Attachment_8_Performance_Work_Statement.docx

CATOCTIN MOUNTAIN PARK

FY26 Hazard Tree Services Pkg 1 12-9-2025 Performance Work Statement

1.0 GENERAL

Catoctin Mountain Park (CATO) in Thurmont, MD is soliciting arboreal services to perform cyclic tree maintenance in targeted areas of the park. These services will include felling, removing, flattening, stump grinding, and pruning. The contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, materials, tools, supplies, transportation, barricades, signs, traffic control measures/coordination and equipment incidental to and necessary to execute safe full spectrum pruning operations in accordance with ANSI Z-133 and ANSI A300 standards and ISA’s best management practices (BMPs). The area of operations shall be as follows:

1.1 Area of Operations: Parkwide

· Misty Mount

· Greentop

· Round Meadow

· Brown Cemetery

· Poplar Grove Campground

· Headquarters

· Owens Creek Campground

· Park Central Road

· Park Central West

· Foxville Deerfield Road

· Quirauk School Road

· Route 77

· Owens Creek Picnic Area

· Chestnut Picnic Area

· Cell Tower

· Designated Excess Materials Lay Down Area, the “Ballfield.” This is the area where contractor equipment and logs shall be staged. See Attachment 2.

1.2 Period of Performance

· Tasks 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 due April 25, 2026.

· Task 2.4 - 2.13 due 365 days after NTP .

· Task 2.14 due April 20, 2026.

1.3 Contractor is required to provide American Traffic Safety Services Association certified flaggers while conducting work along Rt. 77, Park Central Road, Park Central West, Quirauk School Road, Manahan Road, and Foxville Deerfield Road. Flagging is not required on Park Central West during the time it is closed, from December 1 – March 28.

2.0 TASKS

The contractor shall:

2.1 BASE 1- Remove 49 trees within Round Meadow, Brown Cemetery, Misty Mount, Greentop, Owens Creek Campground, Poplar Grove, Visitor Center Area, and Chestnut Picnic Area as identified in Attachments 2 and 3. Delivery date is April 25, 2026.

2.2 BASE 2- Prune 254 trees in order to mitigate hazards, improve structural/mechanical integrity, and promote health. Trees are within Round Meadow, Misty Mount, Greentop, Owens Creek Campground, Poplar Grove, Visitor Center Area, and Chestnut Picnic Area as identified in Attachments 2 and 3. Delivery date is April 25, 2026.

2.3 BASE 3- Flatten 20 trees within Round Meadow, Brown Cemetery, Misty Mount, Greentop, Owens Creek Campground, Poplar Grove, Visitor Center Area, and Chestnut Picnic Area as identified in Attachments 2 and 3. Delivery date is April 25, 2026.

2.4 BASE 4 – Remove 40 trees along Park Central Road, Park Central West, Manahan Road, Foxville Deerfield Road, cell tower, park headquarters, and Owens Creek Picnic Area. Delivery date is 365 days after Notice to Proceed.

2.5 BASE 5 – Prune 160 trees along Park Central Road, Park Central West, Quirauk School Road, Manahan Road, Foxville Deerfield Road, cell tower, park headquarters, and Owens Creek Picnic Area. Delivery date is 365 days after Notice to Proceed.

2.6 BASE 6 – Flatten 55 trees along Park Central Road, Park Central West, Quirauk School Road, Manahan Road, Foxville Deerfield Road, cell tower, park headquarters, and Owens Creek Picnic Area. Delivery date is 365 days after Notice to Proceed.

2.7 2.10 BASE 7– Emergency Tree Services (All-inclusive hourly rate, includes labor, supervision, equipment, tools, and fuel, mobilization/demobilization costs). Delivery date is 365 days after Notice To Proceed.

· Contractor shall provide emergency tree services on an as-needed basis, up to a not-to-exceed (NTE) quantity of forty (40) hours during the period of performance. The hourly rate shall be all-inclusive, covering labor, supervision, tools, equipment, fuel, mobilization/demobilization, and any other costs necessary to perform the services. The contractor shall accurately track and account for all hours performed under this requirement. Hours shall be documented on daily work logs and verified by the COR prior to invoicing. The Government will obligate and pay only for hours actually used, up to the forty (40) hour NTE limit. Emergency tree services shall be available within 24 hours of notice from the Contracting Officer when NPS leverages this option.

The following options are Subject to the Availability of Funds (SAF) and may be executed at the discretion of the NPS CO. The Contractor shall bid each accordingly and include in their proposal.

2.11 SAF OPTION 1 – Emergency Tree Services (All-inclusive hourly rate, includes labor, supervision, equipment, tools, and fuel, mobilization/demobilization costs). Delivery date is 365 days after Notice To Proceed.

· Contractor shall provide emergency tree services on an as-needed basis, up to a not-to-exceed (NTE) quantity of forty (40) hours during the period of performance. The hourly rate shall be all-inclusive, covering labor, supervision, tools, equipment, fuel, mobilization/demobilization, and any other costs necessary to perform the services. The contractor shall accurately track and account for all hours performed under this requirement. Hours shall be documented on daily work logs and verified by the COR prior to invoicing. The Government will obligate and pay only for hours actually used, up to the forty (40) hour NTE limit. Emergency tree services shall be available within 24 hours of notice from the Contracting Officer when NPS leverages this option.

2.12 SAF OPTION 2 - Emergency Tree Services (All-inclusive hourly rate, includes labor, supervision, equipment, tools, and fuel, mobilization/demobilization costs). Delivery date is 365 days after Notice To Proceed.

· Contractor shall provide emergency tree services on an as-needed basis, up to a not-to-exceed (NTE) quantity of forty (40) hours during the period of performance. The hourly rate shall be all-inclusive, covering labor, supervision, tools, equipment, fuel, mobilization/demobilization, and any other costs necessary to perform the services. The contractor shall accurately track and account for all hours performed under this requirement. Hours shall be documented on daily work logs and verified by the COR prior to invoicing. The Government will obligate and pay only for hours actually used, up to the forty (40) hour NTE limit. Emergency tree services shall be available within 24 hours of notice from the Contracting Officer when NPS leverages this option.

2.13 SAF OPTION 3 – Chip logs and branches along roads throughout the park. This does not include Rt 77. All-inclusive hourly rate, includes labor, supervision, equipment, tools, and fuel, mobilization/demobilization costs. Delivery date is 365 days after Notice to Proceed.

· Contractor shall provide wood/debris chipping, up to a not-to-exceed (NTE) quantity of forty (24) hours during the period of performance. The hourly rate shall be all-inclusive, covering labor, supervision, tools, equipment, fuel, mobilization/demobilization, and any other costs necessary to perform the services. The contractor shall accurately track and account for all hours performed under this requirement. Hours shall be documented on daily work logs and verified by the COR prior to invoicing. The Government will obligate and pay only for hours actually used, up to the forty (24) hour NTE limit.

· Within 10’ of roadway edges, on both sides of the road, all dead and downed between 1” to 8” diameter shall be chipped into the forest interior. All dead and downed 8” in diameter and greater shall be scattered so that it is more than 10’ from road edges and so that all parts of the wood are flat in contact with the soil.

· Within the area between 10’ and 25’ of roadway edges, on both sides of road, all dead and downed between 1-8” diameter shall be cut and chipped into the forest interior. All dead and downed wood 8” diameter and greater shall be cut and flattened where it lays, as long as it is not piled and it is left greater than 10’ from the roadway.

· There shall be no dead and downed left in drainage ditches.

· Wood shall not be stockpiled.

· Flaggers shall be provided by contractor for traffic control. Each flagger must have a current certification from the American Traffic Safety Services Association.

2.14 SAF OPTION 4 – Process a portion of piled logs that are currently located in the ball field into firewood and place on firewood pile inside existing shelter. See Attachment 4 for photos of log piles. There are many piles of logs in the ballfield but only logs shown in Attachment 4 shall be made into firewood. Delivery date is April 20, 2026.

· The size of the finished firewood shall be no larger than 16” – 18” long and 8” diameter.

· A conveyor belt shall be used to pile finished firewood onto the pile inside the shelter without damaging the shelter.

· Contractor must be able to efficiently split all logs in the piles into firewood, including logs that are a maximum of 30” in diameter.

· There may be a few logs that are not splitable due to knots and twists. The contractor shall consult with the COR and if the COR agrees the logs are not splitable, those logs must be removed from the park boundaries by the contractor.

· There shall be no soil or debris mixed in with the finished firewood pile.

· The ballfield soil is wet during spring months and rain events. Equipment shall be used that does the least damage to the soil. The contractor is responsible for repairing the ground to the condition it was before work began.

· Any funds gained by selling the wood from the trees or product made from the wood shall be disclosed to the COR, including amount of funds received, and reflected into the price of the proposal.

· The park’s name shall not be used to advertise the wood or any product made from the wood.

2.15 OPTION 5 - Remove 11 trees along Rt. 77. Contractor required to get Maryland State Highway lane closure permit. Delivery date is 365 days after Notice to Proceed.

2.16 OPTION 6 – Prune 18 trees along Rt. 77. Contractor required to get Maryland State Highway lane closure permit. Delivery date is 365 days after Notice to Proceed.

2.17 OPTION 7 – Flatten 19 trees along Rt. 77. Contractor required to get Maryland State Highway lane closure permit. Delivery date is 365 days after Notice to Proceed.

· Four trees marked “flatten, leave wildlife stub” on attachment 3, meaning leave a 10” – 15” stub standing for wildlife.

3.0 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Removal of trees (BASE 1, BASE 4, and OPTIONS 5, 6, AND 7)

· All tree care operations shall be conducted in accordance with the most up to date ANSI A300 standards and ISA’s best management practices (BMPs).

· Trees to be removed are identified in Attachment 2 and in Attachment 3 in the “Treatment” column.

· Trees labeled “Remove” must have all stumps cut flush with grade – stumps shall not exceed three inches above grade. The top of the remaining stump shall be flat, no holding wood left protruding.

· A tree labeled “remove – wildlife snag” means that a 15 foot to 20 foot stub shall be left standing.

· All logs, stumps, branches, and wood under 8” in diameter from “Remove” and “remove-wildlife snag” trees must be chipped and broadcast onto the natural forest floor and according to section 3.4..

· All logs, stumps, branches, and wood greater than or equal to 8” in diameter from “Remove” and “remove-wildlife snag” trees must be piled in the Ballfield. Of these, logs that are oaks or hickories shall be cut to 20’ length so they can be milled by the park. Logs of other species have no minimum or maximum length.

· If any of the trees becomes an emergency tree according to the COR, the contractor will mitigate those trees within 24 – 48 hours of being notified by the COR at no additional cost to the government.

3.2 Pruning (BASE 2, BASE 5, and BASE 8)

· All pruning and tree care operations shall be conducted in accordance with the most up to date ANSI A300 standards and ISA’s best management practices (BMPs).

· Trees to be pruned are identified in Attachment 2 and Attachment 3 in the “Treatment” column.

· Remove dead portions three (3) inches in diameter and larger from trees.

· Provide to the COR a record of tag numbers of trees that have observed past improper pruning cuts that the arborist believes should be mitigated in the future (according to ANSI A300 and ISA’s best management practices). For example, note if a limb stub was left and the limb was not cut back to the branch collar or branch bark ridge and could be mitigated to improve tree health. Contractor is not required to mitigate these, only make a record of them.

· No live wood over 1 inch in diameter shall be cut unless absolutely necessary to reach the pruning objective.

· No live wood over 3 inches in diameter shall be cut without prior coordination and approval from the COR.

· For tree limbs hanging over asphalt roadways, limbs shall be pruned so they are at minimum 16 feet above road surface.

· Tags on pruned trees shall not be removed.

· All wood from pruned trees shall be chipped according to section 3.4.

· If any of the trees becomes an emergency tree according to the COR, the contractor will mitigate those trees within 24 – 48 hours of being notified by the COR at no additional cost to the government.

3.3 Flattening (BASE 3, BASE 6, and BASE 9)

· Trees to be flattened are identified in Attachment 2 and Attachment 3 in the “Treatment” column.

· Trees flattened require no debris chipping nor removal and wood shall be scattered to the forest interior. Limbs shall be severed from the flattened trees so that the entire length of tree and all parts of the limbs are in contact with the ground. The contractor may chip the limbs if preferred.

· All stumps must be cut flush with grade – stumps shall not exceed three inches above grade.

· Pile making is prohibited.

· Wood from flattened trees shall not remain within drainage swales, ditches or culverts or within 10 feet of roadway edges, structures, trails, picnic tables, fire rings, or any other facility.

· If any of the trees becomes an emergency tree according to the COR, the contractor will mitigate those trees within 24 – 48 hours at no additional cost to the government.

3.4 Chipping (All Tasks)

· Chips shall be broadcast onto the natural forest floor only; however, broadcasted chips shall not exceed 3 inches in depth in any one location.

· Chips shall not be dispersed in areas that impact managed public use such as streams, trails, picnic areas, and campsites.

· Chips shall not be deposited into drainage ditches.

3.5 Stump Grinding (BASE 1, BASE 3, BASE 4 and BASE 6)

· Stumps to be ground are identified in Attachments 2 and 3.

· Grind each stump to a depth of 12” below grade or through the bottom of the stump, whichever comes first. Contractor responsible for underground utility location. The chips shall be left in a pile on the stump hole to decay.

3.6 Emergency Trees (All tasks)

· Emergency trees are trees or tree branches that are likely to fall on a target within 48 hours.

· The COR will notify contractor of emergency trees to be either removed, flattened, or pruned. Within 24-48 hours of being notified of an emergency tree by the COR, trees must be pruned or flattened and placed so they are not obstructing park facilities. Trees do not have to be removed within 48 hours, only flattened so the hazard is mitigated.

· All trees logs, stumps, and brush from emergency trees must be removed to the Ballfield or chipped before POP end, per sections 3.1 and 3.2, unless the COR approves them to remain as flattened permanently.

· Trees may be along roads, near facilities, or along trails.

· If emergency trees require traffic control, the COR will provide traffic controllers. Please note that the only time the COR is responsible for providing traffic controllers is for emergency tree work in BASE 10 and SAF OPTION 1. The contractor is responsible for providing certified flaggers for all other tree work.

4.0 EXECUTION

4.1 General

· 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 removal, pruning, flattening, chipping, firewood splitting/piling, and felling services at Catoctin Mountain Park in Thurmont, MD.

4.2 Staging

· Materials and equipment shall only be staged at the Ballfield. Staging at any other location must first be approved by the COR.

4.3 Site Maintenance

· 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 at no additional cost to the Government. The contractor shall not leave any tools, parts and/or supplies unattended at any time while performing services.

· All contractor generated refuse and waste shall be hauled from the work site daily. Refuse and waste material shall be hauled in trucks with tight fitting covers to prevent spillage on roadways.

4.4 Environmental

· The contractor shall report damage caused to government property, including trees or landscape, immediately to the COR.

· Removing understory to reach a tree or tree canopy is prohibited. Trees must be cut or pruned using ANSI accepted tree climbing techniques.

· The contractor shall disturb as little vegetation and soil as possible.

· Damage to live trees, including their live tissues, roots or root flares, by any means is prohibited. This includes damage from equipment, from trees/limbs falling, and from dragging logs.

· The contractor shall notify the COR if they believe there is no way to perform a task without damage to government property so that the COR and contractor can come to an agreement about next steps to prevent damage.

· If the COR determines soil compaction or environmental disturbance caused by the contractor is not appropriate, they will stop work until a plan can be agreed upon between the COR and the contractor.

· Ruts and soil damage shall be prevented proactively. At no time shall “over-the-road” DOT tires be in direct contact with soil, turf, or critical root zones. Only machines with tracks, not tires, may be driven off roads, to distribute the weight of the machine. This will protect healthy tree roots from compaction that could lead to future decline of the trees.

· If there is potential for damage to asphalt or other government property, ground protection mats must be used to protect from equipment damage, such as track damage to asphalt.

· The contractor shall repair all ground damage incurred during the performance of operations to the satisfaction of the COR. This includes repairing ruts or holes by raking the soil smooth. Seeding and straw shall only be used in turf areas, not in the natural forest. The contractor shall use leaf litter provided by the COR as a soil covering in the natural forest.

· All vehicles shall be equipped with spill kits of the appropriate size to contain spills that could occur on site. All spills shall be contained immediately by the contractor, preventing the spill from contaminating the soil, water, or other parts of the environment. All spills shall be reported to the COR immediately or within 30 minutes of the spill.

· All vehicles shall be equipped with fire extinguishers.

4.5 Safety

· In the event of an emergency the contractor should first call 911 then notify the COR immediately. If the COR does not answer notify park dispatch at 1-866-677-6677.

· The contractor and each of their employees shall work in compliance with all ANSI Z133, OSHA, Federal, State and local safety laws and regulations. The contractor shall provide and ensure that all personnel at the work site use the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) required by OSHA and ANSI standards.

· The COR may call a meeting in the field at any time with the onsite supervisor to address a safety concern.

· The COR may request documentation from the contractor at any time showing dates and times of safety meetings conducted with contractor staff and adherence to safety laws and regulations.

· The contractor is responsible for all safety control measures that will secure the worksite and notifying 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.

4.6 Security

· If the contractor must open a gate, the gate shall be closed and locked behind them, at all times. A closed gate shall not be left opened and unattended by the contractor. At no time shall the combination lock be left with the code exposed.

5.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE

5.1 Personnel

· Key personnel (see attachment 5) are required to be on staff before an award is made. The contractor must demonstrate the ability to acquire all other personnel before the award is made.

· A current ISA Certified Arborist must always be on the job site when services are performed.

· All tree crew members shall adhere to the most up to date American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z-133 safety standards for tree care professionals; the ANSI A300 standards practices and specifications for pruning, cutting, and maintenance of trees, shrubs, and other woody plants for tree care professionals working aloft and from the ground; the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Best Management Practices (BMPs); and the Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA), Department of Labor Title 29 CFR Code of Federal Regulations. All technicians performing pruning and/or tree manipulation shall be overseen by a current ISA certified arborist during all aspects of said procedure(s). It is the ISA certified arborist’s responsibility to ensure all crew members adhere to the standards listed above.

· A resume must be submitted showing the qualifications of all personnel according to attachment 5. A past performance questionnaire (attachment 6) must be completed by at least three references that can speak to the performance of the contractor on projects that are equal to or larger than the size and scope of this requirement. Resume and past performance questionnaires must be received by the contracting point of contact by the date and time specified in the solicitation (or any amendments).

5.2 On-Site Supervisor

· Contractor must 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:

· 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.

· 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.

· Possess the managerial authority to make decisions and act on behalf of the contractor.

· Have means of direct communication with the COR available such as phone or personal electronic device. The supervisor shall be able to respond to communications relayed through the contractor’s management channels.

· Respond to the COR within 30 minutes during regular business hours or during non-business hours for emergencies.

5.3 Plans, Permits, Licenses and Certifications

· The contractor is responsible for all permits and renewal of any licenses and certificates that are necessary to fulfill this requirement, including but not limited to:

· Current ISA Certified Arborist certificate is due with quote and at least 48 hours before there is a change in the onsite arborist. Certification and currency will be subject to verification by the Government utilizing the ISA databases.

· Maryland State Highway lane closure permit is required by the State of Maryland before work can commence on Rt. 77 only. The State requires a permit application at least 5 business days before the planned closure. The permit will dictate date and time restrictions for work along Rt 77.

· Current American Traffic Safety Services Association certificates for all employees that will be flagging are due within ten (10) days of intended start date. Work along roadways shall include traffic control measures that conform to US Department of Transportation (US DOT), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), CFR 29, and state/local requirements. Furthermore, all traffic control plans, and deployed devices shall conform to specifications in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). It is the sole responsibility of the contractor to take any and all necessary actions to ensure the safety of all personnel, especially the visiting public, during the execution of operations.

· Current Certified Crane Operator certificate shall be provided ten (10) days before crane operations begin, if crane is to be used. Cranes may only be operated by a certified crane operator.

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

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

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

· On-site supervisor designation: Due two (2) weeks post award

5.4 Equipment

· Before award, contractor must provide proof of ownership of a bucket truck capable of reaching at least 50 feet in height, a log truck with grapple, an aerial lift with tracks that is capable of reaching at least 75 feet in height, and a self feeding chipper capable of chipping at least 12 inch diameter logs. Before award, if not already owned, the contractor must provide their plan to acquire a crane with certified operator.

· All equipment shall be washed to remove noxious weeds and seeds prior to arrival in the park. This wash must occur between the time the equipment left the last work site and prior to arriving at the park. If the equipment is removed from the park, for any reason, it shall be washed prior to arriving back in the park. These measures are for the prevention of introducing exotic invasive 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.

5.5 Communication and Inspection.

· Before field work begins, there shall be a pre-work conference within two weeks prior to the notice to proceed to discuss planning, proposed personnel, schedules, material sources, equipment, site coordination, contact information, procedures, and other matters essential to the satisfactory performance of the work. At a minimum, the contractor’s project manager and supervisors shall attend.

· On the first day of field work before work begins, there shall be a meeting at the staging area known as the ballfield with the COR, on-site supervisor, ISA certified arborist, and the rest of the crew working that day to discuss expectations and answer questions.

· The on-site supervisor shall notify the COR each day of work before 0900 the location of all crews for that day.

· On-site supervisor shall communicate via a detailed report at the end of each week, indicating the work that has been completed to date, including tree tag numbers.

· When the contractor considers work is acceptable and complete for payment, they shall inform the COR the work is ready for inspection. The contractor shall provide the government with a work/treatment log noting the work performed by specimen. The work log shall utilize standard industry terms and include any tree health or hazard concerns noted during work performance. These entries will be used to build historical tree health data archives and better inform urban forest management decisions in the park. The COR will inspect the work on site. In the event the work is not acceptable, the contractor shall record a list of items noted by the Government to be corrected. A subsequent inspection may take place in order to review the corrected items.

· The COR may inspect work at any time. Contractor is responsible to attend meetings the COR determines necessary at no additional cost to the Government and perform necessary management should situations arise that require extra management or attention.

· On -site supervisor or ISA certified arborist shall notify COR if they believe a prune should instead be a remove and provide COR with recommendations on tree care.

5.6 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.

· 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.

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

· All inquiries from the public or press SHALL be immediately directed to the COR.

6.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES

6.1 For this requirement the Government will provide the following:

· Quality Assurance

· Space for the storage of equipment, materials, and temporary debris.

7.0 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 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.

· The repair or replacement of all damaged Government property caused by his/her operations.

· Reporting all losses and/or damages to the CO and COR in writing, within two (2) hours of any loss and/or damage being determined. The documentation must include at least:

· Time and Date of occurrence

· Type of Loss or Damage

· Name (s) and Number of People involved

· Impact to park operation and/or assets affected by incident

· Any details leading up to and after the incident

· All identified losses and/or damages

· The contractor shall take any immediate actions necessary to prevent further damage.

· The contractor 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

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

6.0 HOURS OF OPERATION

Tree services shall be conducted between the hours of 6:00 am – 7:30 PM ET, Monday – Friday except when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closing, or similar Government directed closings. The contractor will not be reimbursed when the Government facility is closed for the above reasons unless emergency services are requested.

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

· Superintendent’s Compendium

· OSHA Regulations

· CFR29 Requirements

· ANSI A300

· ISA Best Management Practices Companion Manuals

· ANSI Z133

8.0 DEFINITIONS

ANSI: American National Standards Institute

Chipping: Reducing wood and wood debris up to eight inches in diameter into chips by running it through a woodchipper.

Contracting Officer (CO): The person executing this contract on behalf of the Government, including any duly appointed successor and authorized representatives of the Contracting Officer acting within the limits of his/her authority.

Contracting Officer's Representative (COR): The on-site contract administrator for the Contracting Officer. The duties and responsibilities of the Contracting Officer’s Representatives are defined below in this Section or in a letter of designation issued by the Contracting Officer.

Contractor: The individual, partnership, joint venture, or corporation undertaking the execution of work under the terms of the contract and acting directly or through their agent, employees, or subcontractors.

CS: Contract Specialist

Flatten: Fell a tree and sever all branches that are keeping the tree from touching the ground along its entire length. Cut up branches so that all branch wood is in contract with the ground. When flattening is completed, the entire length of the tree and branches will be completely in contact with the ground – the stump will be cut flush. Chipping debris generated by flattening a tree is allowed but not required.

Flush: No more than three inches above grade

Prune: Cut deadwood three (3) inches in diameter and larger from trees

PWS: Performance Work Statement

QC: Quality Control; actions taken by a contractor to carry out a written Quality Control Plan to ensure performance of contracted services meet the PWS requirements.

Quality Control Plan: A written document created by the contractor outlining the specific actions the contractor will take to ensure the performance of contracted services meet the requirements contained within the PWS.

Quality Assurance: Actions taken by the Government to assure contracted services meet PWS requirements.

Remove: Cut down, chip, and transport wood from tree to ballfield staging area.

Safety Plan: A written document that takes into consideration the risk assessment of the requirement and develops reasonable measures, concepts, behaviors, and disciplines to mitigate the assessed risk.

Wildlife Snag: Leave a 15 – 20 foot tall stub standing. Remove or chip rest of wood.

9.0 PERSONAL SERVICES

The Government has determined that use of an Agreement to satisfy this requirement is in the best interest of the Government, economic and other factors considered, and this Contract is not being used to procure personal services prohibited by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 37.104 titled “Personal Services Contract”.

· To counter the circumstances that infer personal services and to preserve the non-personal nature of the Agreement, the contractor shall adhere to the following guidelines in the performance of the Contract:

· Contractor provides for direct supervision of all contract employees assigned to the task.

· Refrain from discussing the issues such as skill levels and hours, salaries, cost, and funding data, or administrative and personnel matters affecting contractor employees with the client.

· Ensure close communication/coordination with the CO and COR/POC, reporting problems to the COR/POC and CO as they occur.

· Do not permit Government officials to interview potential contractor employees, discuss individual performance, approve leave or work scheduling of contractor employees, terminate contractor employees, assist contractor employees in doing their jobs or obtain assistance from the contractor in doing Government job.

· Do not assign contractor personnel to work under direct Government supervision.

· Maintain a professional distance from Government employees.

· Provide contractor employees with badges, if appropriate, identifying them as contractors.

· Ensure proper communications with the Government (technical discussion and government surveillance is okay, but the Government cannot tell the contractor how to do the job).

· The Government has the right to reject the finished product or result and this does not constitute personal services.

10.0 THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONTRACT ADMINSTRATION

· Contracting Officer: The Contracting Officer (CO) has the overall responsibility for the administration of this contract. The CO, is authorized to amend, modify, or deviate from the contract.

· Contracting Officer's Representative (COR): The COR will be designated in writing at the time of award to assist the CO/PA in the day-to-day on-site administration of the contract requirements. The responsibilities of the COR include, but are not limited to;

(1) Determining the compliance and adequacy of performance by the contractor in accordance with the terms and conditions of this contract;

(2) Requesting removal of unsuitable contractor employees;

(3) Ensuring adequacy of schedule and Quality Control Plan, including changes;

(4) Ordering re-performance of unacceptable work or performance by other mean, etc.

· Point-of-Contact (POC): The POC will be used if an official COR cannot be designated at the time of award. The POC will not be designated in writing and will assist the CO/COR in the day- to-day on-site administration of the contract requirements.

11.0 DESIGNATION OF CONTRACTING OFFICER REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

· The Contracting Officer may designate a certified FAC-COR as the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) at time of award. The COR will receive a designated COR Appointment Letter.

· The COR is responsible for administering the performance of work under this contract. In no event, however, will any understanding, agreement, modification, change order, or other matter deviating from the terms of this contract be effective or binding upon the Government unless formalized by a proper contractual document executed by the Contracting Officer prior to completion of the contract.

· The Contracting Officer should be informed as soon as possible of any actions or inactions by the contractor or the Government which will change the required delivery or completion times stated in the contract, and the contract will be modified accordingly. (This does not apply to individual assignments which were issued by the Contracting Officer’s Representative provided they do not affect the delivery schedule or performance period stated in the contract.)

· On all matters that pertain to the contract terms the contractor must communicate with the Contracting Officer. Whenever, in the opinion of the contractor, the Contracting Officer’s Representative requests effort outside the scope of the contract, the contractor should so advise the Contracting Officer’s Representative. If the Contracting Officer’s Representative persists and there still exists a disagreement as to proper contractual coverage, the Contracting Officer should be notified immediately, preferably in writing if time permits. Proceeding with work without proper contractual coverage could result in nonpayment or necessitate submittal of a contract claim.

· The COR is delegated full authority under this contract except for the following actions which are reserved for the Contracting Officer:

1. Approve Change Orders and Modifications

2. Take action to terminate the contract for default or Government convenience.

3. Make contract adjustments under the Differing Site Conditions clause.

4. Grant extensions of contract time.

5. Approve assignment of claims.

6. Make final decisions under the Disputes clause.

7. Make final acceptance under the contract.

8. Make final decisions under the Suspension of Work clause.

9. Make equitable adjustments.

10. Authorize change in amount of Payment Retention.

11. Approve subcontractors.

12. Approve payments with deductions or final payment.

13. Approve use and possession prior to completion.

14. Enforce the warranty provisions.

15. Issue any direction that would result in a possible change to contract requirements.

12.0 POINT OF CONTACT (POC)

The POC will be the official COR:

Lindsey Donaldson Lindsey_Donaldson@nps.gov 301-712-6761 Catoctin Mountain Park 6602 Foxville Road Thurmont, MD 21788

The POC for Contracting will be:

Richard Burns Richard_Burns@nps.gov

· The COR POC is responsible for administering the performance of work under this contract. In no event, however, will any understanding, agreement, modification, change order, or other matter deviating from the terms of this contract be effective or binding upon the Government unless formalized by a proper contractual document(s) executed by the CO prior to completion of the contract.

· The CO should be informed as soon as possible of any actions or inactions by the contractor or the Government which will change the required delivery or completion times stated in the contract, and the contract will be modified accordingly. (This does not apply to individual assignments which were issued by the CO provided they do not affect the delivery schedule or performance period stated in the contract.)

· On all matters that pertain to the contract terms the contractor must communicate with the CO. Whenever, in the opinion of the contractor, the POC requests effort outside the scope of the contract, the contractor should so advise the CO. If the COR POC persists and there still exists a disagreement as to proper contractual coverage, the CO should be notified immediately, preferably in writing if time permits. Proceeding with work without proper contractual coverage could result in nonpayment or necessitate submittal of a contract claim.

· The COR POC has limited authority under this contract and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

1. Determining the compliance and adequacy of performance by the contractor in accordance with the terms and conditions of this contract;

2. Requesting removal of unsuitable contractor employees;

3. Ensuring adequacy of schedule and Quality Control Plan, including changes;

4. Ordering re-performance of unacceptable work or performance by other means, etc.

5. Approval of invoices and submitted reports

6. Requesting any of the work contained within contract

13.0 INVOICING SUBMITTAL PROCEDURE

The "Submit Invoice to" address for DOI orders is the Department of Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). All invoices are to be submitted online via the electronic Invoice Processing Platform. This is a mandatory requirement initiated by the U.S. Department of Treasury and one can find more information at this website https://www.ipp.gov/index.htm. All invoices will have the work performed broken out on them along with the location site clearly defined. Failure of the contractor to upload a copy of the invoice and any requested documentation through IPP.gov will result in invoice being rejected.

One’s company must register at https://www.ipp.gov/vendors/enrollment-vendors.htm to establish an account in order to submit an invoice on this project. Benefits of registering with IPP include the ability to create invoices directly from a contract award and submit them electronically, as well as:

· email notification when invoice(s) are paid

· online payment history

· email notification when one is awarded a new contract

The email notification of payment is sent when a payment is distributed to one’s bank account and will include all pertinent payment information. For all questions related to IPP registration and issues with submitting invoices, please contact IPP Customer Support at 1 (866) 973-3131.

14.0 ATTACHMENTS