1291S820Q0042 RFIs.pdf

1291S820Q0042 BDF - RTRT Project 2020 Cranston Reforestation Site Preparation

RFI’s

1) Is mechanized equipment allowed in the contract area units? No mechanized equipment allowed for treatment. Contract is for hand work with chainsaws being the only form of mechanical equipment.

2) What is the access to the contract area? The only access to the contract area is through a locked gate on Hwy 74. The contractor awarded will be issued a key to the gate for access.

3) When does the contract need to be completed? This solicitation is for site preparation to create microsite planting spots and burn piles prior to the anticipated planting of trees starting February 1, 2021. The intent of the project is to have the piles built and the piles burned this winter prior to planting the trees. The intent in the solicitation is for an

August 1 start date with 60 working days to complete from the issuance of the Notice to

Proceed.

4) Can trees less than 4 inches in DBH be cut? Trees less than 4 inches DBH are not part of the scope of work for directional felling and limbing of trees but can be cut in order to facilitate safe operations in the project.

5) How close can piles be built next to existing Forest Service Roads? Piles can be built next to the road as long as specifications of the solicitation are met that include leaving no cut material in the roads and ditches along the road edge or road banks.

6) Will the contractor be able to get a variance to work under the EV days in the PAL level? Today was a C so a contractor would be able to cut with chainsaws but yesterday was an E which would call for no cutting. The district is willing to work with the awarded contractor in order to facilitate operations with sawyers carrying bladder bags of water as an example. The variance will apply to the fire conditions at the time of work and has to be re-evaluated every 10 days for Fire Management Officer and District

Ranger approval.

7) Can ATV’s be used in the project area? No off road vehicles and equipment allowed in the project area. Access to contract unit 12b will be by walking and is a 15 minute walk to reach the unit. Old roads that used to go out to unit 12b are not accessible and have been blown out due to heavy storms in winter 2018/19. These old roads cannot be driven on in order to units as they are not official Forest Service access roads.

8) What do we do with a tree that needs to be cut that is off by itself away from other trees? We came across a single tree by itself in unit 12A that meets the specification to be felled and limbed. The only other trees where over 16 inches DBH and did not meet the specifications for felling in that area. This tree will be felled and limbed but the limbs can be lopped and scatter since there are not enough limbs or brush available in the immediate area to be piled.

9) Are special treatment areas designated as no treatment areas? Yes, all special treatment areas are designated as no treatment as well as 10 feet outside of these areas and trees should be directionally felled away from these areas. These areas will be flagged in pink prior to operations but only designated on the map at this time. There is the potential for more no treatment areas to be found. If a contractor discovers an archeological site previously unidentified, they should immediately stop work in that area and contact the COR for further specialist identification.