2. SOW Cherokee NF Spruce Exams.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

Cherokee National Forest

FY24 Red Spruce Stand Exams

Table of Contents

OVERVIEW

Period of Performance Schedule of Items Location Accessibility and Conditions Site Visit

CONTRACTOR REPRESENATIVES, PROPERTY, CRITICAL TASKS

Contractor Representative Contractor-Furnished Property Contractor Tasks and Critical Subtasks Pre-work Conference

COMMON STAND EXAM

Plot Location and Number lot Establishment and Identification (Monumenting) Data Collection Data Codes Data Collection Forms

Setting Data Form Sample Design Form Plot/Tree Data Form Tree Count and Tag ID Tree Status Tree Species Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) Tree Height Tree Class Tree Crown Class Site Trees

Field Notes

STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES

Data Transfer Work Plan and Schedule Performance Requirements Summary Quality Assurance, Inspection, Acceptance & Payment

Quality Assurance & Inspection Pass-Fail Checks

Calculation of Acceptable Scores Method of Scoring Discrepancies & Trends Re-measurement Acceptance & Compliance Payment for Complete Inspection Blocks

Notification of Failure Rework

Schedule of Performance Contract Time Work Completed After the Performance Period Unfavorable Conditions

GOVERNMENT SERVICES

Government Contract Representatives Government-Furnished Property

Deductions Services

APPENDIX A – BOUNDARY PLOTS

BOUNDARY PLOTS

Half Plots Quarter Plots Mirage Plots Walkthrough Plots

APPENDIX B – STAND AND TREE/CROWN CLASSES

Stand Condition Classes Stand Structure Tree Crown Class Tree Class

OVERVIEW

Determine and establish plot locations across approximately 4,441 acres based on defined parameters and collect stand level plot inventory data using the Forest Service Common Stand Exam protocols. Conduct a stand inventory at each plot using ExamMobile, ExamsPDR, or ExamsPC software.

Stands are approximately 4,000 feet elevation or higher. Plot data will be collected with variable density plots (20 Basal Area Factor) for the overstory and 100th acre fixed radius plots in the understory. Data will be collected from three site trees per stand; heights for all trees will be captured as well as tree class, tree canopy class for some trees. Other stand and tree data will also be recorded.

888 plots are estimated based on the number of plots per acre described in Table 4. The data will be used to characterize current forest conditions for a landscape level vegetation management project.

Period of Performance

February 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026

An average workday production per field crew is estimated at 10 plots/day. The Contractor shall maintain progress at a rate that shall assure completion and acceptance of work within the task order time frame. The Contractor will provide weekly progress status reports. Similarly, the Contractor shall not withhold data from submission to the Government such that available inspectors cannot complete the timely inspections as provided for in this contract. This contract period includes time during the leaf-off season, during time when hardwood species identification is more difficult, and access may be limited due to road conditions. If the contractor chooses to conduct work during the leaf-off season the same level of accuracy standards will apply.

Schedule of Items

Table 1. Schedule of Items

Work Item

Quantity

Bid Amount per plot ($)

Common Stand (CSE) Inventory Plots Estimated* 880 plots

*Number of plots is an estimate based on the number of plots per acre described in Table 4. On the ground stand conditions, realities, and any stand re-delineations may affect this number. Contractor will be paid for the actual number of plots taken within the contract requirements but not for more than the total contract value.

Location The project area is comprised of U.S. Forest Service lands on the Cherokee National Forest North Zone (Unicoi and Carter Counties) and South Zone (Monroe County) in East Tennessee. See attached maps. The project area overlaps several areas with special designations including Unaka Mountain Wilderness, Roan Mountain, Rare Communities, and the Appalachian Trail Corridor.

Below are hyperlinks to key project area locations accessible by vehicle:

Areas and Maps There are three general project areas broken into four maps:

• Area 1 - Carvers East and Carvers West (north zone)

• Area 2 - Unaka Mountain (north zone)

• Area 3 - Whigg (south zone)

1:24k topographic maps, % slope, and satellite image maps are included in the solicitation.

Directions to Project Areas The following coordinates and url links for internet directions will get you to central locations within each of the three project areas.

• Area 1 - Carver’s Gap (36.10621248493472, -82.11022903936681):

https://maps.app.goo.gl/YxftvWQAHuY9tE3V6

• Area 2 - Pleasant Garden Unaka Mountain Overlook (36.134109, -82.310538) https://maps.app.goo.gl/B8dJtNinWEV9wkFJ9

• Area 3 - Whigg Meadow (35.30942832985127, -84.03858042799104):

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ETvykdMKoThhi2zF7

Accessibility and Conditions Stand to be inventoried (project area) may be in very remote locations, including within Designated Wilderness, at elevations above 4,000 feet. The project area may be accessed on Forest Service Roads (where available), trails, or walking “cross-country.” Under normal weather conditions, Forest Roads are accessible by standard 4-wheel drive pickup or similar type of vehicle. Should roads become inaccessible due to rain, snow, fallen trees, slides, washouts, forest fire, or closure orders, the Government may direct the Contractor to suspend operations until road conditions improve, or closures are rescinded. The Government assumes no obligation to do special maintenance to keep roads open or clear fallen trees and other debris; the Government also reserves the right to deny any request where road damage is likely to occur.

A four-wheel drive vehicle is likely necessary to travel on some of NFS roads. Foot travel to and from stands of up to a mile or more is possible. Slopes are extremely variable and may exceed 35%. Feral hogs, bears, and poisonous snakes, insects or plants may be encountered. Snow, ice https://maps.app.goo.gl/YxftvWQAHuY9tE3V6 https://maps.app.goo.gl/B8dJtNinWEV9wkFJ9 https://maps.app.goo.gl/ETvykdMKoThhi2zF7 and other weather will likely prevent access to work sites during some parts of the year, especially from any roads with northerly/easterly aspects.

Contractors are subject to the same rules as Forest Service personnel regarding the use of off-road vehicles and must use only utility task vehicles (UTV) or side by sides. These vehicles differ from all-terrain vehicles (ATV) in that UTV payloads run from 800 to 1,350 pounds above the operator/passenger’s weight. UTV’s also have roll-over protection and seat belts unlike an ATV.

Designated Wilderness, Roan Mountain, Appalachian Trail Corridor The project area overlaps several areas with special designations including Unaka Mountain Wilderness, Roan Mountain, Rare Communities, and the Appalachian Trail Corridor. The COR will explain what is not permissible in these areas. For example, within Designated Wilderness, the following are prohibited: leaving flagging, possessing, or using a motor vehicle, or possessing or using a bicycle. The Forest Service cannot envision every situation or need that the Contractor may have, so it is the responsibility of the Contractor to ask the Forest Service if a particular activity is allowed prior to submitting a bid.

Site Visit Potential Contractors are urged and expected to inspect the site where services are to be performed, ask questions, and do whatever necessary to satisfy themselves regarding all general and local conditions that may affect the costs of contract performance, to the extent that the information is reasonably obtainable. In no event shall failure to inspect the site constitute grounds for a claim after contract award.

CONTRACTOR REPRESENATIVES, PROPERTY, CRITICAL TASKS

Contractor Representative The contractor, or a contract representative, shall be available to communicate with the Forest Service each day there is a worker(s) implementing this work in the field. All contractor representatives must be able to read, write, speak, and comprehend English, and their names shall be provided to the contracting officer before work begins. The Contractor shall make no substitutions to any contract representatives without notifying the Contracting Officer’s Representative within a reasonable timeframe and in advance and shall submit justification (including proposed substitutions) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on the contract. Proposed substitutes should have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced.

Contractor-Furnished Property

The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, software, hardware, transportation, supervision, supplies, and incidentals (except those designated as Government-furnished) and perform stand examinations plots within the project area.

Data will be collected using the most recent version of Forest Service Common Stand Exam (CSE) protocols. The CSE Field Guide, R8 Appendixes and list of compatible data recorders can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/nrm/fsveg/index.shtml (also available upon request if the link does not work).

The Contractor will be required to use the following listed materials to collect data unless otherwise previously agreed upon with the Contracting Officer Representative (COR). Equivalent type equipment may be considered acceptable if agreed to in writing before work commences if it can meet the same level of accuracy standards as required in this Contract.

Table 2. Contractor-furnished property

Contractor-Furnished Property Quantity When to be Furnished Appropriate set of personal protective equipment One per worker All days of field work

Clinometer (Suunto type or Laser Rangefinder/Hypsometer with ± 1 foot accuracy)

At least one per crew All days of field work

Compass (Suunto Type or Laser Rangefinder/Hypsometer-with compass with ± 1 degree accuracy)

At least one per crew All days of field work

Increment Bore (Bore length ≥14 inches long) At least one per crew All days of field work Loggers tape (75+ feet long) One per worker All days of field work

DBH tape in tenths of an inch (Can be a separate unit or integrated with Loggers tape)

One per worker All days of field work

GPS (ability to obtain 20 ft accuracy or better in the horizontal dimension, geographic coordinate system Lat./Long., WGS 84)

At least one per crew All days of field work

1. Data Recorder with ExamsPDR software And/Or Android-based mobile device with ExamsMobile software, AND..

2. paper data sheets for data collection as a back up to #1.

At least one per crew All days of field work

Ribbon Flagging (pink glo preferred) Enough to monument all plots and site trees

All days of field work

Wire Flagging (pink glo preferred) or wooden ground stakes

Enough to mark all plots

All days of field work

Prism or Criterion type device or Relaskop (20

BAF)

At least one per crew All days of field work

Contractor Tasks and Critical Subtasks

1. Contractor shall submit a plan of operation for completing data collection.

2. Contractor shall collect data in accordance with the approved plan of operation.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/nrm/fsveg/index.shtml

3. Contractor will determine the appropriate number of plots and plot location according the specifications below.

4. Contractor may collect and submit data in one of a few ways:

a. Collect field data using ExamsPDR software on a compatible portable data recorder or Android-base mobile device and then submit a .cse file to the Forest Service via email or flash drive.

b. Collect field data using Exams Mobile on a compatible android mobile device and then submit a .txt file to the Forest Service via email or flash drive.

c. Collect data in the field using paper forms and then record the data manually in a PC using ExamsPC software and then submit a .cse file to the Forest Service via email or flash drive.

5. Latitude (lat) and Longitude (lon) of all plot centers shall be entered into the ExamsPDR, ExamsMobile, or ExamsPC in the proper format. All submitted plot data must have a lat/lon.

6. Contractor shall also use a handheld GPS device to provide (via email for flash drive) accurate plot locations and site tree locations in the form of .gpx files or point shapefiles (readable in ArcGIS Pro) and labeled in a way such that the Compartment, Stand, and Plot number can be identified with each point or file.

7. The Contractor shall provide colored (preferably pink glo) flagging and wire flags or ground stakes for monumenting plots.

8. The project area overlaps several areas with special designations including Unaka Mountain Wilderness, Roan Mountain, Rare Communities, and the Appalachian Trail Corridor. For example, within Designated Wilderness, the following are prohibited:

leaving flagging, possessing, or using a motor vehicle, or possessing or using a bicycle. The Forest Service cannot envision every situation or need that the Contractor may have, so it is the responsibility of the Contractor to ask the Forest Service if a particular activity is allowed prior to submitting a bid.

Pre-work Conference Prior to commencement of work, the Contractor shall schedule a meeting with the COR to discuss the Contract terms, work performance requirements, and safety. Also, at this meeting such items as work progress schedule, camping/worksite plan and communications shall be finalized in writing.

COMMON STAND EXAM

Plot Location and Number

The Contractor shall determine the number of plots and plot locations for each stand based on the following parameters:

• An unbiased systematic sampling method shall be used to determine plot locations before heading to the field to collect plot data. A square grid pattern is recommended with equally spaced rows and a constant distance between plots within rows. Plots are located at fixed directions and distances throughout the stand. The distance between plot centers varies according to the size of the stand, number of plots, and stand layout.

• Stands shall be sampled at a ratio of 1 plot per 5 acres. A minimum of 3 plots per stand is required and no more than 20 plots in a stand. If a stand is of a size (acres) that is not divisible by 5, the Contractor shall determine the number of plots by rounding up. For example, a stand that is 21 acres shall receive 5 plots (21/5 =4.2, then round up to 4.5) and a stand that is 25 acres shall receive 5 plots (25/5=5).

• The distance between plots for a square grid pattern can be determined by using a dot grid or by taking the square root of the number of square feet in the exam area divided by the number of plots. For example, the plot spacing for an 80-acre stand exam of 11 plots is:

• The distance between plot locations should not be less than three chains (~200ft) where possible.

• Plot locations shall be representative of the stand and avoid inclusions, and not established based on subjective bias. If a plot falls in an area that is not representative of the stand (e.g.

a permanent opening, stream, road, home sites, or other inclusion), offset in a systematic way with prior approval from the COR (e.g. always offset by pacing half a chain to the north).

• Stand edge shall not be avoided, as it represents a significant portion of a stand’s condition.

• When a plot falls near the boundary of a unit, part of the plot could fall outside of the boundary and not be representative of the stand; these types of plots are called “boundary plots.” Appropriate ways to measure boundary plots can be found in Appendix B; an acceptable alternative is to offset the plot by one chain from the boundary, as long as it does not fall within 3 chains of another plot.

• Plots shall be numbered consecutively within each stand.

The Forest Service will inspect for the appropriate number and distribution of plots within stands during field inspections. Plot data that are not representative of the stand will be handled in one of four ways; the Government may:

1. Recognize the plot(s) as being in an inclusion and satisfying the requirement for plotting inclusions (i.e. is less than 5 acres) therefore not necessitating replacement; or

2. Recognize the plot(s) as being in an inclusion but being more than the requirement for plotting inclusions (5 acres) therefore affecting payments; or

3. Require replacement plot(s) in the predominant vegetation community for those determined to be non- representative of the stand up to the required number of plots for that stand size;

or

4. Require the creation of a new stand of which the non-representative plot or plots become a part and supplemental plots will be required to be taken up to the required number for that new stand size.

An inclusion will be considered an area of like stand condition, which varies from the surrounding stand and is less than 5 acres in size. An inclusion that is 5 acres of larger shall be considered a separate stand and sampled accordingly.

Plot Establishment and Identification (Monumenting) The project area overlaps several areas with special designations including Unaka Mountain Wilderness, Roan Mountain, Rare Communities, and the Appalachian Trail Corridor.

Consequently, monumentation may vary depending on the stand (for example, to minimize visual impacts); the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) will provide instruction.

In general, however, the Contractor shall provide colored (preferably pink glo) flagging and wire flags or wooden ground stakes for monumenting plots. The Contractor shall monument plots on the ground with materials and methods that will ensure they last through all environmental conditions until inspections are completed (approximately 2 weeks to a month). Specific materials, colors, and methods of marking will be agreed upon at the pre-work conference.

Monumentation shall include the following:

1. A wire flag or wooden ground stake shall be used for the plot center marker. The top of the marker shall be at least one foot above surrounding duff, litter, and down woody debris and also flagged or otherwise made to contrast with natural surroundings.

2. In addition, a free-hanging piece of flagging a minimum of 18” long shall be suspended no approximately 6 feet high over the plot center on a living stem of any diameter or a dead stem at least 1 inch in diameter.

3. Flagging shall be marked with the stand number, the plot number, and the date the plot was taken with waterproof permanent ink near the free end of the flagging.

4. Additional flagging is required to mark the first tree measured on a plot at approximately

4.5 feet above the ground with the tied knot in the flagging indicating the direction toward plot center.

5. Site trees shall also be flagged with two bands approximately 6 feet high with the letters “ST” and shall include, DBH, height, and age, written on the loose end of the flagging to indicate the tree is a site tree. The knot of the flagging will be placed in a vertical line with the location of the bore hole used to determine age.

Data Collection The Contractor shall locate, establish, measure and record data using variable point plot with a basal area factor 20 as well as a 1/100th acre circular fixed radius subplot (11.8 ft radius).

Common Stand Exam (CSE) data shall be collected and recorded in accordance with the Region 8 CSE Field Guide unless specifically modified by this contract. The Contractor shall collect data according to the Sample Design Form to complete the Setting Data Form and the Plot/Tree Data form, as specified in the sections below.

Data Codes The Contractor shall use appropriate codes in accordance with the Region 8 CSE Field Guide.

Data Collection Forms The following tables demonstrate the required fields for each form that is to be collected and recorded. All data shall be taken in accordance with the Region 8 CSE Field Guide. A “Yes” in the “Required” column in the tables below indicates the fields and data the Contractor is required to collect.

Setting Data Form The Setting Data Form shall be used to record stand measurements, stand comments, as well as design parameters and references.

Table 3. Setting Record form requirements and accuracy standards

Field Description Required Data Source Comments Accuracy

Standard Project Name YES Government Red Spruce CSE No Error

Field Description Required Data Source Comments Accuracy

Standard Administrative Region YES Government 08 No Error Administrative Forest YES Government 04 No Error

Proclaimed Region YES Government 08 No Error Proclaimed

National*Forest YES Government 06 No Error

District YES Government

01 – Ocoee 02 – Unaka 03- Tellico

04 - Watauga

No Error

Location YES Government 4-digit compartment number with leading zeros No Error

Stand Number or ID YES

Government (unless

Contractor identifies a new stand)

4-digit stand number with leading zeros No Error

Owner YES Government USFS No Error

Date YES Contractor Date stand exam was completed (MM/DD/YYYY) No Error

Examination Level YES Government

Tree level: 1 (quick) Veg Level: 0 (None)

Down Woody: 0 (None) Ground Surface: 0 (No)

No Error

Exam Purpose YES Government Stand Exam (SE) No Error Existing Vegetation

Reference YES Government FSHR8 No Error

Existing Vegetation YES Contractor R8 CSE Field Guide Appendix E No Error Precision Protocol NO Government CSE_Q if required by data recorder No Error

Examiner YES Contractor Name of Company (e.g. WOODSY) No Error

Setting Remarks /1 YES Contractor Stand Condition Class Code is required. Anything more is optional.

No Error

Lat./Long. Datum YES Government WGS84 No Errors

User Code YES Contractor Use 500 (standard forest land) unless it is not, in which case, leave blank.

No errors

Stand Structure /2 YES Contractor See below /2 No errors Fuel Model No

/1 Stand condition class must be recorded (see Appendix B). Additional bonus points (maximum of 5) will be awarded for accurate and meaningful stand-level information not easily extrapolated from data but that could affect management decisions or harvest activities. Examples include:

• Presence of brush competition to seedlings and saplings.

• Bumper acorn crop (if not captured in the plot data)

• Presence of significant advanced oak regeneration (>4 feet tall) (if not captured in the plot data)

• Presence of non-native invasive plants, including location and species or common name

• Presence of rare plants, including the species or common name

• Evidence of insects and disease or other forest health concerns

• Potential logging operation concerns or issues.

• Stand delineation recommendations (including reasons for the recommendations)

/2 Stand structure class codes are defined in Appendix B.

Sample Design Form The Sample Design Form shall be used to record sample design parameters as provided by the Government. The form shall reflect the sample design depicted in Table 6 and, and this shall be the same for all settings (stands) and plots. Only the “Tree” sample design is required.

Table 4. TREE - Sample design form requirements.

Required Form Type

Method

Expansion Factor

Condition

Subpop Filter

Variable

Minimum Value

Maximum Value

TREE BAF 20 ALL DBH (in) 5.00 999.9

Required

Form Type

Method

Expansion Factor

Condition

Subpop Filter

Variable

Minimum Value

Maximum Value

TREE FRQ 100 LIVE DBH (in) 0.10 4.99 OR LIVE HGT (ft) 0.10 4.45

Table 5. TREE Sample design accuracy standards.

Field Name Required Data Source Comments Accuracy Standard

Form Type YES Government Tree Selection Method Type YES Government See Table 6 No Errors

Sample Expansion Factor YES Government See Table 6 No Errors Sub population Filter YES Government See Table 6 No Errors

Sample Design Remarks NO Contractor optional No Errors Sub pop Variable YES Government See Table 6 No Errors

Sub pop Minimum Value YES Government See Table 6 No Errors Sub pop Maximum Value YES Government See Table 6 No Errors

Plot/Tree Data Form The following items are required to be recorded at each plot (Table 8.). Detailed information and lists of valid codes for each data item are found in the Common Stand Exam Users Guide and Appendices and are available as ‘Help’ on the Personal Data Recorder (PDR) within the software.

The Contractor shall be responsible for collecting and filling out the Plot Data Form for all data items that are set to “YES” in the “Required” column of the table below.

Table 6. Plot form requirements and accuracy standards

Field Description Required Data

Source Comments Accuracy Standard

Stands Surveyed YES Government All stands must be surveyed No Errors

Plots Installed YES Contractor # plots is based on stand acres.

Monumented correctly No Errors

Plot Number YES Contractor Consecutive within each stand No Error

Plot Lat./Long. YES Contractor Collect using a GPS device +/- 20 feet

Latitude and Longitude

• Use the format provided in the chosen software (ExamsPC/ExamsPDR or ExamsMobile), World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84)

Tree Data The Tree Data form shall be used to record tree measurement information. Trees will be recorded individually and in order starting with the tree to the right of 0˚ azimuth. The Contractor shall use the following criteria:

• The Contractor shall use a 20 Basal Area Factor (BAF) prism to record all live and dead trees ≥ 5.0” DBH for each stand.

• The Contractor shall install a 1/100 acre (11.8 foot radius) circular fixed subplot to record DBH all live trees 0.1” to 4.99” DBH to the nearest 10th of an inch.

• On the same 1/100th acre fixed subplot, the Contractor shall record heights of all live trees 0.5’– 4.49’ height to the nearest foot.

• The Contractor shall record at least three site trees per stand; this can be either on or off a plot. Refer to the Site Tree section.

• The Contractor shall collect the information in Table 8.

It is recommended that the Contractor conduct the fixed radius subplot before the variable point plot because seedlings may become trampled while conducting the variable plot.

Table 7. Tree Data form requirements and accuracy standards

Field Description Required Data Source Comments Accuracy Standard

Plot Number YES Contractor Trees must be associated with the correct stand and plot. No Error

Tag ID YES Contractor

Consecutive starting from tree # 1 at azimuth 0 degrees and increasing in a clockwise direction. Trees of the same species and size class in a plot may be grouped and share the same Tag ID.

No Error

Tree Status YES Contractor Live (L) only No Error

Tree Species YES Contractor Trees must be selected from those available in the PDR, sourced from the 0811 TAXA list.

No Error

Tree Count YES Contractor Accuracy varies based on tree size. No error, except +/- 25% for trees <4.5’

DBH Yes Contractor For non-site trees 1/ +/- 10% Tree Class Yes Contractor For all live trees ≥ 13.0” DBH 2/ No error

Tree Crown Class Yes Contractor For all live trees ≥ 4.5 ft tall No error

Height Yes Contractor Where required 1/ +/- 5% for site trees;

2/

Site Tree Species Yes Contractor Trees shall be selected from the list of appropriate species No error

Site Trees

(DBH &

Height)

YES Contractor

Generally, 3 site trees per stand, on or off plot (code ‘S’ or ‘F’). Must be a tree that meets criteria listed in Site Tree section.

See Site Tree section. 1/

3 site trees per stand;

+/- 0.2” DBH;

+/- 5’ height

Tree Age Yes Contractor Site trees only ±10% 1/ Trees must be within one of the appropriate size classes and errors calculated as described in the DBH or height section below.

2/ See Appendix B for Tree Class. Trees must be assigned one of the appropriate tree classes and errors calculated as described in the Tree Class section below.

3/ See Appendix B for Tree Crown Class. Trees must be within one of the appropriate size classes and errors calculated as described in the Height section below.

Tree Count and Tag ID Record a Tag ID number in the selected data collection software for each tree within each plot.

On each plot, number each tree starting with the number “1” (this is the Tag ID). The Tag ID, in conjunction with the plot number, uniquely identifies each line of tree data in the setting.

Tree count and Tag ID number continues for the variable point plot starting at azimuth 360 (North), progressing in a clockwise direction around plot center. Tree count and Tag ID number is based on the fixed radius subplot starting at azimuth 360 (North), progressing in a clockwise direction around plot center. Trees of the same species and size class in a plot may be grouped and share the same Tag ID.

When “borderline” trees are encountered when conducting the variable point plot (i.e. those trees that are not quite in or out), measure the tree’s DBH and its distance from plot center to the face of the tree at breast height. Compare this distance to the limiting distance tables for the correct basal area factor (adjusted for slope). If the measured distance from plot center is less than or equal to the limiting distance from the respective tables in Appendix J of the Region 8 Common Stand Exam Field Guide, then the tree in question is “in” and is counted as a sample tree. However, if the measured distance from plot center is greater than the limiting distance, then the tree in question is “out” and is not counted or measured. If using the ExamsPDR or ExamsMobile, there is a calculator included that can tell you if the tree is in or out.

When “borderline” trees are encountered when conducting the circular fixed radius subplot (i.e. those trees that are not quite in or out), measure the distance from plot center to the face of the tree’s root collar. If the distance is less than or equal to the plot radius (adjusted for slope), the tree is “in” and is counted as a sample tree; if the distance is greater that the fixed plot radius, then the tree is “out” and is not counted or measured. If using the ExamsPDR or ExamsMobile, there is a calculator included that can tell you if the tree is in or out.

Tree Status The following tree class codes shall be used.

Code Description L Live D Dead

Tree Species Record the genus and species of every sampled live tree. Tree species shall be limited to the list available from within the Personal Data Recorder (PDR) Help Menu, as derived from the Region 08 Administrative Forest 11 TAXA list. If the species cannot be determined in the field, the Contractor shall measure the tree and bring branch samples, foliage, cones, flowers, bark, etc.

or photos for identification using additional resources. Temporarily use a genus code or one of the 2 generic codes, 2TE, or 2TD and correct the species code later.

• 2TE: Tree, evergreen

• 2TD: Tree, deciduous

For sampled dead trees, every effort should be made to identify the genus and species, but genus and 2TE and 2TD will be accepted.

Accuracy Standards No Errors

Diameter at Breast Height (DBH)

BAF 20 Variable Point Plot DBH should be recorded in one-inch diameter classes. All trees less than 1-inch DBH should be recorded as 0.1.”

Accuracy Standards The DBH of site trees shall be measured and recorded to the nearest 10th of an inch, +/- 0.2”.

no errors. The DBH of all other trees, other than site trees, will have an accurate size class based on +/- 10% of the actual tree DBH measured to the nearest 10th of an inch, even though it is recorded in 1” DBH classes. Should a tree be recorded inaccurately, then the error will be multiplied by the total number of size classes it is off.

Tree Height In addition to site trees, heights shall be recorded for at least two co-dominant live trees in each plot, preferably of different species. Record heights for all dead trees. Heights should be recorded to the nearest foot.

Accuracy Standards For trees at least 4.5 feet tall, recorded tree heights shall be within +/- 5’ of the actual height or an error will be incurred. Trees less than 4.5 feet tall (small trees) shall be coded with the correct 1 ft height class or an error will be incurred.

Tree Class Tree class shall be recorded for all species for each tree 13.0” DBH or larger according to the classes in Table It shall not be recorded for trees in the fixed radius plot or for off-plot site trees.

See Appendix B for Tree Class codes and descriptions.

Accuracy Standards No errors permitted.

Tree Crown Class Tree crown class shall be recorded for all live trees ≥ 4.5 ft tall See Appendix B for Tree Crown Class codes and descriptions.

Accuracy Standards No errors permitted.

Site Trees A minimum of three site trees shall be recorded per stand, if the site tree criteria described below can be met. If there are not any trees in any plot that meet site tree criteria (listed below), select a site tree from off-plot.

If a site tree is recorded off-plot, the latitude and longitude for the tree shall be collected and included in the remarks section for that tree record or in a separate GPS waypoint or shapefile, with sufficient labeling to be able to locate the tree in the field and match the point to the tree record in the data collection software.

Code Description S Site tree on plot F Site tree off plot

The Contractor shall identify site trees with flagging at breast height with the letters “ST” and DBH, height, and age written on the loose end of the flagging to indicate the tree is a site tree.

The knot of the flagging will be placed in a vertical line with the location of the bore hole used to determine age. The bore hole shall always be at breast height (4.5 ft) and face plot center.

A site tree is a tree for which age and height are measured to determine site index and yield capacity for a tree. Past and current freedom from height growth suppression is the single most important selection criteria for site trees. When counting rings to determine age, do not extrapolate age from the ground to breast height, refer to CSE protocols.

The following is a summary of site tree selection criteria:

1. Tree species that represent the dominant species in the stand as much as practicable.

2. Similar age class, preferably middle-aged, avoiding old growth and young age classes.

a. Typically > 50 years and < 120 years.

3. Growing in a representative site location.

4. Freedom from height growth suppression

a. Trees in the dominant or co-dominant crown class

b. No pronounced period of radial growth suppression (refer to growth rings)

c. No evidence of insect, disease, or physical damage (past or present) that could influence height growth.

5. Select trees must be live and selected only from the list below:

Code Species

PIEC2 Shortleaf pine (in SLP pine dominated stands)

PIVI2 Virginia Pine (in VA pine dominated stands)

PIST Eastern White Pine LITU Yellow-Poplar

QURU Northern Red Oak QUAL White Oak QUVE Black Oak

QUPR2 Chestnut Oak QUCO2 Scarlet Oak

Accuracy Standards No errors permitted.

Field Notes Field notes are optional and may be recorded as stand level remarks in the Setting Data Form or in a Microsoft Word document submitted electronically. Additional bonus points (maximum of

5) will be awarded for accurate and meaningful information not easily extrapolated from data but that might affect management decisions or harvest activities. Examples include:

• Remarks about Fraser-fir or red spruce not captured in the data.

• Remarks about shrub and other competition to fir and spruce.

• Bumper acorn crop (if not captured in the plot data) at the stand level.

• Presence of significant advanced oak regeneration (>4 feet tall) at the stand level (if not captured in the plot data).

• Presence of non-native invasive plants, including location and species or common name

• Presence of rare plants, including the species or common name

• Stand-level impacts/evidence of insects and disease or other disturbances.

• Stand delineation recommendations (including reasons for the recommendations)

STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES

Data Transfer The Contractor shall submit complete stand information in electronic form (via email or flash drive) within seven days after the completion of each Compartment, or as agreed to with the COR. Complete stand information includes:

1. The sampled plot data from all stands in a Compartment in the form of a .cse ExamsPC readable file or ExamsMobile readable file.

2. GPS waypoints or shapefiles (readable in ArcGIS Pro) of all plots and site trees, properly labeled within identifiable information.

3. If the Contractor used paper forms in the field prior to inputting data into ExamsPC, hard copies of these forms shall be part of the complete stand information.

4. Optional field notes in a Microsoft Word format, if not recorded in the setting data form.

The COR will not conduct a formal inspection until all the Compartments within a block have been completed by the Contractor; however, the COR may review the submitted Compartment data to ensure accuracy and to be able to promptly notify the Contractor. The Contractor is responsible for storing the data collected under this Contract until the Contract has been terminated.

Work Plan and Schedule The Contractor shall prepare a work plan and schedule that demonstrates work will be completed within the performance period described. The Contractor shall advise the COR of any periods that the Contractor will not be working that is not specified in the accepted Work Plan. The

Contractor shall notify the COR of any changes to the work plan/schedule to ensure that work will be completed on time and inspections can be conducted in a timely manner.

Performance Requirements Summary The following describes the major items in this Contract with the performance requirements for the work described.

Performance Requirements

Performance Standard

Government Method of Assessment Acceptable Quality Level

Common Stand Exam Data Collection

Quality meets or exceeds Accuracy Quality Level

COR inspects a minimum of 2% of plots (maximum of 5%) consistent with the standards found on the Contract Inspection Forms and the Region 8 CSE Field Guide.

If each form in an inspection block scores <20% error and total combined form scores for an inspection block are <10% error, work is acceptable.

If any individual form scores >20% error, or if total combined form score for an inspection block >10% error, inspection block is unacceptable and will be returned for rework.

Common Stand Exam Data Delivery

Quality meets or exceeds Accuracy Quality Level

COR conducts monitoring of delivered data.

Inspection blocks deficient in specifications shall be returned to the Contractor for rework.

Work Plan and Schedule

Work meets schedule as per the accepted work plan.

COR conducts periodic monitoring.

Work not completed on schedule is subject to default and may result in assessment of actual costs.

Quality Assurance, Inspection, Acceptance & Payment

Quality Assurance & Inspection The Government’s quality assurance inspections will not be initiated until the Contractor submits all required data and forms (including any handwritten forms) for an inspection block. An inspection block is defined as a Compartment or group of Compartments as delineated by the COR at the pre-work conference; however, the Contractor may request an alternative delineation of ‘blocks’ at that time. Field inspections will be made from the data and forms submitted by the Contractor after initial Pass-Fail Checks have been made.

The Government will inspect submitted information to determine compliance with contract specifications and to provide a basis for payment. All forms shall be legible; any missing, non-legible, or non-applicable entries shall be counted as discrepancies and errors accrued.

Inspection of the plot data will occur on approximately 2% of the plots within each block.

Inspections of ~2% will be the norm unless problems/discrepancies are discovered. The COR may conduct additional plot inspections (no more than 5% of total plots) to determine if work is acceptable or not.

The Government is not required to provide more than two quality assurance assessments inspections on any single inspection block. Results of the last quality assurance assessment will supersede any prior results for determining acceptability and payment. Failure to pass two quality assurance assessments on a single inspection block may result in contract default.

The Inspector will locate plots in the field using a global position system during field inspection.

These coordinates will be used to evaluate the field inspected plot using the tolerances specified.

All linear and area measurements under this contract are measured on a horizontal plane within the established boundaries.

Pass-Fail Checks The Government may initiate a pass-fail check of specified standards and procedures for each inspection block. Inspection blocks deficient in the following specifications are unacceptable on a "pass-fail" basis and the entire inspection block shall be returned to the Contractor for rework.

The determination of noncompliance with these items may be made during the office edit or during field inspection.

1. All complete electronic data must be submitted to the Forest Service in a timely manner.

2. Electronic data must not contain error and must be readable by Government computers.

3. Electronic data must load successfully into ExamsPC/ExamsMobile and pass the ExamsPC/

ExamsMobile FSVeg Pre-load check.

4. Sample design form shall be correct for all plots.

5. All stands must have the correct number of sample plots examined.

6. Plots must be evenly distributed throughout the stand through a grid-based systematic sampling method.

7. All plot centers must fall within the stand boundary.

8. Boundary plots must be implemented according to the methods described in Appendix A

9. All plot centers and site trees must have proper labeling, reference point information and be compliant with specifications so adequate inspections can be conducted.

10. Compartment stand delineation, if applicable, must be complete and accurate.

11. Plot and site tree location information must be provided in an acceptable format (in addition to the latitude/longitude records for each plot in the submitted data files).

12. All specially requested data must be complete and to the accuracy standard established in this Contract.

Calculation of Acceptable Scores Method of Scoring An error (point deduction) is given for each deficient entry or procedure within an inspection block. Acceptable tolerance levels for individual measurements are shown on the Inspection Forms. Any item or measurement indicated by inspection to be outside these tolerance levels shall be assigned an error. Errors and bonus points shall be calculated for each form (Setting within the inspection block and then averaged for a Total Score. Total Score will be rounded to the nearest one tenth of a percent. An inspection block may fail based on a Form Score or the Total Score.

Scores for each Inspection Form and the Inspection Block as a whole are determined by the following method:

1. The possible points for a given field are calculated by multiplying Column B: Weight by Column A: # Items available for each field.

2. The number of errors found during the inspections of each inspection block will be recorded in Column C: # of Errors.

3. The point deductions for each field are calculated by multiplying Column C: # of Errors by Column B: Weight.

4. Bonus points are provided as a deduction in errors and are recorded as negative numbers in Colum C: # of Errors.

5. The Point Deductions will be totaled for all fields in each form (Setting Data, Plot, and Tree Forms) and divided by the total possible points in each form to determine the Total Form Percent Error.

6. Total Form Percent Error = (Sum of Deductions in an individual form ÷ Sum Possible Points in an individual form) X 100 = percent error.

7. Total Inspection Block Error = (Sum of Deductions across all forms in block÷ Sum Possible Points across all forms in block) X 100 = percent error.

Discrepancies & Trends If during the field inspection, the COR notices a discrepancy trend developing, the COR shall notify the Contractor of the finding. The COR may also visit plots not selected in the sample, to review the field(s) in question. These plots will be used to determine if a discrepancy trend does exist. The COR shall notify the Contractor of the findings. If any discrepancy trend continues in any quality assurance assessment(s), the inspection block(s) will be returned for rework.

Re-measurement If the COR’s original quality assurance assessment results are unacceptable to the Contractor; the Contractor has the option to request, in writing, a re-measurement.

Upon the requested re-measurement the Government will conduct a minimum 2% sample. Requests for re-measurement shall be made within five (5) calendar days after receipt of non-compliance and shall contain documentation to support the probability that an error exists. The contractor may accompany the COR during the re-measurement.

Variance of < 5% If re-measurement supports a variance of < 5%, there will be no adjustment and the Government’s final results will supersede the original assessment and be used for the basis of acceptance. The Contractor shall pay for the actual cost of re-measurement.

Variance of > 5% If re-measurement results supports a variance of > 5%, acceptance shall be based on the re-measurement results and the Government shall pay for the re-measurement.

Acceptance & Compliance Acceptance will be determined based on compliance with the contract specifications, including the submission of data within the Acceptable Quality Level as outlined in the Performance Requirements section. Noncompliance will result in non-acceptance of the work. If the Contractor’s work is determined to be unacceptable, the Government may initiate any remedies described in FAR 52.246-4 Inspection of Services.

Payment for Complete Inspection Blocks An inspection block is considered complete when all work has been assessed for quality assurance and accepted for payment. Payment will be made only on completed inspection blocks unless otherwise agreed upon by the Contracting Officer.

Notification of Failure Rework Upon notification to the Contractor of a failed inspection block (total error >10% or any individual form with >20% error), the Contractor shall be required to rework all forms on every plot within the inspection block before beginning work on another inspection block. This will be at no cost to the Government. At the Governments option, during a rework the Contractor may be required to use a different colored ribbon at each plot center. The COR shall specify the color of the ribbon.

Schedule of Performance Contract Time The Government will issue A Notice to Proceed, and Contract time will start on the date specified on the Notice to Proceed. All work shall be completed within the Performance Period, regardless of when the Notice to Proceed is issued.

The Contractor shall start work promptly after receipt of a Notice to Proceed. The Contractor shall maintain progress at a rate that will assure completion within the performance period. The minimum acceptable rate of progress shall occur when 50% of work is completed by the mid-point of the contract time unless the plan of operation has been agreed to otherwise.

The Government is not responsible for GPS down time due to Contractor negligence or satellite coverage issues or disturbances. No Suspend Work Order will be issued, contract time will run during these periods.

Work Completed After the Performance Period

If the Contractor fails to complete work within the contract time, and is allowed to work beyond that period, the Contractor will be assessed actual damages. Items to be included in the actual damage includes but is not limited to: wages of the COR and Government inspector(s) for quality assurance after the performance period, costs of vehicles, meals, and lodging that are incurred while administering the contract after the performance period.

Unfavorable Conditions Adverse weather and/or road conditions may prevent access to the work sites during the contract period. Upon written request, the Contracting Officer may authorize additional contract time if adverse conditions prevent access to the work sites and are documented with the COR.

GOVERNMENT SERVICES

Government Contract Representatives At least one Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) will be designated. The CORs will conduct quality assurance assessments.

Government-Furnished Property The Government shall provide the Contractor the following listed materials, supplies, property or services, for use in the performance of this contract, hereinafter referred to as Government- Furnished Property (Table 14). Government furnished property will be provided to the Contractor at the pre-work conference or at a mutually agreeable time thereafter but in any case prior to field work. Contractor shall sign the Property Transfer form. This property shall be used and maintained by the Contractor in accordance with the provisions of the “Government Property” FAR clause, (Reference Clause 52.245-4).

The Contractor shall be liable for all loss or damage of such Government-Furnished Property until it has been returned. Completion and final acceptance of work required under this contract and each task order will be contingent on the return of all Government-Furnished Property in serviceable condition. The Contractor will be charged by a reduction in contract payments the replacement cost of Government-Furnished Property lost or damaged to the extent of becoming unserviceable.

Table 8. Government-furnished property

Item Description Where, When, How

Project area map

Map depicting all compartments and stands for the project area.

Pre-Work Meeting

ExamsPC/Exams Mobile Software and

Instructions

Data entry software.

Handheld personal data recorder software or mobile device software https://www.fs.usda .gov/nrm/fsveg/inde x.shtml

Common Stand Exam User Guide and

Appendices

Field instructions handbook for performing Common Stand Exam https://www.fs.usda .gov/nrm/fsveg/inde x.shtml Region 8 Common

Stand Examination Field

Guide

Field instructions handbook for performing Common Stand Exam https://www.fs.usda .gov/nrm/fsveg/inde x.shtml

ArcGIS Pro shapefiles of compartments and stands

Shapefiles of all compartment and stand in ArcMap

10.5.1 ready format

Available upon request.

Forest Service Keys Pre-Work Meeting

Data…