A04_Biedell_Creek_Thinning_SOW.pdf

United States Department of the Interior

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

San Luis Valley Field Office

1313 E. Highway 160

Monte Vista, CO 81144

BIEDELL CREEK THINNING PROJECT

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION – STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

C.1 – GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

C.1.1 – PROJECT OBJECTIVES

The treatment project is designed to thin stands of Ponderosa Pine, Douglas-fir, piñon pine and juniper in the Biedell Creek area, north of the Lime Creek Estates Subdivision. The main objectives of this project are to increase stand resilience to fire by reducing the accumulation of ladder fuels, to improve and enhance wildlife habitat and forage, to increase the vigor of the reserve trees. The thinning efforts will concentrate on removing younger/smaller diameter trees that are beginning to invade the under story of the stand and increase stem spacing of leave trees. The result will be a more open stand that will allow for the development of a grass and forb understory.

This treatment will be accomplished with chainsaws and hand crews. Other thinning methods were examined but excluded to reduce resource damage. The total project size is 228.3 acres across five units. This contract will only treat two units 1C and 1D; 36 acres and 18.4 acres respectively.

Terrain and topography are variable, and it is recommended that the contractor attend the pre-bid inspection tour, as given below, to determine actual amount and type of work needed to complete this contract. The stipulations listed in “Description of the Work” will be required within the acres of the project area (J1: Biedell Thinning Unit Map).

C.1.2 - LOCATION OF PROJECT

The project area is located north northeast of La Garita, CO, off County Road 250. The legal description is T. 43N, R. 6E, sec 21, 22, 28, 33

C.1.3 – SCOPE OF CONTRACT

The Contractor shall develop and submit a Treatment Plan and Schedule to accomplish the project objectives, organize, and direct all the equipment and personnel needed to fully accomplish the work. The contractor shall furnish all technical expertise, labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, operating supplies, and incidentals necessary to complete the work required. The

Treatment Plan and Schedule will be agreed upon by both parties and incorporated into the contract. All changes to the Treatment Plan will be agreed to prior to the changes taking effect.

The contractor shall be required to:

1. Provide a Treatment Plan and Schedule. See section C.1.2.1

2. Provide a Quality Control Plan. See section C.3.

3. Provide a Safety Plan. See section C.2.13.

Biedell Creek Thinning

C.1.3.1 The Treatment Plan and Schedule shall include as a minimum the following items:

Schedule for completion of objectives, personnel and equipment involved.

C.1.4 - DESCRIPTION OF WORK

Reserve Trees:

1) Ponderosa Pine trees greater than 12 inches DBH will be reserved.

2) Douglas fir greater than 12 inches DBH will be reserved. Reserve Douglas fir should be free of insect impacts when possible.

3) Piñon pine trees greater than or equal to 12 inches DRC will be reserved (except those within 50 feet of a reserve ponderosa).

4) Leave 1-3 Ponderosa Pine trees in the 3-5” DBH size class per acre. Reserve the healthiest tree (ex. good form, healthy crown, non-forked, no sign of mistletoe or insect and disease damage). Spacing should be variable, while maintaining age and size class diversity

5) All standing dead Ponderosa, Douglas fir, and Aspen trees over 8 inches DBH are reserved for wildlife snags.

6) All Aspen.

7) All Limber pine.

8) All Bristlecone pine.

Project Specifications:

1) Remove all piñon pine and juniper trees regardless of size within 50 feet of a reserve tree excluding reserve snags.

2) Remove ponderosa pine less than or equal to 12 inches DBH except for those mentioned under reserve tree specifications #4 or to attain 15 feet spacing.

3) Remove Douglas fir less than or equal to 12 inches DBH except those to attain 15 foot spacing targeting trees impacted heavily by insects

4) Spacing between leave trees should be approximately 15 feet. For every acre one clump of

2-3 leave trees will be retained at less than 15 feet. These clumps should be healthy specimens of either Ponderosa pine (preferred) or Douglas fir that retain good form, healthy crown, non-forked, no sign of mistletoe or insect and disease damage. These clumps will not include reserve trees in “Reserve Tree” section, number 4.

5) Ponderosa pine leave trees will be limbed to a height of four feet.

6) In areas of primarily pinon and juniper, create openings of ½ to 2 acres leaving clumps of 2-

4 trees.

7) Existing standing dead (except those that are mentioned in reserve tree specifications) and dead and down will be cut and limbed and incorporated into piles according to specs below.

8) Stump heights cannot exceed 6 inches in height and all live branches will be severed from the stump.

9) No trees shall be felled toward or across any improvement such as, but not limited to roads, trails, fences, gates, signs, and spring developments. Section corner monuments, survey markers, and private land boundaries will be protected. The contractor is responsible for the removal of all created slash and debris from roadways and trail.

10) All branches of cut trees will be piled according to pile specifications below. All boles will be left whole and will be separated from slash.

11) Tree boles will be left for public firewood gathering unless purchased by the Contractor.

Piling Specifications

1) Stumps will be cut 6 inches or less from the ground on the uphill side. All cut trees shall be completely severed from the stump. No live limbs will be left on the stump of any species.

2) All material between 1/4 and 5 inches in diameter will be hand piled.

3) All material over 5 inches in diameter will be left at its original length (whole bole), and all limbs will be completely severed from the remaining bole.

4) All logs and large branches shall be limbed up completely with remaining branch staubs less than one inch.

5) No material over 5 inches in diameter shall be piled for burning. Boles up to 5 in diameter will be incorporated into the pile and they will be cut in to 3-4 foot sections before being placed in the pile.

6) All piles shall be constructed by laying limbs, stems, and other slash in the pile to be parallel with each other.

7) Slash that would cause large air spaces in piles shall be sectioned (e.g., cut into smaller pieces).

8) Each slash pile shall have a minimum volume (10-15% by volume of small sized slash

(small branches less that are ½ inch in diameter and or small branches with needles attached) placed in the lower, center of the pile, to provide kindling for prompt ignition to aid in the combustion of the larger slash.

9) Place larger diameter of the limbs (butt end) toward the center of the pile (up and into the pile) so that heavier material is in the center of the pile for more complete combustion.

10) Piles must be 8-10 long feet by 8-10 feet tall or larger.

11) Piles will not be within 50 feet of another pile, to achieve this, slash will need to be dragged to be consolidated into bigger piles.

12) All limbed material shall be hand piled.

13) No piles will be within 30 feet of private land boundaries, land survey monuments, overhead power line/phone lines, or other improvements. If conditions make it impractical to locate piles so that damage to residual green trees can be avoided, an area will be designated by a BLM representative.

14) Slash pieces projecting 1 foot or more beyond the general perimeter of the pile shall be cut off and piled.

15) Piles will not be placed in avoidance areas that have been identified by the COR.

16) Piling methodology, pile location and orientation shall not result in unstable piles. All piles shall be as compact as possible and constructed so they will not topple

17) Piles will not be located on stumps, downed logs, or large rocks.

18) Piles should be at least 10 feet away from standing trees on flat ground and located so that the burning will not cause damage to standing trees. Piles located downhill of leave trees should be at least 20 feet away from standing trees to avoid damage to leave trees when piles are burned.

19) No soil, other than that adhering to the bark, will be acceptable in piles.

C.1.5 - CONTRACT PERIOD

This project may begin as soon as ground conditions allow, but no work may occur between May

15th and July 15th due to migratory birds (see C.2.6.5). Work should begin no later than 15 days after the Notice to Proceed has been issued and shall be completed within 60 weekdays. Holidays do not count as weekdays. Work will be completed by May 14, 2023. Consideration will be given to delays caused by bad weather or wet road conditions

C.1.6 DEFINITIONS

DEFINITIONS

Bearing Tree - A tree which is used as a reference monument to locate a property corner.

Biomass- Biomass – Any tree, or portion of, less than 6 inches DBH and top, limbs, or slash of a merchantable tree.

Bole – The central stem of a tree, with no limbs, once it has grown to substantial thickness

Brush - Vegetation consisting of shrub species with single or multi-stems originating at or near ground level not normally reaching twenty feet in height. Examples include but are not limited to oakbrush, serviceberry, and sagebrush.

Contract Area –

Conifer – A tree that is a gymnosperm, usually an evergreen with cones and needle-shaped or scale like leaves, i.e., Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine, white fir, Rocky Mountain juniper or piñon pine.

CO – Contracting Officer

COR – Contracting Officers’ Representative

COR/PI - either the COR or the PI

Cut Leave Tree - A tree noted during inspection as a tree that should not have been cut.

DBH – Diameter at Breast height. The diameter of a tree measured at 4.5 feet from the ground on the uphill side.

DRC-Diameter at Root Collar or at the ground level.

Damaged Leave Tree - A tree damaged through the mastication of other trees.

Forest Products – “Other vegetative resources” and “Timber” as defined in 43CFR5400.0.0

Fuelwood – Smaller diameter forest products that are generally used for heating, see POL.

Landing – A flat location cleared of trees within or near the treatment area with room to deck forest products for subsequent transportation.

Lodged Trees and Brush - Cut trees and brush leaning into, supported by, or covering a leave tree.

Muddy – Soil moisture conditions high enough for equipment to leave ruts over 1.5 inches in depth from the natural ground level.

PI – Project Inspector

Reserve Trees - Trees not to be cut. Trees that are the largest, dominant, and healthiest while maintaining a representation of all size classes within the stand.

Severe – To completely separate from the whole.

Slash - Any material which has been cut by the Contractor during mulching operations

Unsevered – not completely separated from the whole, pieces still attached.

**When a disagreement over definitions not listed arises, the Society of American

Foresters, THE DICTIONARY of FORESTRY, will be used to determine accepted definitions.

SECTION C.2 – TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

C.2.1 - BLM WILL FURNISH OR PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING

1. Designate the boundary of the areas to be treated with roads or orange plastic surveyors flagging.

2. Provide maps and descriptions of the area, and go with the operator around the boundary of the area.

3. Provide a pre-bid inspection tour for all bidders, and a pre-work conference with the contractor awarded the job. The pre bid inspection tour date, time, and location

DATE: February 1, 2022

TIME: 11AM

LOCATION: La Garita Trading Post, 41605 Co RD G, Del Norte, CO 81123

RSVP is required for the site tour due to changes in weather and cancellations:

PH: Cell 970-620-0384 / OFC: 719-852-8150 or email snilson@blm.gov

4. Conduct on-site inspections by the PI/COR.

5. The CO/COR are available to approve/disapprove a proposed cutting method not herein listed prior to acceptance of a bid.

6. Measurement of the area treated by Global Positioning System (GPS) as each unit is completed. Note: All GPS measurements are taken on the horizontal plane not “slope” acreage.

C.2.2 - CONTRACTOR WILL FURNISH

1. Cutting equipment and any and all necessary parts or equipment to maintain the tools in a safe operating condition.

2. Transportation for equipment and operators to and from the site.

3. Repair and maintenance of equipment.

4. An English speaking authorized representative on site at all times when working.

C.2.3 - ACCESS

Access is provided to the project location along Saguache County Road 42K and on BLM access roads. The contractor will not access any units or portions of/from private land.

C.2.4 – OPERATIONS PLAN

Prior to the commencement of operations, the Contractor shall obtain from the COR written approval of a written operations plan commensurate with the terms and conditions of the contract which shall include measures needed to assure protection of the environment and watershed. All thinning and clearing shall be done in accordance with the plan.

C.2.4.1 - Work must be done in a systematic manner, beginning at one end of the project area and working through it in a logical manner prescribed in the operations plan.

C.2.4 CAMPING AND WORKSITE CONDITIONS

C.2.4.1 The contractor or his employees, upon documented permission from the CO/COR, may establish temporary work camps on public lands administered by the Bureau of Land

Management. Camps shall be kept tidy and free of refuse. These camps may consist of mobile trailers, pickup campers, tent trailers, or tents. The contractor will be required to rehabilitate the camping area to the satisfaction of the CO/COR. Camps are subject to all fire restrictions placed by state, county or federal authorities. Fecal matter and paper are to be buried to a depth of at least 6 inches.

C.2.4.2 MIGRANT SEASONAL AGRICULTURAL WORKERS PROTECTION ACT

REGISTRATION

As set forth in Title 29, Part 500 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Migrant and Seasonal

Agricultural Worker Protection, the Contractor shall maintain all necessary U.S. Department of

Labor registrations during the performance period of this contract. Failure to maintain a valid registration is grounds for termination of this contract.

In compliance with the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act, the

Contractor shall provide the following to meet minimum safety and health standards for housing employees when camping on Federal lands:

a. A shelter to provide protection from the elements. Where heat adequate for weather conditions is not provided, other arrangements should be made to protect the workers from the cold.

b. Sanitary facilities for storing food. Ice chests or coolers, with ice supply made from potable water replenished as necessary, to meet the requirement for storage of perishable food items.

c. An adequate and convenient potable water supply, approved by the appropriate health authority, in each camp for drinking and cooking purposes. As an alternative, commercial bottled water may be used.

d. Toilet and hand washing facilities adequate for the capacity of the camp, at not less than a

1:15 ratio, supplied with adequate toilet paper. Such facilities shall be maintained in a sanitary condition and shall be on site and serviceable prior to any camping.

e. Fly-tight, rodent-tight, impervious, cleanable or single service containers to be used for the storage of garbage. Such containers shall be kept clean and emptied when full.

f. Basic first aid supplies under the charge of a person trained to administer first aid.

g. A laundry tray or tub for every 30 workers, or transportation, at least weekly, to a commercial Laundromat for all workers.

C.2.4.3 Biomass Removal:

Pursuant to 48CFR1437 (as amended in the Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 166 / Friday, August

27, 2004) biomass resulting from this contract may be purchased from the BLM.

1. The contractor may remove and utilize woody biomass if:

(a) Project work is progressing as scheduled; and

(b) Removal is completed before contract expiration

2. To execute this option, the contractor must submit a written request to the Government.

3. Following receipt of the written request, and if appropriate, the Government and the contractor will negotiate and execute a separate timber/vegetative sales contract. Payment under this sales contract must be at a price equal to or greater than the appraised value before the removal of any woody biomass. The contractor must make any appropriate payment specified in this timber/vegetative sales contract.

4. The contractor must treat any woody biomass not removed in accordance with the specifications in the service contract.

5. The sales contract and service contract are severable; default or termination under either does not remove the contractor from payment or performance obligations under the other contract.

C.2.5 - COR/PI

COR/PI - Scott Nilson

Fire Management Specialist-BLM

Office (719) 852-8150

Cellular (970) 620-0384

COR/PI Glenda Torres

Natural Resource Specialist-Fuels BLM

Office - (719) 269-8582

Cellular- (719) 429-1707

PI John Markalunas

Deputy Fire Management Officer-BLM

Cellular (719) 257-8785

C.2.6 - ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

C.2.6.1 - Surface Conditions - Crew carriers (vehicles) shall not be operated when the road is muddy or if on site moisture (rain/snow/hail/etc.) events exceed 0.25 inch in 1 hour or

.75" in 24 hours, the COR may require a halt to traffic until the roads dry enough (or freeze) so that damage by vehicles does not occur. When/If such conditions are encountered, the

Contractor shall stop work and immediately notify the COR/PI.

C.2.6.2 - Any damage to roads caused by the contractor will be repaired by the contractor to the satisfaction of the COR.

C.2.6.3 - Contractor shall clean-up all generated liter and dispose of it at an approved sanitary landfill or other location and in a manner approved by the CO/COR.

C.2.6.4 – The contractor will wash all vehicles and crew clothing prior to beginning work on site to avoid the spread of invasive weeds or grasses.

C.2.6.5 - To avoid the taking of a nest and disruption of the nesting season, no cutting will be allowed from May 15 to July 15.

C.2.6.6 – No bat roosts are present, but if they are discovered prior to or during implementation, avoid surface disturbance within .25 miles.

C.2.6.7- No burrowing owls have been detected in the project area; however, habitat is present. Should burrowing owls be discovered, avoid surface disturbance within 300 feet of active burrowing owl nest sites from March 1st to August 15th. Avoid or minimize human encroachment within 150 feet of active nest sites from March 15th to October 31st.

C.2.6.8 - No goshawks have been detected in the area; however, habitat is present. Should a goshawk nest be detected prior to or during project implementation, no surface disturbance within 0.5 miles of active goshawk nests will be allowed to maintain the integrity of the nest site and the surrounding habitat. No human encroachment from March 1st to August 31st.

C.2.6.9 - No Mexican spotted owls have been detected in the area, but habitat is present.

To minimize potential impacts to the species, avoid activity between March 1st to June 15.

If project work/disturbance must occur during this time period, pre-project clearance may be allowed in rare circumstances following consultation and pre-project survey work by a qualified wildlife biologist.

C.2.7 FEDERAL HOLIDAYS

To avoid user conflicts on the Federal Holiday of Labor Day, Memorial Day, and July 4th there will be no work from noon on the Friday before Labor/Memorial Day through midnight of

Labor/Memorial Day and from noon on July 1st through midnight of July 4th.

C.2.8 - FIRE STIPULATIONS

C.2.8.1. Fire Period and Closed Season

Specific fire prevention measures are listed below and shall be effective for the period April 1 to

October 19, which is the defined fire season start and stop dates for the area, of each year. The

Bureau of Land Management may change the dates of said period by advance written notice if justified by unusual weather or other conditions.

Required tools and equipment shall be kept in serviceable condition and immediately available for initial attack on fires. See C.2.8.6.

C.2.8.2. Substitute Measures

The Contracting Officer Representative may by written notice authorize substitute measures or equipment or may waive specific requirements during periods of low fire danger.

C.2.8.3. Emergency Measures

The Bureau of Land Management may require emergency measures, including the necessary shutting down of equipment or portions of operations in the project area during periods of fire emergency created by hazardous climatic conditions or when the implementation of Fire

Restrictions require.

C.2.8.4. Fire Control

The Contractor shall, independently and in cooperation with the BLM, take all reasonable action to prevent and suppress fires in the project area. Independent initial action shall be prompt and shall include the use of all personnel and equipment available in the project area.

For the purpose of fighting wildland fires on or in the vicinity of the project, which are not caused by the Contractor's operations, the Contractor shall place employees and equipment temporarily at the disposal of the BLM. Any individual hired by the BLM will be employed in accordance with the Interagency Pay Plan for Emergency Firefighters. The BLM will compensate the Contractor for equipment rented, at firefighting equipment rates common in the area.

C.2.8.5. Compliance with State Forest Laws

Listing of specific fire precautionary measures herein is not intended to relieve the Contractor in any way from compliance with the State Fire Laws covering fire prevention and suppression equipment, applicable to operations under this contract, permit or license.

C.2.8.6. Fire Precautions

Specific fire precautionary measures are as follows:

a. Smoking and Open Fires

The Contractor shall not allow open fires on the project area without advance permission in writing from the Contracting Officer Representative.

Unless restricted by State Law or Federal Regulations, smoking shall be permitted only in such portions of the project area that are free of flammable material. Smokers shall smoke in such a position that any burning material will fall within a cleared area, and shall extinguish and press out in mineral soil all burning material before leaving the cleared area.

b. Fire Extinguishers and Equipment, on Trucks, Tractors, etc.

All power-driven equipment operated by the Contractor on public land, except portable fire pumps, shall be equipped with one fire extinguisher having a UL rating of at least 5 B, C and one "D" handled or long handled round point shove.

In addition, each motor patrol, truck and passenger-carrying vehicle shall be equipped with a double-bit axe or Pulaski, 3-1/2 pounds or larger.

Equipment shall be kept in a serviceable condition and shall be readily available.

c. Power Saws

Each gasoline power saw operator shall be equipped with a pressurized chemical fire extinguisher of not less than 8-ounce capacity by weight, and one long handled round point shovel, size "O" or larger. The extinguisher shall be kept in possession of the saw operator at all times. The shovel shall be accessible to the operator within 1 minute.

d. Extinguishers

One refill for each type or one extra extinguisher sufficient to replace each size extinguisher required on equipment shall be safely stored in the fire tool box or other agreed upon place on the project area that is protected and readily available.

e. Spark Arresters and Mufflers

Each internal combustion engine shall be equipped with a spark arrester meeting either (1)

USDA Standard 5100-1a, or (2) appropriate Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recommended practice J335(b) and J350(a) as now or hereafter amended unless it is:

(1) Equipped with a turbine-driven supercharger such as the turbocharger. There shall be no exhaust bypass.

(2) A passenger carrying vehicle or light truck, or medium truck up to 40,000 GVW, used on roads and equipped with a factory designed muffler complete with baffles and an exhaust system in good working condition.

(3) A heavy duty truck, such as a dump or log truck, or other vehicle used for commercial hauling, used only on roads and equipped with a factory designed muffler and with a vertical stack exhaust system extending above the cab.

Exhaust equipment described in this Subsection, including spark arresters and mufflers, shall be properly installed and constantly maintained in serviceable condition.

C.2.8.7. Additional Fire Precautions

If determined that fire danger indices as displayed in the National Fire Danger Rating System for a given area are exceeding the .90 percentile for Energy Release Component and Burning Index the

Contractor will be required to:

a. Partial Hoot owl - The following may operate only between the hours of ½ HOUR BEFORE

SUNRISE and 2 P.M. local time:

(1) power saws, except at loading sites

(2) welding or cutting of metal

(3) tractor or other mechanized roller crushing, hydro-axing, dozer piling operations

(4) mechanized loading and hauling

(5) any other spark-emitting operation not specifically mentioned

c. Fire Security

The Contractor shall designate a person who shall perform fire security services listed below on the project area and vicinity. The designated person shall be capable of operating the

Contractor's communications and firefighting equipment specified in the contract, excluding helicopters, and of directing the activities of the Contractor's personnel on forest fires. In lieu of having the designated person perform the required supervisory duties, the Contractor may provide another person meeting the qualifications stated above to direct the activities of the

Contractor's personnel and equipment during all firefighting activities.

Services described shall be for at least 2 HOURS from the time the Contractor's Operations are shut down. For the purposes of this provision, personnel servicing equipment and their vehicles or who are engaged in cutting or welding metal are not considered on fire security.

Fire security services shall consist of moving throughout the operation area or areas constantly looking, reporting and taking suppression action on any fires detected. Where possible, the designated person shall observe inaccessible portions of remote operating areas from vantage points within or adjacent to project work.

d. Communications

The Contractor shall operate adequate with two-way communication to facilitate internal communications when operating with more than one employee on site. One cell phone will be on site to report a fire to 911 and Pueblo Interagency Dispatch, 719-553-1600, within 15 minutes of detection.

Such communications shall be operable during periods of operation of power-driven equipment, including the time fire security is required.

e. General Shutdown-all Operations Suspended

If fire danger is severe, the Contractor will be asked to suspend work.

C.2.9 - HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

C.2.9.1 Use of Hazardous Materials and/or petroleum products requires that all appropriate

State and Federal Regulations be complied with including, but not limited to, Material

Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on hand and use of necessary Personal Protective Clothing

(PPE).

C.2.9.2. On-site disposal of Hazardous Materials or Waste including hydrocarbons is not authorized. On-site disposal will subject the contractor to at least the cost of reclamation and the appropriate disposal of contaminated soil.

C.2.9.3. Incidental (de minimus) leaks from fittings, gaskets or ruptured hoses will not subject the contractor to remedial requirements. They will be considered to be normal and unavoidable losses. Continual leaks will be noted on inspection reports and correction through maintenance required.

C.2.9.4. Maintenance and repair operations that require the draining of engines or hydraulic systems may be conducted on site only if the fluids are captured, containerized, and removed from public lands for proper disposal.

C.2.10 - PROTECTION

The contractor is required to protect cadastral survey markers (brasscaps), bench marks, project markers, and other markers and stakes from damage or removal. In case of destruction or removal by the contractor, they will be replaced by the government and the actual cost of replacement deducted from payments due the contractor.

C.2.11 - REMEASUREMENT

Re-measurement of the acreage under a task order will be made upon written request by the

Contractor. The written request must be made within 10 calendar days after completion of the work. If measurement indicates a difference of not more than 5 percent from the original measurement, the contractor shall pay the actual cost of the Re-measurement. Payments will be based on the second measurement where the difference between measurements is more than 5 percent. Where the difference is less than 5 percent the results of the first measurement will be used.

C.2.12 - ROAD MAINTENAINCE

There is no intent in this contract to require road maintenance except to repair any damage that occurs by the contractor on non-county roads or by those in his employ. Should damage occur, sections C.2.11.1 & C2.11.2 will apply.

C.2.12.1 The contractor shall maintain the cross section of dirt or graveled roads as existed prior to this contract by blading and shaping the road surface and shoulders. Banks shall not be undercut. Established berms shall be maintained and additional berms shall be placed where needed to protect fills as directed by the COR/PI.

C.2.12.2 The contractor shall perform all road clean-up including removal of bank slough, slides, and fallen timber, which can practicably be accomplished by a motor patrol grader equipped with a front end blade, rubber-tired front end bucket loader, or comparable equipment, and by the use of hand tools. When working conditions dictate end haul of material, the distance and the quantity of material required to be moved shall be limited to what is reasonable and practicable without the use of additional equipment.

C.2.12.3 There shall be no snow plowing without prior approval of the CO/COR

C.2.13 - SAFETY

C.2.13.1 Safety Plan Required The Contractor shall prepare a Safety Plan that addresses the specific hazards of the work site and shall include working in areas of dead trees and falling debris. The Contractor shall identify the specific conditions that she/he considers is a hazard. The Safety Plan shall also address the personal protective equipment and mitigating measures the Contractor will employ to increase safety on the worksite.

Additionally, a plan of action for an emergency event shall be included in the Safety Plan.

C.2.14 - INJURIES AND DAMAGE

The Contractor, in his operations under this contract, shall not do or omit to do anything by which act or omission any person or property may be injured or damaged and shall indemnify and save the

United States harmless from any claim, demand, action, or damages on account of any personal injury or property damage arising by reason of anything done or omitted to be done by the

Contractor, his contractors, subcontractors, or the employees of any of them.

C.2.15 - SIMULTANEOUS USE OF AREA

If the CO or Field Office Manager determines that other uses of the contact area will not seriously interfere with the operations of the contractor, he may issue permits, leases, or contracts for the simultaneous use of the contract area by others.

C.2.16 - SPARK ARRESTERS

It is prohibited to operate or use any internal or external combustion engine, on any timber, brush, or grass covered land, including trails traversing such land, without a spark arrester maintained in effective working order and meeting guidelines set forth in National Wildfire Coordinating Group

Publication NFES 1363 and 2363.

C.2.17 - STATUS REPORT

Provided an onsite visit has not occurred during the period, the contractor is required to report status of work when any special situations or problems are encountered or once a week (whichever is less). These reports may be made by telephone to the PI/COR.

In the event of extreme weather the Contracting Officer will determine the best course of action based on comments from both the Contractor and PI/COR.

C.2.18 - ARCHAEOLOGICAL OR CULTURAL DISCOVERIES

If in connection with operations under this contract the Contractor, his subcontractors, or the employees of any of them, discovers, encounters, or becomes aware of any objects or sites of cultural value on the contract area such as historical or prehistorical ruins, human remains, graves or grave markers, fossils, or artifacts, the Contractor shall immediately suspend all operations in the vicinity of the cultural value and shall notify the COR of the findings. Operations may resume at the discovery site upon receipt of written instructions and authorization by the COR.

C.3 - CONTRACTOR QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTION SYSTEM

The Contractor shall propose and adopt a quality control inspection system to ensure that the work is progressing in compliance with specifications. Complete records of all inspection work performed by the Contractor shall be maintained and made available to the Government during the contract performance.

The following is an example that may be used or the contractor may propose their own:

Inspections will be made on a series of 1/20th acre (26’4” feet radius) plots located at predetermined intervals across each work unit. Sufficient plots will be taken to obtain at least one percent sample of the work unit. The plots are to determine if the requirements of section C.1.4 were met.

Each inspection plot will be subdivided into four (4) quadrants based on cardinal directions. Each quadrant will be evaluated for compliance with the intent of the contract specifications as stated in

Section C that pertains to this individual treatment. If two (2) or more quadrants fail to comply, the plot will fail.

Work quality percentages are derived from data developed from inspection plots. The total number of satisfactory plots divided by the number of plots inspected determines the quality rate. This rate multiplied by 100 provides the work quality percentage.

Example: Number of plots inspected 25

Number of satisfactory plots 23

23 divided by 25 92

Work Quality Percentage 92%

C.4 - GOVERNMENT INSPECTIONS

C.4.1

The Government will make periodic inspections as a basis for payments and recommendations for adjustments in work quality while work is in progress.

C.4.2

When a succinct area (unit) is complete and ready for inspection, the contractor shall request a final inspection. Inspection requests shall be in writing and pursuant to FAR 52.246-4 shall include results of Contractor’s quality inspections. Inspection of completed units will not occur until such notification is received. Inspections will be completed within ten (10) calendar days after the notice is received for each item. If a formal request for an item inspection is within the ten (10) working days since the previous request, the time will not start until the time for the previous inspection expires.

C.4.3

Inspections will be made on a series of 1/20 acre plots (26’4” radius) located at predetermined intervals across the work unit. Sufficient plots will be taken to obtain at least a one percent (1%) sample of the treated area. Inspection plots will not be taken in the reserve areas.

C.4.4

Each inspection plot will be divided into 4 equal quadrants. Each quadrant will be evaluated for compliance with all contract specifications. Quadrants meeting all contract specifications will receive 3 points. Quadrants found to have one contract violation will receive 2 points. Quadrants found to have two or more contract violations will receive no points. Any quadrant having a cut or damaged conifer leave tree will receive no points. A maximum of 12 points is possible for each plot.

C.4.5

The PI will also check for cut or damaged leave trees between plots.

C.4.6

The following information will be recorded for each plot inspected:

a. Number of leave trees on the plot, was thinning met as outlined in C.1.4

b. Number of cut or damaged leave trees or other trees specifically designated not to be cut or damaged in each quadrant.

c. Quadrants where stumps exceed maximum height.

d. Quadrants where slash is not within the specifications outlined in C.1.4.5.

C.4.7 - Work Quality Percentage

C.4.7.1 - The work quality percentage is derived from data developed from inspection plots.

C.4.7.2 - Work quality is determined by dividing the total number of points earned by the total number of points possible (12 x number of plots taken). This rate multiplied by

100 equals the work quality percentage.

EXAMPLE:

Number of plots inspected - 25

Total points possible (12 x 25) - 300

Total points earned - 267

WQP - (267/300) x 100 - 89%

C.5 -ACCEPTANCE

C.5.1

Work will be accepted or rejected on a unit basis.

C.5.2

Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) - A minimum AQL of 85 percent WQP is required.

C.5.3 - Unsatisfactory Work Quality

C.5.3.1 - Based on inspection results, if units fall below the AQL of 85 percent or if the cut/damaged tree percent exceeds five, the CO will immediately notify the Contractor in writing and instruct the Contractor to improve the quality of the work. If the quality of the work is not raised to the AQL of 85 percent or the cut/damaged tree percent reduced to five or less after written notification, the CO may issue a suspend work order to resolve the problem, during which time contract performance time will continue to run

C.5.3.2 - If lodged trees, high stumps, or untreated surplus vegetation are the primary reason for unsatisfactory work, the area may be reworked to obtain satisfactory work quality.

C.6 - REINSPECTION

When units fall below the AQL of 85 percent, rework may be required. When instructed by the

COR, the Contractor shall rework the unit for reinspection by the Government. If the unit again fails to meet the AQL of 85 percent, the CO has the option of accepting the unit at the work quality percent calculated from inspection plots or of ordering the Contractor to rework the unit again. If the CO elects to accept the unit at the work quality percent calculated after rework, the Contractor will be paid based on the results of the reinspection. The Contractor shall be charged for all the

Government's reinspection costs.

C.7 - PAYMENT

Payment will be based on the Government's inspection results. The Contractor's inspection results are to be used as a guide for the Contractor's use in complying with contract specifications and not as a basis for payment. Payment will be made for completed units, for the actual number of acres completed, inspected and accepted by the Government, less the adjustment in payment based on the work quality level percentage, if any. If the work quality level equals or exceeds 95 percent before rework, full payment (100%) will be made for the number of acres inspected and accepted by the

Government on the completed units. Units achieving a work quality level of 85-94 percent will be paid at that percentage rate. If units are accepted which do not meet the AQL of 85 percent, payment will be made at a rate determined by multiplying the actual inspection percentage by the bid price.

Unit Acres Percentage

1C 36 66%

1D 18.4 34%

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H. 1 - KEY PERSONNEL

H.1.1 The Contractor shall assign to this contract key personnel that list may include the following:

• CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATIVE

• FOREMAN

• INSPECTOR

H.1.2

The Contractor shall make no substitutions of key personnel without notifying the Contracting

Officer 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.

H.1.3

The Contractor shall make no diversion of key personnel without the written consent of the

Contracting Officer.

H.1.4

The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel.

H.1.5

The Contractor's contractor representative shall be fully conversant in the English language.

H.2 - PREWORK CONFERENCE

Prior to commencement of work, the Contractor shall attend a meeting to discuss the contract terms, work performance requirements, and safety. Also at this meeting such items as work progress schedule, quality control, camping/worksite plan, and fire prevention plans shall be finalized in writing.

H. 3. SAFETY PLAN

The Contractor shall prepare a Safety Plan that addresses the specific hazards of the work site and shall include working in areas of falling debris. The Contractor shall identify the specific conditions that she/he considers is a hazard. The Safety Plan shall also address the personal protective equipment and mitigating measures the Contractor will employ to increase safety on the worksite.

Additionally, a plan of action for an emergency event shall be included in the Safety Plan. (See also

C.2.13.1)

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

SECTION J - LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

J.1 –Contract Map

J.2 –Transportation Map

J.1 Contract Map

J.2 Transportation Map