tight seal.

Unsuitable Planting Weather: Seedlings may be planted at any time when weather conditions are determined to be satisfactory by the COR. Frozen ground, temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, relative humidity below 30%, wind above 15 M.P.H., soil moisture below 15% are unsatisfactory planting conditions.

If a combination of conditions such as hot, windy weather and low soil moisture would result in excessive moisture stress to seedlings during and immediately after planting the COR may suspend planting until conditions improve.

Moisture: Roots of trees must be kept moist at all times. Material such as moss, shingle toe, or material in which the seedlings were shipped, will be used to protect roots. Materials used by the Contractor to keep roots moist in planting bags or other containers and to shelter supplies of trees in his custody must be approved by the COR. Do not add water to seedlings with coated roots unless approved by the COR. Properly stored seedlings sometimes look drier than they really are and adding water only washes protective clay or gel from the roots.

Storage: Both opened and unopened boxes, bales or bags of trees must be stored in the shade. If needed, the contractor will heel-in and water or refrigerate the seedlings.

Damaged or Unacceptable Seedlings: Do not plant seedlings if mold, dryness of roots, or other damage is evident. Contact the COR immediately to obtain replacement seedlings.

Lost or Damaged Seedlings: Any procedures in the care of seedlings, in addition to those above, will be approved by the COR. Any seedlings not properly cared for as described above will be considered lost or damaged Government property.

Position of Stem: Each planted tree must stand erect, near vertical to the horizontal plane, and not exceed 20 degrees from the perpendicular. Some lower needles may be below ground level after planting, but all above ground needles must be free of mud and other material which could weight it down. Any tree not meeting this specification will be considered and unsatisfactorily planted tree.

Do not plant seedlings within 10 feet of clearing limits of any designated system road, fence, powerline or pipeline rights-of-way, or within 10 feet of an adjacent tree line.

To avoid possible root damage, do not use the planting tool to maneuver the roots of a seedling into the planting hole.

Seedlings shall not be planted within 1 foot of large mounds of rock, holes or stump holes large enough to hamper root growth of seedlings.

Filling and Firming: Moist mineral soil shall be filled in and firmed around tree seedling roots.

Rock and other foreign matter shall be kept out of holes. Soils shall be filled in and firmed progressively so no loose soil or air pockets remain and the tree is as firmly planted as soil conditions will allow.

Inspection and Acceptance:

Above ground inspection:

1. Spacing

2. Planting spot selection

3. Planting spot preparation (scalp)

4. Correct planting depth and exposed roots

5. Stem position or damage

6. Firmness of soil Below ground inspection (items that fail a planting spot):

1. Root configuration and orientation of all of the roots (J-root, jammed roots, etc.)

2. Altered root length and damage (root pruning or stripping)

3. “Foreign” material in planting hole

4. Loose soil or air pockets

4.4.1 Hardwood tree planting

The goal of this treatment is to establish hardwood seedlings in existing open fields. Hardwood seedlings should be planted on a 12 ft. X 12 ft. spacing (approximately 302 trees per acre).

Equipment: Some sites are suitable for planting with a roughland tree planter pulled with a farm tractor. Planting with a tree planting auger on a 3 point hitch behind a farm tractor, or a hand held auger are also acceptable. Planting with hand tools such as a dibble bar or hoedad may be unacceptable due to the large size of the root systems on the hardwood trees normally planted. A tree planting auger with a minimum of a 6 inch bit shall be used to make a vertical hole at least 12 inches in depth that is suitable for planting a tree seedling. If the auger binds on a rock or other material and is unable to make a satisfactory hole the auger shall be removed and relocated in the same vicinity. Three tries are necessary before a planting spot is considered unplantable.

Crew members using the auger should insure that the pace of augering holes does not get too far ahead of the planters so as to insure the soil does not dry out.

Tree Placement: Plant one tree in a trash free hole. The leaves, litter, and duff shall be removed to mineral soil in an 18-inch circle before the auger-planting tool is inserted into the ground.

Holes must be cleared by hand to remove all material leaving a clean hole of proper depth.

Plant each tree seedling ½ inch to 1 inch deeper than it grew at the nursery. Using soil from the hole to pack soil (by hand) firmly around the seedlings roots as the hole is refilled insuring there are no air pockets and that lateral roots are pointed down and not broken (do not pack seedlings by using heel).

Organic material should not enter the hole during planting.

Planting tolerances:

Area(s) Spacing (ft.) Min. Trees/Acre Max. Trees/Acre

ALL 12 X 12 272 330

4.4.2 Pine tree planting

SPECIFICATIONS FOR PINE TREE PLANTING: Tree planting is illustrated in exhibits 2, 3, 4, &5 to this document.

Depth: Each tree must be planted so that the root collar is not above ground level. Shortleaf pine seedlings have better survival if deep planted, so some lower needles may be covered with soil. Even though Shortleaf pine seedlings should be planted slightly deeper than they were in the nursery, “J” roots must be avoided. The soil level at the stem of each planted tree will be approximately level with the surrounding ground. Measurement will be at level ground line of bare mineral soil or other acceptable surface material where reasonable land clearing cannot expose mineral soil. Any tree not planted in the manner described above will be considered and unsatisfactorily planted tree (see exhibit 2 & 3 illustrations at the end of this document).

Spacing: Trees will be planted on a 10 foot by 10 foot spacing (10x10) resulting in 435 trees per acre.

A latitude of 50% in the distance between trees will be allowed for the planter to utilize the best planting spot, avoiding spots such as animal burrows, rotten wood, stumps, and rocks (see Tree Placement also). Any trees planted within 4 feet of another planted tree or existing pine tree will be considered an unsatisfactory tree. Trees will not be planted within ten (10) feet of any designated system road, fence, powerline, pipeline, or existing tree line.

Tree Placement: Seedlings shall be planted at the specified spacing provided that, for individual seedlings the average spacing may be varied as much as 50% in any direction to obtain a plantable spot. Spacing control shall be resumed using the original spacing guides and the number of seedlings planted per acre shall not be materially increased or decreased by the method of selecting plantable spots. No seedlings shall be planted closer than 50% of the spacing requirements to another seedling. No seedlings to be omitted.

Plant tree seedlings in a manner to prevent “U” roots, “L” roots, drag roots, or twisted or balled roots.

Culling: Grade 3 shortleaf pine seedlings shall be culled rather than planted. A grade 3 seedling is less than three (3) inches in height; roots are less than five (5) inches long, the stem is distinctly less than 1/8th inch diameter at ground level. Absence of winter buds and presence of purple needle color are common in dormant, hardened-off shortleaf pine seedlings and are NOT grounds to cull seedlings.

4.4.3 Supplemental Pine Planting

See pine planting specifications above. Trees will be planted as specified by COR. Spacing could include patches of insufficient regeneration planted at the regular spacing, or wider and variable spacing. Spacing will average 200 trees per acre.

4.5 Herbicide Applications*

Standards for ALL Herbicide Application Task Items

• Contractor is responsible for obtaining all herbicides, basal oils, water, surfactants, colorants, as well as labor, equipment, supplies, storage, permits, licenses and certifications required for completion of Herbicide Applications under this contract as set forth by Missouri Department of Agriculture. http://agriculture.mo.gov/plants/pesticides/commnonpub.php

• Contractor shall follow all manufacturer’s label directions and industry standards for application of herbicides.

• Applications of herbicide will be directed so damage will not be done to non-target vegetation.

• Weather is to be monitored and the project could be suspended if temperature is greater than 95 degrees, humidity is less than 30%, wind is at/or above 10 MPH or significant precipitation is forecast in the next 24 hours.

• Herbicide will not be used within Streamside Management Zones unless otherwise approved by COR. Streamside Management Zones will be identified on the map given with each task order.

• Trees along property boundaries that are marked with red paint, signs, tags, blazes, or other survey information will not be treated.

*Trees not to be treated in ALL items: Do not treat Redbud, Dogwood, or Serviceberry within a 100 foot wide strip along State Highways, County roads, or Forest Service System Roads.

Additional reserve trees may be specified by the COR or listed in the Task Order.

Herbicides - The active ingredient to be used will be determined by the COR and listed on each Task Order. The Contractor can then use any Brand Name herbicide from the Herbicide Table below which has the active ingredient required by the COR. The Herbicide Table also shows which application methods that each active ingredient could be used for under this contract.

The following will be determined by the COR and listed on Task Orders for all Herbicide Applications:

1. Task item

2. Active ingredient

3. Brand name herbicide

4. If the herbicide is to be used undiluted, mixed with water, or mixed with basal oil (a certain brand name basal oil may be required by COR)

5. If surfactants are required (a certain brand name surfactant may be required by COR)

6. Colorant- A certain color or name brand of colorant may be required by COR

7. Mix rate to use (will be within ranges set by the herbicide, basal oil, colorant, and surfactant labels)

Herbicides - The following 5 active ingredients may be required for this contract:

-Glyphosate -Imazapyr -Triclopyr Amine -Triclopyr Ester -Sulfometuron http://agriculture.mo.gov/plants/pesticides/commnonpub.php

The below Herbicide Table shows some examples of brand name herbicides (organized by active ingredient) that may be required by the COR for this contract; however this is not a complete list and other brand name herbicides not listed in the table may be required in the task order.

Herbicide Table

As determined by the COR, the herbicide could be mixed with water, basal oil, or used undiluted and and listed on each Task Order.

Water- Water (clean water, no sediments) could be required to be used as a diluent and mixed with herbicides for task items except in following situations:

-When using a Triclopyr Ester herbicide for Cut Stump or Basal Bark applications (requires basal oil) or -Where the herbicide is used undiluted.

Basal Oils- Triclopyr Ester herbicides that are used with Cut Stump and Basal Bark Treatments will require a basal oil to be used in the herbicide mixture. Only commercially available basal oils can be used for this contract (the labels may list Diesel fuel, No. 1 or No. 2 fuel oil, and kerosene as options, but they will not be used under this contract). Any commercially available basal oil that is labeled for the appropriate site/application/mix may be required by the COR. Some examples of basal oils that meet these requirements are Elite Premier, Improved JLB Oil, and JLB Oil Plus.

Surfactants- All foliar spray task items will require an agriculturally labeled non-ionic surfactant to be used in the herbicide mixture unless the label of the herbicide to be used specifically states it does not require additional surfactant (Accord XRT II). Any agriculturally labeled non-ionic surfactant that is labeled for the appropriate site/application/mix and serves as an activator, penetrant, and a wetting agent may be required by the COR. Some examples of non-ionic surfactants that meet these requirements are Alligare Trace, Cide Kick, and Cide Kick II.

Colorants- A colorant (also called dyes or spray pattern indicators) will be required to be used in the mixture for all herbicide task items unless approved otherwise by COR. This helps to facilitate appropriate application and inspection. Certain colorants are labeled for oil mixtures while others are labeled for water based mixtures. Any commercially available colorant that is labeled for the appropriate site/application/mix may be required by the COR. Some basal oils have dye already added and would not need an additional colorant (such as Elite Premier Blue).

Mixing- The COR will list on the Task Order all items that are required to be in the herbicide mixture.

The amount of each item required will be within the ranges set by the herbicide and other product labels.

The Contractor will mix herbicides in accordance with the label. The Contractor is responsible for the cleanup of any spills and will notify the COR immediately of any spills. The Contractor must have herbicide labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS or the new SDS) of chemicals on site.

Before the mixing process, all herbicides, basal oils, colorants, and surfactants need to come to the jobsite unopened with the label on the container and inspected by the COR. The COR may request to be present during the original mixing process. Mixing and cleaning areas will not be permitted within 300 feet of private lands, open water, wells, or other sensitive areas.

Warning Signs - The Contractor will post caution/warning signs at any entry point (road or trail) around the sprayed areas that lists the herbicide and active ingredient being used.

Herbicide Use Log - The Contractor will be required to use the Herbicide Use Log (exhibit 6 of this document) on a daily basis to maintain accurate records of work activities and chemicals applied in treatment areas. The Herbicide Use Log will be required to be given to the COR at the completion of each stand/unit or on a schedule determined by the COR. Below is an example of a completed Herbicide Use Log for a unit.

Compt/Stand or Unit # Unit Acres Date(s) Applied Temp (°F):

Min & Max

% Relative Humidity

Wind:

Direction &

Speed Cloud Cover

Gallons of Herbicide Mix Used

Application Method & Rx

Herbicide Mix (% Herbicide, Basal Oil, Water, Surfactant, Dye)

STAND LEVEL INFO DAILY ENTRIES

Compt 245 Stand 1 97 11/1/2016

11/2/2016

11/6/2016

S @ 3 mph

SW @ 5 mph

SW @ 5 mph

Applicator Name(s):

Certified Applicators (put CA) Non-Certified (put Non)

TOTAL GAL: 120 Gal

42 - 58

45 - 60

48 - 59Cut Stump- Midstory Removal

20% Garlon 4 Ultra 80% Elite Premium-Blue Basal Oil

Paul Coolhand (CA) Tom Colormoney (Non)

48 Gallons

37 Gallons

35 Gallons

Overcast

Clear

Partly Cloudy

4.5.1. FOLIAR SPRAY- Pine Release

Same as 4.1.1 except treatment is foliar spray method, rather than chainsaw. The competing hardwoods (that are less than or equal to 6 feet in height) shall be foliar sprayed with herbicide as directed by the herbicide label. Care should be taken to direct spray away from contact with pine foliage. The Task Order will specify the active ingredient to be used.

4.5.2. FOLIAR SPRAY- General Forest Vegetation

This task item may be used in timber stands of all ages/conditions. Target vegetation will be listed on the task order and by the COR at the work location. Stems to be treated will be 6 feet in height or less and treated with herbicide using the foliar spray method as directed by the herbicide label. The Task Order will specify the active ingredient to be used.

4.5.3. HACK & SQUIRT- Pre-Commercial Thinning

Same as 4.1.2 except treatment is with herbicide using the hack & squirt method. The application of the hack & squirt method shall be as directed by the herbicide label. Hack and Squirt task items will not be permitted during heavy sap flow (generally from March-May) as determined by the COR. The Task Order will specify the active ingredient to be used.

4.5.4. HACK & SQUIRT- Site Prep

Excluding exceptions, all stems greater or equal to 6 feet tall shall be treated with herbicide using the hack & squirt method. The application of the hack & squirt method shall be as directed by the herbicide label. Hack and Squirt work will not be permitted during heavy sap flow (generally from March-May) as determined by the COR. The Task Order will specify the active ingredient to be used.

4.5.5. HACK & SQUIRT- Midstory Control

Same as 4.3.3 except treatment is with herbicide using the hack & squirt method. The application of the hack & squirt method shall be as directed by the herbicide label. Hack and Squirt task items will not be permitted during heavy sap flow (generally from March-May) as determined by the COR. The Task Order will specify the active ingredient to be used.

4.5.6. Deleted - Reserved

4.5.7. CUT STUMP- Pre-Commercial Thinning

Same as 4.1.2 with added herbicide treatment. The stump shall be treated immediately after cutting (within 20 minutes) with herbicide using the cut stump method as directed by the herbicide label. All cedar trees in the unit will also be cut. Cut Stump task items will not be permitted during heavy sap flow (generally from March-May) as determined by the COR. The Task Order will specify the active ingredient to be used.

4.5.8. CUT STUMP- Site Prep

Same as 4.2.1or 4.2.3 with added herbicide treatment. The stump shall be treated with herbicide immediately after cutting (within 20 minutes) using the cut stump method as directed by the herbicide label. Cut stump task items will not be permitted during heavy sap flow (generally from March-May) as determined by the COR. The Task Order will specify the active ingredient to be used.

4.5.9. CUT STUMP- Midstory Control

Same as 4.3.3 with added herbicide treatment. The stump shall be treated immediately after cutting (within 20 minutes) with herbicide using the cut stump method as directed by the herbicide label. Cut stump task items will not be permitted during heavy sap flow (generally from March-May) as determined by the COR. The Task Order will specify the active ingredient to be used.

4.5.10. Deleted - Reserved

4.5.11. CUT STUMP- Midstory Control with Slash Removal from Residual Trees Same as 4.5.9, but includes additional work. The cut trees and slash resulting from this work will be required to be removed at least 5 feet away from the bole of standing residual trees. The Task Order will specify the active ingredient to be used.

4.5.12. Deleted – Reserved

4.5.13 BASAL BARK TREATMENT- Pre-Commercial Thinning

Same as 4.1.2 except treatment is with herbicide. All stems less than 6” DBH that have crowns within 1

ft. of the crown of the crop tree or overtopping the crop tree shall be treated with herbicide using the basal bark treatment as directed by the herbicide label. Basal bark treatments will not be permitted if the bark is saturated with water, or when snow or ice cover prevents application all the way to the ground.

The only active ingredient that will be required for this task item is Triclopyr Ester.

4.5.14. BASAL BARK TREATMENT- General Forest Vegetation

This task item may be used in timber stands of all ages/conditions. This treatment will be used on stems less than 6” DBH. Target vegetation will be listed on the task order and by the COR at the work location. Target vegetation will be treated with herbicide using the basal bark treatment as directed by the herbicide label. Basal bark treatments will not be permitted if the bark is saturated with water, or when snow or ice cover prevents application all the way to the ground. The only active ingredient that will be required for this task item is Triclopyr Ester.

4.5.15. ADD-ON OF FOLIAR SPRAY TO HACK & SQUIRT AND/OR CUT STUMP

TASK ITEMS

This task is an add-on item that would be used over the same acres as Hack & Squirt and Cut Stump Task Items. This would not be used as a stand-alone task item.

Excluding exceptions, all stems 6 feet in height and less shall be treated with herbicide using the foliar spray method as directed by the herbicide label. The Task Order will specify the active ingredient to be used.

4.5.16. ADD-ON OF HACK AND SQUIRT TO BASAL BARK TREATMENT OF

STEMS GREATER THAN 6 INCHES IN DIAMETER

This task is an add-on item that would be used over the same acres as Basal Bark Task Items. This would not be used as a stand-alone task item.

Excluding exceptions, all stems greater than 6” DBH will be treated with herbicide using the Hack and Squirt method. The Task Order will specify the active ingredient to be used.

4.5.17 DAM AREA BRUSHING AND CUT STUMP TREATMENT (woodland ponds or small lakes with earthen dams) Cut all stems ≥ 1 foot in height below the lowest live limb and within 3 inches of the ground. The stump shall be treated with herbicide immediately after cutting (within 20 minutes) using the cut stump method as directed by the herbicide label. Cut stump task items will not be permitted during heavy sap flow (generally from March-May) as determined by the COR. The Task Order will specify the active ingredient to be used.

4.6. SLASH DISPOSAL

4.6.1 Slash Disposal (30 inches)*

In designated Slash Disposal Zones all slash resulting from the Contractor's operations shall be lopped and scattered so as to lie within 30 inches of the ground within a specified distance from a visually sensitive feature, usually a road, trail, or vista.

4.6.2. Slash Disposal (18 inches)*

Same as above, with the lower height of 18”.

4.6.3. Slash Disposal (Hand Piling)*

In designated Slash Disposal Zones all slash resulting from the Contractor's operations shall be moved to designated pile locations away from residual trees.

4.6.4. Slash Disposal (Dispersal)*

In designated Slash Disposal Zones all slash resulting from the Contractor's operations and/or previous operations shall be dispersed a minimum of 5 feet away from existing trees, keeping piling minimized.

4.6.5. Slash Disposal (Removal Contractor’s Slash)*

In designated Slash Disposal Zones all slash smaller than 6 inches in diameter resulting from the Contractor’s operations shall be moved into the treatment area 100 feet from the designated boundary/fireline and dispersed so as not to create a slash pile. Slash shall not be placed within 5 feet of a hardwood tree that is over 8 inches DBH.

4.6.6. Slash Disposal (Floodplain)*

In designated Slash Disposal Zones all slash resulting from the Contractor’s operations shall be removed from the annual floodplain area of the designated streams. This is in addition to the general technical specification in Section D for slash disposal from stream courses.

*Bid rate is additional charge for treating limited amount of area already felled under a falling treatment.

4.7. SURVEYS

4.7.1. 1st & 3rd year Stocking Surveys A. Plot Location: Fixed area plots will be randomly selected at designated intervals along a traverse line spaced so as to cover the regeneration area. The starting point on the first and successive grid lines will be selected randomly. Minimum distance between plots is one chain (66 feet). Plot locations shall be noted on the maps.

B. Plot Establishment, Starting Point and Number of Plots: The contractor will designate a starting point with a ribbon. Each plot will be marked with a ribbon tied on a bush or sprout so that it is 4 foot off the ground. The number of plots required for each area is as follows:

<10 acres………...1 plot/ac >10 acres………...1 plot every 2 ac C. Plot Size: The plot size will be 1/735 acre (4.34 foot radius).

D. Recording of Data: Data for each area will be recorded on Government furnished forms.

See sample Tally Sheet (exhibit 7 of this document). All tree sprouts and/or seedlings within the plot will be recorded in the appropriate spaces by the dot tally method. The stem of the tree at the ground line is the basis of being in or out of the plot. Average height of the trees will be recorded for each plot. If a plot has no sprout or seedling, it is to be noted on the Tally Sheet as a non-stocked plot. All sprouts growing from one stump will be counted as one sprout.

E. Evaluation, Totals and Percent: This part of the form will be done by the Forest Service.

F. Inspection of Work: Completed survey forms will be sent to the COR. This data will be used for random inspections.

G. Rework of Unacceptable Work: The Government reserves the right to require rework of unacceptable blocks. Upon notification by the COR that an area is unacceptable, the Contractor may be required to complete and submit rework before beginning work on another area. The Government will specify rework requirements for each unacceptable area.

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

If reworked and re-inspected areas fail during the first re-inspection, additional rework may be allowed at the discretion of the COR. Failure to pass re-inspection will result in delayed processing of payment, or may result in contract default.

H. Payment: Payment for performed work will be based on actual acres completed by the contractor and accepted by the government. Payment can be lump sum when all work is completed, or partial payment may be requested for a minimum of $1,000.00.

4.7.2. 1st & 3rd year Survival Surveys (planted areas) Identical to 4.7.1

D. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, MATERIALS, SERVICES

The Government will furnish the following:

Topographic maps (1:24,000) scale for each area.

Vicinity maps that show the general location of the areas on each unit.

Tree seedlings for planting.

Survey Tally Sheets

E. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS/SERVICES

The contractor shall furnish all the equipment, supplies and labor required to perform this Performance Work Statement. The contractor shall also provide proof that the work meets the standards. Contractor shall provide all herbicides and supplies necessary for herbicide application and proof of State license for herbicide handling and application.

F. PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT TASKS AND CRITICAL SUBTASKS

The following tasks are to be performed in accordance with the technical specifications.

Submittals. The contractor shall provide the following submittals:

5.1 Quality Control Plan. The contractor shall establish and maintain a complete Quality Control Plan acceptable to the Government to ensure the requirements of the contract are provided as specified. Reference Evaluation Criteria for requirements.

5.2 Work Plan. The work plan shall describe how the contractor plans to perform the project including methods, personnel, and equipment. Reference Evaluation Criteria for submission requirements – in some cases an individual Task Order Request may require additional plans/submissions.

5.3 Progress Schedule. The contractor shall prepare and submit a practical schedule showing the order in which the contractor will perform the work and the dates on which the contractor contemplates starting and completing each task. In some cases this may be required by the Task Order Request before award.

5.4 Contractor Inspection Records. Contractor is responsible for performing proactive Quality Control. Reference the Evaluation Criteria for required submission with proposal.

5.5 Safety Plan – Required by Evaluation Criteria.

5.6 Fire Suppression Plan – See 5.5.

QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN

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. This plan does NOT relieve the contractor of their responsibility to practice proactive quality control.

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 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.

Task When To Be Inspected

What To Be Inspected

Documentation Inspection Type

ALL As work is being performed and upon completion/prior to invoice.

Compliance with Performance Work Statement.

1) Contractor Records

2) COR Daily Diaries

Random/Periodic/100%

(may depend on individual Task Order – for example 100% on planting vs periodic on other tasks)

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.

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