Updated Attachment 01 Statement of Work.docx

US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Statement of Work

Contents

1.0 SCOPE OF WORK 1

Description of Work..….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…….1 List of Items………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..1 Contractor Responsibility…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..1

2.0 PROJECT LOCATION 2

Exclusions (non-work areas)………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………2 Accessibility……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….2

4.1 Definitions……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………4

4.2 Specifications for all Items…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4

4.1.1 Prework Meeting and Literature review……………………………………………………………………………………………….4

4.1.2 Species for Collection…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….4

4.1.3 Site Selection and Mapping Standards………………………………………………………………………………………………….8

4.1.4 Seed Collection Standards……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..9

4.1.5 Cleaning, Packaging, Labeling, Storage, and Seed Delivery Standards……………………………………………….11

4.1.6 Draft and Final Report, and GIS Data………………………………………………………………………………………………….13

127EAS24Q0020 Mosquito and Caldor Seed Collection Eldorado National Forest

Project: Caldor and Mosquito Fire Seed Collection

1.0 SCOPE OF WORK

Description of Work The intent of this solicitation is to procure services to identify, collect, and document specified quantities totaling in 280 pounds of native plant seed collected within 5 miles of the Mosquito Fire scar, and 70 pounds of native plant seed collected within 5 miles of the Caldor Fire scar. The Contractor shall collect specified quantities of seed from the requested Provisional Seed Zones (PSZ), or areas of climactic similarity, within the Eldorado National Forest (ENF) (Table 1 through Table 4).

Three suites of species were selected for seed collection based on purpose and need:

1) Upland flowering forbs/perennial species (Mosquito Fire only): disturbance-loving flowering plants/perennials were selected because they will thrive in the disturbed landscapes we hope to restore. These species were also selected to provide an array of flowering times to support pollinators from spring through fall, such that each PSZ has at least one early-season flowering species, one mid-season flowering species, and one late season flowering species (early, mid, and late “seed blocks”).

2) Riparian/mesic species (Mosquito Fire only): these species were selected so seeds are available for riparian restoration; species selected also provide an array of flowering times across seed-blocks.

3) Grasses (Caldor and Mosquito Fire): grass species were selected based on the ease of collecting large amounts of seed for use in restoration. Grasses will make up the majority of the collection effort by weight.

After collection, the contractor will “rough” clean seeds and package and deliver the seed to the Contract Inspector. Seeds collected in support of the Caldor Fire should be delivered to the Contract Inspector no later than October 21, 2024. Seeds collected in support of the Mosquito Fire should be delivered to the Contract Inspector no later than October 22, 2025. The estimated contract time for this project is March 20, 2024, through October 21, 2024, for work supporting seed collection for the Caldor Fire scar; and March 20, 2024, through October 22, 2025, for work supporting seed collection for the Mosquito Fire scar.

List of Items

Caldor Fire – 70 pounds of seed Item 1: Caldor Fire – 70 pounds of grass seed Mosquito Fire – 280 pounds of seed Item 3: Mosquito Fire – 85 pounds of upland species seed Item 4: Mosquito Fire – 20 pounds of riparian/mesic species seed Item 5: Mosquito Fire – 175 pounds of grass seed

Contractor Responsibility The contractor shall furnish, except for Government-furnished property, all labor, materials, equipment, transportation, and any incidentals necessary for location, monitoring, and collection of seed from the collection areas. Note: Contractor must provide GPS equipment.

2.0 PROJECT LOCATION

The Mosquito Fire spanned 76,788 acres of land in Placer and Eldorado County, California. The majority of the fire footprint is generally contained between Foresthill Rd to the north and Wentworth Springs Rd to the south, extending from the western boundary of the forests in the Middle Fork American River and east to previous American Fire and King Fire burn scars. The Caldor Fire spanned 221,775 acres, encompassing nearly the entire Placerville Range District on the ENF. See the attached vicinity map for more details (Figure 1). All contract areas are located on National Forest lands within the delineated boundaries of the Eldorado National Forest.

Exclusions (non-work areas) No collections may occur in closed areas, Wilderness Areas, Research Natural Areas, Special Interest Areas, Forest Campgrounds, Picnic Areas, or other administration sites, unless otherwise agreed. In addition, no collection sites will occur within 200 feet of known noxious weed populations (see Attachment 6).

Accessibility

1. All work areas may be reached by forest roads, some of which may require four-wheel drive, during normal operating seasons. The Government assumes no obligation to plow snow or do special maintenance to keep roads open. Collection sites will occur within 1 miles of a road; however, the majority of sites will be identified within ½ miles of a road.

2. No vehicles will be permitted to operate off roads.

Any prospective contractor desiring an explanation or interpretation of the solicitation, drawings, specifications, etc., must request it in writing from the Contracting Officer soon enough to allow a reply to reach all prospective contractors before the solicitation closing date. Oral explanations or instructions given before the award of a contract will not be binding.

3.0 PROJECT START DATE

Estimated start date: March 20, 2024 Caldor end date: October 21, 2024 Mosquito end date: October 22, 2025

Figure 1: Map showing the locations of Provisional Seed Zones within the Eldorado National Forest.

4.0 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Definitions

· Phenology-check – a field visit with the purpose of checking the life-history stage of target seed collection plants ahead of seed collection. Phenology checks should be conducted to properly time seed collections.

· Provisional Seed Zone – areas of climatic similarity within Ecoregions

· Rough-clean – hand-screened, stripped, or otherwise cleaned to remove excess chaff, stems, leaves, trash, dirt, and other impurities, including seeds of other non-target species. For example, seeds may be passed through sieves to filter out leaves, large chaff, and non-target seeds, but some chaff may remain.

· Scouting – a field visit with the purpose of locating and mapping specified seed collection species for later collection.

· Seed Block – categories of target species for seed collection based on the season where peak flowering typically occurs. Seed blocks include Early(spring to summer), Mid(summer to fall), and Late(late fall).

· Seed Lot – the bulked seeds of one species within a provisional seed zone. Seed lots may contain bulked seeds from multiple collection sites for the specified species.

4.2 Specifications for all Items

4.1.1 Prework Meeting and Literature review

1) The Contractor shall review the literature and species ecology for each species, and all ArcGIS data and other applicable documents provided to the Contractor (see Government Furnished Property). The Contractor shall familiarize themselves with the known locations, habitats, flowering periods, and identification characteristics of the target species. The Contractor shall discuss any potential issues the Forest Service Botanist.

2) Prior to the start of work the contractor shall meet with the Government to develop the overall workplan, clarify protocols and expectations, and familiarize themselves with the Project area.

4.1.2 Species for Collection

Seed quantities specified in Table 1 through Table 4 shall be collected within the specified PSZ for each species listed in the task order. These seed zones include (1) 30-35 F°/2-3, (2) 30-35 F°/< 2, (3) 35- 40 F°/2-3, (4) 35-40/3-6, and (5) 25-30/<2 for the Mosquito Fire scar; and (1) 30-35 F°/2-3, (2) 30-35 F°/< 2, (3) 25-30 F°/< 2, (4) 25-30 F°/2-3, (5) 20-25 F°/< 2, (6) 20-25 F°/2-3, and (7) 20-25 F°/2-3 for the Caldor Fire scar (Figure 1). All collections shall occur within the Eldorado National Forest.

The provisional seed zones (PSZ) delineate areas of climatic similarity within Ecoregions and are effective guidance points for seed transfer of species used in restoration. Transferring seeds within zones reduces the risk of maladaptation. In provisional seed zone nomenclature, the first part of the name indicates the range of minimum winter temperature for each zone and was determined as the minimum value per zone from December through February and was classified into 5°F bands. Thus, for the 30-35/2-3 seed zone, 30-35 F° means that within this seed zone, the minimum temperatures from December to February is within this range. The second part of the seed zone (2-3) is an indication of the aridity within a seed zone. Higher values indicate more arid environments; as such, 2-3 indicates humid areas while <2 indicates very humid areas.

URL for PSZ and Ecoregion level 3 for use on web browser (USDA WWETAC):

https://www.fs.usda.gov/wwetac/threat-map/TRMSeedZoneMapper.php

Three suites of primary species were selected for seed collection based on purpose and need:

1) Upland flowering forbs/perennial species (Mosquito Fire only): this group of species was selected based on two key characteristics. First, they are disturbance-loving plants that will thrive in the disturbed landscapes we hope to restore. Second, they provide an array of flowering times to support pollinators from spring through fall, such that each PSZ has at least one early-season flowering species, one mid-season flowering species, and one late season flowering species (early, mid, and late “seed blocks”).

2) Riparian/mesic species (Mosquito Fire only): these species were selected so seeds are available for riparian restoration. If scouting shows requested species are too scarce to collect the requested quantity of seeds, the Contractor shall request to meet with the Forest Service Botanist to select a new species, or to increase weights of other requested species to meet the overall weight requirement within each seed collection block.

3) Grasses(Caldor and Mosquito Fires): grass species were selected based on the ease of collecting large amounts of seed for use in restoration. Grasses will make up the majority of the collection effort by weight. If scouting shows selected species are too scarce to collect the requested quantity of seeds, the Contractor shall request to meet with the Forest Service Botanist to select a new species, or to increase weights of other requested species to meet the overall weight requirement within each seed collection block.

Overall, 280 total pounds of seed will be collected within or on lands within a 5-mile radius of the Mosquito Fire scar. An additional 70 total pounds of grass seed will be collected within or on lands within a 5-mile radius of the Caldor Fire scar.

The following tables depict species and minimum rough cleaned seed quantities to be collected within each Provisional Seed Zone for each fire:

a) Caldor Fire Species

1) Grasses Table 1. Grass seed collection blocks and minimum pounds to be collected within each provisional seed zone for the Caldor Fire.

Left to Right, Low Elevation to High Elevation

Poa secunda

4.50

0.50

Festuca rubra

2.00

2.00

4.00

1.00

7.50

Elymus glaucus

1.50

4.50

Melica aristata

6.50

Stipa lemmonii

2.00

Stipa occidentalis

2.00

1.50

3.50

Phleum alpinum

2.00

4.50

Panicum capillare

8.50

b) Mosquito Fire Species

1) Upland flowering forbs/perennials Table 2. Upland flowering forb/perennial seed collection blocks and minimum pounds to be collected within each provisional seed zone for the Mosquito Fire.

6.00

Dendromecon rigida

3.00

7.00

Hosackia stipularis

3.00

3.00

Lupinus stiversii

3.00

3.00

Turritis glabra

Calystegia occidentalis

2.00

2.00

Cirsium occidentale

Eriodictyon californicum

3.00

3.00

Monardella odoratissima

9.00

Monardella villosa subsp. villosa

1.00

1.00

3.00

3.00

Cirsium andersonii

Ericameria arborescens

12.00

Grindelia camporum

Solidago elongata

Solidago velutina subsp. californica

3.50

3.50

Trichostema lanceolatum

1.00

1.00

2) Riparian/mesic species Table 3. Riparian/mesic flowering forb/perennial seed collection blocks and minimum pounds to be collected within each provisional seed zone for the Mosquito Fire.

Left to Right, Low Elevation to High Elevation

2.00

1.00

Scrophularia californica

2.00

2.00

Lupinus latifolius

6.00

Lupinus polyphyllus

3.00

3.00

3.00

Rhododendron occidentale

2.00

2.00

4.00

3) Grasses Table 4. Grass seed collection blocks and minimum pounds to be collected within each provisional seed zone for the Mosquito Fire.

Left to Right, Low Elevation to High Elevation

Poa secunda

9.00

5.00

15.00

Elymus elymoides

Elymus glaucus

Melica aristata

1.00

Stipa lemmonii

5.00

15.00

Stipa occidentalis

1.00

5.00

5.00

Panicum capillare

1.00

4.1.3 Site Selection and Mapping Standards

The Contractor shall scout/locate suitable collection sites for obtaining the specified quantities of seed for each item. The Contractor shall allow enough time prior to seed collection for locating suitable collection sites. Following each scouting trip, the Contractor may request a meeting with the Forest Service Botanist to discuss potential issues.

Seed collection sites shall meet the following criteria:

1) Seed collection sites shall be within the designated PSZs in the Eldorado National Forest in or within a five-mile buffer of each fire scar.

2) No seed shall be collected from areas that show obvious signs of recent high severity wildfire activity. ArcGIS data will be provided to the contactor showing high severity burn locations that should be avoided within each fire scar. To the extent feasible, seed collection sites should be located on lands adjacent to the existing Mosquito and Caldor fire scars within the same PSZ categories that occur in each respective fire scar.

3) Collection sites shall be free of infestations of plants identified as priority species by the Eldorado National Forest (See “Eldorado National Forest Target Invasive Species” weed list, Attachment 6. If collection sites contain significant enough quantities of weedy plants that it increases risk of target seed collection contamination, alternative locations must be utilized.

4) A minimum of 3 collection sites at least 0.25 miles apart will be located for each seedlot prior to collection. Potential collection site maps will be provided to the contractor to aid in collection site identification. For some subitems, more than 3 collection sites may be required to obtain the specified quantities of seed. Every effort shall be made to collect from a range of elevations within the PSZ’s.

5) Each collection site shall be described and documented on the Potential Collection Site form (Attachment 4) and summarized on the included Summary Table (Attachment 5). Seed collection sites shall be numbered sequentially and GPSd using ArcGIS layers provided by the government that will contain the information located within the Individual Site Seed Collection Form (Attachment 2).

6) The site identification code shall include the abbreviated genus and species code (e.g. Deschampsia cespitosa = DECE)*, the task order item code, and the collection site number (e.g. DECE-1-001).

*USDA Plants Database shall be the only source of species nomenclature and plant codes for this project.

7) The location description on either the ArcGIS file or the Individual Site Seed Collection Form (Attachment 2) shall consist of enough information to enable an inspector to relocate the site, including GPS coordinates of each collection site in latitude and longitude in decimal degrees. Accuracy should be less than 30 feet.

4.1.4 Seed Collection Standards

1) Collected seed shall remain in separate bags delineating each PSZ by species. No bulking, aggregation, or combination shall occur unless of the same species collected from within the same PSZ.

2) Collections shall be conducted in a manner that does not damage existing vegetation. No more than 50 percent of the seed crop at each site shall be collected for each species.

3) For each collection year, the Contractor shall submit three workplan schedules to the Forest Service Botanist for each fire scar (Caldor and Mosquito) for approval before the commencement of work each season, including one early-season workplan, one mid-season workplan, and one late-season workplan.

Workplans should be submitted by the following dates for each year of collection:

(a) Early-season Workplan: April 15th

(b) Mid-season Workplan: Jun 15th

(c) Late-season Workplan: August 15th

The work plan shall include each of the following:

· Potential Seed Collection Site Form (Attachment 4)

· Dates of scouting/site selection trips and which seedlots are being scouted for in each category (upland, riparian/mesic, and grass)

· Dates of phenology-check trips and what seedlots will be monitored in each category (upland, riparian/mesic, and grass)

· Note: Multiple trips to sites may be required to determine when the seed is mature.

· Dates of collection trips and what seedlots will be collected in each category (upland, riparian/mesic, and grass)

· A short description of the methods to be used to collect, rough-clean, and store seed/fruit for each species to be collected.

4) After seed collection has started for each season (early, mid, and late), the Contractor shall submit six session reports for each fire scar for each year of collection. Two session reports shall be submitted per season (two early, two mid, and two late). Session reports should be submitted by the following dates for each year of collection:

(a) Early-season Session Reports: April 15th, May 13th

(b) Mid-season Session Reports: June 10th, July 15th

(c) Late-season Session Reports: August 12th, September 9th

Each session report should contain the following:

a. What seedlots were collected and approximate weights for each (we understand that cleaning may take place at a later date).

5) Two herbarium specimens shall be collected from each site with the following label data:

· Date of specimen collection

· Collector name

· Species

· Short description of plant characteristics

· GPS Coordinates

· Site ID Specimens do not need to be mounted on herbarium paper. Pressed specimens may be submitted in newspaper with a temporary label that includes the information listed above. Specimens will be submitted to the Contract Inspector at the time of seed delivery.

6) Plants that seed are collected from should appear healthy and vigorous and should not show any signs of disease.

7) Seed shall be visually sound and sufficiently mature to be viable. Seed is considered sound when the embryo is developing normally and there is no evidence of insect, disease, climatic, or other types of damage. Seed maturity in plants with fleshy fruits often corresponds with changes in taste, odor, texture, or color (e.g., color changes from green to red, blue, purple or white). Fruits whose seeds are wind-dispersed usually change from green to brown or straw color.

8) In grasses, seed maturity after flowering goes through the following stages:

a. Milk stage: when squeezing a seed between the thumb and forefinger, a milky substance is secreted. Seed has no viability.

b. Soft-dough stage: excretion of dough when squeezed. Seed has low germination and viability.

c. Hard-dough stage: no excretion of dough when squeezed. Seed collection should start at the transition of soft-dough to hard-dough. At this stage, the chance of obtaining plump, fully matured seed can be increased by not stripping the seed from the plant. Instead, cutting seed heads from the plant will allow the maturity process to continue as the collected material dries.

d. Mature: seed is usually too hard to bite. Maturity and seed shatter may occur at the same time.

9) If phenology checks or early collections indicate that seed soundness and crop quality are degraded because of uncontrollable biological problems such as poor pollination or low seed set, then the Contractor shall provide a representative sample to the Contract Inspector for determination as to whether the collection should continue. If it is determined by the Contract Inspector and COR that seed collection should not continue for a given seed lot, the Forest Service Botanist will work with the contractor to make adjustments, such as increasing the weight collected in other seed lots or adding species with similar collection effort in lieu of the removed species. Any new species that are added will have a similar collection effort to the removed species.

10) Seed may be harvested by stripping or knocking it off the stem, or by clipping the stem just below the inflorescence. For species that dehisce explosively, the entire inflorescence may be cut prior to maturity and allowed to dry in mesh or paper bags, or under netting. Net bags placed over the inflorescence to collect the seed as it dehisces may be necessary.

11) To ensure adequate genetic representation, seed shall be collected from many widely spaced or unrelated parent plants per site (over 50 is optimal).

12) Seed or seed-bearing fruits shall not be collected if they touch the ground.

13) Seed shall be collected and stored in such a way as to ensure its viability.

4.1.5 Cleaning, Packaging, Labeling, Storage, and Seed Delivery Standards

1) Collected seed shall remain in separate bags delineating each PSZ by species. No bulking, aggregation, or combination shall occur unless of the same species collected from within the same PSZ.

2) Prior to delivery to the COR, seeds shall be cleaned to the 90% purity standard, stripped, or otherwise cleaned to remove excess chaff, stems, leaves, trash, dirt, and other impurities, including seeds of other non-target species.

3) Seeds shall be dried down to reduce moisture content prior to hand-cleaning (humidity meter should read 20-25 percent relative humidity (RH) when placed in container where seeds are stored).

4) Dried and cleaned seeds shall be packaged in heavy-weight bags.

5) Seeds and fruit shall be in a separate bag(s) by item, PSZ, and species (bulked seedlot).

6) Each seed bag itself shall be labeled with the species, item code, and the year of collection (e.g., DECE-1a-2023). If multiple packages are required for a species, they shall all have this same label. Only permanent marking pens shall be used.

7) Each seed bag shall have two completed copies of the Bag Identification Forms (Attachment 3). One completed Bag Identification Form will be placed inside the bag and another one shall be stapled to the outside of the bag. Each bag will then be labeled by a bag number at the top of the attached forms and on the bag itself as follows (plant code, bag #, and # of total bags for that species). For example, the first bag would be labeled “DECE-1a-2023_ 1 of 5” and the second bag labeled “DECE-1a-2023_bag 2 of 5”.

8) The Contractor shall weigh each bulked seedlot and record this information on the Seed Collection Summary Form (Attachment5). Any Individual Site Seed Collection Forms (Attachment 2) that have been filled in manually shall be stapled to the Seed Collection Summary Table.

9) The packaged seed shall be delivered to the Contract Inspector, at a place and time that are mutually agreed upon by the Contract Inspector and Contractor. Upon receipt, the Government will weigh each seedlot and ensure that the seed meets specifications listed in section 11(b)(3). Final payment will be based on Section 11.

10) Point of contact for all Items:

4.1.6 Draft and Final Report, and GIS Data

For work supporting the Caldor Fire, draft GIS data will be submitted to the Government by September 30, 2024, and final GIS data will be submitted to the Government no later than October 21, 2024. All GIS data will be submitted as shapefiles.

The Contractor shall prepare a single draft report for work conducted in both the Mosquito and Caldor Fire project areas. The contractor shall submit an electronic copy of the draft project report to the Government in Word format no later than September 15, 2025. Draft GIS data for the Mosquito Fire will also be submitted at this time. The Government would have 7 days to review these documents. The report should follow the template provided by the Forest Service.

A final project report will be prepared that has addresses any comments provided to the contractor by the Government. The Contractor will provide 2 electronic copies of the final report, one as a Word document and the other as a PDF by October 22, 2025. All final GIS data for the Mosquito Fire will be provided to the Government as shapefiles by October 22, 2025.

5.0 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED EQUIPMENT

The Contractor shall provide everything--including, but not limited to, all equipment, supplies, transportation, labor, and supervision--necessary to complete the project, except for that which the contract clearly states is to be furnished by the Government.

6.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

The Government will deliver the following items to the Contractor at the pre-work conference, or prior to the commencement of work:

1) ArcGIS layers of the project area, Provisional Seed Zones, and fire burn severity data.

2) ArcGIS layers of potential collection sites for species, where possible

3) ArcGIS data collection schema

4) Individual Site Seed collection forms (Attachment 2) (An editable, electronic copy of the form will also be provided).

5) Bag Identification Forms (Attachment 3).

All ArcGIS data/layers shall use the NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_10N datum

7.0. PAYMENTS.

Seed shall be delivered on or before October 1 of the collection year. Seed delivery shall be scheduled between 0800 and 1630 Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, at a time that is mutually agreed upon by the Government and Contractor. Payment will be made following receipt and evaluation of packaged seed per information below.

(a) Upon weighing and acceptance of the rough cleaned seed, a progress payment may be made for 50% of the contract price.

(b) A final payment will be made upon receipt and acceptance of seed test results (purity and weed content) for each subitem. Seed not meeting contract specifications 11(b)(3) but accepted by the Government will be paid for at a reduced price in accordance with the following payment schedule:

1) Reduced Payment Schedule Based on Purity: Seedlots with less than 90% purity based on inspection by COR will receive a payment reduction as outlined below. Seedlots with less than 85 percent purity will not be accepted by the Government.

8.0 POST AWARD CONFERENCE (AGAR 452.215-73) (Nov. 1996)

A post award conference with the successful offeror is required.

9.0 COMMENCEMENT, PROSECUTION, AND COMPLETETION OF WORK (FAR 52.211-10 (APR 1984) The Contractor shall be required to (a) commence work under this contract within five calendar days after the date the Contractor receives the notice to proceed, (b) prosecute the work diligently, and (c) complete the entire work ready for use not later than 10/21/2024 for the Caldor Fire, and 10/27/2025 for the Mosquito Fire. The time stated for completion shall include final delivery of the seed.

10.0 CONTRACTORS QUALITY CONTROL PLAN

The Contractor shall provide a detailed, project specific Quality Control Plan in their proposals, specific to the Technical Approach Scenarios. In General, the Quality Control Plan must demonstrate how the contractor will assure quality and meet the requirements and specifications of the contract. It shall describe how quality will be monitored to assure the performance standards are met; the supervision of the work; and personnel that will be performing the quality control. In addition, the Contractor should address industry standard guidelines, and any applicable State or Federal specifications, protection to the environment and wildlife habitat, and public safety in constructing a Quality Control Plan.

11.0 GOVERNMENT QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILANCE PLAN

The Government shall have access to the seed for inspection purposes during all phases of seed collection, transportation, cleaning, and packaging. The Government will conduct verification inspections to determine compliance with specifications. Verification inspections may consist of the following:

(a) For all mapping required:

1) That seed collection sites are identified on GPS.

2) That all required collection records are legible and accurate, and complete.

3) That GPS coordinates are accurate within 150 feet.

4) Collection sites will be monitored for excessive vegetation trampling, and/or over-collection

(b) For seed collection:

1) Seed delivered to the Government will be visually inspected for debris and chaff content, seed species, signs of disease, insect, and mechanical damage.

2) The Government will be responsible for the final cleaning, testing, and weighing of delivered seed. A sample of rough cleaned seed will be evaluated by the COR prior to acceptance.

(c) Non-acceptable Seed: The Government will not accept seed exhibiting the following:

1) Seed that is not packaged and properly identified according to the specifications.

2) Unless otherwise approved by the COR, seed packages that contain more than 25 percent by rough weight of damaged seed (insects, disease, or mechanical injury) or seed chaff, twigs, leaves, or other debris based on a visual inspection will be considered non-acceptable. These seedlots shall be recleaned at no cost to the Government or rejected for payment.

3) Rough cleaned seedlots shall meet the following standards:

(min % by weight) Noxious Weeds (max %) Non-target Species (max %)

1 Seedlots with less than 90 percent pure seeds shall receive a reduced payment in accordance with Section 9 Payments.

12.0 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

GOVERNMENT INSPECTIONS

Government inspections are for the purpose of satisfying the Government that the services are acceptable and do not relieve the Contractor of the responsibility for maintaining quality control.

The Contracting Officer's Representative or designated inspector will conduct all inspections. The Contractor (or designated representative) is encouraged to be present to observe inspections. Summary results will be made available on request.

Compliance Inspections. Visual compliance inspections will be made on a periodic basis. Such inspections are not final and do not constitute acceptance by the Government.

Final Inspections. Final (formal) inspections for payment will be made on completed sub-items only. Contractor shall request final inspections in writing and give the Forest Service at least two working days advanced notice. Inspections will be completed within four working days after the notice is received If the work is not ready for inspection at the time specified by the Contractor, the cost associated with the inspection attempt may be charged to the Contractor.

Disputed Inspection.

The Contractor may request reinspection without rework if the results are unacceptable. Reinspection must be requested in writing within 48 hours after receiving written notice of the inspection results. Reinspection will be accomplished within five working days after receipt of the contractor's written request.

The same sampling and inspection procedures will be used, but new samples will be taken. The inspection pattern will be shifted so that new samples will not overlap previously inspected samples. Results will be rounded to the nearest whole percent.

If reinspection results are within five percentage points of the first inspection, the original inspection result will be used in determining acceptability and payment. If reinspection results are greater than five percentage points above or below the first inspection, the reinspection results will be used.

If the reinspection results are within five percentage points of the first inspection, the Contractor shall pay the actual costs of the reinspection.

Reinspection after Rework. Where rework after a failed inspection may improve the inspection results, the Contractor may rework the area and request (in writing) a second inspection. The Government will charge to the Contractor the cost of this additional inspection. Reinspection will be accomplished within five working days after the notice is received. The results of the second inspection will be final, and no further rework will be permitted. Areas not ready for reinspection at the time specified by the Contractor will not be reinspected, and the results of the first inspection will be final.

Sampling (Government’s inspection system)

All Items:

The Government will conduct at least two inspections of seed collection sites per season (early, mid, and late) to ensure sites can be properly identified and that they adhere to contract specifications. The inspectors and COR may meet with the Contractor or designated representative in the field at any time during work for all items.

A final inspection will be conducted once all seeds are submitted to the Government. The inspector or COR will assess seed purity and weight for each specified seed lot.

All documents and data will be assessed according to the specifications below.

Specific Inspection Procedures

For all items:

The Government shall have access to the seed for inspection purposes during all phases of seed collection, transportation, cleaning, and packaging. The Government will conduct verification inspections to determine compliance with specifications. Verification inspections may consist of the following:

(c) For all mapping required:

5) That seed collection sites are identified on GPS.

6) That all required collection records are legible and accurate, and complete.

7) That GPS coordinates are accurate within 150 feet.

8) Collection sites will be monitored for excessive vegetation trampling, and/or over-collection

(d) For seed collection:

3) Seed delivered to the Government will be visually inspected for debris and chaff content, seed species, signs of disease, insect, and mechanical damage.

4) The Government will be responsible for the final cleaning, testing, and weighing of delivered seed. A sample of rough cleaned seed will be evaluated by the COR prior to acceptance.

(c) Non-acceptable Seed: The Government will not accept seed exhibiting the following:

4) Seed that is not packaged and properly identified according to the specifications.

5) Unless otherwise approved by the COR, seed packages that contain more than 25 percent by rough weight of damaged seed (insects, disease, or mechanical injury) or seed chaff, twigs, leaves, or other debris based on a visual inspection will be considered non-acceptable. These seedlots shall be recleaned at no cost to the Government or rejected for payment.

6) Rough cleaned seedlots shall meet the following standards:

(min % by weight) Noxious Weeds (max %) Non-target Species (max %)

Acceptance For all items:

Seedlots with less than 90 percent pure seeds shall receive a reduced payment in accordance with the following:

Upon weighing and acceptance of the rough cleaned seed, a progress payment may be made for 50% of the contract price.

Final payment will be made upon receipt and acceptance of seed test results (purity and weed content) for each subitem. Seed not meeting contract specifications 11(b)(3) but accepted by the Government will be paid for at a reduced price in accordance with the following payment schedule:

Reduced Payment Schedule Based on Purity: Seedlots with less than 90% purity based on inspection by COR will receive a payment reduction as outlined below. Seedlots with less than 85 percent purity will not be accepted by the Government.

Workplans: Work will be deemed acceptable when all documents are completed and submitted according to the technical specifications. If the work is found to have more than minor errors, rework and resubmission may be required.

Session Reports: Work will be deemed acceptable when all documents and data are completed and submitted according to the technical specifications. If the work is found to have more than minor errors, which can be addressed with the submission of the Final Report, rework and resubmission may be required.

Draft Survey Report and GIS data: Work will be deemed acceptable when all documents and data are completed and submitted according to the technical specifications. If the work is found to have more than minor errors, which can be addressed with the submission of the Final Report, rework and resubmission may be required.

Final Survey Report and GIS data: Work will be deemed acceptable when all edits and comments from Item 4 are addressed, all submissions are received, and the work is fully compliant with technical specification of the contract.

13.0 NOXIOUS WEEDS

(a) To prevent the potential spread of noxious weeds onto Federal lands, the Contractor shall be required to keep all motorized equipment and vehicles on public roads.

(b) Noxious weeds are defined as any exotic plant species established or that may be introduced in the State, which may render the land unfit for agriculture, forestry, livestock, wildlife, or other beneficial uses and which is designated by the California Department of Agriculture, County Weed Boards, or by other appropriate agencies having jurisdiction.

(c) All clothing, collection gear, and footwear shall be free of dirt, grease, debris, and materials that may harbor noxious weeds and their seeds. Cleaning shall occur off Federal lands.

14.0 NOTIFICATION OF SUBCONTRACTING

The Contractor must gain approval of the Contracting Officer prior to initiating any subcontract arrangement. The notification shall include as a minimum:

(a) The name, address, and telephone number of the subcontractor.

(a) The date upon which the subcontract would be entered into and its duration.

15.0 SUSPENSION FOR OTHER THAN GOVERNMENT CONVENIENCE

The Contracting officer may issue orders to suspend work wholly or in part for such periods of time as deemed necessary because of :

1) Weather or ground conditions when further prosecution of the work might cause environmental or resource damage to the project, access roads, or adjacent property. Such actions would include but are not limited to instances such as siltation of streams, damage to access roads, rutting of project roads which causes otherwise suitable soils to become muddy or unsuitable for further work; or

2) Failure of the Contractor to comply with specifications such as but not limited to operating equipment not meeting fire requirements, performing work prior to prerequisite approvals, or when conditions exist which do not meet safety requirements. Whether or not a suspend work notice is issued, the Contractor shall be responsible for correcting any damage caused by his/her operation, whether inside or outside project limits, at no cost to the government. Such suspensions shall not be considered as suspensions for the Convenience of the Government under FAR 52.242-14, Suspension of Work, and shall not qualify for equitable adjustment.

16.0 SAFETY

A safety plan shall be submitted after award but prior to the commencement of the project and should address the items below.

Services for the project will involve working around the public and driving on roads where the public is operating vehicles (with or without trailers), motor homes, and/or recreational vehicles (i.e. ATVs) in varying terrain, possibly in adverse conditions. Individuals performing diverse jobs may be working throughout the project area at any given time. Any COVID restrictions or guidance will be adhered to.

The Government has identified the following hazards when performing complex restoration activities over a large project area. Contractor shall provide a job-specific safety plan upon contract award, addressing these hazards as well as any other hazards the Contractor has encountered in this type of work.

(a) Job specific PPE for all individuals on the job site, safety vests, glasses, hardhats, footwear, etc.

(b) Job and equipment specific first-aid kits, spill kits for fuel, small fire suppression (shovel and small fire extinguisher), etc.

(c) Evacuation plan in case of injury.

(d) Work around the public and driving on roads where the public is operating vehicles (with or without trailers), motor homes, and/or recreational vehicles (I.e. ATVs) which includes blind spots, backing, visibility, etc.

17.0 DATA RIGHTS

The Government has unlimited rights to all documents/material produced under this contract. All documents and materials produced under this contract shall be Government owned and are the property of the Government with all rights and privileges of ownership belonging exclusively to the Government. These documents and materials may not be used or sold by the contractor without written permission from the Contracting Officers. All material supplied to the Government shall be the sole property of the Government and may not be used for any other purpose. This right does not abrogate any other Government rights.

18. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

The following attachments are made a part of this solicitation and any resultant contract.

Attachment 1: Location of Target Provisional Seed Zones within the Eldorado National Forest

Attachment 2: Individual Site Seed Collection Form

Native Species Collection Record

Site Identification No. ______________

Site Description:

Township ____ Range_____ Section_____ ¼ Section_____

Fifth field Watershed:__________________ % Slope_______ % Canopy Cover_____

Associated Species: ____________________________________________________________

Loc

CC

Location Information: Attach a hand-sketched map to the back of this record and mark the collection sites with an X

Details of collection location (road numbers, distance and bearing from roads or trailheads, junctions, etc.)

Collection Information:

Collection Date _________ Seed Weight: __________ Collection Time: _________

Approximate no. of plants collected from at this site: _______

Approximate area of collection site: ___________

Collector ______________________

Common Name _________________ Latin Name ________________________

Associated Species _________________________________________________

Number of mother plants collected from at this site:

Remarks:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Attachment 3: Bag Identification Form

Attachment 4. Seed Collection Site Form

Site Number _________ Name: _______________________________________________________________ Location (include Latitude and Longitude in decimal degrees):__________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Description: ___________________________________________________________ Species Available and Approximate Number of Each Species: __________________ Notes: _______________________________________________________________

Attachment 5: Seed Collection Summary Form

Attachment 6 image2.png image3.emf image4.emf image1.png