Statement of Work.pdf

USDA - FOREST SERVICE - MARK TWAIN NATIONAL FOREST

SECTION A – CADASTRAL SURVEY SPECIFICATIONS

A.1 DESCRIPTION OF WORK

The United States Forest Service (USFS or “Government”) may require the services of a Missouri Professional Land Surveyor and/or a company employing such professionals (“Contractor”) to provide surveys in select areas of the Mark Twain National Forest. Selection will take place in accordance with the Brooks Act (PL 92-582).

Note that a glossary of commonly-used surveying terms and abbreviations is not provided in these specifications; most should not need explanation to an otherwise qualified professional. If clarification is needed, contact the Mark Twain National Forest Surveyor(s).

The Government reserves the sole right to make modifications to these specifications without advance notice whenever necessary.

All work shall be performed by or under the DIRECT SUPERVISON of a person licensed in good standing to practice surveying in the State of Missouri designated as being in Responsible Charge and listed on the Contractor’s SF330 or other acceptable form. Work usually includes:

a. PLSS dependent resurveys

b. Locating, measuring and marking of USFS property boundary and wilderness boundary lines

c. Rehabilitation of previously marked USFS property boundary lines and monumented corner positions

d. Identification, verification, restoration, location and monumentation of GLO/PLSS/property corners

e. Original surveys (boundary adjustments in acccordance with the Small Tracts Act, section subdivisions, “exchange” parcels, etc.)

f. Preparation of plats, surveyor’s reports, land (legal) descriptions, and MDA-LSP Corner Certificates

g. Right-of-way and easement surveys

h. Topographic, site and/or as-built surveys

i. Other miscellaneous work incidental to the survey profession as defined by state statutes

Award of this contract does not restrict the Government from assigning surveying tasks to its own employees (Force Account surveys), nor from contracting similar work to other qualified contractors while this contract is in effect, to be determined solely at the discretion and convenience of the Government.

A.2 GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED ITEMS

USFS records pertaining to ownership (status atlas’, deeds, etal.), previous surveys, aerial photos (1930’s and later) historical files, field books, etc., are available upon request and the potential contractor is encouraged to inquire about same. The following are also Government-furnished items:

a. Signs - "Property Boundary", "Land Survey Monument", "Wilderness Boundary" and "Witness (or Bearing) Tree" Note: signs may be issued with different terminology or nomenclature for the same meaning and purpose until existing stocks are depleted

b. Stainless steel or aluminum washers with FS inscription to identify witness trees or other corner accessories

c. Boundary Marking Paint – Sufficient quantities of red paint, of a type suitable for marking witness trees and those along the posted lines will be provided. This paint may be aerosol or “brush-on” variety as available and shall be of the type prescribed for long-term durability. No variations from this specification are permitted

c. Available copies of title work ordered by the Government in the affected area if applicable

A.3 CONTRACTOR-FURNISHED MATERIALS

All labor, incidental charges, overhead, equipment, research of public records and supplies necessary to accomplish the work; including the following which should be figured into the Contractor’s bid:

a. Monuments, either iron or aluminum pipes with brass or aluminum caps and brass or aluminum tablets suitable for placement in concrete or stone – ferrous material or magnets is also required for brass and aluminum

b. The means to generate electronic data (.dwg/.PDF) and provide paper media for plats

c. Metal U- type posts of suitable length (>60”)

d. "Mag" or “PK” nails for bearing tree memorial e Aluminum nails to attach bearing tree signs to trees

f. Rivets or nut/bolt/lock washer sets for attaching signs to posts

A.4. CONTRACTOR PREREQUISITES

The following are required prior to the Government issuing the Contractor a Notice to Proceed on any survey contract and may be periodically inspected during the life of the contract:

1. Copy of Corporate Certificate of Authority to practice Land Surveying in Missouri (if a corporation or LLC)

2. Copies of current licences for individuals in responsible charge of surveying activities

3. Copies of insurance policies in effect (general business, automotive, workman’s compensation and errors & omissions)

4. Wage and Employment Rights poster prominently displayed in the workplace with compliance implied

5. Adequate PPE for all field employees to safely perform their job

A.5 NOTIFICATION OF ADJOINING PROPERTY OWNERS

All landowners within the project area must be notified by Contractor before beginning the field work by one of the following methods: 1) via Certified Letter delivered using U.S. Postal Service “Return Receipt Requested”, “Delivery Confirmation”, or other verifiable means, or 2) Personal visit with appropriate documentation confirming such visit. It would be advisable to deliver a copy of the Eastern Region approved handout and other contact/project information to the landowner in this case.

Permission should be obtained prior to driving through gates, climbing fences, or blazing trees on private property. Copies of such receipts and documents are to be retained by the contractor. Contractor is solely liable for acts of damage incidental to trespass (see RSMo 327.371).

A.6 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

All surveys necessary to define National Forest System (NFS) boundaries shall comply with applicable federal laws and regulations.

Additionally, the Contractor must adhere to the most current "Missouri Standards for Property Boundary Surveys" as published by the Missouri Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors & Landscape Architects and the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Weights, Measures and Consumer Protection Division, Land Survey Program. State rules and regulations governing registration of U.S. Public Land Survey Corners and (topographic) Mapping Standards, etal, shall also be followed where applicable.

A. MEASUREMENTS

All measurements must achieve current standards for Type “Rural” Property Boundary Surveys as adopted by MOAPEPLSLA 20 CSR 2030-16.040 - "Accuracy Standards for Property Boundary Surveys". Grid or true bearings are acceptable (note convergence angle between Grid and True on final record plat).

B. CORNER MONUMENTS

All corner positions to be installed under this contract shall be placed with an approved monument marked to identify the corner in the true location. Offset monuments are to be avoided if at all possible. Contact the COR for approval, variations and/or to determine possible alternate solutions.

Primary Monument

An aluminum pipe monument with a brass or aluminum cap and ferrous insert intended to mark all corners established in the original GLO survey. They should be oriented to be read from the south, well set in the ground, either flush in open fields/roads, or no more than 10” exposed and surrounded by a rock collar in wooded areas.

Secondary Monument

A steel rebar with aluminum cap or copperweld (in road beds) suitable for 1/16th, 1/64th and other aliquot corners along with metes and bounds survey corners (Angle Points), additional use of this type of mounment can be authorized by the COR in lieu of a Primary Monument in certain situations. Installation methods are similar to instructions for “Primary Monuments” above.

Secondary Monuments require no Corner Document unless they have been set in lieu of a Primary Monument. A brass cap should be set and grouted in a drilled hole in the correct position where the corner falls on shelf rock.

Witness Tree Marking

The sketch below should prove descriptive on the proper marking of Witness Trees. Such trees should be selected based on durable species and potential survivabliity. Mark 4 trees at Township, Section, and Quarter Corners and a minimum of 2 trees at other aliquot corners and angle points.

As an alternate method (or if no washers are available), it is permissable to mark WT’s as before – with base blaze and scribing. Trees are still to be measured from their center in all cases.

*add small base blaze under Mag-Nail and washer

C. TRUE LINE MARKING AND POSTING

The Contractor shall employ the most reliable means (GPS, RTK, conventional, etc) to ensure the lines ran between corners previously established are on the true line, meeting the same accuracy standard as the corners. Detailed methods for posting and blazing such lines are outlined below:

Posting

"Property Boundary" signs (formerly 54-2) attached to metal “U” posts shall be placed within one foot of the true property line at INTERVISIBLE points, never to exceed 300 feet from each other. Signs shall be attached to the posts no more than one inch from top of post and set to face adjoining property (off Forest). When posting Forest Service wilderness boundaries that adjoin private ownership, "Wilderness Boundary" signs will be used in place of "Property Boundary" signs.

(sign optional)

Clearing

Clear as much as possible (chainsaws are encouraged outside Wilderness Areas) to ensure the line remains intervisible for the longest period of time. Limit treecutting to those less than 3 inches DBH if practicible. Leave no tree suspended above ground. The line trimmed out should be at least 3 feet wide so as to be both visible and provide access to the inspector, timber markers and adjacent property owners. Leave stobs at a minimal height, and throw all brush and debris on the Government side of the line.

Blazes

When trees approximately 5 inches DBH and greater are located within a 6 foot wide (3 feet on each side) corridor along the true line they shall be blazed in sufficient quantity (i.e. every 50 feet or so) to make the true line easily identifiable. In sparse timber areas or clear cuts, increase the intensity of posting rather than expanding the corridor width or blazing saplings.

Mark blazes with an axe or hatchet where possible instead of with a machete or saw. Consult the COR with any questions about blazing.

Trees on Property Line – Cut blazes at breast height and on opposite sides of the tree along direction of line.

Trees on Government Side of Property Line - Cut quarter blazes at breast height on each suitable tree within 3 feet of the line.

Trees on Adjoining Property - Cut face blazes at breast height toward the line on each suitable tree within 3 feet of the line. Do NOT blaze and paint trees on the private adjoiner lands without the owner's consent.

Painting

All tree blazes shall be painted with durable red paint. The paint on the blazes should overlap onto the bark surrounding the blaze. The paint shall be neatly applied and of sufficient quantity to provide an uniform appearance.

Low Visibility Lines

Contact the COR for instructions where this may occur as no standard is suggested herein.

D. CORNER REFURBISHMENT

Used to upgrade deficient conditions of a monument and accessories (e.g. dead witness trees, broken concrete monmuent, lost posts or excessive age) and conform to the current standards in Sec. B., Corner Monumentation. The marking of new witness accessories and the documentation thereof shall be completed by filing a Corner Document.

E. PROPERTY BOUNDARY MAINTENANCE

Previously marked boundaries 15 years old or older should be refurbished whenever possible and may be part of a Contractor’s Task Order. The intent of maintenance is to restore the property boundary line by clearing, blazing, painting, and minimally posting only as absolutely necessary without having to resurvey the line. When significant portions of the boundary line cannot be positively located (from having been decayed, destroyed or otherwise vandalized), the Contractor shall discontinue work on that segment and inform the COR.

F. TOPOGRAPHIC/SITE SURVEY

Contractor may perform site surveys or as-built surveys for engineering projects such as parking lots, dams, boat ramps, bridge & culvert studies, water lines, etc. as required. Survey shall be based on established horizontal and vertical control (MO State Plane, NAVD88, etc.), including establishment of site benchmarks. Mapping will be of quality and accuracy suitable for engineering design per standard industry practices. Prices will be firm fixed and based upon Independent Government Estimate and Contractor’s submitted fee. The Government will provide a location map, boundaries of area to be surveyed, photos and other pertinent information available. Survey requirements at recreation areas and admin sites may include appurtenances such as drainage pipes, drains, manholes (with invert elevations), building corners and finish floor elevations, roads, profile centerlines, trees over 6” in diameter (unless it is a wooded area), curbs, walkways, overhead utilities, parking areas, and other manmade utilities.

Natural features are expected to be located and depicted, and the contour interval will be specified in the prospective Task Order. It may be necessary to contact Missouri One-Call to ascertain location marking of underground utilities as applicable. Each task order will have different needs, and will be priced according to complexity and travel distance.

Deliverables - Deliverable shall include both paper and digital copies. Drawing shall include north arrow, scale (both written and graphic), and legend. Paper copies will be delivered to the Forest Service office at 401 Fairgrounds, Rolla, MO. Paper size will be determined by the size, or area, being surveyed. Digital survey data will be in a format compatible with Autocad, Civil 3D or higher, with the survey at 1:1 in model space.

A.7 BOUNDARY CONFLICTS

The Contractor shall inform the COR of any possession or title conflicts discovered along any of the lines to be surveyed, preferably while the survey is in progress.

The Contractor shall survey, paint and post the boundary line acccording to the Government deed, unless it varys substantially from the private conveyance instrument. Conflicts and errors found in Government deeds as well as GLO Plats and notes shall be reported to the COR as soon as possible.

In cases where disputed boundaries become impossible to post because of hostile adjoining landowners, contact the COR as soon as possible, especially should it become necessary to notify law enforcement.

If the matter is settled prior to contract deadline, the contractor will mark the line according to standard specifications. If not, these lines shall be marked by 1/2" rebar staked flush with the ground at recorded intervals. These POL pins should be referenced into the final survey plat for future recovery so they can be recovered and properly posted at a later date. This option is considered a like item exchange in lieu of clearing, blazing, painting and posting. Additional preferred solutions include setting posts at ends of existing fence lines crossing the boundary line along with placement in cross fences to ensure longevity.

The Contractor is not required to resolve title or possession disputes, but is required to report facts and professional opinions regarding the conflict. For all surveys, the Contractor should be prepared to depose or testify in court if called upon the U.S. Attorney. To compensate for this extra service, payment will be adminstered by the U.S. Department of Justice in accordance with its prescribed regulations and procedures as applicable.

A.8 QUALITY CONTROL

The Contractor assumes sole liability and responsibility to maintain quality control for all work performed under this contract regardless of periodic “peer review” and Quality Assurance by the COR and Contract Inspectors. Full liability for errors and damages remains with the Contractor.

A.9 INSPECTIONS

The COR or a designated Inspector may make periodic inspections of each project as work progresses with or without advance notice. Inspections may be required as necessary before approval of progress payments.

A.10 ACCEPTANCE

Final approval of any project will not be granted until all items specified are completely and satisfactorily inspected/delivered to the COR and determined to fulfill mandatory terms and conditions of this contract.

A.11 DELIVERABLES

A standard schedule of deliverables is given below; however, those required for a specific project may not be limited to these:

1. CADD and PDF version of final plat and Corner documents

2. Corners and lines satisfactorily surveyed and marked

3. Signed and sealed copy of final plat. A copy must also be filed with LSP as a “750” document by the Contractor

4. Signed and sealed copies of Certified Land Corner Documents with LSP filing data as above

A.12 PAYMENT

Partial (progress) payments will be allowed which shall be based upon a proportionate share of the time (labor costs), material expenses, mileage, etc. expended to that point, all of which may be verified by the COR before approval. No more than four (4) progress payments over a 12 month period should be billed in the normal course of any Task Order. Projects with shorter durations are limited to two (2) billings. Additional progress payments must be coordinated and approved by the COR in advance.

Always alert the COR prior to submitting progress payments and be prepared to show proof of such progress.

Additionally, an equitable percentage of the total shall be withheld until completion of the project normally equalling 25% of the total fee.

To process any payment, the Contractor must submit an invoice via the IPP system. Furthermore, the Contractor is responsible for ensuring he/she remains current with all Government systems (eg. SAM, CPARS, etc.) required to maintain good standing as a Contractor at their own expense. Certified payroll and other accounting data required to be maintained per FAR 4.705 -1 et seq. should be available to be reviewed upon request by the Contracting Officer or other Agency representative.

Final payment will be approved at the discretion of the COR following satisfactory completion of the project.

A.13 PENALTIES

It is incumbent upon the Contractor to ensure they complete any work offered by the Forest that they accept in a timely fashion. Unexcused late submission of all deliverables, substandard work product requiring additional re-work, or other aggravating factors which unnecessarily delay final acceptance of contracted work may subject the Contractor to a penalty assessed at 20% of the contract value for each 30-day period beyond the agreed-upon completion date the problem remains unresolved. Cure Notices will immediately occur following unmet delivery dates, and the Task Order is automatically subject to Termination beyond 90 days late. Termination will incur immediate full refund of any payments received to date and may also incur the additional cost of hiring a replacement contractor to perform and/or complete the work.

A.14 SUBCONTRACTORS

The use of subcontractors, if deemed essential to meet the requirements of a Task Order, is not prohibited. However, the Contractor is required to submit essential data, including - but not limited to -a Cirriculum Vitae/Professional Resume’ regarding said proposed subcontractor prior to engaging their services to perform Forest Service work. The Contracting Officer will determine if such business arrangement is in the best interest of the Government.

Additionally, the Contractor is solely responsible for payment of subcontracted services and quality of their work.

A.15 MODIFICATIONS

It is anticipated that the Task Orders are adequate as issued and no revisions to time, quantities, fees, or other terms will be required. However, in rare instances, there may be previously undisclosed discrepencies caused by unforseen circumstances. Examples given are: Hostile landowners, conflicting monuments, excessive lack of controlling monuments, lapse of Government funding, natural disasters, required changes to the landline plan, etc.

In any of those extreme cases, the Contractor is directed to notify the COR or Contracting Officer without delay in order to suspend work and investigate (thereby not counting against the delivery timeframe). Upon justification, the appropriate contracting remedy will be initiated (Suspend/Resume Work, Amendment, Modification to Scope, etc.)