2024_BNF_NZ_StockingExamContract.docx

PART I—THE SCHEDULE

SECTION A--SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

1. 2007 Monumental fire Stocking Exam

2. 2020 Buck Fire Stocking Exam

3. 2007 Riordan Fire Stocking Exam

4. 2015 Cougar Fire Stocking Exam (Optional)

Plots

Plots

TOTAL

SECTION B--DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK SCOPE OF CONTRACT

I. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

A. Scope of Contract

The Forest Service proposes to contract for technical forestry services to conduct the field phase of a stand exam project. The stand exam will provide the Government with natural resource information for forested and other lands at an intensity required for management decisions.

The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, transportation, supervision, supplies (except those designated as Government-furnished), incidentals, and perform all work necessary to conduct stand examinations in compliance with terms, specifications, conditions, and provisions of this solicitation.

LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

The project is located on the Cascade Ranger District on the Boise National Forest.

1. A list of stands to be surveyed is included in the attached Exhibit 01.

2. Vicinity map is included in the attached Exhibit 02.

3. Work will consist of locating, establishing, measuring and recording data for sample points. A map of the the general inventory area, and locations are included in the attached Exhibit 02.

B. Accessibility

The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining all necessary permission to gain access to sample locations. If the Contractor cannot obtain permission to access a sample location, the Contractor must notify the Government in writing.

Accessibility may be determined from maps which shall be furnished by the Forest Service. Contractor will be responsible for adhering to the U.S. Forest Service travel management plan, including yearlong or seasonal closures to motor vehicles, as illustrated in Exhibit 02, unless authorization is obtained. Maps and photos may indicate that a road goes to the stand; however, vehicle access may be difficult or restricted. Stand locations may necessitate that Contractor walk to the stand or acquire some other means of travel.

C. Boundaries

Project boundaries may be identified by topo maps furnished by the Government and physical features shown on vicinity map (see Exhibit 02) and project and unit maps ( Exhibits 3-6).

II. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

A. Stand Examination Instructions Plot Location Procedure.

1. The Contractor shall locate plots within stands using GPS coordinates provided by the Government. Actual plot location shall be off-set 1/2 chain at perpendicular from any road – open or closed. Road right-of-ways shall be defined as the bottom of the fill slope to the top of the cut slope. Any off-set plot centers must be GPSed and lat/long identified. Note in plot remarks why plot was off-set and directions to adjusted plot center.

2. The Contractor shall identify sample plot centers with wire flags, wooden stakes or nails, or as agreed upon at the prework conference. Upon inspection, the point where a wire flag intersects the ground or the top center of a wooden stake or nail shall be used as plot center. Sample plot center markers shall be firmly driven into the ground. Flagging shall be tied above the plot center on two sides. The location, stand, and plot number shall be written legibly on the flagging using a waterproof marker

B. Plot Acquisition Procedure Using Global Positioning System (GPS)

The Contractor shall set up the GPS receiver and software as referenced below:

1. The Contractor shall provide a GPS receiver that has the ability to obtain the stated accuracy standard of 50 feet in the horizontal dimension.

2. All GPS data shall be collected using geographic coordinate system Latitude/Longitude, and Geodetic Datum NAD83.

3. The latitude and longitude of established plot center will be entered into the plot data form.

C. Recording Instruction

Data shall be recorded electronically using one or more of the following:

· Government provided Exams PDR program. The Exams PDR program runs on several types of PDR style computers with the Windows CE or Windows Pocket PC 2003 operating system.

· Government provided ExamsPCprogram. The Exams PC data entry program runs on computers with the Windows 7 operating systems. This may require data to be recorded on paper forms in the field and then entered into the Exams PC program prior to delivery to the Government.

The forms for data collection are provided in the Exhibits 03, 04, 05, 06 and 07. The data fields to be collected on each form are enumerated in the Supplemental Specifications

The Contractor is responsible for providing the computer hardware necessary for running the software program/s.

III. SUPPLEMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS

This section describes the forms, and the fields within each form, to be completed.

A. Setting Form

A setting is normally a stand in which the stand exam is being done. Following is a list of data fields required for each setting. Detailed information and lists of valid codes for each data field are found in the Southwest Idaho CSE Field Guide v.1.7 and Appendicies (see Government Furnished Property and is available at the following web site:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5035659.pdf

If the contract specifications differ from the Southwest Idaho CSE Field Guide and Appendicies, the contract specifications shall have precedent.

Stand Sketch & Notes will be used to record Reference Point (RP) description, traverse information and a general stand sketch. See Exhibit 07 for this form.

All setting fields are included on the sample setting form provided in Exhibit 04.

* Include comments on noteworthy conditions such as presence of existing live large trees, dwarf mistletoe in live large trees, beetle activity in live large trees and damage that negatively affects the stand. Also whether plot results are indicative of overall stand stocking. Record observed species of interest within stand such as aspen, whitebark pine, etc. If there are GPS issues, note that too. Space – 255 characters.

B. Sample Design (Type 2)

A 1/50th acre plot size will be used for the large tree fixed plot. On the large tree fixed plot, sample all live trees with a 5.0” or larger DBH. A 1/50th-acre plot size will be used for the small tree fixed plot. On the small tree fixed plot, sample all live trees 3" tall to 4.9” DBH. The required Sample Design data are:

Not collected

Not collected

See Exhibit 05 for Sample Design Form.

C. Plot Data

All fields for the Plot Data are on the Plot Data form included in Exhibit 07. The following items are required to be recorded at each plot. Detailed information and lists of valid codes for each data item are found in the Southwest Idaho CSE Field Guide and Appendices (see Government Furnished Property).

Not collected

Not collected

Not collected

Not collected

Not collected

Not collected

Not collected

Not collected

Not collected

Not collected

D. Tree Data

Begin recording standing tree data at azimuth 360 (North), progressing in a clockwise direction around plot center. Trees shall be recorded in the following order:

a. large tree fixed radius plot trees

b. small tree fixed radius plot trees

The following items are required for each tree, except as noted. Detailed information and lists of valid codes for each data field are found in the Southwest Idaho CSE Field Guide and Appendices (see Government Furnished Property).

4.4’ tall

*Refer to Insect, Disease, and Damage Handbook for descriptions of these codes. Handbook will be issued at the prework conference. Due to the possibility of multiple damages per tree, the tree form included in the Exhibit 06 contains three Damage Category, Agent and Severity groups. The Contractor is only responsible for identifying the three most severe damages per tree.

2) Aspen are considered acceptable species for fixed plots.

3) Seedlings and saplings of the same species on the fixed plot having an identical diameter class and damage category may be grouped. Record the number of trees in each group in Field 6.

4) Record seedlings with a diameter between 0 – 1.4” = “blank”

1.5 – 3.0 = 2.0

3.1 – 4.5 = 4.0

5) Height for grouped seedlings and saplings may be averaged.

E. Vegetation Composition

This form will not be collected.

F. Ground Surface Cover

This form will not be collected.

G. Down Woody Material

This form will not be collected.

H. Electronic Data

1. Recording Instruction

The forms for data collection are provided (Exhibit 07). The data fields to be collected are enumerated on each form: Setting Form; Sample Design Form; Plot Data Form; and Tree Data Form. Data shall be recorded electronically using one or more of the following:

· Government provided ExamsCE program. The ExamsCE program runs on several types of PDR style computers with the Windows CE or Windows Pocket PC operating system.

· Government provided ExamsPC program. The ExamsPC data entry program runs on computers with Windows 7 operating systems. This may require data to be recorded on paper forms in the field and entered into the ExamsPC program at a later time.

The .pdr format is a sequential binary file that can only be read by the EXAMS PC or EXAMS CE software program. The Government will provide the EXAMS PC/CE (v2.6.0) software to the Contractor for data entry and electronic file creation and is also available at:

https://www.fs.fed.us/nrm/fsveg/index.shtml

The Contractor is responsible for providing the computer hardware and operating system necessary for running the PDR software (Windows or Windows CE environment). For a listing of PDRs that support this software, see AGAR 452.215-73 Government Furnished Property or go to:

https://www.fs.fed.us/nrm/fsveg/wince_types.shtml.

2. Data Format

The Contractor shall provide data to the Government on paper forms (Site Sketch and Traverse Notes only) and in electronic format. Electronic data will be acceptable if provided on a CD-R disk, thumb drive, or emailed to COR. The data must be readable by the Government’s IBM, HP, or DELL PC computers. No adjustment will be made due to program errors that result in data errors or loss of data. Electronic data files will be in one of the acceptable formats described in Section H.1. Recording requirements (such as .cse file format (FSVeg upload file format) and the .pdr File format). Specific electronic file naming conventions will be outlined during the prework meeting. Each block will have a separate .cse file to facilitate data management.

SECTION C--PACKAGING AND MARKING

{For this Solicitation, there are NO clauses in this Section}

SECTION D--INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

All stands may be assigned to a block as agreed to by the Contracting Officer (CO) or as designated in this contract. The initial inspection may be done on less than 50 plots, if requested by Contractor. The Contractor shall submit stands in designated blocks with respective record sheets and electronic data. The CO shall authorize any amendment to block assignments or completion of blocks one at a time.

1. Compliance Inspection

The CO shall, by formal review, determine if the specified progress and methods of work are being carried out. Failure to comply with specified work standards may be cause for termination of the Contractor's right to proceed in accordance with FAR 52.249-8, Default (Fixed Price Service).

2. Inspection of Work

The Government shall inspect the site examinations to determine compliance with contract specifications and to provide a basis for payment. The Contractor shall submit completed site information within seven (7) days after completion of each block to the COR.

Completed work, paper forms, electronic data, and a paper printout of the electronic data, will be turned in for inspection in blocks. Inspection shall only be made on completed stands. Within each block, up to 10% of the plots shall be selected for inspection to determine if the prescribed work standards have been met. This shall constitute the minimum sample plot inspection for determining satisfactory performance. Pass-fail inspection for compliance to other work standards and procedures shall be performed on all blocks.

The Government shall make the initial inspection of each block of completed stands without cost to the Contractor. No charge shall be made for the first rework inspection on the Contractor's first work block. Thereafter, any re-inspection required due to the Contractor reworking a block shall be at the Contractor's expense (actual damages).

The Contractor’s electronic data shall load successfully into FSVeg and run through the edit program without fatal errors or it shall be returned for rework.

3. Determination of Acceptable Work

The Government for evaluation of contract specification compliance, as stated above, shall perform inspections. Three procedures shall be used for determination of acceptable or unacceptable work.

1. Pass-fail check of specified standards and procedures for each block.

Site examinations deficient in the following specifications are unacceptable on a "pass-fail" basis and shall be returned to the Contractor with the entire block for rework. The determination of noncompliance with these items may be made during the office edit or during field inspection. Many of the following items appear on the Inspection Point Score Calculation Form included in Exhibit 08.

a. All completed forms and electronic data not submitted to the Forest Service in a timely manner after Contractor completion.

b. Forms that are illegible or cannot be reproduced on a copying machine.

c. Electronic data that cannot be read by Government computers

d. Stands where recurring azimuth error exceeds +/- 5° and the distance between plots is +/- 10%; plots not within acceptable distance of plot location on photo; or where plot location bias is evident.

e. Stands having less than the prescribed number of sample plots examined.

f. Stands that have a sample plot center outside the stand boundary as identified on the stand map or aerial photo.

g. Any sample plot center which cannot be located because of improper plot center labeling or because of improper reference point labeling, or for any other reason attributable to noncompliance with specifications.

h. Stands submitted with incomplete information on any form, paper or electronic. This includes Remarks and the Stand Sketch Map and Traverse Notes.

i. Any form with inaccurate stand location and stand number data.

j. Stands where Government supplied information is incompletely or inaccurately transcribed onto the forms.

k. Stands in which sample points locations do not equally sample all portions of the site area unless plot locations are provided by the Government.

l. Stands with an error or incomplete information in a field designated “Unacceptable” in the Point Value column (A) on the Point Score Calculation Form (See Attachments).

m. Stands where sample plots are located too close to the stand boundary as follows:

RE exams - < ½ chain from boundary

n. More than one incorrectly identified in or out live tree over 5.0” DBH within 10 inspection points or per block, whichever is less.

o. Stands where sample plots are established within a roadway.

2. Point deduction for each deficient entry or procedure on an inspection site

Acceptable tolerance levels for individual measurements are shown on the Point Score Calculation Form located in Exhibit 08. Any item or measurement indicated by inspection to be outside these tolerance levels shall be assigned a point deduction. Point deductions shall be calculated separately for each form. An inspection/payment block may fail based on an individual form score or on the total form score calculation.

The number of errors for each field for the entire inspection/payment block is recorded in column 'B', "Number of Errors". The Point Deduction, column 'C', is calculated by multiplying the number of errors, column 'B', by the "Point Value", column 'A'. The Point Deductions are then totalled at the bottom of column 'C' in the "Total Deductions" field (D). This is then divided by the number of stands, plots, or tree data records inspected (E) to calculate the "Form Score" (F). Field (E) is the number of stands, plots, or tree data records actually inspected for that Form.

3. Error trend

If, during inspection of selected plots or review of submitted data, the Government determines an error trend is occurring in the information being recorded by the Contractor, the Government shall notify the Contractor of the findings. If the same trend continues in future inspection blocks, the blocks will be returned for rework even if the blocks have passing inspection scores. Errors are subject to point deductions on initial inspection.

4. Rework of Unacceptable Work

If re-worked and re-inspected site data blocks fail during the first re-inspection, no further rework shall be allowed for that block, unless approved by the CO. The Government reserves the right to require unacceptable blocks, as defined under Section E., to be reworked. Upon written notification by the CO that a block is unacceptable, the Contractor may be required to complete and submit rework before beginning work on another block. The Government shall specify rework requirements for each unacceptable block. In the case of data errors, the Government can require that they be corrected. In the case of plot location problems, the Government may require that the plots be relocated and measured.

1. Correction of Data Errors:

a. Pass-fail failures require correction of errors throughout the block.

b. Point deduction failures require:

For failure due to a Form Score: Correct individual items or measurements in the Form that failed. (i.e., if Tree Form fails, then only that form would need to be reworked). This may require revisiting all stands and sample plots in the block.

For failure due to a Total Score: Correct all items and measurements on all forms. This may require revisiting all stands and sample plots in the block. If a block fails due to both a Form score and a Total score, than the rework shall be the same as for a Total score failure.

c. Trend error failures require rework of all items identified as having an error trend.

2. Correction of Plot Location Errors:

a. Incorrectly located plots shall be relocated and measured.

The Government shall re-inspect blocks of data that have been reworked to determine compliance. Reinspection for point score basis failures shall be conducted on different plots than originally inspected.

If reworked and re-inspected blocks fail during the first re-inspection, additional rework may be allowed at the discretion of the CO. Continued failure to pass inspection may result in contract default.

5. Demonstration of Inspection Procedures

Upon written request from the Contractor, the Government shall perform one re-inspection of one sample plot at no cost to the Contractor as an example of inspection procedures and demonstration of potential problems. The Contractor shall accompany the Government inspector on the re-inspection.

6. Re-inspection upon Contractor Request

If the original inspection results are not acceptable to the Contractor, a re-inspection may be requested, in writing, up to seven (7) days after receiving notification of unacceptable work. If the re-inspection confirms the results of the original inspection, the Contractor shall reimburse the Government for actual costs incurred for performing re-inspection. If re-inspection indicates that work does meet acceptable standards, the Government assumes the cost of re-inspection.

7. Method of Payment

A. Payments shall be made on the number of sample plots within an inspection/payment block if that block has been accepted. No payment will be made for unacceptable or partially completed blocks.

B. Deductions:

1. Replacement cost for any lost, damaged or unused Government property that is not returned shall be deducted from the Contractor's final payment at the following rates:

2. Re-inspection costs will also be deducted for any block that was reworked (other than the first block).

SECTION E--DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

The Contractor shall maintain progress at a rate that shall assure completion and acceptance of work within the following time frame:

A. Contract Time

The Government shall issue a Notice to Proceed as soon as weather and ground conditions are favorable for work. The count of contract time shall start on the date specified on the Notice to Proceed.

B. Work Schedule

The Contractor shall complete and deliver a work progress schedule to the Government prior to commencement of work. This work progress schedule shall become a part of the contract. Any deviation from this schedule shall require written notification to the CO and shall be subject to the Contracting Officer’s approval.

Generally, data shall not be collected between, October 15 and June 1, due to the potential for early season bad weather. Freezing temperatures and inclement weather affect examiner and inspector accuracy, timing, and safety. However, if conditions permit, the CO may approve data collection beyond these dates, in writing.

SECTION F--CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

AGAR 452.215-73 Post Award Conference (NOV 1996)

A post award conference with the successful offeror is required. It will be scheduled at an agreed upon location and time.

GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY

The Government will provide the following item(s) of Government property to the Contractor for use in the performance of this contract. This property shall be used and maintained by the Contractor in accordance with the provisions of the "Government Property" FAR clause contained elsewhere in the contract.

The Contractor shall be liable for all loss or damage of such delivered Government-Furnished Property until completion and final acceptance of work required under this contract

standard orders.

Provided when needed.

Form

.shtml Provided at prework conference.

required.

Available from the internet site at: http://www.fs.fed.us/nrm/fsveg/index .shtml Provided at prework conference.

the Contractor must furnish.

Above Government-Furnished Property shall be made available to the Contractor at the prework conference and receipted for under a work order issued by the Contracting Officer’s Representative.

All maps, overlays, and unused Government-Furnished items shall be returned to the Government upon completion of the job. Digital orthoquads must be given exceptional care and returned in essentially the same condition as delivered. Failure to do so may result in charges for damage or replacement.

Common Stand Exam (CSE) Portable Data Recorder (PDR) Application Installation

NOTE: Vegetation Composition data collected with FSVeg 1.7 and prior versions cannot be viewed, modified, nor loaded into FSVeg at the I-Web Data Center.

Data collection software has been developed and tested on each of the following devices. Selecting a device will download a self-extracting file containing the software for that device, similar software that runs on any Windows 7 desktop or laptop, and help files.

Desktop or laptop computers using a version of the Windows operating system prior to Windows 2000 (i.e., Windows 95, 98, ME) may produce unpredictable behavior. If this is the case, please upgrade to Windows 2000 or Windows XP.

If your device is not listed look for a device with a similar platform and chipset. For additional information on individual devices, see CSE Compatible Windows CE Data Recorders. If you are not sure which device to select contact the PDR staff for assistance.

Trimble GeoXT (START button in upper left corner, including GeoXT 6000, even though it is different.)

Trimble GeoXT (START button in lower left corner.)

wintabletpc / Acer Iconia / Trimble Yuma / Juniper Mesa2 (Note: contains only the Tablet PC version that will run under Windows 7, or newer.)

Other Software

· examspc_win7_v2.6.0.exe (07/16/2019 6.8M) - contains only the PC version that runs on Windows 7 and Windows 10. This requires that the Windows Mobile Device Center is installed on your Windows 7, or Windows 10, desktop or laptop computer.

· vcredist_x86.exe (05/17/2016 4.0M) - This Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package installs runtime components of Visual C++ Libraries required to run ExamsPC's Database Loader. This is required for ExamsDbLoader to work with ExamsPC v02.15.2010.3 and newer.

Remember, if you use the Windows Mobile Device Center, you MUST delete the following .dlls from the C:\Exams folder if they exist:

ceutils.dll rapi.dll

SECTION G--SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

(a) The Contractor shall assign to this contract the following key personnel: Crew Leader.

(b) During the first ninety (90) days of performance, the Contractor shall make no substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death, or termination of employment. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer within 15 calendar days after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information required by paragraph (c) below. After the initial 90-day period, the Contractor shall submit the information required by paragraph (c) to the Contracting Officer at least 15 days prior to making any permanent substitutions.

(c) The Contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the Contracting Officer. Proposed substitutes should have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced. The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor within 15 calendar days after receipt of all required information of the decision on substitutions. The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel.

Qualifications

The success of this field inventory is dependent primarily on the Contractor's professionalism and expertise. It is necessary that the Contractor's staff meet certain standards. A crew can consist of one or more individuals. Minimum technical qualifications are specifically defined as follows:

1. Each crew must have a crew leader with undergraduate courses in mensuration, tree identification, plant identification, silviculture, and ecology and three months prior experience collecting data for Forest inventory or vegetation classification.

2. Each crew leader must also have the additional following minimum qualifications:

a. Proficient in the interpretation of aerial photography and associated maps.

b. Ability to distinguish between stand types both in the field and on original or photocopied aerial photographs.

c. Knowledge in the use of hand held compass, pacing, and map measurements.

d. Ability to accurately identify necessary tree, shrub, forb, and grass species needed for identifying local habitat types.

e. Knowledge of rating tree defects and parasitic plants.

f. Knowledge of common forest insect pests and diseases.

g. Familiar with habitat typing.

h. Proficient in the use of forest measurement equipment.

i. Proficient in the use of GPS equipment and data recorders.

Specific technical experience may be substituted for a given educational requirement.

The Contractor shall designate crew leaders for each crew. The crew leader shall be the individual responsible for ensuring plot measurements are taken in accordance with the accuracy standards.

The Contractor, by signing an offer, agrees to use only personnel meeting these qualifications for performance of the work specified herein. The Government reserves the right to make determinations of employees' qualifications and any employee who does not meet the above described qualifications may be requested to leave the worksite with the Contractor responsible for the re-collection and resubmitting any data supplied by that employee.

PART II—AWARD DETERMINATION SECTION I--EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

Quotes shall be submitted in writing addressed to the office specified. Contractors shall ensure that the quote is marked on the outermost envelope with the Request for Quote Number.

EVALUATION FACTORS

Evaluation of quotes will include consideration provided by the Contractor’s (1) past experience on similar projects, (2) past performance and (3) price.

1. Experience. Identify in detail the recent experience your company and key personnel have in conducting stand exams under similar conditions during the past 3 years. Identify experience and knowledge of tree species identification, tree measurements including fixed plot procedures, heights, age radial growth, terminal height growth, crown class, and crown ratio, tree damage identification, insect and disease identification, plant species identification, mapping and photo identification. Provide the name and phone number of a contact person for each project listed, such as the COR for Government contracts or the field representative for private work. Completion of the attached experience questionnaire will be adequate to fulfill, this requirement. Specifically identify a crew leader that you will provide for the performance of this contract as a key personnel. Provide information about his/her experience. Provide sufficient information so that the evaluators may make contact with anyone who can verify these experiences.

2. Past Performance. Provide details on quality of work performed on stocking exams or other similar work such as stand exams performed within the past 3 years. Address specific performance failures and how you mitigated the cause of those failures. Provide details regarding timeliness, quality and working relationships with the Government. Information provided on the experience questionnaire will be used to verify this information.

3. Price. Will consist of itemized pricing as listed in the Schedule of Items. The non-price factors are approximately equal to cost or price.

Only these factors listed will be evaluated. Contractors are advised to provide a complete response to the experience questionnaire.

AWARD DETERMINATION

Award may not necessarily be made to the Contractor submitting the lowest quote. Award will be made to the firm with the best value considering the evaluation criteria listed above. The Government reserves the right to make cost/technical trade-offs that are in the best interest of the Government.

Award may be made without further negotiation. Quotes should be submitted initially at the most favorable price.

List of Exhibits

Exhibit 01: Stand and Plot list

Exhibit 02: Vicinity Map

Exhibit 03: Item 1 Project Map

Exhibit 03A: Item 1 Unit Maps

Exhibit 04: Item 2 Project Map

Exhibit 04A: Item 2 Unit Maps

Exhibit 05: Item 3 Project Map

Exhibit 05A: Item 3 Unit Maps

Exhibit 06: Item 4 (0ptional) Project Map

Exhibit 06A: Item 4 (Optional) Unit Maps

Exhibit 07: Data Collection Forms