Attachment__10_-_Performance_Work_Statement_REV7_(06_18_2024)_0004.docx

SEKI 326438 - Mitigate Tree Hazards, KNP Complex Wildfire Page 2 of 2

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

SEKI 326438

Mitigate Tree Hazards, KNP Complex Wildfire May 3, 2024 06/18/2024 Amendments Shown in Red Italics

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The intent of this contract is to mitigate roadside tree hazards within the burn perimeter of the 2021 KNP Complex Wildfire in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Fire-killed and weakened trees present the threat of falling onto roadways and parking areas and endangering roadway users. Areas subject to tree hazard mitigation include approximately 61 miles of roadway along the Generals Highway, Mineral King Road, Crystal Cave Road, Crescent Meadow Road, and Redwood Saddle Road, and approximately 40 acres associated with the Red Fir Spray Field facility (references to roadside tree hazards in this document include the tree hazards at the Red Fir Spray Field). In addition to mitigating standing tree hazards, the contract includes treatment of woody debris to reduce its capacity as fuel for future wildfires, from both contract cutting and pre-contract cutting operations by NPS, up to 80 feet from the road’s edge.

NPS survey crews have identified and marked hazard trees using the guidance of the 7-Point Rating System. Trees meeting the threshold for mitigation may include all dead or dying trees or those with identified defects having a reasonable probability of striking the road or other infrastructure should they fail. The striking distance was measured at 1 – 1.5 times the height of the tree; therefore, the distance from the road where trees were marked as hazards varies depending on tree height and slope. Typically, this distance averages around 75 to 100 feet, though may be up to 200 feet or more for taller trees. Some trees marked for mitigation and having desirable characteristics for wildlife, such as cavities, may be secondarily marked for retention as downed debris. After trees are felled, stumps will be flush cut and treated with borax to prevent spread of annosus root disease. Trees slated to remain onsite will be directionally felled perpendicular away from roads to the maximum extent feasible to prevent logs from rolling downhill onto the road.

The contract includes treatment of the tree hazard mitigation debris (boles and slash) within 80 feet of the road’s edge and within the developed footprint of other infrastructure to avoid fuel accumulations, break up fuel continuity, and otherwise ensure the NPS can maintain a fire break along roadways during future fires. Slash will be processed either by piling for future burning by NPS, or by lopping and scattering, or by chipping and spreading. Slash in the Red Fir Spray Field may be processed by mastication or by chipping and spreading. Some boles will be left on site and others will be removed from the park. It is anticipated that some boles will have merchantable value as lumber or biomass fuel, and that value will be used to partially offset the costs of the work in the contract. The amount of merchantable material has been estimated based on market research with area sawmills and biomass fuel energy generation plants.

Heavy equipment and vehicles are not allowed off roadway except in the Red Fir Spray Field.

Ongoing repair to roads and utilities within the park damaged by recent landslides and flooding is anticipated to coincide with the activities of this contract. Some roadways may be subject to one-lane traffic controls.

Mitigation areas are in a mountainous area and include high elevation zones that receive heavy snowfall in winter.

The attached plans provide details on the hazard mitigation areas. An inventory of hazard trees was conducted in 2022 and 2023 and then adjusted for anticipated tree mortality between the time of inventory and contract execution.

PERFORMANCE PERIOD:

From approximately July 5, 2024, to December 31, 2025 November 30, 2026.

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION:

Project Management Information System (PMIS) Number: 326438 Project Title: Mitigate Tree Hazards, KNP Complex Wildfire Project Location: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

POINTS OF CONTACT:

Contractual:

Contracting Officer (CO): Ronald Hilliard, 202-354-1882, ronald_hilliard@nps.gov Technical:

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): Anthony Kowalski-Dewitt, COR, 559-565-4234, anthony_kowalski-dewitt@nps.gov Justin DeSantis, COR, (720) 766-5272, justin_desantis@nps.gov

SCOPE OF SERVICE REQUIREMENTS

General The work of this contract shall consist of the completion of the tree hazard mitigations and fuels reduction described herein. Work performed shall comply with applicable laws, regulations and NPS policies and guidelines.

Submit deliverables to: Anthony Kowalski-Dewitt, COR, 559-565-4234, anthony_kowalski-dewitt@nps.gov Justin DeSantis, COR, (720) 766-5272, justin_desantis@nps.gov Schedule All work at Mineral King Road and Crystal Cave Road must be completed by December 31, 2024. All other work must be completed by December 31, 2025, except for the Red Fir Spray Field, which must be completed by November 30, 2026.

Place of Performance and Hours of Operation Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Tulare County, CA.

Contract operations will not be permitted on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays or on other days as designated by the COR. Contract operations shall not occur before sunrise or after sunset. Contract operations are limited to the hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. In the event that the National Park Service determines that the safety of visitors is threatened by the Contractor’s operations, all or part of the Contractor’s operations may be suspended until agreement is reached on additional safety measures and precautions.

No work shall occur 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/Indigenous Peoples Day – Second Monday in October Veteran’s Day – November 11th Thanksgiving Day – Fourth Thursday in November Christmas Day – December 25th

Note - if any of the holidays stated above fall on a Saturday, the Friday before the actual day is the official day the Government takes for the holiday. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, the Monday after the actual day is the official day the Government takes for the holiday. These dates do not account for any other days or shorten days that may be added prior to any of the holidays mentioned above that may be added at the discretion of any Presidential Administration and implemented by the DOI.

1.0 TASKS

Plans detailing hazard tree quantities, locations, and sizes are attached to this document via attachment. Detailed specifications follow the task list below.

1.1 Submit the following prior to Notice to Proceed:

a) Project schedule showing planned dates for work at each road segment.

b) Traffic control schedule, including any planned temporary road closures.

c) Red Fir Spray Field Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (if applicable)

d) Quality Control Plan.

e) Hazardous Spill Plan.

f) Safety Plan

g) Material data sheets and product information for borate powder.

h) Hydromulching Hose Receipts.

i) Hydromulching Plant-based Tackifier.

j) Hydromulch Wood Fiber.

k) Video and photo documentation of existing roadway and culvert inlet conditions.

1.2 Prior to Notice to Proceed, meet with CO, COR, CMR and NPS staff to address the following items:

a) Discuss roles of Contractor, CO, COR, CMR.

b) Discuss schedule for operations.

c) Discuss traffic control plan and any planned temporary road closures.

d) Discuss safety plan and key contacts.

e) Meet with the SEKI Plant Ecologist and/or Wildlife Ecologist for a briefing on rare plant, spotted owl, and fisher den protections and avoidance.

f) Meet with SEKI archeologist to discuss cultural resource areas of avoidance and expectations.

1.3 Fell designated hazard trees, sever limbs and remove tops.

1.4 Pile slash for later burning by NPS or lop and scatter slash, or chip and spread. Masticate or chip & spread slash in Red Fir Spray Field.

1.5 Buck and load boles for hauling out of the park or manipulate boles to disperse fuel accumulations (see specifications below). Some boles may remain on the ground, see specifications below.

1.6 Flush cut existing high stumps. Stumps remain from emergency felling operations by NPS.

1.7 Limb, lop and scatter or chip and spread slash of existing felled trees from prior NPS emergency operations.

1.8 Buck and load boles from existing felled trees from prior NPS emergency operations or manipulate boles to disperse wildfire fuel loads (see specifications below). Some boles may remain on the ground, see specifications below.

1.9 Install silt fence as needed to prevent erosion and sedimentation related to contract operations.

1.10 Repair incidental damage to roadside ditches.

1.11 Apply hydraulic mulch to ditch repair areas to prevent erosion.

1.12 Cleanout culvert inlets clogged by debris.

1.13 Provide traffic control.

1.14 Haul merchantable logs for offsite disposal sale at sawmill.

1.15 Grind logs for biomass sale.

1.16 Haul logs for sale at energy biomass power plant.

2.0 SPECIFICATIONS

2.1 Operations

a) Roadways may be closed to park visitors for varying durations to facilitate safe operations as follows:

(i) During the summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day) the following roads may be closed to traffic Monday-Friday, with regular scheduled pass-throughs every 2 hours. During the fall and spring, 7-days/week closures are allowed (safe winter operations are assumed to be infeasible).

· Crystal Cave Road (will be closed to visitors all of 2024)

· Redwood Saddle Road

· Generals Highway between Wuksachi and the north boundary of Sequoia National Park.

(ii) During the summer season Generals Highway between Ash Mountain Entrance and Wuksachi must remain open to traffic without delays. During the fall and spring seasons, this segment of road may be closed with regular scheduled pass-throughs every 2 hours. Short-term closures between Crystal Cave Road and Wuksachi are allowed in summer for up to three hours for moving large equipment.

(iii) Mineral King Road can be closed with regular pass-throughs at 10 am and 4 pm.

b) The contractor must provide administrative access at all times for NPS and emergency services, including:

· Emergency response.

· Utilities servicing of water systems and restrooms.

· Utilities operations of wastewater systems.

· NPS concessionaire access.

c) The contractor must coordinate the schedule of operations at Red Fir Spray Field with the COR at least two weeks in advance of operations. The spray field will remain in operation during contract operations. NPS will coordinate modifications to spraying operations to accommodate contractor access to portions of the spray field at a time. Approximately ½ the spray field will be available for felling during the first year of work. Once repairs have been made restoring functionality to that zone, the second half of the spray field will be available for felling. It is likely that repairs will require the second half of the spray field work to be completed during the following season.

d) The contractor must coordinate access for other NPS and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) contractors that will be working in the parks. Other contract work includes fire and storm damage repairs to roads and utilities.

e) Roadways open for traffic on weekends as described above must not have any equipment, material, or other obstructions in the roadway.

f) Access to Crystal Cave Road will be intermittently limited by roadway reconstruction activities until July 15, 2024.

g) No roadway snow removal is permitted by the contractor. NPS crews will not modify their snow removal operations specifically to facilitate contract operations.

h) Designated turning areas for hauling vehicles shall be approved at least five (5) business days in advance of operations. All requests must be submitted in writing (electronic email ok) to the COR.

i) No ATV usage is permitted inside Park boundaries.

j) Tree felling can be conducted utilizing mechanized equipment if equipment stays on the roadway. Mechanized equipment can be used throughout the Red Fir Spray Field. Debris removal requirements are not affected by cutting method.

k) Large turnouts in the work zone AND not at a visitor attraction may be used for staging equipment.

2.2 Material Treatment and Removal

a) Generals Highway between the Foothills Entrance Station and Deer Ridge (Road Segments 1 to 9 on contract Location Maps) is a steep, narrow, and winding roadway not suited for vehicles over 22’ in length. Material and equipment working on the segment from Deer Ridge to “The Wye” (Generals Highway Segments 10 through 37 on contract Location Maps) must use the Big Stump Entrance from Highway 180. Hauling on Generals Highway below the Commissary Curve and the Four Guardsmen (Generals Highway Segments 1 through 10 on contract Location Maps) will need to be coordinated with park staff and managed for safety.

b) Contractor shall treat debris of cut trees within 80’ of the roadway as measured horizontally per the following requirements.

c) Within 80’ of the roadway, all slash from felled tree hazards, and boles from trees 10” Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) and smaller, must be piled for later burning by NPS, or lopped into pieces no longer than 24” and scattered, or chipped and spread. Within this contract, slash is defined as all woody debris from felling operations other than boles.

d) Scattered debris must be at least 20’ from the edge of roadway, and no more than 12” deep. Chips must be broadcast a minimum of 20’ from the edge of roadway to a maximum depth of 2”.

e) All slash must be scattered at least 5 feet from, and without unnecessary damage to, residual trees. All lopped and scattered boles shall be oriented so that material will not roll onto the roadway.

f) Some tree hazard boles may be left on site within 80’ of the roadway. There are already some trees that have been cut or have fallen on the ground. The contract intent is to leave three to five boles over 12” DBH (including both preexisting downed trees and trees cut by this contract) per each side of 100’ of roadway. In cases where number of boles onsite already meets or exceeds this standard, all additional felled trees would be removed, and existing boles will be removed so that the number of boles per each side of 100’ of roadway does not exceed the five-bole maximum limit.

g) When boles are to be removed to meet the spacing standard above, the Contractor shall remove the smaller boles first and leave the larger boles on site. Boles shall not be relocated more than 100-feet from their original location and shall not be relocated outside the 80-foot treatment zone.

h) Boles to remain must be a minimum of 20’ from the roadway. Boles to remain on the uphill side of the roadway must be positioned so that they cannot roll onto the road.

i) Downed boles to remain shall be a minimum of 15 feet apart to break up fuel continuity and avoid creation of jackpot fuels within the project area.

j) Felled boles may be stacked up to two boles high if they lie roughly perpendicular to one another and the minimum spacing of 15’ is otherwise attained.

k) Moving material beyond the 80-foot zone is not permitted. Trees felled outside the 80-foot zone do not need to be spread out.

l) All boles and slash from tree hazards cut at Red Fir Spray Field must be removed from the site. Slash may be chipped and spread onsite to a maximum of 12” deep or masticated to 90% minimum of slash under 12” in length.

2.3 Material Consolidation

a) Space for landings is very limited. A landing is considered a place where any logs or products are gathered for loading. All woody material accumulated at landings shall be dispersed or removed as required in the material treatment and removal requirements.

b) If decking material for removal, log decks must be removed by the Contractor within 14 days after the beginning of deck construction unless approved in writing by the COR.

c) Ensure log decks are stacked and oriented so that material will not roll into the road corridor.

d) Log decks must be staged close enough to the road so that hauling equipment can load material while parked entirely on the roadway.

e) Log decks shall be located no closer than 5 feet from the edge of the roadway travel lanes unless approved by the COR. If decked material is located closer than 5 feet from the travel lane, then appropriate traffic control, signage, or barriers must be utilized as required in accordance with traffic control specifications included in the contract.

2.4 Stump Requirement

a) Stumps shall be flush cut parallel to the ground surface, and stumps shall not exceed 4 inches above bare ground on the downhill side.

b) All stumps shall be cut to required heights as operations progress minimize the possibility of snowfall covering stumps.

c) Contractor shall immediately apply soluble borate powder to uniformly cover freshly cut greater than 14” diameter stumps of living or recently dead (needles still attached) conifers for the purpose of preventing spread of annosus root disease. Mix powder and marker dye with water per manufacturer’s recommendations and spray onto freshly cut surfaces within 24-hours of cutting. Contractor shall submit material data sheets prior to the Notice to Proceed.

· Borate powder requirements:

· Soluble borate powder that can dissolve in cold water.

· Non-toxic.

· A marker dye can be added to aid application and quality control inspection.

d) Stumps shall not be pulled out of the ground.

e) Stump heights may be left up to 3 feet high during project operation (upon agreement by the COR and the Contractor) if necessary to catch material that could roll into the roadway. Prior to completion of work, flush cut all high stumps.

2.5 Equipment Limitations

a) Heavy equipment and trucks must stay on roadways, except at the Red Fir Spray Field. Contractor must take care to avoid any damage to valve boxes and spray heads in the spray field. NPS will flag spray heads prior to contract operations to improve visibility of spray heads. Contractor must maintain flagging of spray heads throughout the duration of the contract.

b) Skidding with off-road equipment is not allowed, except in the Red Fir Spray Field. Logs shall be winched or moved by equipment working from the road surface.

c) Steel tracked equipment must be outfitted with rubber track pads to protect pavement from damage. Chains are not to be used on wheeled equipment.

d) Areas utilized for parking equipment will be designated and agreed upon prior to project initiation. Parking areas must be located off the roadway or trails.

e) No ground disturbance shall be created using a dozer- or motor grader-type blade unless written permission is obtained from the COR for site rehabilitation.

f) Pressure-wash all vehicles and equipment coming into Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and be ready for inspections prior to entering the Park by Park weed inspection staff. Pressure-wash hauling vehicles prior to entering the Park for the first time; subsequent entries do not require cleaning unless otherwise requested by the CO. All equipment shall be washed and cleaned free of organic debris, including soil and plant materials, before entering the park. Washing should ensure that all organic material, including soil and plants of any kind are removed from the tires, inside and outside areas of the equipment, as well as the under carriage of the trailer, equipment, and truck. Equipment washing may occur via permanent or temporary washing facility (see USDA 2004, MTDC Portable Field Washer and Guidance, 0434-2819-MTDC). If the equipment does not pass inspection the contractor will be asked to turn back until it has been thoroughly cleaned and passes inspection. Equipment found to have entered the Park with potential contaminants shall be removed from the Park at the direction of the Contracting Officer at Contractor's sole expense and may be subject to citation.

2.6 Debris Piling

a) Hand-built piles of small slash and logs shall be constructed in a teepee shape so they will collapse inward as they burn. Logs shall be stacked as vertical as possible to avoid tailed edges that will not burn if covered by snow.

b) Piles will be constructed to meet the following requirements to facilitate burning under heavy snow load conditions.

· Pile height will be at least 3 feet high

· Pile height will be at most 6 feet high

· Pile width will be at most 6 feet wide

· Pile length will be at most 15 feet long

· The bottom 2.5 feet of the pile edges need to form a steep wall at least 60 degrees from level

c) The branch material, material less than 4 inches diameter and rotten material must be piled first making the interior of the pile easy to ignite. Then the majority of logs greater than 4 inches in diameter should be piled around the exterior or on top of the pile. This will facilitate easier ignitions, and tighter piles.

d) All piles shall have a good base to prevent the pile from toppling.

e) Hand-built piles of slash and logs shall be constructed reasonably compact and free of soil to facilitate burning. Slash shall be piled on the interior and logs stacked in a teepee fashion as described above.

f) Piles must be stacked tight enough to prevent wind driven snow penetration into the core of the pile. Piles must be constructed with sufficient density to prevent the Contract Inspectors’ closed fist from penetrating more than 2.5 feet into the pile (this density is desired to prevent wind driven snow from entering the center of the pile). Piles in question of meeting this specification will be probed on all four sides at the most likely location and angle to allow penetration. Should the Contract Inspectors’ fist probe reach more than 2.5 feet in depth in more than 3 locations, the pile must be rebuilt. When stacking dead branch material, a saw is often required to chop up the pile as it is stacked to generate sufficient densities.

g) Pile locations must be at least 15 feet from residual green trees on the downhill or sidehill direction of the pile, or from designated underground utility locations.

h) Pile locations must be at least 20 feet from residual green trees on the uphill direction of the pile.

i) Piles edges must be at least 30 feet apart to prevent one pile from igniting the neighboring pile during burn operations.

j) Piles shall be constructed 50 feet or further from the roadway travel lane. Piles may not be constructed beyond the 80-foot zone along the roadway.

k) Piles shall not be placed in roads, ditches, or wet areas.

l) Piles shall not be stacked on slopes such that material may roll during the burning process.

m) Contractor shall maintain a description of pile construction specifications onsite for reference by crew members.

n) Contractor shall provide the COR with an accurate count of piles upon completion of the work.

2.7 Soil / Site Disturbance

a) If soil or site disturbance occurs, the Contractor will be responsible for restoring site grades to previous conditions as determined by the COR. This may include grading or back blading with mechanized equipment or hand raking of disturbed areas. Method of restoring site grade must be approved in writing by the COR prior to initiation. Tire or track rutting is an example of site disturbance which must be rehabilitated and stabilized prior to completion and payment.

b) The existing unimproved dirt tracks at the Red Fir Spray Field may be repaired by the Contractor to facilitate access for trucks and equipment; any proposed improvements must have prior approval by the COR and proposals must include a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan.

c) Furrows created by yarding logs must be minimized and must be raked smooth and covered with slash to prevent erosion. Furrows or ruts created in the yarding process shall be hand raked to the original grade as deemed necessary by the COR. Cover restored areas with slash to minimize erosion potential. Damage to structures, utility transformers, utility lines (buried or otherwise), or pull boxes shall be repaired prior to project completion. The contractor is responsible for any damage they cause to public or private property, including but not limited to vehicles, signs, paved roads, infrastructure, and buildings.

d) Skidding by equipment (e.g., skidders, tractors) is not permitted, except in the Red Fir Spray Field.

e) Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the Contractor shall keep erosion control work current with operations under the contract and in any case not later than 3 days after completion of debris mitigation.

f) Temporary erosion control devices or methods shall be utilized to protect designated sensitive areas. Sensitive areas include but are not limited to lakes, stream corridors, drainages, riparian areas, and wetlands.

g) After hazard mitigation and debris treatment, ditches, shoulders, pullouts, and culvert inlets must be cleared of woody debris and any soil disturbance repaired to previous conditions as determined by the COR. This may include grading or back blading with mechanized equipment or hand raking of disturbed areas.

h) Any sediment from erosion areas deposited on roadways caused by the contractor’s operations must be removed by the contractor.

i) Best Management Practices for drainage and sediment control must be implemented and maintained to prevent or minimize soil loss due to storm water caused erosion and sedimentation in drainage areas.

j) No hay or straw bales can be used for temporary erosion control.

k) Mulching of disturbed areas will be required as determined by the COR.

2.8 Ditch Repair

a) Repair graded ditches damaged by contract operations. Compact regraded areas by rolling with equipment tires or similar.

2.9 Hydraulic Mulching

a) Apply hydraulic mulching to areas designated by the COR within 30 days after completion of tree hazard mitigation on a portion of the site.

b) Use hydraulic-type equipment capable of providing a uniform application using water as the carrying agent. Apply wood fiber mulch at a rate of 1500 pounds per acre. Apply plant-based guar gum tackifier at a rate of 80 pounds per acre on slopes less than 1V:3H, and at a rate of 100 pounds per acre on slopes 1V:3H or greater, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Apply tackifier with a gentle spray so that the application does not cause erosion.

c) Materials:

1. Wood fiber. Furnish processed wood fiber from wood chips conforming to the following:

· Colored with a green dye non-injurious to plant growth

· Readily dispersible in water

· Nontoxic to seed or other plant material

· Free of growth or germination inhibiting substances

· Free of weed seed

· Air dried to a moisture content of 12±3 percent

· Packaged in new labeled containers with the manufacturer’s name

· Packaged in a condition appropriate for mixing in a homogeneous slurry suitable for application with power spray equipment.

2. Plant based tackifier. Furnish a natural high molecular weight polysaccharide, a high viscosity hydrocolloid that is miscible in water, and labeled as:

‘Guar gum. A product derived from the ground endosperm of the guar plant, Cyamopsis tetragonolobus, treated with dispersing agents for easy mixing and dilutable at the rate of 1 to 5 pounds per 100 gallons of water.’

2.10 Culvert Inlet Cleaning

a) Remove woody debris, soil, and rock from culvert inlet area so that storm drainage flow is not impeded.

b) Cleaning of culvert pipes is not required.

2.11 Traffic Control

a) Traffic control must be utilized when the roadway is open to vehicular traffic.

b) Traffic control personnel must meet minimum California Department of Transportation requirements.

c) Contractor must clear roadways immediately for passage of emergency response vehicles.

d) All flagging of traffic, all furnishing, placing, and maintaining of barricades, danger signs, detour signs, warning signs, and lighting devices shall conform to the requirements in the most recent version of the "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways," U.S. Department of Commerce, Federal Highway Administration.

e) Safety zones shall be established when timber cutting or yarding is in progress. Contractor shall, unless relieved in writing by the COR, provide flagmen, post signs, erect and maintain barricades, guards, construction signs, warning signs, and detour signs as necessary to warn and protect the public at all times from injury or damage as a result of the Contractor's operations. In addition, the Contractor shall provide a watchman for the area whose sole duty shall be to warn and advise the public of any hazards present in the areas as a result of this contract.

f) The contractor is responsible for public safety when in their work area and must monitor for and ward away all public to at least a distance of 2 tree heights (in all directions) away from all felling operations. Trees with a cut applied to the stem for falling purposes and the tree in any other position then horizontally laying on the ground constitute felling operations. Any deviation from this observed by the COR or witness by park employees, will automatically generate a stop in felling operations until a satisfactory solution to the problem is discussed with the COR and agreed upon.

g) Contractor shall submit a traffic control schedule prior to the Notice to Proceed, indicating dates of closures and controls for each road segment. Changes to the schedule must be submitted three weeks in advance of operations in the changed area. Requests for shortened timeframes for schedule changes to accommodate faster progress than planned may be granted.

2.12 Protection of Underground and above ground Utilities

a) An AT&T telecommunications line is buried in the road shoulder for a portion of the work area in this contract. A map showing the line’s location is attached to this contracts.

b) Digging is not permitted, and the Contractor shall ensure that utility transformers, utility lines (buried or otherwise), or pull boxes are not damaged.

c) Signpost installation or other digging activities must be approved by the COR to prevent damage to underground utility lines along the road corridor.

d) The NPS may, at its discretion throughout the course of the contract, mark out informal travel lanes for equipment and truck access and may mark out locations of underground utilities that need to be protected from damage by heavy loads. If not marked by NPS, it is the responsibility of the contractor to coordinate with appropriate utility location company to mark all underground utility lines and coordinate with the level of minimum protection that may be required.

e) In the Red Fir Spray Field, the contractor will repair any damaged riser and connection point to the underground pipes (saddles, etc.). Damage to underground pipes will be repaired by the government. NPS staff will be available to mark out the underground pipes prior to felling operations. Contractor will make every attempt to not fall trees across underground pipes. Failure to exercise due care will result in repairs being the responsibility of the contractor.

f) Overhead power and/or telecommunications lines and/or underground often shallow-buried telecommunications line may be present.

· The contractor shall be responsible for coordination with all utility and/or telecommunication companies for any lines that may need to be deactivated during performance of work.

· Any damage to known overhead and/or underground existing power and/or telecommunication lines shall be the responsibility of the contractor to repair and shall not be subject to reimbursement by the Government.

2.13 Road and Facilities Protection

a) Prior to commencing operations, contractor shall record video footage of all roadway segments included in the scope of this contract and take photographs of all culvert inlets. The video must be taken in two passes, with the camera pointing at one side of the road in one pass and at the other side of the road in the second pass. The video must capture the roadway surface and ditch and be of sufficient quality to discern pre-existing damage or deficiencies. The culvert inlet photos shall have the roadway name, latitude and longitude, and milepost indicated for each. Cameras must have built-in GPS that records precise driving routes and locations directly on the video. Video must be recorded in one-minute files with latitude and longitude in the file name. Files shall be organized in folders by milepost. The contractor shall provide the COR with a copy of the video footage and photo files.

b) Appropriate actions must be taken to ensure that road surfaces and edges are not damaged when felling trees, moving logs, or loading equipment on and off the road surface for travel to another site. Damage shall be considered any gouges, breaks, or any undesired modification which creates a potential hazard to traffic. Logs may not be skidded on paved roads.

c) Cutting or processing equipment will not be permitted that will damage the paved road surface unless mitigation steps are taken to protect the road surface from damage. Steel-tracked equipment must be outfitted with rubber track pads.

d) Protect existing rock walls, rock and mortar ditches, culvert inlets, outlets, and headwalls from damage. Any roadside ditches or culverts which are altered from their original state must be restored immediately.

e) Any damage to the road surface or appurtenances must be repaired to its original state as determined by the COR.

f) Protect existing spray heads and vaults in the Red Fir Spray Field from damage. Any damage must be repaired to its original state as determined by the COR.

2.14 Natural Resource Protection

a) Contractor shall instruct all workers and subcontractors to avoid conducting activities beyond the tree hazard mitigation limits.

b) NPS will flag and map rare plant locations prior to contract operations. Avoid placement of piles and debris on rare plant locations.

c) NPS will flag any spotted owl nesting and roosting areas. No work will be allowed in these areas until after August 15.

d) NPS will flag any trees to remain that are considered suitable as dens for fisher. If a fisher is spotted, work crews must stop work until the animal moves on without harassment.

e) Trucks and heavy equipment must remain on the road surface at all times, except at Red Fir Spray Field where equipment may operate off-road within project limits.

f) Maintain all equipment on the project in a clean and well-functioning condition to avoid or minimize contamination from mechanical fluids and meet California Air Resource Board On-Road emission requirements. All equipment must be checked daily.

g) Contractor must submit a hazardous spill plan prior to the Notice to Proceed, detailing what actions would be taken in the case of a spill, notification measures, and preventive measures to be implemented, such as the placement of refueling facilities, storage, and handling of hazardous materials.

h) Undesignated woody material removal: damage, cutting, or removal of undesignated material will be sufficient reason for termination of contract. For resource protection, if undesignated woody material is damaged or cut unnecessarily, the material shall be identified to the COR upon the next inspection and approval by the COR must be obtained in writing prior to removal of or further handling of material. A damaged tree may be cut, and any potential hazard mitigated as soon as possible if the damaged tree poses a threat to injure contract employees, the public, or damage private or public property. Prior to removal of undesignated woody material, written approval must be obtained from the COR upon the next inspection.

i) Contractor must properly maintain equipment and vehicle mufflers to minimize noise and must follow California state idling regulations/laws. Do not allow equipment to idle longer than necessary.

j) Engine tampering to increase horsepower, except when meeting manufacturer’s recommendations, is prohibited.

k) Use lower-emitting engines and fuels, including electric, liquified gas, hydrogen fuel cells, and/or alternative diesel formulations, if feasible.

l) Locate diesel engines, motors, and equipment staging areas as far as possible from residential and visitor use areas. Coordinate locations with COR for prior approval.

m) Prepare an inventory of all equipment prior to start of operations and identify the suitability of add-on emission controls for each piece of equipment before start of project.

n) All motor vehicles and equipment must have mufflers conforming to original manufacturer specifications that are in good working order and are in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise, fumes, or smoke.

o) Mufflers and sound attenuation devices (such as rubber strips or sheeting) shall be installed and maintained on all equipment, where feasible. This includes truck tail and other gate dampeners (both opening and closing) for all dump trucks in the project area.

p) Use of air horns within the park shall be limited to emergencies only.

q) Contractor’s employees and subcontractors must attend NPS-led training in the park on food storage and garbage removal. Coordinate date and exact location of training with the COR after award.

r) Any wildlife collisions must be reported to park staff.

s) NPS staff must be notified if bears loiter in the work area or if fisher sightings occur.

t) Contractor must implement a litter-control program to eliminate accumulation of trash.

u) All food must be stored in bear-proof containers, including food in vehicles. Spilled food must be cleaned up.

v) Dispose of waste at least once per week at legal dumps outside the parks, subject to local regulations.

2.15 Cultural Resource Protection

a) There are seven known cultural resource sites within the project area. Sensitive archaeological features and artifact locations within the sites will be flagged by SEKI staff for avoidance. Contractor shall make every effort to fell trees away from these areas. The SEKI archeologist will meet with the tree felling and tree removal crews prior to the felling to discuss the areas of avoidance and expectations. If a tree accidentally is felled into an area of avoidance, the Contractor must notify the COR or contact the Park Cultural Resources Specialist.

b) NPS staff will be monitoring operations for potential impacts to archeological resources. If unknown resources are uncovered during contract operations, work in the affected area will be halted and the COR will provide direction on how to proceed.

c) Logs shall not be dragged through sites which are flagged for avoidance.

d) If any artifacts are exposed during contract operations, they shall be left in place and the Contractor must notify the COR or contact the Park Cultural Resources Specialist immediately.

e) No rocks shall be moved during contract operations unless necessary and only after notification of the COR.

f) If any burial or human remains are found the Contractor shall cease cutting operations in the vicinity and notify Park Law Enforcement immediately.

2.16 Contractor Furnished Property and Services

a) No work camps will be allowed within the National Parks for these projects unless at a normally operating Park campground.

b) The contractor shall provide all labor, transportation, materials, and equipment necessary to perform the work as described herein.

c) Security of materials - The contractor may leave its equipment and any Government-furnished property (if provided) at the work site. The contractor shall be responsible for the Contractor's equipment and government-furnished property if it may be lost, stolen, or damaged. If the Contractor is not actively working on the contracted project for any consecutive period longer than 14 calendar days, then the Contractor shall remove all equipment until work on the project will re-commence.

d) A working (English literate) supervisor, who is knowledgeable and experienced in the required work and supervision, shall be provided for each crew, and is required to stay with the crew at all times while work is in progress.

2.17 Temporary Facilities

a) STAGING AREA: The contractor shall arrange the location for exterior stockpiling of materials (i.e., storage) with the COR. The contractor must be present when any materials are delivered to ensure proper placement within the designated location.

1. The Government will provide an adequate staging area as close to the project site as practicable.

2. The Government will NOT provide any secured storage/staging areas for the contractor.

3. The contractor shall be responsible for protecting materials stockpiled against adverse weather, damage, theft, and other risks of loss. The Government assumes no responsibility for material or equipment left in the storage area. Barbed wire nor razor wire is permitted to be used for security purposes for this requirement.

b) SANITARY FACILITIES: Toilet facilities will not be provided by the Government.

c) WATER: Limited water is available for contracted work as indicated below. Other contractors working in the park may also wish to use water. Daily maximums apply to total available water for all users.

· Ash Mountain: Arsenic Water Source at Buckeye Housing. No limit.

· Lodgepole: Up to 15,000 gallons per day (not to exceed 15,000 gallons on any day). Service might be interrupted with a 5-day notice for the Lodgepole Water Treatment project.

· Grant Grove: Up to 15,000 gallons per day (not to exceed 15,000 gallons on any day). This water system is very old and needs to be opened and closed very slowly.

· Cedar Grove: to be determined (unknown availability).

· Mineral King: No water available

Current 2023 water rates: $13.03/1000 gallons.

Contractor must install a Back Flow Prevention device and meter. Water shall not be dripping from connection once installed.

d) ELECTRICITY: No electricity is available.

e) TELEPHONE: The Contractor may elect to hook-up commercial phone services using the local telephone service provider, at no cost to the Government. Cell phone or wireless access may or may not be available at the project site.

FEE AND PAYMENT

Request for progress payment shall be made on the basis of monthly-itemized invoices submitted for completed work in accordance with the requirements of the IDIQ base contract and this contract.

The Contractor shall be paid for travel and lodging in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulations. Travel costs and other direct costs shall be included in the firm fixed price for the work. Itemized receipts shall support travel expenses not included in the fixed price.

Invoices (payment requests) shall be submitted electronically through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).

By attachment, invoices shall be supported by a summary of work accomplished during the invoicing period. This summary shall be structured per firm-fixed item and shall include:

1. Summary detailing work performed during Period of Performance. (Note: If labor hours, hours shall be supported by documentation of work performed/progress made during those hours.)

2. Invoice total per firm-fixed item and total expedited to date per fixed-price item.

Contractor registration is required to access IPP. Contractor Government Business Point-of-Contact (as listed in the System for Award Management (SAM) System (formally Central Contractor Registration (CCR) System)) will receive enrollment instruction via email from Federal Reserve Bank of Boston (FRBB) within 3-5 business days of contract award date. Contractor assistance with enrollment can be obtained by contacting IPP Production Helpdesk via email ippgroup@bos.frb.org or phone (866) 973-3131.

If Contractor is unable to comply with requirement to use IPP for submitting invoices for payment, Contractor shall submit a waiver request in writing to CO with its proposal or quotation.

A Release of Claims is required for contracts totaling $250,000 or greater. The Contractor shall submit a signed Release of Claims to the Contracting Office after completion of the work and as a prerequisite to final payment. When no claim is being declared by the Contractor, place the word “None” in the Release of Claims” form under the word “except”. Correspondence, identifying data and other pertinent documentation shall accompany the Release of Claims. Other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

Quantities Certification

· The Contractor is required to measure the DBH and take photographs of every hazard tree, every existing downed tree for dispersal, and every high stump for cutting (no DBH needed for stumps), with GPS coordinates recorded in the digital photo file.

· For each contract roadway segment, Contractor shall certify quantity of trees cut, including DBH for each tree.

· For each contract roadway segment, Contractor shall certify the quantity of existing high stumps cut.

· Contractor shall certify:

· Weight of logs removed from the park to sawmills.

· Weight of logs removed from the park to biomass energy generation plants.

· Weight of logs removed from the park to all other destinations.

· Logging and dump trucks equipped with load cells or onboard scales may be used instead of obtaining weight tickets at certified scales. The Contractor will coordinate with NPS contract inspectors prior to start of work to establish a standard tonnage per load for purposes of quantifying contract work for payment.

· Contractor shall provide copies of receipts for all sales of project-generated wood.

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 1

Performance Requirements Summary The contractor service requirements are summarized into performance objectives that relate directly to mission essential items. The performance threshold briefly describes the minimum acceptable levels of service required for each requirement. These thresholds are critical to mission success.

Performance Objective (The Service required—usually a shall statement)

Method of Surveillance

PRS # 1.

The Contractor shall develop a work plan and schedule that demonstrates that work will be completed within the performance period, that details the contractor’s plan for felling hazard trees, treating debris (boles and slash), removing boles from the park, managing public traffic during operations, maintaining safety, and maintaining the site. Work plan shall include equipment makes and models that will be used.

PRS # 2

The contractor shall fell flagged hazard trees as indicated in the PWS and associated plans.

PRS # 3

The contractor shall treat boles and slash as indicated in the PWS.

Scattered debris and boles to remain are at least 20’ from the edge of roadway. Scattered slash is no more than 12” deep.

Debris piles for burning by NPS are between 3’ and 6’ high, do not exceed 6’ x 15’ in footprint.

The Government shall visually inspect the site to confirm that treatment of boles and slash conforms to the PWS.

PRS # 4

The contractor shall treat stumps as indicated in the PWS.

Stumps were flush cut parallel to the ground surface, not exceeding 4 inches in height on the downhill side.

Soluble borate powder was applied to freshly cut stumps per the PWS.

No more than 10% of stumps in a specific work segment (indicated on the PWS plans) exceed 4” in height on the downhill side. No stumps exceed 8” in height on the downhill side.

Borate powder is applied to a minimum of 95% of freshly cut stumps.

The Government shall visually inspect the site to confirm that treatment of stumps conforms to the PWS.

PRS # 5

The contractor shall restore soil disturbance areas as indicated in the PWS.

Areas of soil disturbance were restored to pre-contract conditions so that any tire and track ruts and furrows created by yarding logs are removed.

Roadway surfaces, ditches, shoulders, pullouts and culvert inlets are cleared of woody debris and disturbed soil.

PRS # 6

The contractor shall provide traffic control for operations when roadways are open to vehicular traffic.