GYAConeCollectionIDIQ.pdf

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV.3/2005) BACK

SECTION B – SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

General and Tree Improvement Cone Collections, Scion and Pollen Collections

Bighorn, Shoshone, Bridger-Teton, Caribou-Targhee, National Forests (NF), Wind River/Bighorn Basin (WY) and High Desert Districts (WY)

– Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

B.1 SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

Proposals shall be valid for 60 days after the date of receipt for the solicitation. If additional time is needed, an extension will be requested. Refer to Section L for instructions on preparing your proposal and pricing.

For additional information on location, timing of collections, and accessibility of collection areas, see sections C.1, C.2, C.3, C.4, C.5.1.1, and F.5 of this solicitation.

B.2 ESTIMATED QUANTITY

All quantities listed in the contract schedule are estimates only and do not reflect actual quantities to be ordered over the life of the contract. Actual quantities to be ordered in any given year are dependent on available cones, weather conditions, and/or budget. Only certain bid items may be included on a task order in any given year. The number of general and/or tree improvement (TI) trees, bushels, maximum dollar limits, or a combination of all will be used to determine maximum collection limits on any given task order.

It is anticipated that more than one contract may result from this solicitation. This is an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract. The bid total will be determined for evaluation by taking the quantity times the maximum unit price. This contract has four options which may be exercised by the Government. Reference FAR 52.216-18, FAR 52.216-19, FAR 52.216-22, and AGAR 452.216-72.

Travel related charges including but not limited to actual travel, per diem, or other mobilization costs for each round trip to each agency listed are to be included in the unit prices.

Prices provided are to be the maximum price a contractor can bid for those items on a task order. Individual task orders will be issued in accordance section G.1. Orders may be issued by fascimile or by electronic commerce methods (email).

Notes:

1. Unit prices prevail.

2. Each successful contractor will be guaranteed minimum amount or an award of a task order equaling or exceeding guaranteed minimum amount during the base year only. Option year renewals do not carry the guaranteed minimum.

3. All contractors being awarded a contract under this anticipated multiple award IDIQ solicitation will be given a fair opportunity to competitively quote on individual task orders. See section G.1 for information on issuance of task orders.

Non Discrimination Statement

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because

1282D719R0005 GYA Cone Collection IDIQ Shoshone/Bighorn National Forest Page 2 of 95 all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720- 6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

B.3 Breakdown of Schedule of Items B.3.1 Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA) Agencies- Whitebark and Limber Pine General and TI Cone Collections, Scion and Pollen Collections

GYA Agencies included in the bid items listed below are the:

• Shoshone National Forest (WY)

• Bridger-Teton National Forest (WY)

• Caribou-Targhee National Forest (ID)

• Wind River/Bighorn Basin District – BLM (WY)

• High Desert District – BLM (WY)

For both the Wind River/Bighorn Basin and High Desert Districts of the BLM, land parcels may be isolated and have no legal access easements. Permission from private landowners shall be acquired by the Contractor prior to accessing these BLM lands. A separate bid item is included for gaining right-of-way (ROW) access to isolated parcels (listed as BLMWY).

Climber walk-in will be assessed for each mile per crew per trip per day (after the first mile) for walk-in that is conducted for cone caging, cage removal/cone collection, scion, or pollen collection. There will be no separate walk-in price for any caging, cage removal/cone collection, scion, or pollen collection that is within one mile of an open road.

For whitebark pine, trees that fork below DBH will be counted as a ‘tree group’ and not as individual trees.

The contractor shall climb, cage, and collect from all stems that can be safely climbed unless stems are waived by the COR. The COR may waive the requirement to climb, cage, and collect from certain stems if it is determined that the stem is not safe to climb or if the stem does not have enough cones to warrant collections.

Individual task orders will specify whether the majority of the stems in an area are single or multi-stemmed.

Trees that fork above DBH will be counted as a single tree.

For limber pine, trees that fork below DBH will be counted as individual trees. Trees that fork above DBH will be counted as a single tree.

Item No. Description

E st im at ed Q ua nt ity

U ni t o f M ea su re Base Year

(Date of Award – July 1, 2020)

Option Year 1 (July 2, 2020– July

1, 2021)

Option Year 2 (July 2, 2021– July

1, 2022)

Option Year 3 (July 2, 2022– July

1, 2023)

Option Year 4 (July 2, 2023– July

1, 2024)

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Max Unit Price

($/unit

Total Price

BLMWY Charge for gaining ROW access to Wyoming BLM Parcels.

1 Each parcel

GYA-

WALK

Climber Walk-in Round Trip per mile per crew per day (after the first mile)

2 Each $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

WBP Climbing:

GYA-2A WBP - Installation of Cages (0-49

Cages) 50 Per

Tree/ Tree

Group

GYA-2B WBP - Installation of Cages (50- 149 Cages)

50 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

GYA-2C WBP - Installation of Cages (150- 249 Cages)

20 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

GYA-2D WBP - Installation of Cages (>250 Cages)

10 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

GYA-3A WBP - Removal of Cages/Cone Collection (0-49 Cages)

50 Per Tree/ Tree

Group

GYA-3B WBP - Removal of Cages/Cone Collection (50-149 Cages)

50 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

GYA-3C WBP - Removal of Cages/Cone Collection (150-249)

20 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

GYA-3D WBP - Removal of Cages/Cone Collection (>250)

10 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

LMP Climbing Collection:

GYA-4 LMP TI Cone Collection 30 Tree $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ GYA-5 LMP General Cone Collection 50 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

WBP/LMP Collection via Lift/Bucket Trucks GYA-6A WBP - Installation of Cages (0-49

Cages) 50 Per

Tree/ Tree

Group

GYA-6B WBP - Installation of Cages (50- 149 Cages)

50 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

Shoshone/Bighorn National Forest Page 4 of 95

Item No. Description

E st im at ed Q ua t o f M ea su re Base Year

(Date of Award – July 1, 2020)

Option Year 1 (July 2, 2020– July

1, 2021)

Option Year 2 (July 2, 2021– July

1, 2022)

Option Year 3 (July 2, 2022– July

1, 2023)

Option Year 4 (July 2, 2023– July

1, 2024)

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Max Unit Price

($/unit

Total Price

GYA-6C WBP - Installation of Cages (150- 249 Cages)

20 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

GYA-6D WBP - Installation of Cages (>250 Cages)

10 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

GYA-7A WBP - Removal of Cages/Cone Collection (0-49 Cages)

50 Per Tree/ Tree

Group

GYA-7B WBP - Removal of Cages/Cone Collection (50-149 Cages)

50 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

GYA-7C WBP - Removal of Cages/Cone Collection (150-249)

20 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

GYA-7D WBP - Removal of Cages/Cone Collection (>250)

10 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

GYA-8 LMP TI Cone Collection 30 Per Tree

GYA-9 LMP General Cone Collection 50 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Totals $ $ $ $ $

Each contractor is required to state their estimated maximum capability for performing this type of work subject to the following criteria:

My yearly capacity identified above is broken down into a seasonal capacity to complete:

trees/tree groups for caging per contracting period (i.e. a June/July timeframe);

trees/tree groups or bushels per collection period (i.e. an August/September time frame);

This estimate addresses the likelihood of task orders running concurrently, especially during the summer and fall seasons when cones are developing and maturing. I understand that my ability to respond to spikes in the demand for services is an evaluation factor used by the Forest Service for award of both the initial contract and all ensuing task orders.

Contractor’s Signature: Date

Shoshone/Bighorn National Forest Page 5 of 95

Item No. Description

E st im at ed Q ua t o f M ea su re Base Year

(Date of Award – July 1, 2020)

Option Year 1 (July 2, 2020– July

1, 2021)

Option Year 2 (July 2, 2021– July 1, 2022)

Option Year 3 (July 2, 2022– July

1, 2023)

Option Year 4 (July 2, 2023– July

1, 2024)

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Climbing:

SP-1 WBP Scion Collection 8 Tree/

Tree Group

SP-2 WBP Pollen Collection 8 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

SP-3 LMP Scion Collection 8 Tree $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ SP-4 LMP Pollen Collection 8 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

Collection via Lift/Bucket Trucks:

SP-5 WBP Scion Collection 8 Tree/

Tree Grou p

SP-6 WBP Pollen Collection 8 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

SP-7 LMP Scion Collection 8 Tree $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ SP-8 LMP Pollen Collection 8 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

Totals $ $ $ $ $

Each contractor is required to state their estimated maximum capability for performing this type of work subject to the following criteria:

My yearly capacity identified above is broken down into a seasonal capacity to complete:

trees/tree groups for pollen collection per contracting period (i.e. a June/July timeframe);

trees/tree groups for scion collection per contracting period (i.e. an after September 15 to late October (early dormancy period)).

trees/tree groups for scion collection per contracting period (i.e. after December 1 to March 8 (late dormancy period).

This estimate addresses the likelihood of task orders running concurrently as pollen and/or scion collection conditions can be the same in several areas at once. I understand that my ability to respond to spikes in the demand for services is an evaluation factor used by the Forest Service for award of both the initial contract and all ensuing task orders.

Contractor’s Signature: Date:

B.3.2 Shoshone National Forest (SHO) General Cone Collections

For general cone collections for any particular species, a per tree and per bushel price will be paid to ensure that for low cone production years or for species that produce small cones, both the Contractor and the Government will receive appropriate value for the service/product received.

For all species listed in the table below, trees that fork below DBH will be counted as multiple trees. Trees that fork above DBH will be counted as a single tree.

For bid items for general collection with no climbing, trees will be felled in advance by the Government; tree felling is not included in this contract.

Item No. Description

E st im at ed Q ua t o f M ea su re Base Year

(Date of Award – July 1, 2020)

Option Year 1 (July 2, 2020– July

1, 2021)

Option Year 2 (July 2, 2021– July

1, 2022)

Option Year 3 (July 2, 2022– July

1, 2023)

Option Year 4 (July 2, 2023– July

1, 2024)

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Climbing/Collection:

SHO-1A ES General Cone Collection 20 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ SHO-1B ES General Cone Collection 25 Tree $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ SHO-2A DF General Cone Collection 20 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ SHO-2B DF General Cone Collection 25 Tree $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ SHO-3A LP General Cone Collection 20 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ SHO-3B LP General Cone Collection 25 Tree $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ SHO-4A SAF General Cone

Collection 20 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

SHO-4B SAF General Cone Collection

25 Tree $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

Collection (No Climbing):

SHO-5 ES General Cone Collection 20 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ SHO-6 DF General Cone Collection 20 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ SHO-7 LP General Cone Collection 20 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ SHO-8 SAF General Cone

Collection 20 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

Collection via Lift/Bucket Trucks SHO-9 ES General Cone Collection 20 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

SHO-10 DF General Cone Collection 20 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ SHO-11 LP General Cone Collection 20 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ SHO-12 SAF General Cone

Collection 20 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

Shoshone/Bighorn National Forest Page 7 of 95

Item No. Description

E st im at ed Q ua t o f M ea su re Base Year

(Date of Award – July 1, 2020)

Option Year 1 (July 2, 2020– July

1, 2021)

Option Year 2 (July 2, 2021– July

1, 2022)

Option Year 3 (July 2, 2022– July

1, 2023)

Option Year 4 (July 2, 2023– July

1, 2024)

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Each contractor is required to state their estimated maximum capability for performing this type of work subject to the following criteria:

My yearly capacity identified above is broken down into a seasonal capacity to complete:

trees or bushels for during collection period (i.e. an August/September time frame);

This estimate addresses the likelihood of task orders running concurrently, especially during the summer and fall seasons when cones are developing and maturing. I understand that my ability to respond to spikes in the demand for services is an evaluation factor used by the Forest Service for award of both the initial contract and all ensuing task orders.

Contractor’s Signature: Date:

B.3.3 Bighorn National Forest (BNF) – General and TI Collections For general cone collections for any particular species, a per tree and per bushel price will be paid to ensure that for low cone production years or for species that produce small cones, both the Contractor and the Government will receive appropriate value for the service/product received.

For all species listed in the table below, trees that fork below DBH will be counted as multiple trees. Trees that fork above DBH will be counted as a single tree.

For bid items for general collection with no climbing, trees will be felled in advance by the Government; tree felling is not included in this contract.

Shoshone/Bighorn National Forest Page 8 of 95

Item No. Description

E st im at ed Q ua t o f M ea su re Base Year

(Date of Award – July 1, 2020)

Option Year 1 (July 2, 2020– July

1, 2021)

Option Year 2 (July 2, 2021– July

1, 2022)

Option Year 3 (July 2, 2022– July

1, 2023)

Option Year 4 (July 2, 2023– July

1, 2024)

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Climbing/Collection:

BNF-1A ES General Cone Collection 20 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ BNF-1B ES General Cone Collection 25 Tree $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ BNF-2A DF General Cone Collection 20 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ BNF-2B DF General Cone Collection 25 Tree $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ BNF-3A LP General Cone Collection 20 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ BNF-3B LP General Cone Collection 25 Tree $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ BNF-4A PP General Cone Collection 40 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ BNF-4B PP General Cone Collection 20 Tree $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ BNF-5A SAF General Cone Collection 20 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ BNF-5B SAF General Cone Collection 25 Tree $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ BNF-6A LMP General Cone Collection 50 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ BNF-6B LMP General Cone Collection 30 Tree $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ BNF-7A LMP TI Cone Collection 8 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ BNF-7B LMP TI Cone Collection 5 Tree $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

Collection (No Climbing):

BNF-8 ES General Cone Collection 20 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ BNF-9 DF General Cone Collection 20 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

BNF-10 LP General Cone Collection 20 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ BNF-11 PP General Cone Collection 40 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ BNF-12 SAF General Cone Collection 20 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ BNF-13 LMP General Cone Collection 50 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

Collection via Lift/Bucket Trucks BNF-14 ES General Cone Collection 20 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ BNF-15 DF General Cone Collection 20 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ BNF-16 LP General Cone Collection 20 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ BNF-17 PP General Cone Collection 40 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ BNF-18 SAF General Cone Collection 20 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ BNF-19 LMP General Cone Collection 50 Bushel $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ BNF-20 LMP TI Cone Collection 5 Tree $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

Shoshone/Bighorn National Forest Page 9 of 95

Item No. Description

E st im at ed Q ua t o f M ea su re Base Year

(Date of Award – July 1, 2020)

Option Year 1 (July 2, 2020– July

1, 2021)

Option Year 2 (July 2, 2021– July

1, 2022)

Option Year 3 (July 2, 2022– July

1, 2023)

Option Year 4 (July 2, 2023– July

1, 2024)

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Max Unit Price

($/unit)

Total Price

Each contractor is required to state their estimated maximum capability for performing this type of work subject to the following criteria:

My yearly capacity identified above is broken down into a seasonal capacity to complete:

trees or bushels for during collection period (i.e. an August/September time frame);

This estimate addresses the likelihood of task orders running concurrently, especially during the summer and fall seasons when cones are developing and maturing. I understand that my ability to respond to spikes in the demand for services is an evaluation factor used by the Forest Service for award of both the initial contract and all ensuing task orders.

Contractor’s Signature: Date:

Total of all Items and Option Years Base Year

(Date of Award

– July 1, 2020)

Option Year 1

(July 2, 2020– July 1, 2021)

Option Year 2

(July 2, 2021– July 1, 2022)

Option Year 3

(July 2, 2022– July 1, 2023)

Option Year 4

(July 2, 2023– July 1, 2024)

Grand Total All Years

B.3.1 Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA) Agencies- Whitebark and

Limber Pine General and TI Cone Collections, Scion and Pollen

Collections

B.3.2 Shoshone National Forest (SHO) General Cone Collections

B.3.3 Bighorn National Forest (BNF) – General and TI Collections

SECTION C - PERFORMANCE STATEMENT OF WORK (PWS)

C.1 Scope of Work

The agencies listed in section C.1.2 are in need of conifer seed used to restore and reforest lands and for tree improvement/seed orchard development work. The agencies listed section C.1.2 are also in need of scion and pollen for tree improvement/seed orchard development. The purpose of this solicitation is to secure commercial services for the harvest of scion, mature pollen, and mature seed cones in areas prescribed by the terms of this contract.

The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, supplies, and incidentals (except those designated as Government furnished listed in section C.4) to perform all work necessary to select trees (if required) and to pick, bag, label, and deliver cones, scion, or pollen to delivery points.

The Contractor assumes all risks of loss or damage to his/her equipment and injury to self or employees.

C.1.2 Location and Description

General and tree improvement (TI) cone collections shall occur on the Shoshone and Bighorn National Forests (for all species listed in the schedule of items). Whitebark and limber pine general and TI cone collections and scion and pollen collection will occur on the following Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA) agencies: Shoshone, Bridger-Teton, and Caribou-Targhee National Forests and the Wind River/Bighorn Basin (WY) and High Desert (WY) Districts of the BLM.

Additional information for the specific agencies included in this contract can be found on the following web pages:

Bighorn NF: http://www.fs.usda.gov/bighorn

Shoshone NF: http://www.fs.usda.gov/shoshone

Bridger-Teton NF: http://www.fs.usda.gov/btnf

Caribou-Targhee NF: http://www.fs.usda.gov/ctnf

Wind River/Bighorn Basin District, and High Desert Districts, BLM https://www.blm.gov/wyoming

C.1.2.1 Specific locations, maps, and cone lot areas for each bid item will be provided with each task order.

C.1.3 Contract Definitions C.1.3.1 Acceptable Quality Level. The allowable leeway or variance from a standard before the government will reject the specific service. An AQL does not say that the contractor may knowingly offer defective service. It implies that the government recognizes that defective performance sometimes happens unintentionally. As long as the percent of defective performance does not exceed the AQL, the service will not be rejected by the Government. The contractor, however, must re-perform the defective service when possible.

C.1.3.2 Biobased Products. A product determined by the Secretary of Agriculture(USDA) to be a commercial or industrial product (other than food or feed) that is composed, in whole or in http://www.fs.usda.gov/bighorn http://www.fs.usda.gov/shoshone http://www.fs.usda.gov/btnf http://www.fs.usda.gov/ctnf

Shoshone/Bighorn National Forest Page 11 of 95 significant part, of biological products or renewable domestic agricultural materials (including plant, animal, and marine materials) or forestry materials. Information on biobased/biopreferred products can be found at http://sftool.gov/green-products/7/lube-oil-hydraulic-fluid-grease. In addition to the biobased products designated by the U.S.

Department of Agriculture in the BioPreferred Program, the Contractor is encouraged to use other biobased products. The Contractor shall comply with the provision at FAR 52.223-1, Biobased Product Certification. The Contractor shall comply with the clause at FAR 52.223-2, Affirmative Procurement of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts.

C.1.3.3 Contract time. See Period of Performance.

C.1.3.4 Contracting Officer (CO). Individual with authority to bind the government with their signature on the contract.

C.1.3.5 Contracting Officer Representative (COR). Individual(s) designated to act on the behalf of the CO within the delegation given them in writing.

C.1.3.6 Inspector. Individual(s) designated by the COR to represent him/her in securing compliance of contract requirements.

C.1.3.7 Period of performance. (also Performance period or Contract time). All calendar days allowed for completion of contract work. Includes all days of the week including weekends and holidays.

C.1.3.8 Quality Assurance. Those actions taken by the government to check goods or services to determine that they meet the requirements of the SOW.

C.1.3.9 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. An organized written document used for quality assurance surveillance. The document contains information about how the government will assess performance, checklists, and may contain decision tables.

C.1.3.10 Quality Control. Those actions taken by a contractor to control the production of goods or services so that they will meet the requirements of the Performance Statement of Work. Refer to Inspection and Acceptance 52.246-4 and Contractors Quality Control Plan as described in Section E.

C.1.3.11 Quality Control Plan. Contractors plan for self-monitoring work prior to Government inspection and acceptance. See Section E.2.1.

C.1.3.12 Random Sampling. A method of looking at a few individual items in a lot to determine the quality of that lot against a standard.

C.1.3.13 (Acceptable) Service. A job performed to the standard and within the acceptable quality level. The contractor must do the specific job, and meet the standard, and meet the acceptable quality level before one can say that performance has been acceptable and that he/she should be paid.

C.1.3.14 Standard. An acknowledged measure of comparison.

http://sftool.gov/green-products/7/lube-oil-hydraulic-fluid-grease http://sftool.gov/green-products/7/lube-oil-hydraulic-fluid-grease

Shoshone/Bighorn National Forest Page 12 of 95

C.1.4 Technical Definitions

Bushel: Dry measurement, 8 gallons. This is a dry measurement; equipment used to measuring fluids are not applicable. 8 US dry gallons is equal to 9.3092 US fluid gallons.

Branch Hook: Long-handled devise used to pull limbs into the bole of the tree, so that the climber can safely pick cones without damaging the tree.

Cone lot: The cones from a variety of trees, usually at least 20, from the same elevation band and within the same collection area. These cones will be bulked together at a later time but during collection the cones from each tree are maintained separately.

Cut face: The exposed face of one side of a cone that has been cleanly sliced lengthwise along the cone axis exposing the inside of the cone and the seeds.

Diameter at Breast Height (DBH): Diameter of tree (outside bark) measured at 4.5 feet above the ground level on the uphill side of a tree.

Filled seed per cut face: A method used to determine seed yield which includes the count of seed on the cut face exhibiting the highest exposed filled seed count. Only seeds that have been sliced open sufficiently so that the inside of the seeds are readily visible are counted as exposed. Only seed containing storage tissue (endosperm) and that are sound are counted as filled seed. Seed that are not sliced open (i.e., the seed coat remain intact), are ignored.

Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA) Agencies: Shoshone (WY), Bridger-Teton (WY), Caribou- Targhee (ID) National Forests and the Wind River/Bighorn Basin (WY), and High Desert (WY) Districts – BLM.

Mature seed: The actual seed condition will vary by species but in general seed is considered mature when the embryo fills 90% or more of the embryo cavity (most important criteria) and is a cream or pale yellow color. The surrounding storage tissue (endosperm) is a firm consistency and not a viscous milky condition. The seed coat and seed wing have darkened in color and is easily lifted from the cone scale.

Multiple trees: Trees which fork below DBH or have more than one stem arising at or near ground level and appear as a clump of trees.

Pollen/pollen grains: A microscopic, usually yellow particle which is the male gametophyte and which may result in seed formation after it fertilizes an ovum in the female flower.

Scion: An aerial plant part, often a branch tip, that is grafted onto the root-bearing part (rootstock) of another plant.

Single tree: A tree which forks above DBH.

Sound seed: Seed is considered sound when the endosperm and embryo are developing normally and there is no evidence of insect, disease, climatic or other types of damage.

Species Definitions:

Abbreviation Species

Common Name

Scientific Name

Scientific Name

Abbreviation

DF Douglas-fir Pseudotsuga menziesii PSME

Shoshone/Bighorn National Forest Page 13 of 95

Abbreviation Species

Common Name

Scientific Name

Scientific Name

Abbreviation

ES Engelmann spruce

Picea engelmannii PIEN

LP lodgepole pine Pinus contorta PICO

PP ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa PIPO

LMP limber pine Pinus flexilis PIFL2

SAF subalpine fir Abies lasiocarpa ABLA

WBP whitebark pine Pinus albicaulis PIAL

Strobili (singular=strobilus): Cones of conifers. Note that pines are monoecious, with male cones usually borne in the lower crown and female cones in the upper crown of the same tree.

Tree Group: For whitebark pine, trees that fork below DBH and are growing in a clump.

C.2 General Cone Collections C.2.1 All Species except WBP: Agencies will identify cone lot areas for general cone collection areas. The Contractor shall be responsible for surveying and identifying trees (with flagging, etc.) for general cone collections. The Contractor can perform general collections via climbing, collecting from felled trees where trees are felled in advance1, or via lift/bucket trucks.

C.2.2 WBP: Agencies will identify whitebark pine trees for general cone collection. The Contractor shall be responsible for collecting and identifying cones from these trees. These collections can occur via climbing or via lift/bucket trucks.

C.2.3 Cone Lots: Cone lots for general cone collections are identified by agency, seed zone, species, and elevation bands; seed zone descriptions are listed in the table below. Seed zone maps are provided in Section J. Specific cone lots for collection will be identified in each task order.

Agency Seed Zone Species GYA Agencies - All GYGT WBP All Agencies NROC LMP Shoshone NF Wyoming 434, 436, 437, 438 DF, LP, SAF

Within Forest Boundary Proper

ES2

Bighorn NF Wyoming 431, 432, 433 DF, LP, SAF, PP

1 Felling is outside the scope of this contract.

2 Even though the ES seed is to be collected forest wide, cone collection tags will use the appropriate three-digit Wyoming seed zone code listed in the table and in Section J, for both the Shoshone and the Bighorns.

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Agency Seed Zone Species Within Forest Boundary

Proper

ES

C.3 TI Collections Agencies will identify TI trees for cone, scion, and/or pollen collections. The Contractor shall be responsible for collecting and identifying scion, mature cones, or mature pollen from these trees. TI collections can occur via climbing or via lift/bucket trucks.

Specific TI trees to be collected from will be identified in each task order. TI trees may be scattered across each of the agencies lands, with as few as one or two trees/tree groups up to several in a particular location.

C.4 Government Furnished Property and Services.

The property and services that will be provided by the Government are as follows:

Item No.

Item Name Description Where, When, How Replacement Cost

C.4.1 Project Maps Maps of seed zones, general collection areas and TI tree locations. Will also include Motor Vehicle Use Maps, forest maps, or travel maps as requested by the Contractor.

Provided in Section J, at post-award conference, or with task order.

$20.00 each

C.4.2 General Collection Cone Tags

Self-explanatory At post-award conference, with task order, or upon Contractor request. Refer to Section J for instructions to fill out tag.

$5.00/tag

C.4.3 Tree Improvement Collection Cone Tags

Self-Explanatory At post-award conference, with task order, or upon Contractor request. Refer to Section J for instructions to fill out tag.

$5.00/tag

C.4.4 Bagging Materials

Pre-labeled zip-lock bags for scion collection.

Pre-labeled paper bags for pollen collection.

Burlap cone bags and fasteners for bagging/tagging cones.

At post-award conference, with task order, or upon Contractor request.

$0.50/ziplock bag

$0.50/paper bag $10.00/burlap bag

C.4.5 Cone Cages To place around WBP cones to prevent predation; 2- or 4-sided design.

At post-award conference, with task order, or upon Contractor request.

$20.00/cage

C.4.6 Coolers and Ice Packs

For storing scion At post-award conference, with task order, or upon Contractor request.

$30.00/cooler $5.00/ice pack

The Contractor shall return unused Government supplies, maps, and forms to the Government to the same location they were delivered or as agreed to with the COR.

C.5 Contractor Work Requirements and Standards

C.5.1 General

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C.5.1.1 Access

For both the Wind River/Bighorn Basin and High Desert Districts of the BLM, land parcels may be isolated and have no legal access easements. Permission from private landowners shall be acquired by the Contractor prior to accessing these BLM lands.

For all other agencies, the Contractor may access general cone collection areas and TI trees from agency roads/trails indicated on travel and/or task order maps. All agency roads should be drivable during the cone collection periods. However, a high clearance or four-wheel drive vehicle may be necessary, particularly under wet conditions.

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) or similar units may be necessary to access some of the WBP TI trees for cone, scion, and pollen collections and WBP general cone collection areas.

Walk-ins to some sites may be necessary, but generally should not exceed 1 mile for general collection areas. Walk-ins to WBP general collection areas and WBP TI trees may exceed 1 mile.

Over the snow vehicles (snow machines or similar units) may be necessary to access WBP TI trees for scion collection, and potentially for pollen collection. For the latter, snow banks/drifts may prevent what would normally be wheeled vehicle access to pollen collection trees; over the snow travel (e.g. snowshoes, skis, snowmobiles) may be necessary to access some of these sites.

The Contractor is not allowed to drive wheeled vehicles off of open forest roads indicated on forest travel maps unless approved in advanced by the Contracting Officer or as specified in the task order if bucket/lift trucks or ATVs are used. Travel on designated closed roads is prohibited except with prior written permission of the CO. Travel on administrative use roads will be allowed as specified in each task order.

Lift/bucket trucks or ATVs may not be used off-road when conditions are wet such that significant rutting and resource damage would occur. Lift/bucket trucks will only be used when ground conditions are dry or frozen or where a maximum of 3 inches rutting occurs.

The Contractor shall be responsible for transportation of all equipment and supplies to the cone collection and delivery sites. For whitebark pine general and TI caging, the Government will drop off cone cages at and/or in the immediate vicinity of trees to be caged.

C.5.2 Tree Selection - General Collection (all species except whitebark pine)

C.5.2.1 Cone Lot Requirements. Unless otherwise specified, the Contractor shall survey and select trees for each cone lot specified for collection. Collection within a cone lot shall meet the following criteria:

C.5.2.1.1 Selected trees shall be within the specified cone lot and elevation bands specified in each task order.

C.5.2.1.2 At least 20 trees shall be selected. In some cases, the COR may authorize fewer trees when cone crops are small or if budgetary resources are limited. More than 20 trees may be selected to assure there are sufficient cones for the estimated collection. Cones from a single tree shall not constitute more than 20% of the cone lot.

C.5.2.1.3 The physical characteristics of the selected trees are indicative of the genetic makeup of the seed, thus the selected trees shall be equal or better than the average of the same species

Shoshone/Bighorn National Forest Page 16 of 95 in the area and be healthy and vigorous. Physical characteristics for all species except LMP that are desirable include:

• Dominant or codominant trees (tree crown extends above the general level of the canopy or forms the general level of the canopy) relative to the neighboring trees.

• Straight stem free from crook, sweep, spiral grain, and forking.

• Branch bases small in relation to the stem and branches should project horizontally or angle slightly upward. Do not collect from “wolfy” trees.

• At least 30% live crown ratio.

• Tree crown compact for the species but have a large area of foliage.

• Live conical crown indicating the tree is growing and is vigorous.

• Free from insect and disease damage.

• Tree age approximately 40 to 110 years old, as approximated by diameter which can vary by species.3 (Very old and very young trees have poor sound seed production even when there are numerous cones.)

• History of past cone crops is desirable, as evidenced by old cones on the tree or on the ground in the vicinity of the tree.

• Avoid trees that are isolated by trees of the same species by more than 100 feet (may be inadequately pollinated by other trees).

For LMP, exceptions to the above physical characteristics will be made, as most of these trees are wolfy with many branches. LMP should be insect and disease free, approximately 40-110 years old, and have a history of past cone crops.

C.5.2.1.4 The selected trees should have a cone crop that is expected to provide seed quality and quantity suitable for collection as described in C.5.3.2.

C.5.2.1.5 Each selected tree is at least 200 feet from another selected tree. If two trees are closer, only one can be used in the collection unless otherwise approved by the COR.

C.5.2.1.6 Selected trees are considered appropriate for tree climbing, when applicable, by the Contractor.

C.5.2.1.7 Selected trees should not be taken from second growth plantations.

C.5.2.2 The COR shall inspect a sample of the trees in each cone lot selected for collection to assure that the physical characteristics of the selected trees are suitable prior to the Contractor expending the time to collect from trees that could be substandard.

3 Generally, LP will be between 5 and 11” DBH, ES, DF, PP between 8-24” DBH, SAF between 5-18” DBH, LMP between 5-20” DBH.

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C.5.3 Cone Collection - General Collection (all species)

C.5.3.1 General

For all species except LP, cones shall be from the current calendar year, and meet the quality standards described in C.5.3.2.

For LP, both current year and closed (never previously opened) cones from previous year crops that meet the quality standards described in C.5.3.2 will be accepted. Those cones from previous years meeting quality standards described in C.5.3.2 that have less than ½ of the surface area of grey color (weathered) will be accepted.

For all species, trees that are picked shall be clearly marked with a Contractor specified number. The Contractor may be required to collect from trees which yield less than one bushel per tree.

For all species except WBP and LMP, the upper 1/3 of the tree crown typically has the best quality cones and should be the priority for collecting. The lower portions of the tree may be allowed by the COR when large collections are needed and the cones meet the quality standards. The Contractor shall flag the highest portion of the tree where cones were picked.

The flagging shall be visible from the ground.

For WBP and LMP, cones may be collected from the entire crown unless otherwise directed by the CO.

For all species, the Contractor shall pick the majority of cones that can be safely picked in the portion of the tree specified to be collected from as long as cones from that tree do not exceed 20% of the entire cone lot (see C.5.2.1.2).

For all species, the Contractor shall take all precautions to prevent excessive damage to trees.

Live branches or tops of trees being climbed shall not be deliberately broken or cut. If pole cutting, damage to branches shall be minimized. Live branches may be pruned if needed for ladder placement with approval of the COR.

The Contractor shall plan the collection and sequence of collection to be most efficient in collecting the estimated quantity when cones mature but prior to cone flaring.

C.5.3.2 Seed Quality Standards

C.5.3.2.1 Mature, Sound Seed. Only cones with mature, sound seed shall be used in the collection. The Contractor shall discuss with the COR where the seed quality is questionable.

Refer to definitions in C.1.4 for definitions of mature seed and sound seed.

C.5.3.2.2 Filled Seed Content. An acceptable collection for an individual tree shall be based on evaluating the filled seeds per cut face on a sample of at least five cones. An average of the cones tested shall have the following minimum number of mature, filled seed per cut face at the time of collection:

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Species No. Filled Seeds per Cut Face

DF 5

LMP 10

ES 7

LP 5

PP 7

SAF 10

WBP 10

Due to past drought seasons and unknown Cut Face Seed, the Government may at its option, reduce the minimum number of filled seed per cut face at the time of collection.

Refer to definition in C.1.4 for definition of filled seed per cut face. The test cones shall come from different branches and different areas of the portion of the tree that will be collected from.

Test cones shall be bagged separately (a clean plastic bag is suitable) and delivered in the cone collection bag for that tree.

C.5.3.2.3 Cone Condition. Cones must be dry, free of mold and not showing damage by animals, disease, or physical damage.

C.5.3.2.4 The Contractor shall notify the COR when cones are not sufficiently mature for collection.

C.5.3.3 Cone Care

Cones shall not come in contact with the ground surface to avoid contamination of cones by soil bearing fungi. Tarps or other protection may be needed to avoid such contamination.

Cones are live plant material and as such shall not be handled roughly or exposed to damaging conditions. Cones shall be free of mold and not showing damage by animals, insects or disease or physical damage. Bags of cones shall not be dropped and shall be protected from moisture and heat.

C.5.3.4 Cleaning and Bagging

Cones for general collections may be bagged together (e.g. each tree does not need its own bag); this is considered a bulk collection. Prior to delivery, a maximum of one bushel per two bushel bag (or equivalent) as measured in premeasured bushel measure (see Section G.2) may be put in the Government provided bags to allow cones to expand during storage. Bags shall be free of debris (such as twigs, needles, cone stems, cones of other species or tree source). All bags shall be tied securely shut approximately three inches from the top of the bag or tied in the location shown on the bag. Only cones that meet the quality standards shall be included in the bag.

C.5.3.5 Cone Tags

For each bushel, the Contractor shall prepare two general collection cone tags as shown in Section J. Information shall be legible on both portions of the cone tag, and be in permanent ink. One tag shall be placed inside the bag at the top, and the other securely fastened on the outside of the closed bag. Each cone lot will be flagged in a different color of flagging, which

Shoshone/Bighorn National Forest Page 19 of 95 will be noted on the Contractor’s Cone Collection Record. The Contractor specified tree number shall be clearly marked on a separate tag or flagging and shall be consistent with the number on the tree, and on the Contractor’s Collection Record.

C.5.3.6 Delivery.

Unless otherwise agreed to, cones shall be delivered to the access road closest to the tree that was picked as soon as practical after bagging the cones; they will be available for pickup by the Government on the same day that the collection was made. Cones shall be protected from moisture and drying conditions. The Contractor shall work with the COR on how, where, and when cones shall be delivered.

C.5.4 Cone Collection - Tree Improvement and WBP General Collections

C.5.4.1 Tree Climbing Standards

C.5.4.1.1 TI and general collection WBP trees shall be designated by the Government. TI and WBP general collection tree identification will be described in each task order.

C.5.4.1.2 The Contractor shall not use spurs to climb WBP and LMP TI trees unless approved by the COR. Wounding white pine trees with spurs makes them more susceptible to mountain pine beetle attacks. Ladders, rope ascension techniques such as the hip thrust or foot-lock method, and free climbing are acceptable means of climbing white pine trees.

C.5.4.1.3 The Contractor may provide ladders, a tagline, and a collapsible pole or branch hook or any other device used for pulling branches toward them to reach the cones as long as it does not cause damage to the tree.

C.5.4.1.4 The Contractor shall take all precautions necessary to prevent excessive damage to trees. Living branches shall not be deliberately broken, barked, or cut nor shall tree trunks be skinned or peeled to cause excessive damage to the cambium. If the COR determines that excessive damage is occurring, the Contractor’s right to proceed will be suspended until the proper corrections have been made.

C.5.4.2 Cone Caging (Whitebark Pine)

C.5.4.2.1 Cages shall be generally be installed no later than mid-July (cages are installed to protect cones from predators). Cages should generally be installed in the upper ½ of the tree.

C.5.4.2.2 Cages shall be installed on branches bearing second-year cones. Adjust cage dimensions to fit branch size. Be sure to allow enough room for cones to grow and ripen and be out of reach by predators. The majority of the time, cages can be crimped around braches to keep them secure, but securing wire cages to the branches with fasteners may be necessary to ensure cages won’t slip off or blow off in the wind.

C.5.4.2.3 The Contractor shall cage all cones that can be safely caged.

C.5.4.3 Seed Quality Standards

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Refer to section C.5.3.2, with the exception of C.5.3.2.4. The Contractor shall notify the COR when cones are not sufficiently mature or if they do not meet the quality standards for collection. The Government may suspend operations if cones have not yet matured.

C.5.4.4 Cone Collection, Quality and Care, and Bagging Standards

C.5.4.4.1 The Contractor shall plan the collection and sequence of collection to be most efficient in collecting the desired quantity when cones mature but prior to cone flaring.

C.5.4.4.2 The Contractor shall remove WBP cages from each cone or cone cluster and harvest cones.

C.5.4.4.3 Branch tips shall not be cut off in order to remove WBP cages and collect cones. Branches may be bent in gently using a pole with a hook, and then the cages and cones removed by hand. Ripe cones may fall apart in the cages when they are pulled off the branch, so care should be taken not to lose any of the seeds.

C.5.4.4.4 The Contractor may request on a case-by case basis to prune live branches or use a pruning pole if he/she deems it necessary for safety. If the Contractor is authorized by the COR to prune and/or pole cut, damage to branches shall be minimized.

C.5.4.4.5 Cones must be placed into bags (furnished by the Government) while in the tree and lowered to the ground. Bagged cones shall not be thrown or dropped out of the trees and protected from heat and moisture.

C.5.4.4.6 Cones shall not come in contact with the ground surface to avoid contamination of cones by soil bearing fungi. Tarps or other protection may be needed to avoid such contamination.

C.5.4.4.7 Cones for WBP general collections may be bagged together (e.g. each tree does not need its own bag); this is considered a bulk collection. Each TI tree needs to be bagged independently (e.g. one tree per bag). No more than one bushel per two bushel bag (or equivalent) as measured in premeasured bushel measures (see Section G.2) may be put in the Government provided bags. Bags shall be free of debris such as (twigs, needles, and cone stems). All bags shall be tied securely shut approximately three inches from the top of the bag or tied in the location shown on the bag.

C.5.4.5 Cone Tags

For WBP general collections, follow tagging standards under section C.5.3.5. For TI trees, the Contractor shall prepare two Tree Improvement cone tags for each tree as shown in Section J.

Information shall be legible on both portions of the cone tag, and be in permanent ink. One tag shall be placed inside the bag at the top, and the other securely fastened on the outside of the closed bag. In addition, the TI tree number shall be clearly marked on a separate tag or flagging attached to the bag, and shall be consistent with the number on the cone tag, the sign on the tree, and on the Contractor’s Collection Record. TI trees will be flagged in a different color of flagging than the general collection flagging, which will be noted on the Contractor’s Cone Collection Record.

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C.5.4.6 Delivery. Unless otherwise agreed to, cones shall be delivered at the base of the TI tree it was collected from. Cones shall be protected from moisture and drying conditions.

C.5.5 Cone Collection Record (General and TI Collections)

The Contractor shall provide daily cone collection records to the COR based on the agreed to schedule which allows the Government to pick up cones timely and before the end of each workday. The cone collection record shall provide the following information at a minimum for each tree for TI collections or for each bulk lot or portion of a bulk lot collected:

• Contractor specified tree number for general collection and TI tree number for TI collection

• Number of cages installed per WPB tree/tree group for both TI and general collections

• Number of trees or tree groups climbed by species

• Location of cone bag(s)

• Location of tree (with any other pertinent locational information)

• Collector’s name

• Date and time of collection

• Species

• Number of bushels collected and trees climbed for general collections, where being paid in combination.

• Average elevation collected for each bulk lot, and elevation of each TI tree collected

• Physically identify which bag the sample cut faces are located in

• Sound seed per cut face

• Contractor inspection notes

C.5.6 Scion Collection

C.5.6.1 General

Scion will be collected during late dormancy and can occur as late as February. It can also be collected during the early dormancy period of late September through October. Collections must be timed to ensure that the Government can deliver scion to the nursery by March 15 for the former collection period or by the first of November for the latter collection period.

The number of pieces of scion to collect and the collection periods will be specified in each task order.

C.5.6.2 Tree Climbing Standards.

Refer to section C.5.4.1.

C.5.6.3 Scion Collection, Care and Tagging Standards

C.5.6.3.1 Scion is to be collected from the upper third of the tree crown only, collecting from wood that grew the previous summer.

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C.5.6.3.2 Scion should measure six to eight inches in length and be approximately the size of a No. 2 pencil in diameter. Specific size requirements will be listed in the task order.

C.5.6.3.3…