Sol_140P2123Q0199_Amd_0001.pdf

(x)

140P2123Q0199 x x copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted ; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE

RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR

OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted , such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

x

PWA

Denver CO 80225 P.O.Box 25287 MS WCP NPS, WASO - WCP Contracting

09/06/20230001

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS. IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) is not extended.is extended, Items 8 and 15, and returning

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended , by one of the following methods: (a) By completing

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

FACILITY CODE CODE

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)CODE 6. ISSUED BY

PAGE OF PAGES

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.3. EFFECTIVE DATE2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

08/15/2023

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority) appropriation data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not is required to sign this document and return __________________ copies to the issuing office.

ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

The purpose of Amendment 0001 is to provide responses to questions (RFIs) that were submitted to the National Park Service Contracting Office.

The Performance Work Statement has been updated, and all updated changes are highlighted.

All amendments shall be acknowledged by signing the SF30 and returning it with your proposal submission.

The Solicitation Closing Date has not changed, and all proposals shall be submitted by

September 21, 2023, 12:00 EDT.

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 16C. DATE SIGNED

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

Ruth Pagan

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

Previous edition unusable

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9 A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect .

RFI,

(request for information)

Page

Section or

Attachm ent

Paragraph Request For Information (RFI)

Responses

10 2.3 1

Can we use round rubber weed mats around each tree to prevent weeds from growing? Yes

7 1.4 5

Are UTV's allowed to have rubber tires?

Yes

10 2.4 1

Are disc head masticators allowed in addition to drum head?

Yes

10 2.3 1

Will watering or fertilizing be required to be done by the contractor?

Watering and fertilizing will be at the disgretion of the contractor to support the health of the trees. All watering and fertilizing will be the

9 2.2 1

Will contractor be allowed to mow between rows of trees?

Yes, mowing will be added to the PWS as a technique available for maintaining the site.

10 2.3 1

Will bird netting be requred to be installed on tree tubes?

Yes

13 2.8 1

Will contractor be required to remove tree shelters and stakes when trees are large enough to have them removed?

No. Since the tree shelters and stakes may have to stay on the trees past the end of the POP, Since this is going to be a multi-year contract, how often can invoicing can be done? Invoicing may be done monthly.

CATOCTIN FOREST RESTORATION

Solicitation 1402123Q0199

Questions, RFI

140P2123Q0199, CATOCTIN FOREST RESTORATION

Table of Contents Section Page

B – Prices / Costs ……………………..…………………………………………. 4 C – Description / Specifications/Statement of Work …………………………. 6 - 26 D – Packaging and Marking …………………………………………………… 27 E – Inspection and Acceptance ………………………………………………… 28 F – Deliveries or Performance ………………………………………………… 29 G – Contract Administration Data ……………………………………………. 30 H – Special Contract Requirements …………………………………………… 31 - 33 I - Contract Clauses ………………………………………………………........ 34 - 43 Provisions ………………………………………………………………… 44 - 49 J - List of Attachments …………………………………………………………. 50 K – Representations, Certifications ……………………………………………. 51 - 54 L – Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors or Respondents ……… 55 M – Evaluation Factors For Award …………………………………………

B - Supplies or Services/Prices

This is a non-personnel services contract to provide forest restoration services. The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein.

Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn is responsible to the Government.

Work is identified as the Basic Requirement. It is anticipated that the work identified as the Basic Requirement would be done during one mobilization period over the course of the project schedule.

BASIC REQUIREMENT

Work for the Basic Requirement falls within many different sections of the Performance Work Statement required Tasks.

LABOR, EQUIPMENT, TRANSPORTATION, MATERIALS, ETC.

LINE ITEM DESCRIPTION QTY UNIT RATE AMOUNT

1 BASE 1- Within site A, which is 8 acres already cleared by NPS masticator, conduct soil analysis, species selection, and work plan development.

Delivery Date: December 22, 2023 1

Lump $0.00

2 BASE 2- Within site A, maintain the site by spraying non-native plants 25' outside of the site perimeter and in the interior of the site. Conduct monthly maintenance for 3 years from April - October in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Delivery Date: October 31 2026.

Lump $0.00

3 BASE 3- Within Site A, beginning no earlier than September 1 2024, plant 300 trees per acre including tree tubes and stakes for each tree and labor.

Delivery Date: May 31, 2025 8

Acres $0.00

4 BASE 4 - Use a skid steer mounted drum head or disc head masticator to mow non-native plants to clear sites A, B, C, and D, before planting.

Delivery Date: December 22, 2023

Acre $0.00

5 OPTION 1 - Within site B, conduct site planning, site preparation, site stakeout, planting 300 trees per acre, and site maintenance for 3 years:

Delivery Date: Tree planting due May 31, 2025.

Remainder of OPTION 1 TASKS Due October 31, 2026 4

Acres $0.00

6 OPTION 2 - Within site C, conduct site planning, site preparation, site stakeout, planting 300 trees per acre, and site maintenance for 3 years:

Delivery Date: Tree planting due May 31, 2025.

Remainder of OPTION 2 TASKS Due October 31, 2026 4

Acres $0.00

7 OPTION 3 - Within site D, conduct site planning, site preparation, site stakeout, planting 300 trees per acre, and site maintenance for 3 years:

Delivery Date: Tree planting due May 31, 2025.

Remainder of OPTION 3 TASKS Due October 31, Acres $0.00

8 OPTION 4 - 4th year of exotic plant control on site A. Conduct monthly maintenance from April

- October 2027 for at least one day per month.

Delivery Date: October 31, 2027 1

Lump $0.00

TOTAL $0.00

C – DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS

CATOCTIN MOUNTAIN PARK

FY23 Forest Restoration

9/5/23

Performance Work Statement

1.0 GENERAL

This is a non-personnel services contract to provide forest restoration services. The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein.

Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn is responsible to the Government.

1.1 Description of Services/Introduction: The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform forest restoration as defined in this Performance Work Statement except for those items specified as government furnished property and services. The contractor shall perform to the standards in this contract.

1.2 Background: Forested areas of the park have become invaded by non-native plants and have lost canopy cover due to emerald ash borer. NPS has mowed non-native shrubs using a drumhead masticator and has prepared the sites by using herbicide to kill resprouts in site A (see exhibit 1). Site A is currently open, allowing for maneuverability for skid steer, pedestrians, and UTV. NPS will flatten and pile snags in site A, which will be completed by November 1, 2023. There are a few patches in site A that need to be masticated as part of this contract, which total approximately one acre. After that one acre is cleared, the site will be ready for planting of trees. Sites B, C, and D have not been masticated or maintained by NPS and consist of an understory of non-native shrubs and dead ash snags that are both standing and that have already fallen.

1.3 Objective: Catoctin Mountain Park (CATO) in Thurmont, MD is soliciting forestry services to perform forest restoration in targeted areas of the park.

1.4 Scope: These services will include planting 1-gallon size containerized deciduous native trees and shrubs in areas that have recently been cleared of exotic species. Work will include soil analysis, species selection, development of a work plan, treating non-native species with herbicide, and tree shelter and stake installation. Work will also include maintenance of the planted area for 3 years from April – October, including treating non-native plants with herbicide, hand weeding vegetation inside the shelters, and rehammering/replacing broken stakes and shelters. Work will also include masticating an additional 10 acres in sites A, B, C, and D.

In addition to the base requirement this requirement also has several options, all of which are subject to available funds. These options include planting an additional 9 acres in Tasks 2.5, 2.6, and 2.7; and an additional 7 months of non-native plant maintenance of site A in Task 2.8.

Staging area for the storage of materials, trees, and equipment will be provided by NPS in the ballfield, see Exhibit 1. Manahan Road may be closed to traffic to allow the contractor to block the road while delivering supplies and trees to the work site, as decided by the COR.

Masticator work is not permitted between May 1 and October 11 to protect the habitat of the Northern Long Eared Bats, which are listed as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act, and nesting birds. Tree felling is not permitted between April 1 and November 15 to protect the Northern Long Eared Bat – quote accordingly.

UTV’s and skid steers are permitted to drive within the project area, but no trucks are permitted to be off the asphalt or gravel roads. UTV’s are permitted to have rubber tires or rubber tracks. Skid steers are required to have rubber tracks, no tires. Skid steer is not permitted within the project area during wet conditions and will only be permitted during dry or frozen conditions to prevent excessive soil disturbance. The COR will monitor soil conditions and will stop work if excessive soil disturbance is occurring. COR will stop work if equipment damage to existing live trees is found. Repair all ground damage incurred during the performance of operations to the satisfaction of the COR (i.e., ruts, holes, etc.). Staging area will be in the ballfield, see exhibit 1. Due to the scope of this project, it is highly encouraged that contractors attend the site visit in order to fully understand the magnitude of work to be completed.

1.5 Period of Performance & Delivery Date:

The Delivery Date for masticator work for TASK 2.4 is October 1, 2023 – December 22, 2023.

The Delivery Date for soil analysis, species selection, and work plan development for sites A, B, C, and D is October 1 – December 22, 2023.

The Delivery Date for herbicide treatment for the TASKS 2.2, 2.4, 2.5, AND 2.6 is: April 1, 2024 – October 31, 2026.

The Delivery Date for tree planting for TASKS 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, AND 2.6 is September 1, 2024 – May 31, 2025.

The Delivery Date for herbicide treatment for TASK 2.8 is April 1, 2027 – October 31, 2027. The Period of Performance: Time of Award – October 31, 2027– All work is due by the Delivery Date – The Period of Performance is for billing purposes only.

1.6 Recognized holidays: No work shall take place on the following Federal holidays:

New Year’s Day – January 1st

Martin Luther King Junior’s Birthday – Third Monday in January

President’s Day – Third Monday in February

Memorial Day – Last Monday in May

Juneteenth – June 19th

Independence Day – July 4th

Labor Day – First Monday in September

Columbus Day – Second Monday in October

Veteran’s Day – November 11th

Thanksgiving Day – Fourth Thursday in November

Christmas Day – December 25th

1.7 Hours of Operation: Services shall be conducted between the hours of 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM ET, Monday – Friday except when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closing, or similar Government directed facility closings. The contractor will not be reimbursed when the Government facility is closed for the above reasons unless emergency services are requested.

1.8 Physical Security: There are many gates secured with combination locks in the park. The combination will be provided to the contractor for access to closed roads and the ballfield as needed.

The contractor shall be responsible for closing and locking all gates behind them at all times. Gates and locks shall not be left unsecured with no one around. Locks will not be left “open” or with the combination code visible.

1.9 Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings: The contractor agrees to attend any post award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 42.5. The contracting officer, Contracting Officers Representative (COR), and other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the contractor to review the contractor's performance. At these meetings the contracting officer will apprise the contractor of how the government views the contractor's performance and the contractor will apprise the Government of problems, if any, being experienced. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the government.

1.10 Identification of Contractor Employees: All contract personnel attending meetings and working in other situations where their contractor status is not obvious to third parties are required to identify themselves as such to avoid creating an impression in the minds of members of the public that they are Government officials. All vehicles, including UTV and skid steer, must have contractor name visible on the exterior of the vehicle. Contractor must also ensure that all documents or reports produced by contractors are suitably marked as contactor products or that contractor participation is appropriately disclosed.

2.0 TASKS

The contractor shall:

2.1 BASE 1– Within site A, which is 8 acres already cleared by NPS masticator, conduct soil analysis, species selection, and work plan development. Contractor will not provide masticator services under task 2.1.

• Site planning – conduct soil analysis, species selection, and develop work plan. Soil analysis must be provided to COR. Species selection must be approved by COR and include canopy trees and shrubs. Shrubs cannot make up more than 25% of the plantings per acre. Trees and shrubs are required to be native to the Appalachian Mountain area.

• Planted species could include but not limited to hickory (bitternut, shagbark, mockernut), oak (post, black, northern red, southern red, white, chestnut, blackjack), hophornbeam, redbud, yellow-poplar, sugar maple, viburnum species, flowering dogwood. Planting of ash, beech, and locust is prohibited.

• Work plan must be approved by the COR and will include:

o Identification of nursery/nurseries from which plants will be purchased.

o Percent of each species proposed to be planted.

o Tree tube and stake specifications.

o Plan for keeping plants healthy including watering and fertilizing. Watering and fertilizing will be at the discretion of the contractor to maintain health of the plantings.

o Integrated Pest Management plan for controlling disease, insect pests, wildlife pests (voles), and invasive plants. Includes mowing, herbicide use, and schedules for planting and maintenance.

2.2 BASE 2–Within site A, which is 8 acres, conduct monthly site maintenance for 7 months April – October in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

• Site preparation – treat non-native plants 25’ outside of the unit perimeter with herbicide.

Minimize damage to native plants.

• Treat non-native plants that grow up within the 8 acres with herbicide approved by the COR.

o Non-native species includes but not limited to Ailanthus, Japanese barberry, multiflora rose, autumn olive, oriental bittersweet, Japanese angelica tree, and bush honeysuckle.

o Prevent at least 95% of non-natives within unit from going to seed each year.

o Achieve 95% reduction in invasive plants between time of award and POP end.

• After perennial non-native plants are controlled with herbicide, mowing shall be used to prepare the site for planting and to maintain vegetation to 2’ in height or less in rows between trees.

• After trees are planted starting in September 2024:

o Maintain vegetation around the tree tube with herbicide and/or mowing. Weed mats may be used around each tree/shrub.

o Hand weed inside each tube, including removing vines from inside and outside the tubes.

o Rehammer or replace broken stakes, tube mesh end protectors, and shelters as needed. All mesh end protectors that fall off shall be collected and not left in the field. The COR will inspect shelters and stakes in August 2026 and flag those in poor condition that the contractor must replace or rehammer.

• In order to achieve a 97% survivability rate, the contractor and COR will inspect planted trees in June of 2026 and will flag unacceptable trees that will be replaced by the contractor in the fall of 2026. 100% survivability is not required, only 97% survivability is required.

Unacceptable trees include those that are dead, have more than 25% leaf die-back, leader die-back of more than 10% of tree height, or branch die back of more than 6 inches on 75% of branches.

• Watering and fertilizing will not be required but will be at the discretion of the contractor to maintain plant health and will be the responsibility of the contractor.

• The COR must be given notice at least 48 hours before each site visit.

2.3 BASE 3– Within site A, Plant 300 deciduous trees and shrubs per acre x 8 acres between September 1, 2024 and May 31, 2025. Trees cannot be planted before September 1, 2024, because NPS has to conduct archeology screening before planting can begin.

• Planted species could include but not limited to hickory (bitternut, shagbark, mockernut), oak (post, black, northern red, southern red, white, chestnut, blackjack), hophornbeam, redbud, yellow-poplar, sugar maple, viburnum species, flowering dogwood. Planting of ash, beech, and locust is prohibited.

• Site stakeout – mark planting locations on the ground in a naturalized grid pattern that allows for ease of maintenance and driving UTV between rows. Stakeout must be approved by COR before planting can begin.

• Site planting - Plant 2,400 (300/acre) native one gallon containerized deciduous trees and shrubs on a 12’ x 12’ spacing.

• Abandoned planting pits shall be backfilled with excavated soil and compacted to the finished grade.

• Install vented tree shelters,stakes, and mesh end protectors for the tubes to keep birds from falling in them, on each planted tree/shrub. Shelters must be 5’ tall and stakes must be at least 5’ tall x 1”x1”

• Before planting, the contractor and COR shall inspect and approve each tree and shrub and flag unacceptable plants that must be replaced. Criteria for unacceptable plants:

o Trees with double leaders – only trees with a single straight leader is acceptable.

o Trees or shrubs with more than 25% of leaf area dead, lost or dropped.

o Trees or shrubs with bark wounds more than 15% of bark circumference or 2 inches in length.

o Shrubs with more than 25% die back of shrub height.

o Trees with leader die-back of more than 10% of tree height.

o Trees with branch die back more than 6 inches on 75% of branches.

o Trees and shrubs that contain diseases or pests.

o Cultivars will not be accepted unless approved in advance by the COR.

• The contractor shall submit a request for installation phase inspection when planting operations are completed. The inspection shall be scheduled by the COR on site with the contractor. At least 14 days notice will be provided before the scheduled inspection so that it may be completed in the company of the contractor. The COR, in consultation with the contractor, will develop the installation phase punch list.

• Initial watering and fertilizing will not be required but will be at the discretion of the contractor to maintain plant health and will be the responsibility of the contractor.

2.4 BASE 4– Clear a total of 10 acres of non-native shrubs within sites A (1 acre), B (4 acres), C (4 acres), and D (1 acre), (see exhibit 1) using a skid steer mounted drumhead or disc masticator.

Within site A, approximately 7 of 8 acres were already masticated in December 2022 by NPS and were maintained in the growing season of 2023 with herbicide by NPS. There are several pockets of non-natives that were not masticated by NPS which add up to approximately 1 acre and that shall be masticated by the contractor.

• Non-native species to be masticated includes but not limited to Ailanthus, Japanese barberry, multiflora rose, autumn olive, oriental bittersweet, Japanese angelica tree, and bush honeysuckle.

• Masticator will consist of a skid steer with rubber tracks and mulching drumhead or disc head.

• Logs have fallen within the sites due to tree decline and emerald ash borer. If fallen logs are preventing masticator access patches of non-native shrubs, a skid steer mounted grapple shall be used, along with chainsaws, to move and pile logs to allow for easier planting and site maintenance within sites B, C, and D. Locations of log piles shall be approved by the COR.

• Ruts will be prevented proactively. Only skid steers with rubber tracks, not tires, may be used. Skid steer will not be permitted within the sites during wet conditions. Skid steer will only be permitted within the sites during dry or frozen conditions to prevent soil disturbance.

The COR will monitor soil conditions and will stop work if soil disturbance is occurring.

Since archeology has not yet been conducted, it is important that surface soil not be scraped by dragging or pushing logs across the soil surface. If logs need to be moved to access patches of invasive plants, the logs shall be picked up and moved with the grapple and not dragged.

• Masticator operator shall have at least 5 years of experience working in forested environments similar in type and size to this project.

• Area will be cleared to allow for future tree planting and UTV access between rows of trees planted 12’ x 12’ apart.

• Damage to mature native trees due to contact with skid steer is prohibited.

2.5 OPTION 1 – Within site B, Plant 300 deciduous trees and shrubs per acre x 4 acres between September 1, 2024 and May 31, 2025. Trees cannot be planted before September 1, 2024, because NPS has to conduct archeology screening before planting can begin. Conduct monthly site maintenance for 7 months April – October in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

trees and shrubs. Shrubs cannot make up more than 25% of the plantings per acre. Trees and shrubs are required to be native to the Appalachian Mountain area.

• Planted species could include but not limited to hickory (bitternut, shagbark, mockernut), oak (post, black, northern red, southern red, white, chestnut, blackjack), hophornbeam, redbud, yellow-poplar, sugar maple, viburnum species, flowering dogwood. Planting of ash, beech, sweetgum, and locust is prohibited.

• Work plan must be approved by the COR and will include:

o Identification of nursery/nurseries from which plants will be purchased.

o Percent of each species proposed to be planted.

o Tree tube and stake specifications.

o Plan for keeping plants healthy including watering and fertilizing. Watering and fertilizing will be at the discretion of the contractor to maintain health of the plantings.

o Integrated Pest Management plan for controlling disease, insect pests, wildlife pests (voles), and invasive plants. Includes mowing, herbicide use, and schedules for planting and maintenance.

• Site preparation – treat non-native plants 25’ outside of the unit perimeter with herbicide.

Minimize damage to native plants.

• Treat non-native plants that grow up within the 8 acres with herbicide approved by the COR.

o Non-native species includes but not limited to Ailanthus, Japanese barberry, multiflora rose, autumn olive, oriental bittersweet, Japanese angelica tree, and bush honeysuckle.

o Prevent at least 95% of non-natives within unit from going to seed each year.

o Achieve 95% reduction in invasive plants between time of award and POP end.

• After perennial non-native plants are controlled with herbicide, mowing shall be used to prepare the site for planting and to maintain vegetation to 2’ in height or less in rows between trees.

• Site stakeout – mark planting locations on the ground in a naturalized grid pattern that allows for ease of maintenance and driving UTV between rows.

• Before planting, the contractor and COR shall inspect and approve each tree and shrub and flag unacceptable plants that must be replaced. Criteria for unacceptable plants:

o Trees with double leaders – only trees with a single straight leader is acceptable.

o Trees or shrubs with more than 25% of leaf area dead, lost or dropped.

o Trees or shrubs with bark wounds more than 15% of bark circumference or 2 inches in length.

o Shrubs with more than 25% die back of shrub height.

o Trees with leader die-back of more than 10% of tree height.

o Trees with branch die back more than 6 inches on 75% of branches.

o Trees and shrubs that contain diseases or pests.

o Cultivars will not be accepted unless approved in advance by the COR.

• Site planting - Plant 1,200 (300/acre) native one gallon containerized deciduous trees and shrubs on a 12’ x 12’ spacing.

• Abandoned planting pits shall be backfilled with excavated soil and compacted to the finished grade.

• Install vented tree shelters,stakes, and mesh end protectors for the tubes to keep birds from falling in them, on each planted tree/shrub. Shelters must be 5’ tall and stakes must be at least 5’ tall x 1”x1”

• Initial watering and fertilizing will not be required but will be at the discretion of the contractor to maintain plant health and will be the responsibility of the contractor.

• After trees are planted starting in September 2024:

o Maintain vegetation around the tree tube with herbicide and/or mowing. Weed mats may be used around each tree/shrub.

o Hand weed inside each tube, including removing vines from inside and outside the tubes.

o Rehammer or replace broken stakes, tube mesh end protectors, and shelters as needed. All mesh end protectors that fall off shall be collected and not left in the field. The COR will inspect shelters and stakes in August 2026 and flag those in poor condition that the contractor must replace or rehammer.

• In order to achieve a 97% survivability rate, the contractor and COR will inspect planted trees in June of 2026 and will flag unacceptable trees that will be replaced by the contractor in the fall of 2026. 100% survivability is not required, only 97% survivability is required.

Unacceptable trees include those that are dead, have more than 25% leaf die-back, leader die-back of more than 10% of tree height, or branch die back of more than 6 inches on 75% of branches.

• Watering and fertilizing will not be required but will be at the discretion of the contractor to maintain plant health and will be the responsibility of the contractor.

• The contractor shall submit a request for installation phase inspection when planting operations are completed. The inspection shall be scheduled by the COR on site with the contractor. At least 14 days notice will be provided before the scheduled inspection so that it may be completed in the company of the contractor. The COR, in consultation with the contractor, will develop the installation phase punch list.

2.6 OPTION 2 – Within site C, plant 300 deciduous trees and shrubs per acre x 4 acres between September 1, 2024 and May 31, 2025. Trees cannot be planted before September 1, 2024 because NPS has to conduct archeology screening before planting can begin. Conduct monthly site maintenance for 7 months April – October in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

trees and shrubs. Shrubs cannot make up more than 25% of the plantings per acre. Trees and shrubs are required to be native to the Appalachian Mountain area.

• Planted species could include but not limited to hickory (bitternut, shagbark, mockernut), oak (post, black, northern red, southern red, white, chestnut, blackjack), hophornbeam, redbud, yellow-poplar, sugar maple, viburnum species, flowering dogwood. Planting of ash, beech, sweetgum, and locust is prohibited.

• Work plan must be approved by the COR and will include:

o Identification of nursery/nurseries from which plants will be purchased.

o Percent of each species proposed to be planted.

o Tree tube and stake specifications.

o Plan for keeping plants healthy including watering and fertilizing. Watering and fertilizing will be at the discretion of the contractor to maintain health of the plantings.

o Integrated Pest Management plan for controlling disease, insect pests, wildlife pests (voles), and invasive plants. Includes mowing, herbicide use, and schedules for planting and maintenance.

• Site preparation – treat non-native plants 25’ outside of the unit perimeter with herbicide.

Minimize damage to native plants.

• Treat non-native plants that grow up within the 8 acres with herbicide approved by the COR.

o Non-native species includes but not limited to Ailanthus, Japanese barberry, multiflora rose, autumn olive, oriental bittersweet, Japanese angelica tree, and bush honeysuckle.

o Prevent at least 95% of non-natives within unit from going to seed each year.

o Achieve 95% reduction in invasive plants between time of award and POP end.

• After perennial non-native plants are controlled with herbicide, mowing shall be used to prepare the site for planting and to maintain vegetation to 2’ in height or less in rows between trees.

• Site stakeout – mark planting locations on the ground in a naturalized grid pattern that allows for ease of maintenance and driving UTV between rows.

• Before planting, the contractor and COR shall inspect and approve each tree and shrub and flag unacceptable plants that must be replaced. Criteria for unacceptable plants:

o Trees with double leaders – only trees with a single straight leader is acceptable.

o Trees or shrubs with more than 25% of leaf area dead, lost or dropped.

o Trees or shrubs with bark wounds more than 15% of bark circumference or 2 inches in length.

o Shrubs with more than 25% die back of shrub height.

o Trees with leader die-back of more than 10% of tree height.

o Trees with branch die back more than 6 inches on 75% of branches.

o Trees and shrubs that contain diseases or pests.

o Cultivars will not be accepted unless approved in advance by the COR.

• Site planting – Plant 1,200 (300/acre) native one gallon containerized deciduous trees and shrubs. Install vented tree shelters and stakes on each planted tree/shrub.

• Abandoned planting pits shall be backfilled with excavated soil and compacted to the finished grade.

• Install vented tree shelters,stakes, and mesh end protectors for the tubes to keep birds from falling in them, on each planted tree/shrub. Shelters must be 5’ tall and stakes must be at least 5’ tall x 1”x1”

• Initial watering and fertilizing will not be required but will be at the discretion of the contractor to maintain plant health and will be the responsibility of the contractor.

• After trees are planted starting in September 2024:

o Maintain vegetation around the tree tube with herbicide and/or mowing. Weed mats may be used around each tree/shrub.

o Hand weed inside each tube, including removing vines from inside and outside the tubes.

o Rehammer or replace broken stakes, tube mesh end protectors, and shelters as needed. All mesh end protectors that fall off shall be collected and not left in the field. The COR will inspect shelters and stakes in August 2026 and flag those in poor condition that the contractor must replace or rehammer.

• In order to achieve a 97% survivability rate, the contractor and COR will inspect planted trees in June of 2026 and will flag unacceptable trees that will be replaced by the contractor in the fall of 2026. 100% survivability is not required, only 97% survivability is required.

Unacceptable trees include those that are dead, have more than 25% leaf die-back, leader die-back of more than 10% of tree height, or branch die back of more than 6 inches on 75% of branches.

• Watering and fertilizing will not be required but will be at the discretion of the contractor to maintain plant health and will be the responsibility of the contractor.

• The contractor shall submit a request for installation phase inspection when planting operations are completed. The inspection shall be scheduled by the COR on site with the contractor. At least 14 days notice will be provided before the scheduled inspection so that it may be completed in the company of the contractor. The COR, in consultation with the

2.7 OPTION 3 – Within site D, plant 300 deciduous trees and shrubs per acre x 1 acre between September 1, 2024 and May 31, 2025. Trees cannot be planted before September 1, 2024 because NPS has to conduct archeology screening before planting can begin. Conduct monthly site maintenance for 7 months April – October in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

• Site planning – conduct soil analysis, species selection, and develop workplan. Soil analysis must be provided to COR. Species selection must be approved by COR and include canopy trees and shrubs. Shrubs cannot make up more than 25% of the plantings per acre. Trees and shrubs are required to be native to the Appalachian Mountain area.

• Planted species could include but not limited to hickory (bitternut, shagbark, mockernut), oak (post, black, northern red, southern red, white, chestnut, blackjack), hophornbeam, redbud, yellow-poplar, sugar maple, viburnum species, flowering dogwood. Planting of ash, beech, sweetgum, and locust is prohibited.

• Work plan must be approved by the COR and will include:

o Identification of nursery/nurseries from which plants will be purchased.

o Percent of each species proposed to be planted.

o Tree tube and stake specifications.

o Plan for keeping plants healthy including watering and fertilizing. Watering and fertilizing will be at the discretion of the contractor to maintain health of the plantings.

o Integrated Pest Management plan for controlling disease, insect pests, wildlife pests (voles), and invasive plants. Includes mowing, herbicide use, and schedules for planting and maintenance.

• Site preparation – treat non-native plants 25’ outside of the unit perimeter with herbicide.

Minimize damage to native plants.

• Treat non-native plants that grow up within the 1 acre with herbicide approved by the COR.

o Non-native species includes but not limited to Ailanthus, Japanese barberry, multiflora rose, autumn olive, oriental bittersweet, Japanese angelica tree, and bush honeysuckle.

o Prevent at least 95% of non-natives within unit from going to seed each year.

o Achieve 95% reduction in invasive plants between time of award and POP end.

• After perennial non-native plants are controlled with herbicide, mowing shall be used to prepare the site for planting and to maintain vegetation to 2’ in height or less in rows between trees.

• Site stakeout – mark planting locations on the ground in a naturalized grid pattern that allows for ease of maintenance and driving UTV between rows.

• Before planting, the contractor and COR shall inspect and approve each tree and shrub and flag unacceptable plants that must be replaced. Criteria for unacceptable plants:

o Trees with double leaders – only trees with a single straight leader is acceptable.

o Trees or shrubs with more than 25% of leaf area dead, lost or dropped.

o Trees or shrubs with bark wounds more than 15% of bark circumference or 2 inches in length.

o Shrubs with more than 25% die back of shrub height.

o Trees with leader die-back of more than 10% of tree height.

o Trees with branch die back more than 6 inches on 75% of branches.

o Trees and shrubs that contain diseases or pests.

o Cultivars will not be accepted unless approved in advance by the COR.

• Site planting - Plant 300 native one gallon containerized deciduous trees and shrubs. Install vented tree shelters and stakes on each planted tree/shrub.

• Abandoned planting pits shall be backfilled with excavated soil and compacted to the finished grade.

• Install vented tree shelters,stakes, and mesh end protectors for the tubes to keep birds from falling in them, on each planted tree/shrub. Shelters must be 5’ tall and stakes must be at least 5’ tall x 1”x1”

• Initial watering and fertilizing will not be required but will be at the discretion of the contractor to maintain plant health and will be the responsibility of the contractor.

• After trees are planted starting in September 2024:

o Maintain vegetation around the tree tube with herbicide and/or mowing. Weed mats may be used around each tree/shrub.

o Hand weed inside each tube, including removing vines from inside and outside the tubes.

o Rehammer or replace broken stakes, tube mesh end protectors, and shelters as needed. All mesh end protectors that fall off shall be collected and not left in the field. The COR will inspect shelters and stakes in August 2026 and flag those in poor condition that the contractor must replace or rehammer.

• In order to achieve a 97% survivability rate, the contractor and COR will inspect planted trees in June of 2026 and will flag unacceptable trees that will be replaced by the contractor in the fall of 2026. 100% survivability is not required, only 97% survivability is required.

Unacceptable trees include those that are dead, have more than 25% leaf die-back, leader die-back of more than 10% of tree height, or branch die back of more than 6 inches on 75% of branches.

• Watering and fertilizing will not be required but will be at the discretion of the contractor to

• The contractor shall submit a request for installation phase inspection when planting operations are completed. The inspection shall be scheduled by the COR on site with the contractor. At least 14 days notice will be provided before the scheduled inspection so that it may be completed in the company of the contractor. The COR, in consultation with the

2.8 OPTION 4 – Conduct monthly site maintenance at least once per month during April – October in 2027 in Site A planted in Task 2.1.

• At least one site visit per month from April – October 2027 will be conducted (at least 7 site visits).

• Treat non-natives that grow up within the 8-acre unit with herbicide approved by the COR. .

o Non-native species includes but not limited to Ailanthus, Japanese barberry, multiflora rose, autumn olive, oriental bittersweet, Japanese angelica tree, and bush honeysuckle.

o Prevent 95% of non-natives within unit from going to seed.

o After perennial non-native plants are controlled with herbicide, mowing shall be used to maintain vegetation to 2’ in height or less in rows between trees.

• Maintain vegetation around the tree tubes with herbicide and/or mowing. Weed mats may be used around each tree/shrub.

• Hand weed inside each tube, including removing vines from inside and outside the tubes

• Rehammer or replace broken stakes, tube mesh end protectors, and shelters as needed. All mesh end protectors that fall off shall be collected and not left in the field. The COR will inspect shelters and stakes in August 2027 and flag those in poor condition that the contractor must replace or rehammer.

• In order to achieve a 97% survivability rate, the contractor and COR will inspect planted trees in June of 2027 and will flag unacceptable trees that will be replaced by the contractor in September or October of 2027. 100% survivability is not required, only 97% survivability is required. Unacceptable trees include those that are dead, have more than 25% leaf die-back, leader die-back of more than 10% of tree height, or branch die back of more than 6 inches on 75% of branches.

• Watering and fertilizing will not be required but will be at the discretion of the contractor to

3.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES

3.1 For this requirement the Government will provide the following:

• N/A

4.0 ADDITIONAL CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

4.1 The contractor SHALL furnish and/or provide:

• All labor, supervision, materials, tools, supplies, signs, transportation, license, certificates, permits, personal protection equipment, and equipment incidental to and necessary to perform tree planting, non-native species control via herbicide and mastication, and at least 3 years of planting site maintenance services at Catoctin Mountain Park in Thurmont, MD.

• All permits and renewal of any licenses and certificates that are necessary to fulfill this requirement.

• A current Maryland, Virginia, or West Virginia State Licensed Forester must approve the species selection, planting plan, and be available for consulting at all times. A MD Certified Pesticide Applicator must always be on the job site when herbicide services are performed. The contractor SHALL provide the forester’s and pesticide applicator’s certification IDs for verification with their quote and any time there is a change in the onsite forester/applicator. Certification and currency will be subject to verification by the Government utilizing state databases.

o Masticator and skid steer operators must provide a resume which documents they have at least 5 years of experience working using a masticator in forested environments similar in type and size to this project.

• All heavy equipment SHALL be washed to remove noxious weeds and seeds prior to arrival at the project site. Afterwards, if the equipment is removed from the site, for any reasons, it SHALL be washed prior to arriving back on site. These measures are for the prevention of introducing exotic non-native plants and seeds into the sensitive environment that is within park boundaries. This is a primary mission of the National Park Service that cannot be overlooked by the contractor.

• All safety control measures that will secure the worksite and notify the public of any potential hazards. Examples include but are not limited to caution tape, cones, and barricades.

Worksites must not obstruct or imped any roadways, trails, emergency vehicle access points, or emergency infrastructure such as fire hydrants.

• In the event of an emergency the contractor SHALL first call 911 and then immediately call the parks 24-hour dispatch emergency number – 1-866-677-6677. The dispatch will immediately send out information to all on-duty Rangers.

• Provide written supervisor designation within two weeks after award: A supervisor designation is required for all on-site during all operations to direct contract personnel and maintain operations. The on-site supervisor MUST:

o Be fluent in the English language to effectively communicate with the contractor’s employees and/or subcontractors as well as the COR and other Government personnel.

o If the on-site supervisor is not present or absent due to illness or other reasons, the contractor shall provide an alternate supervisor to manage and direct all task order personnel and operations. The alternate supervisor shall possess the same qualifications as the on-site supervisor.

o The on-site supervisor shall have means of direct communication available such as phone or personal electronic device. The supervisor shall be able to respond to communications relayed through the contractor’s management channels.

o The contractor is required to establish a primary point of contact for communication with the COR. The point of contact shall be responsible for coordinating with the COR and shall possess the managerial authority to make decisions and act on behalf of the contractor. The primary point of contact shall be reasonably available during business hours to field calls and correspondence form the COR and shall be responsive. The primary point of contact is not required to be on – site during work execution.

4.2 Written Plans, Documents, Certifications Required

• Maryland, Virginia, or West Virginia State Licensed Forester License and ID: Due with quote.

• Maryland Pesticide Applicator License: Due with quote.

• Work Schedule: Due within ten (10) days of intended start date

• Safety Plan: Due two (2) weeks post award

• Work Plan: Due December 22, 2023.

• Quality Control Plan: Due two (2) weeks post award

• Superintendent and Alt written designation: Due two (2) weeks post award.

• Work/treatment log denoting the work performed by specimen: Due prior to end of period of performance.

4.3 Contractor Employee Conduct

• Professionalism: The contractor’s employees SHALL, always, while on the job site, whether on or off duty, conduct themselves in a professional, orderly, and safe manner. Rudeness, fighting, being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs or bringing and/or consuming alcohol and/or drugs, gambling, soliciting, stealing, and any immoral or otherwise undesirable conduct shall not be permitted on the job site and shall result in immediate and permanent removal from the job site of any employee engaging in such conduct.

• All contract employees SHALL display professionalism in all interactions with the public and Government employees. The Contracting Officer may require the contractor to remove, from the job site, any employee working under this requirement for reasons of misconduct and security, or if found to be (or suspected to

be) under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other incapacitating agent(s).

• A contractor’s employee SHALL be subject to removal from the premises upon determination by the Contracting Officer that such action is in the best interests of the Government. Such removal from the job site or dismissal from the premises SHALL not relieve the contractor of the requirement to provide sufficient personnel to perform the service as specified.

• All areas used by the contractor within park boundaries SHALL be kept neat and organized. All equipment MUST be properly maintained and secured at the end of each day. Any fluid leaks from equipment or vehicles that leave stains or renders damage will be cleaned or repaired by the contractor to the satisfaction of the COR/POC at no additional cost to the Government. The contractor SHALL not leave any tools, parts and/or supplies unattended in at any time while performing services.

• Contractor employees shall not loiter in any working or patron area. Upon completion of their assigned work, employees shall promptly depart from the public areas.

• All inquiries from the public or press SHALL be immediately directed to the

COR/POC.

4.4 Responsibility and Liability

The contractor SHALL be responsible:

• For all damages and liability for any loss or damage to Government property caused by his/her operations and SHALL assume full responsibility for any and all damages or claims for damage resulting from injury to persons, property or equipment which might result from any service performed under this contract.

• Ensuring that proper safety and health precautions are in place to protect the work, the workers, the public and the property of others at all times in performance of this contract.

• For the repair or replacement of all damaged Government property caused by his/her operations.

• All losses and/or damages shall be reported to the CO, COR and/or POC in writing, within two

(2) hours of any loss and/or damage being determined. The documentation must include at least:

o Time and Date of occurrence o Type of Loss or Damage o Name (s) and Number of People involved.

o Impact to park operation and/or assets effected by incident.

o Any details leading up to and after the incident.

• For all identified losses and/or damages o The contractor SHALL take any immediate actions necessary to prevent further damage.

o Is responsible for all costs associated with reported damages and/or losses to persons or property that occur as a result of the contractor’s negligence.

o The Government, at its sole direction, may elect to repair and/or replace the damaged property.

5.0 ADDITIONAL APPLICABLE REGULATIONS AND POLICIES

5.1 Publications that apply…