Att 1 Statement of Work.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK

1. Scope

The Federal Government has a requirement for a Performance-Based Service Contract for Trail Log Out and Brush Cutting for the USDA Forest Service, Flathead National Forest. Performance-Based means the Contractor is responsible for an end product. If an end product is not provided in compliance with the contract specifications, an adjustment to the payment will be made.

The U.S. Forest Service has a backlog of deferred maintenance on trails across the country. The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) was passed in 2020, with the goal of reducing deferred maintenance on public land infrastructure. A portion of the items listed in this contract are funded through GAOA, focusing on deferred maintenance of trails.

The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (PNT) was designated by Congress in 2009 and a section of this long-distance trail is through the Flathead National Forest. A portion of the items listed in this contract are funded specifically for the maintenance of the PNT. The award resulting from this solicitation will require performance of trail maintenance work on the Flathead National Forest. The work involves performing Log Out/Clearing and Brushing on select trails, both in Recommended Wilderness and outside of Recommended Wilderness.

The type of work includes:

a. Log Out / Clearing - Cutting and removing all downed or leaning trees within the clearing limits, removing sticks, limbs, and bark, and re-cutting previously cut logs that do not meet clearing specification and standards.

b. Brush Cutting – Cutting and removing brush, shrubs, and trees less than 4 inches in diameter within the clearing limits.

Trail clearing standards, specifications and performance requirements are detailed herein. Contractors are required to complete work to meet these specifications and performance requirements as explained in Sections 7 and 8.

This requirement contains work in Recommended Wilderness, where area management limits the use of mechanized tools. The Contractor will be required to follow all Jewel Basin Hiking Area regulations, including restrictions on the use of motorized and mechanized equipment, no bicycles, no horses or pack stock. For detailed information, see Attachment 5, Jewel Basin Hiking Area Regulations.

Contractor shall provide all expertise, labor, supervision, services, equipment, mobilization, tools, supplies, permits, licenses, transportation, and incidentals necessary to perform trail clearing, for which the desired outcome is in accordance with the Standard Trail Plans and Specifications. The amount of work required to successfully perform specification clearing and brushing will vary across the trails. Trails that have not seen maintenance for a long time or have been affected by fire or bug killed trees can have significantly increased workload.

The terrain is characterized by steep and dissected mountain topography. Weather conditions in this area are unpredictable and may include thunder, lightning storms, and wind. These conditions are already accommodated in the delivery schedule. Contractor may encounter tread conditions caused by natural events that may constitute a change. See Section 3, Catastrophic Situations. Conditions on the trails will vary in the amount and size of downed or leaning trees, the extent to which brush has grown into the trail corridor and conditions of the tread and trail surface.

Standing dead trees, often referred to as “snags,” occur throughout the Forest environment. They can fall to the ground unpredictably. Trail clearing may require that “snags” be cut, either from a leaning position above the ground or as a downed tree. Some weather conditions may increase snag instability. Trail maintenance contractors need to evaluate the hazard posed by snags for personal safety, particularly during windy conditions.

These tasks shall be completed by the dates shown in the Project Schedule, access conditions permitting. All laws, rules and regulations pertaining to travel restrictions and other activities on National Forest lands shall be adhered to during the performance of the work. Examples are weed free hay requirements, travel restrictions in effect in certain areas, and food storage requirements.

If Contractor has trouble locating a trail or sections of a trail, they shall contact the COR and request assistance in trail/section identification prior to proceeding.

2. Description and Location:

The purpose and intent of this solicitation is to secure trail maintenance services for trails listed in Table 1, Project Schedule, and per the methods outlined in Attachments 2 and 3. Trails to be maintained are located on the Hungry Horse – Glacier View Ranger District on the Flathead National Forest in Flathead County, Montana.

The trails are generally located in mixed conifer forest that include Douglas fir, subalpine fir, lodgepole pine, larch, and spruce. Brush varies by trail but typically includes false huckleberry (aka “mock azalea”), alder, rocky mountain maple, huckleberry, small trees and herbaceous vegetation.

Detailed information about the trails included in this project are shown in Table 1, Project Schedule.

Special Note: Hay Creek Road #376 is closed at the end of the year-round open road access to due a road damage. The section of road typically open from 7/1 - 11/30 may or may not be opened in 2024, depending on when the road repair work will be completed. Contractor should contact the COR before attempting to access Trail #3 from the east to see if the access road is open. Alternative access point will be from the western terminus.

Table 1. Project Schedule

Miles

Beginning Terminus

BASE ITEMS:

912-02

11/01/24

912-02

912-02

912-02

912-02

OPTIONAL ITEMS:

912-02

912-02

912-02

*For Task 912-01 see Clearing Specifications, For Task 912-02 see Brushing Specifications (Sections 7 and 8). See also Attachments 2 and 3.

** See special access note regarding Road #376 under Section 2: Description and Location

Table 2. Last Known Maintenance

Please note: This is the best-known record of maintenance and does not necessarily represent current existing trail conditions.

BASE ITEMS:

OPTIONAL ITEMS:

3. “Catastrophic” Situations

Contractor may encounter trail conditions caused by natural events that may be outside the scope of this contract. In the past this has included, but may not be limited to, wildfire area closures, massive snow avalanches, or stream flooding which results in lost trail tread. These situations would be considered “catastrophic” and may constitute a Changed Condition, outside the workload normally encountered. The Contracting Officer may, in writing, order changes within the general scope of the contract if it is determined that the section of trail in question can be made operable with existing contractor resources during the life of this contract.

4. Blazing Trees

Blazing trees is prohibited. See 36 CFR § 261.9(a). Contractors shall comply with all regulations relevant to Forest Service administered lands. If the contractor is not able to locate/follow a trail, they shall contact the COR for assistance PRIOR to proceeding.

5. Government-Furnished Property

Gate key

6. Damages

The charge rate for Government-Furnished proerty that is not returned, or is returned in unusable condition, is as follows:

Gate key: $500.00 each

7. Performance Requirements

Performance is based on the elements of Specification Clearing and Brush Cutting. See Attachment 3, Clearing Limits - Trees Logs and Attachment 2, Clearing Limits – Brushing.

Clearing Limits - Trees and Logs - STD_912-01:

for Clearing Type C1: Trail Class 3 Pack and Saddle

(A) downhill width is 4 feet, (B) uphill width is 4 feet, and (C) clearing height is 10 feet.

In areas where side slope is greater than 35%, decrease downhill width to 2 feet and increase uphill width to 6 feet.

Leave Trees: (D) N/A Clear Zone: (E) downhill width 12 inches (F) uphill width 18 inches and (G) maximum obstruction height is 24 inches Stumps: (H) maximum height is 12 inches as measured from uphill side.

Hazard Tree: N/A Disposal Method: (D1) Scatter outside trailway, preferably on fill slope.

for Clearing Type C2: Trail Class 3 Hiker/Pedestrian

(A) downhill width is 2 feet, (B) uphill width is 2 feet, and (C) clearing height is 8 feet.

Leave Trees: (D) N/A Clear Zone: (E) downhill width 12 inches (F) uphill width 18 inches and (G) maximum obstruction height is 24 inches Stumps: (H) maximum height is 12 inches as measured from uphill side.

Hazard Tree: N/A Disposal Method: (D1) Scatter outside trailway, preferably on fill slope.

for Clearing Type C3: Trail Class 3 Pack and Saddle

(A) downhill width is 3 feet, (B) uphill width is 3 feet, and (C) clearing height is 8 feet.

In areas where side slope is greater than 35%, decrease downhill width to 2 feet and increase uphill width to 4 feet.

Leave Trees: (D) N/A Clear Zone: (E) downhill width 12 inches (F) uphill width 18 inches and (G) maximum obstruction height is 24 inches Stumps: (H) maximum height is 12 inches as measured from uphill side.

Hazard Tree: N/A Disposal Method: (D1) Scatter outside trailway, preferably on fill slope.

Clearing Limits - Brushing - STD_912-02:

for Clearing Type C1: Trail Class 3 Pack and Saddle Clearing Limits: (J) downhill width is 4 feet, (K) uphill width is 4 feet, and (L) clearing height is 10 feet.

Mowing: (M and N): N/A Disposal Method: (D1) Lop and scatter outside trailway, preferably on fill slope.

In areas where side slope is greater than 35%, decrease downhill width to 2 feet and increase uphill width to 6 feet.

for Clearing Type C2: Trail Class 3 Hiker/Pedestrian Clearing Limits: (J) downhill width is 2 feet, (K) uphill width is 2 feet, and (L) clearing height is 8 feet.

Mowing: (M and N): N/A Disposal Method: (D1) Lop and scatter outside trailway, preferably on fill slope.

for Clearing Type C3: Trail Class 2 Pack and Saddle Clearing Limits: (J) downhill width is 3 feet, (K) uphill width is 3 feet, and (L) clearing height is 8 feet.

Mowing: (M and N): N/A Disposal Method: (D1) Lop and scatter outside trailway, preferably on fill slope.

In areas where side slope is greater than 35%, decrease downhill width to 2 feet and increase uphill width to 4 feet.

8. Specifications

a. Log out / Trail Clearing: Work consists of removing all downed or leaning trees, logs, or parts of trees/logs (attached or not attached to their root systems, live, dead or burned), and previously cut trees that extend across or into the trail clearing limits (height and width). Removal includes main bole, limbs, branches, bark, heavy concentrations of needles and other woody debris resulting from the tree falling or leaning into the trail clearing limits. Remove other sticks or wood chunks exceeding 2 inches in diameter and 12 inches in length that have fallen onto the trailbed.

Fell all trees over 4 inches in diameter that are leaning into the clearing limits. Stump height of leaning trees that are cut outside the clearing limits shall not exceed 12 inches as measured on the uphill side of the stump.

Cut limbs from the bole as close to flush as possible.

Remove roots and stumps from trees within the trailway that have been uprooted.

Rerouting the trail around windfalls, uprooted trees, and other obstacles will not be permitted. “Go Around” routes developed by users to by-pass down trees on the trail are not the original tread.

With prior written approval from the contracting officer representative (COR), the Contractor may ramp or reroute sections of the trail tread that have been damaged by uprooted stumps to provide safe passage on the trail. Payment for such work will be incidental to the specified work item, and no extra payment will be made.

The portions of cut logs that remain on the upper side of the trail shall be either firmly anchored to prevent sliding or rolling onto the trailway or moved across the trail to the lower side and scattered outside the clearing limits. Do not place such materials in stream channels, drainage ways, ditches, culvert catch basins or other locations where they would prevent the free flow of water away from the trail bed.

b. Brushing: Cut and remove from the clearing limits all woody plants exceeding ½ inch in stem diameter or 18 inches in height. The maximum size material to be cut under this specification is 4 inches in diameter when measured at a height of 6 inches above the ground on the uphill side of the stump.

Cut all brush and small, woody plants as near flush to the ground surface as possible. When impractical to cut plants flush, the maximum stem length shall be 2 inches. Because the base of a plant can be outside the clearing limit with limbs extending into the clearing limit, cutting brush flush may require cutting outside the clearing limits.

Remove all limbs of shrubs and trees that extend across or into the clearing limits as shown on the plans. Saw or cut limbs flush with the tree trunk. Make cuts in a manner that will not tear or strip bark from the trees.

Fill holes in the trail tread caused by removing woody material with rocks and mineral soil.

Scatter the cut materials outside and below the clearing limits. Do not place materials in stream channels, drainage ways, ditches, culvert inlets, or other locations where they would prevent the free flow of water away from the trail bed.

These specifications have been tailored to suit the services for trail maintenance and supersede the version found in the “STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF TRAILS AND TRAIL BRIDGES ON FOREST SERVICE PROJECTS, U.S. Customary Units, National Technology and Development Program, 10/30/2014,” which supersedes the 1996 Standard Specification for Construction and Maintenance of Trails. The website below is for reference only to review only: http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/trail-management/trailplans/index.shtml

9. Camping

Camping will be permitted only at locations designated by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). A camp management plan must be submitted to and approved by the COR prior to occupying any camp on National Forest land. The plan shall be given to the COR prior to work start date. The plan shall address camp locations, low impact methods, food storage, and disposal of garbage and human and animal wastes. Garbage shall be hauled to the nearest authorized county dump or transfer station. Use of developed (full service facilities) Forest Service campgrounds and other high use areas will not be allowed unless authorized by the COR.

Camping is restricted to low impact camping methods:

a. Select campsites in durable areas at least 200 feet from lakes, streams, trails. Do not construct lean-to's, bough beds, or drainage ditches. Self-supporting tents and foam pads are alternatives to using native material.

b. Camp sites shall be accessed by existing roads and routes.

c. The camp area shall be maintained to present a clean, neat and orderly appearance. It should be free of litter at all times.

d. Nailing to live trees is prohibited. Use rope or twine and shims if you attach tent poles to trees temporarily.

e. Do not cut live trees or branches. If adequate dead and down material is not available for warming/cooking fires, the COR or representative will designate snags to be felled for camp wood. Felled trees will be low-stumped at no more than 3” height from the ground level.

f. Equipment caches are prohibited. All equipment (including stoves, tables, beds, tools, dishes, etc.) and supplies (including camp gear, food and horse feed) will be packed out at the end of the project.

g. Human waste shall be either buried in a pit (at least 18” deep and located at least 200’ away from water. As pit fills or when leaving the campsite, cover with at least 6” of soil) or contained and packed out in a portable toilet or self-contained camper.

h. Do not build new rock fire rings. Use an existing fire ring, a fire pit, or fire pan to contain warming/cooking fires. Choose a site with mineral soil that will not damage existing trees, tree roots or leave black scars on boulders.

i. Do not add soap to lakes or streams (bathing or washing dishes).

The Contractor shall be aware of and abide by the rules of the National Forest applicable to forest visitors, including storing all food, garbage, and attractants according to the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem Area storage order. See Appendix 1: NCDE Storage Order.

10. Forest Road Access

The Forest Service cannot guarantee that roads accessing the trails in this contract will be clear of trees or debris. Prior to initiating work, the Contractor is encouraged to inquire with District personnel about the current condition of roadways. In the event the Contractor encounters trees blocking an access point during mobilization, the Contractor may either request removal by the Forest Service or remove them at no additional cost.

11. Fire Control

a. Contractor's Responsibility for Contractor-Caused Fires. The Contractor, whether or not directed by the Forest Service, shall immediately extinguish, without expense to the Government, all fires on or in the vicinity of the project which are caused by Contractor's employees, whether set directly or indirectly as a result of Contractor operations. The Contractor may be held liable for all damages and costs of additional labor, subsistence, equipment, supplies, and transportation resulting from fires set or caused by the Contractor's employees or resulting from contract operations.

b. Fire Plan. Prior to initiating work on the contract area, during the closed fire season period, a fire prevention and suppression plan may be prepared upon request from the CO. Such plan shall include a detailed list of personnel and equipment at the Contractor's disposal for implementing the plan. The fire plan may also specify additional measures and/or special requirements, such as fire restrictions, necessary during periods of critical fire weather conditions.

c. Fire Restriction and Closures. When seasonal fire restrictions are invoked for the contract area, the Forest Service may curtail or shut down all or portions of a contractor’s operations, without expense to the Government. Information on common fire restrictions in Montana can be found at https://fwp.mt.gov/news/restrictions-and-closures/fire-restriction-definitions.

12. Contractor Quality Control

The Contractor is responsible for the management and Quality Control (QC) of their work to meet the requirements of the contract. The role of the Government is Quality Assurance (QA) to ensure the contract standards (technical specifications, clearing limits, etc.) are met by the Contractor to a satisfactory level of performance for acceptance. The Contractor shall provide their Quality Control Plan (QCP) to describe how the Contractor will meet the contract requirements. The QCP shall include, but is not limited to the following:

a. The Contractor shall provide a description of how the tasks/work items will be performed by the Contractor to meet the contract requirement (e.g. technical specifications, clearing limits, etc.) and shall be included in their QCP.

b. Key Personnel – The Contractor and Contractor’s employees shall be capable and experienced performing trail maintenance or similar Forestry work to perform the services required for this contract.

c. Rate of Progress (e.g., estimated miles per day)

d. Estimated start and completion dates - The Contractor shall maintain progress at a rate that will assure completion of work within the contract time specified in the Contract. Please see Table 1 for the Completion Due Date of each specific trail.

13. Safety

Contractor shall comply with OSHA regulations and provide employees a work environment that is sanitary and not hazardous, which includes providing personal protective equipment. Contractors must maintain a health and safety plan and an accident prevention program, which includes frequent and regular inspections of the project site, materials, and equipment. Contractors are responsible for risk management regarding contractor/employee and public safety, which includes an experienced operator to handle road and terrain conditions, getting to the worksite, and coordination with other users.

14. Performance Period

The estimated start work date is June 1, 2024 depending on date of award and prework conference. All work shall be completed no later than November 1, 2025.

Some items have completion due dates that differ from the contract performance period. See Table 1, Project Schedule.

The count of contract time will start on the date specified on the notice to proceed. The contractor shall not begin work until a notice to proceed is issued.

15. Government Quality Assurance and Surveillance

The Government may perform periodic inspections during the performance period to ensure the accuracy of the fieldwork in accordance with the Contractor Quality Control Plan. Any inspection by the Government shall be conducted in a manner consistent with trail maintenance technical specifications. A Final Inspection will be performed when notified by the Contractor that work has been completed in part or in whole.

16. Additional Inspection and Acceptance Requirements

a. Inspection Procedure. The Contractor shall notify the COR when each trail is complete and ready for inspection. The Government may conduct quality assurance for its benefit and has the right to refuse acceptance of nonconforming services. If inspection is not performed by the Government within 10 days of Contractor's notification to the COR that a trail is complete, the trail will be considered accepted.

b. Reinspection. The CO/COR reserves the right to reject or require correction of any deficiencies found in the deliverables that are contrary to the information contained in this contract. In the event of a rejected deliverable, the Contractor will be notified by the CO/COR of the specific reasons for rejection. The Contractor will have, at minimum, ten (10) calendar days to correct the rejected deliverable and return it per delivery instructions. The CO may choose to extend this time period.

17. Measurement and Payment

The quantity to be paid for will be measured in miles and tenths of miles and will be those trails that are included in the contract, completed, and accepted.

18. Prework Conference

Prior to commencement of work, the Contracting Officer will arrange a meeting with the Contractor and Contracting Officer’s Representative to discuss the contract terms, Contractor’s Quality Control Plan, camping plan (if applicable), and work performance requirements.