R2_CSE_IDIQ.doc

1282X918R0004 Stand Exam IDIQ

Rocky Mountain Region

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

Section B - Schedule of Items

Base Year (May 1, 2018 to April 30, 2019)

Stage 1 data collection

Stage 2 data collection Plot

Plot

* Includes all work items specified in the performance work statement ** This price will double for 1 mile, quadruple for 2 miles etc.

Option Year 1 (May 1, 2019 to April 30, 2020)

Stage 1 data collection

Stage 2 data collection Plot

Plot

* Includes all work items specified in the performance work statement

Option Year 2 (May 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021)

Stage 1 data collection

Stage 2 data collection Plot

Plot

* Includes all work items specified in the performance work statement

Option Year 3 (May 1, 2021 to April 30, 2022)

Stage 1 data collection

Stage 2 data collection Plot

Plot

* Includes all work items specified in the performance work statement

Option Year 4 (May 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023)

Stage 1 data collection

Stage 2 data collection Plot

Plot

* Includes all work items specified in the performance work statement

B.1.

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

The proposed Schedule of Items will be used to determine the maximum price of each item number. Task Orders shall be issued and firms may bid only for line items of work which were awarded as a result of the technical evaluation of the proposal submitted.

The Contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, transportation, materials, and equipment necessary to perform the work as described.

See Zone Map for Zones available for bid. Contractor does not need to bid on all zones to be considered for award. Contractor has option to bid one zone or multiple zones to be considered as a responsive offer. The Government will award to the zones that are of best value to the Government.

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.

B.2.

Estimated Quantity All quantities listed in the contract schedule are estimates only and do not reflect actual quantities to be surveyed over the life of the contract. Actual quantities to be surveyed in any given year are dependent on the needs of the Forest, weather conditions and/or availability of funds. Only certain bid items may be included on a task order in any given year. The number of acres to be surveyed, the maximum dollar limits, or a combination of such will be used to determine maximum survey 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 charges including travel, per diem, or other mobilization costs for each round trip to each Forest listed are to be included in the unit prices.

For additional information on location of project sites, see Section C.1.2.

Prices provided are to be the maximum price a contractor can bid for those tasks on a task order. Individual task orders will be competitively issued between contractors awarded under this program 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 the stated minimum amount or an award of a task order equaling or exceeding guaranteed minimum amount during the base year only as listed in B.2. ($5,000.00). Option Year renewals do not carry the guaranteed minimum.

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

4. Base and Option year dates are identified on the schedule of items in the title. (Also Reference FAR 52.216-18 ORDERING (OCT 1995)) 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 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

AGAR 452.216-73 MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM CONTRACT AMOUNTS (FEB 1988)

During the period specified in FAR clause 52.216-18, ORDERING, the Government shall place orders totaling a minimum of $5,000.00, but not in excess of $5,000,000.00 collectively between all awarded contracts for the full duration of the contracts. This statement applies to the overall contract min/max and not individual task orders.

B.4

AUTHORIZED ORDERING ACTIVITIES: SEE G.1. ISSUANCE OF TASK ORDERS

SECTION C - PERFORMANCE STATEMENT OF WORK (PWS)

Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)

Common Stand Exam (CSE)

Data Collection

C.1.

GENERAL

C.1.1.

SCOPE OF WORK

This statement of work provides for stand examination and related data collection activities on the Pike, San Isabel, Rio Grande, Grand Mesa, Gunnison, Uncompahgre, Shoshone, Black Hills, Arapaho-Roosevelt, White River, Nebraska, Bighorn, Medicine Bow-Routt and San Juan National Forests and Cimarron-Comanche, Buffalo Gap, Fort Pierre, Oglala, Thunder Basin and Pawnee National Grasslands. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, transportation, supervision, supplies (except those designated as Government-furnished), incidentals, and perform all work necessary to conduct stand examinations in compliance with terms, specifications, conditions, and provisions of this solicitation.

C.1.1.1.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Each task order shall identify a desired completion date for the project. No additional time shall be granted for weather delays.

C.1.1.2.

LOCATION DESCRIPTION: Specific locations, maps, type of exam and number of plots per stand and other site specific information will be provided with the task order.

C.1.1.3.

LEVEL OF INTENSITY: The level of exam intensity will be determined by the government and stated with each order issued. The estimated number of plots to be examined each year range from a minimum of 100 plots to a maximum of 30,000 plots across the entire Region and across multiple task orders. The performance period will typically be from approximately March to November annually.

C.1.1.4.

ACCESSIBILITY: Specific site maps identifying Locations, Sites, and Plots as well as access roads will be provided with each order issued.

C.2.

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

The property and services that will be provided by the Government, unless otherwise specified in the task order, are as follows:

https://www.fs.fed.us/nrm/fsveg/index.shtml or shared electronically

Provided at pre-work conference or shared electronically.

https://www.fs.fed.us/nrm/fsveg/index.shtml

Provided at pre-work conference.

Form is in Exhibit 6

Use of Premises permits may be required for contractor’s camp if it exceeds local occupation time limit. All maps, aerial photos, and other unused Government-furnished items shall be returned to the Government upon completion of the job or upon request of the Contracting Officer. Replacement cost for any lost, damaged, or unused Government property that is not returned, shall be deducted from the Contractor’s final payment.

C.3.

CONTRACTOR WORK REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS

C.3.1.

General Specifications.

C.3.1.1.

Accessibility: The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining all necessary permission to gain access to sample locations. If the Contractor cannot obtain permission to access a sample location, the Contractor must notify the Government in writing.

Accessibility may be determined from maps and digital orthoquads which will be furnished by the Forest Service. Contractor shall be responsible for adhering to the USDA Forest Service travel management plan, including yearlong or seasonal closures to motor vehicles, unless authorization is obtained. Maps and photos may indicate that a road goes to the stand; however, vehicle access may be difficult or restricted. Stand locations may necessitate that Contractor walk to the stand or acquire some other means of travel.

Most roads are typically accessible between the months of May through October, though high clearance vehicles may be necessary on some roads. A four-wheel drive, high clearance vehicle is recommended. The Government assumes no responsibility to maintain roads in a passable condition.

C.3.1.2.

Resource Protection Conditions: Contractors are expected to respond to sensitive resource conditions, i.e. walk to plots where road conditions are poor/wet.

C.3.1.3 Work Plan and schedule: The Contractor shall prepare a work plan and schedule that demonstrates that work will be completed within the performance period described in Section F. The Contractor shall provide a general plan with the technical proposal. A supplementary plan and schedule shall be provided after the issuance of a task order, but before work starts.

C.3.1.3.1 The Contractor shall advise the Contracting Officer of any periods that the Contractor will not be working, not specified in the accepted Work Plan.

C.3.1.3.2 The Contractor may update the work plan when work is in progress and submit for approval to the Contracting Officer.

C.3.1.4 Standards: Each task order shall specify the version of the Common Stand Exam User’s Guide and appendices that shall be used. The specified version shall dictate the standards of data collection except when specified otherwise in this contract. In addition, the R2 Supplement to the FSVEG Spatial User Guide shall be used.

C.3.2 Technical Specifications C.3.2.1.

Locating Plots

C.3.2.1.1.

Plot Location Determination. An electronic file that include the latitude and longitude UTMs of the plot locations for each stand will be provided for each task order. The contractor shall use a global position system (GPS) to locate the plots on the ground with datum and waypoint information provided by the government.

1. For standard data collection, a recreation grade GPS (e.g. Garmin, Magellan, etc.) is sufficient.

2. The COR may authorize moving plot locations in the field as appropriate (e.g. plot is in road or on a cliff). If plots are moved, the contractor will document and GPS the new location and provide new location to the COR.

3. For Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration (CFLR) data collection, the Contractor must use a sub-meter accuracy resource grade GPS or equivalent as required in the task order to locate plot center.

C.3.2.1.2.

Maps. Sample plot locations to be measured within each stand will be marked on one of the provided topographical maps. Plot numbers will be pre-assigned for each plot in each stand. Electronic files of plot locations and polygons will be provided to the contractor.

C.3.2.1.3.

Locating Plot Center. Upon arrival at the specified coordinates, the Contractor shall check the map or electronic file to confirm that he/she is at the correct sample plot location. Installing plots in the wrong stand shall result in rejection of data.

1.

If this is the initial plot survey, the Contractor shall identify the sample plot location on the ground.

2.

If this is a return visit for re-measurement, the Contractor shall locate the plot center monument or relocate the exact plot center using a combination of GPS and bearing trees, then re-monument.

C.3.2.1.4.

Non-functioning GPS.

1.

For standard data collection, the contractor may elect to use traditional methods of plot location if the GPS is unable to acquire the necessary resolution to execute the traverse from waypoint data. In either case, the contractor must navigate to the location provided.

2.

For CFLR data collection, the contractor must use a sub-meter accuracy resource grade GPS or equivalent as specified in the task order to locate or relocate the sample points provided in Exhibit 1. Traditional methods are not acceptable.

C.3.2.2.

Plot Center Identification/Flagging

For standard data collection, the Contractor shall identify sample plot centers with a marker that can be either a wire flag, wooden stake, or other marker as agreed upon at the pre-work conference or as specified in the task order. Sample plot center markers shall be firmly driven into the ground.

The location, stand, and plot number shall be written legibly on the plot center markers using a waterproof marker. For example: "060609 Site 3 Pt 04”. If Brown’s transects are conducted, the azimuth of transect shall be written as well.

To facilitate relocation of plots a piece of colored flagging at least 12” long shall be hung vertically at eye height as near as possible to plot center (to be determined per each task order).

For the CFLR data collection, plot center shall be located and recorded using a resource grade GPS with sub-meter accuracy. The center shall be monumented with a wooden or metal stake. The location of the stake shall also be recorded by triangulating, using the three largest nearby trees (species, DBH, distance and bearing of the trees shall be recorded in the remarks section of the plot from). The trees used for triangulation, shall be physically identified with 1 inch metal washers nailed to the base of the tree bole and a large X-shaped bark score at eye level. Metal stakes shall also be established to monument the ends of the two (2) fifty-foot Brown’s transects.

Upon inspection, the center point of the marker where it intersects the ground shall be used as plot center. If the marker is not a wire flag, flagging shall be tied to the marker so that it is visible above the plot center.

Latitude and longitude of plot center needs to be recorded in the PDR in the Exams PDR program. It is preferable if the PDR has GPS capabilities to take the GPS coordinates on site. If not, then the data collector needs to input the latitude and longitude in degrees, minutes, seconds(decimal seconds) in the appropriate lat and long fields in the plot form.

C.3.2.3.

Survey Technique

Plots shall be located using waypoint navigation with a GPS unit. During the initial establishment of the plot, the plot center monument may vary +/- 30 feet from the true plot location listed in Exhibit 1, unless otherwise specified in individual task order. Recurring errors in the location of sample plots greater than the acceptable error shall make the stand survey unsatisfactory; relocation of sample plots and remeasurement shall be required.

For CFLR data collection, the coordinates recorded on the plot form, must have an accuracy of ≤ 10 feet. Plot center stakes established at a distance greater than 10 feet shall make the stand survey unsatisfactory requiring the relocation and remeasurment of sample plots.

In cases where government provided photo plot location differs from GPS location found on the ground the GPS location will prevail.

C.3.2.4.

Recording Requirements The data fields to be collected and recorded are enumerated in sections C.4.3. and C.4.3.1. Each task order shall specifiy which of the following methods shall be used for electronic data collection:

· ExamsCE program. The ExamsCE program runs on several types of PDR style computers with the Windows operating system.

· ExamsPC program. The ExamsPC data entry program runs on computers with Windows operating system. This may require data to be recorded on paper forms in the field and then entered into the ExamsPC program at a later time.

· Government provided VEGCOV program for recording and entering the setting level R2 FSVeg Spatial Polygon Attribute (Walkthrough) Form (FV) data. Runs on computers with DOS or Windows operating systems

· Government provided DHC Excel Workbook for recording and entering lynx coverboard data.

· The contractor is responsible for providing the computer hardware necessary for running the software program/s and for installing, maintaining and trouble shooting the most recent version of the required software.

C.3.2.5.

Qualifications

The success of this field inventory is dependent primarily on the Contractor's professionalism and expertise. It is necessary that the Contractor's staff meet certain standards. A crew can consist of one or more individuals. Minimum technical qualifications are specifically defined as follows:

1. Each crew must have a crew leader with undergraduate courses in mensuration, tree identification, plant identification, silviculture, and ecology and three months prior experience collecting data for Forest inventory or vegetation classification.

2. Each crew leader must also have the additional following minimum qualifications:

a. Proficient in the interpretation of aerial photography and associated maps.

b. Ability to distinguish between stand types both in the field, on original or photocopied aerial photographs and on DOQs.

c. Knowledge in the use of hand held compass, data recorders, pacing, GPS equipments and map measurements.

d. Ability to accurately identify necessary tree, shrub, forb, and grass species needed for identifying local habitat types.

e. Ability to complete vegetation attribute and composition forms.

f. Knowledge of rating tree defects and parasitic plants.

g. Knowledge of common forest insect pests and diseases.

h. Familiar with habitat typing.

i. Proficient in the use of forest measurement equipment.

j. Proficient in the use of GPS equipment and data recorders.

k. Experience with data entry and using PC Exams Specific technical experience may be substituted for a given educational requirement.

The Contractor shall designate crew leaders for each crew. The crew leader shall be the individual responsible for ensuring plot measurements are taken in accordance with the accuracy standards. The contractor will inform the Government who will be working on each task order.

The Contractor, by signing an offer, agrees to use only personnel meeting these qualifications for performance of the work specified herein. The Government reserves the right to make determinations of employees' or subcontractor’s qualifications; any employee or subcontractor who does not meet the above described qualifications may be requested to leave the worksite with the Contractor responsible for the re-collection and resubmittal of any data supplied by that person. The Government may also request the removal of an employee or subcontractor with unsatisfactory past performance.

C.3.2.6.

Work Plan and Progress Schedule.

For each task order, the Contractor shall prepare a work plan and progress schedule that demonstrates that work will be completed within the performance period of the task order. The Contractor shall provide a plan with the technical proposal for the task order(s) (See instructions in section L). The Contract time shall not exceed the negotiated completion date. The Contractor shall maintain progress at a rate that will assure completion and acceptance of work for each task order within the performance period. The minimum acceptable rate of progress will be calculated by dividing the total units of work for each item by performance time specified.

The Contractor shall advise the Contracting Officer of any periods that the Contractor will not be working that are not specified in the accepted Work Plan.

The Contractor shall provide a supplementary plan and schedule as needed to update the work plan when work is in progress. The Contracting Officer may accept the updated work plan.

C.3.3. Data Collection Specifications – Common Stand Exam (CSE) This section describes the data collection forms and the fields on each form to be completed.

Detailed information and lists of valid codes for each of the following data forms are found in the Common Stand Exam (CSE) User Guide, Regional Supplements to the CSE User Guide (i.e. R2 Supplement to the FSVeg User Guide) and Appendices (see Government Furnished Property). If the following contract specifications differ from the provided Common Stand Exam User Guide and Appendices listed in C.4.4 below, the contract specifications shall have precedent. Individual task orders may require less information than is required below. Each task order will specify what will be required for that particular task order.

C.3.3.1.

Setting Form

A setting is normally a stand in which the stand exam is being done. Following is a list of data fields required for each setting. If specified in the task order, Stand Sketch & Notes will be used to record reference point (RP) description, traverse information and a general stand sketch. Project name (Field 1) will be supplied by the government.

The contractor shall be responsible for collecting and filling out the Setting Form for all data items that are set to “YES” in the Required column: Additional items may be required in individual task orders.

Source Comments

Not collected

Contractor

Not collected

Not collected

If specified in Task Order

All Setting Form fields, whether required by this contract or not, are included on the setting form provided in the exhibits. Fields not specifically required by this contract are to be skipped on the form.

C.3.3.2.

Sample Design Form

Sample Designs specifications will be provided with the Task Order and Site List. Sample Designs may be Variable Plot or Fixed Plot to sample large trees (live or dead). Fixed area plots shall be used to sample small trees.

Unless specified in the Task Order, the Contractor shall determine the size of the fixed plot or which Basal Area Factor (BAF) to use to sample the large trees. To determine the BAF or fixed plot size, a minimum of 5 trees per plot (greater than 5.0 inches DBH/DRC) average must be obtained on the plots in the stand. Unless otherwise specified, allowable factors are 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, or 60. If a BAF of 10 or a 1/5th fixed plot is used, the 5 trees per plot average will be waived.

Unless specified in the Task Order, the Contractor shall determine the fixed plot size for small trees. A minimum of 5.0 trees per plot (less than 5.0 inches DBH/DRC) average must be obtained on the plots in the stand. If a 1/50 acre plots is used, the minimum of 5 small trees per plot average will be waived.

The contractor shall be responsible for collecting and filling out the Sample Design Form for all data items that are set to “YES” in the Required column. The contractor shall use the Sample Design form for all plots.

The same BAF and fixed plot sizes must be used throughout the stand.

For CFLR data collection, the Contractor shall use a BAF of 10 for all variable plots. Three -1/300 fixed radius small tree subplots shall be established as described in each Task Order. The data from the subplots shall be summed and recorded as a 1/100 acre plot.

The contractor shall be responsible for collecting and filling out the Sample Design Form for all data items that are set to “YES” in the “Required” column of the following table. The contractor shall use the Sample Design form in Exhibit 2 as the template for all plots. All sample design fields, whether required by this contract or not, are included on the design form provided in the exhibits. Fields not specifically required by this contract are to be skipped on the form.

Source Comments

Only used for Transect Line

C.3.3.3.

Plot Form As specified in a Task Order, the following items are required to be recorded at each plot on the Plot form. Detailed information and lists of valid codes for each data item are found in the Common Stand Exam Users Guide and Appendices (see Government Furnished Property). The contractor shall be responsible for collecting and filling out the Plot Data Form for all data items that are set to “YES” in the required column of the table below. All plot data fields, whether required by this contract or not, are included on the plot data form provided in the exhibits. Fields not specifically required by this contract are to be skipped on the form.

The Plot Number field in PC Exams (C.4.3.C.1) shall correspond to the assigned plot number in each task order for any given plot location.

Amend Common Stand Exam User Guide, Chapter 4, Plot Data with the following:

Capable Grow Area Percent. Based on a 1/10th acre plot, ocular estimate and record the percent of the area that can support tree growth. If the plot has no trees present and is not capable of supporting tree growth (nonstockable), record a 0 percent. If a portion of the plot is capable of supporting trees (stockable), record the percent of the plot area that is capable of supporting trees.

Comments

Not collected

Not collected

Not collected

Derived from GTR INT-122

Optional per task order

Optional per task order

C.3.3.4.

Tree Form

Begin recording standing tree data on the Tree form at azimuth 360 (North), progressing in a clockwise direction around plot center. Trees shall be recorded in the following order:

1) Growth Sample Trees located on the variable radius plot or large fixed radius plot or small fixed radius plot.

2) Live Trees and Dead Standing trees located on the variable radius plot or large fixed radius plot.

3) Small Live Trees trees located on the fixed radius plot.

4) Site trees that are located off plot.

Unless otherwise specified in the task order, during fixed plot survey, group small trees of the same species with DBH less than 5 inches into one of four diameter classes as described in the table below. Enter an average height for the trees that fall into each category.

For CLFR Data Collection:

Amend Common Stand Exam User Guide, Chapter 4, Tree Data with the following:

Growth Sample Tress (GST) unless otherwise specified in the task order, if only one tree species is expected to be present in the stand two large (>=5.0”DBH) GST and one small (<5.0”DBH) GST will be measured on each plot

Measure the first two live standing trees (large) and first live standing tree (small), when moving clockwise from north

Unless otherwise specified in the task order, if more than one tree species is expected to be present in the stand two large (>= 5.0”DBH) and two small (<5.0”DBH) GST will be measured on each plot. The first live standing tree, both large and small, of each species encountered moving clockwise from north, will be measured until two trees of different species are assessed

Field 8: DBH/DRC. For DRC species, standing dead and down dead trees that are grouped, the diameter breakdown will be 5.0”-6.9” = 5.0”, 7.0”-8.9”= 7.0”, 9.0”-10.9”=9.0”, etc. Saplings (trees that are greater than 4.5’ with a diameter of 0.1” – 4.9”) may be grouped into 1.0” diameter classes.

Field 9: Height. Heights will be required for all trees recorded. For saplings, DRC species, and standing dead trees that are grouped, heights can be averaged as long as averaged height is within 10% of actual height.

Field 21,22,24 : Damage. The presence or absence of Dwarf mistletoe will be checked on all pine species and Douglas Fir. Always record if present regardless of what other damages have been recorded. For all other damages record only those significant damages that are most affecting tree growth and/or longevity. For all trees, a maximum of 3 damages will be recorded. If a tree has no significant damage, record no damages for that tree.

The table below shows the maximum amount tree data fields that may be collected for each type of exam. Unless otherwise specified in individual task orders the contractor shall be responsible for collecting and filling out the Tree Data Form for all data items that are set to “X” in the Required column for the specified exam level as listed in the table below. See the Common Stand Exam Users Guide for accuracy standards for each type of exam. All tree data fields, whether required by this contract or not, are included on the Tree Data Form provided in the exhibits. Fields not specifically required by this contract are to be skipped on the form.

Detailed information and lists of valid codes for each data field are found in the Common Stand Exam User Guide and Appendices (see Government Furnished Property).

Field Number Field Description

Contractor

Contractor

Contractor

Stems

Not collected

trees

Record 3 most severe.

category is not blank

Contractor

For CFLR data collection, Field 27: User defined. Each tree shall be classified and recorded as OLD (old), MOD (transitional), or YNG (young) as described in the report RMRS-GTR-110.

C.3.3.5.

Vegetation Composition Form

Unless otherwise required by a specific Task Order, Vegetation Composition forms 1-4 may be collected on a plot size of 1/10 acre (37.2 foot radius) Form 4 (ground surface cover) shall be collected on 1/100 acre (11.8 foot radius) plot.

Record the cover percent of all species that occupy 1% or more of a lifeform/layer combination. For Form 4, the sum of all ground cover types must equal 100%; foliar canopy cover above the soil surface plane is not considered ground surface cover.

Form 4: The sum of all ground cover types must equal 100%. Foliar canopy cover above the soil surface plane is not considered ground surface cover.

Exam

Level

For CFLR Data Collection, Unless otherwise specified in the task order, vegetation composition forms 3 and 4 will be collected on five – 1/750 acre subplots (4.3 foot radius), the data from which shall be averaged for each form and entered as a 1/150 acre plot. The subplots shall be distributed around plot center as described in each Task Order.

For CLFR Data Collection, unless otherwise specified in the task order, Form 3: Record the canopy cover percent of all species of management interest that are present in the subplots to the nearest 1%. Use 0.1% for species present but less than 1%. No species may exceed 100% but total cover for all species may exceed 100% if crowns overlap

The following items are required at each plot, detailed information and lists of valid codes for each data item are found in the Common Stand Exam Users Guide and Appendices:

All vegetation composition data, whether required by this contract or not, are included on the vegetation composition form provided in each Task Order. Fields not specifically required by the Task Order are to be skipped on the form. All ground surface cover data, whether required by this contract or not, are included on the Ground Surface Cover Form provided in each Task Order. Fields not specifically required by this contract are to be skipped on the form.

C.3.3.6 Down Woody Form Down woody material data may be collected by either a piece count on a fixed area plot (method 1B, Common Stand Exam Users Guide) or by Brown’s Protocol, as specified for individual Task Orders.

Piece Count on Fixed Area Plot: Plot size may either be selected by the Government or the Contractor, depending on the Task Order. Minimum diameter and piece length will be specified in the Sample Design in the Task Order. See Chapter 4 of the Common Stand Exam User Guide for detail on methods.

Brown’sPlanar Intercept Method - See Chapter 4 of the Common Stand Exam User Guide for detailed information and valid codes for each data field. Transect lengths will be provided with the Sample Design for each Task Order.

Collect Brown’s Planar Intercept data along a 360 degree azimuth. (0 ft. is at the 0 degree and 50ft point along transect-end point of transect being at 360 degree). If landscape features make this impossible (e.g. cliff edge), then collect transect data along a 180 degree azimuth. Record the azimuth of the transect on the plot center marker.

For CFLR Data Collection- At each plot, collect Brown’s Planar Intercept data along two- 50 foot transects as described in each Task Order. (One transect along a 180 or 360 degree azimuth and the second transect at along a 90 or 270 degree azimuth with plot center being the 25 ft. point along both transects or transects intersecting one another at the 25 ft. point on each transect). Data from each transect will be summed and recorded.

Comments

All down woody fields, whether required by this contract or not, are included on the down woody form provided in each Task Order. Fields not specifically required by this contract are to be skipped on the form.

C.3.3.7.

R2 FSVEG Spatial Polygon Vegetation Attributes Form.

This form shall be completed for each stand that is included in the task order unless otherwise noted in the task order. The field crew should walk through the entire stand before completing the form. Detailed information and lists of valid codes are in the R2 Supplement to the FSVEG Spatial User Guide.

The contractor will be responsible for collecting and entering all provided and collected data into VEGCOV for each polygon listed in task orders, and will complete all data items that are set to “YES” in the required column of the table below. All data will be submitted as .TRU files to the Government.

POLYGON INFORMATION

If the polygon does not currently have a total of 25% crown cover of trees, but was previously tree cover and is currently not stocked due to a recent harvest or burn, enter the expected regenerating cover type or the previous cover type:

(Refer to code list definitions) If the patches make up at least 20 percent of the polygon, then the polygon is considered to be patchy and not continuous.

(Refer to code list definitions)

Record the primary reason for the significant vegetation change:

H – Harvest

F – Fire

W – Wind

I – Insect and Disease

O – Other

Photo Project

Contractor

Date

Contractor