A04 L1721Q0014 Spring Creek Fire Mastication PWS.pdf

Spring Creek Fire Mastication

SPRING CREEK FIRE MASTICATION

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION – STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

C.1 – GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

C.1.1 – PROJECT OBJECTIVES

This project is designed to masticate burned spruce, fir, and ponderosa pine and to promote the amount of woody litter on the ground. In 2018, there was a large stand replacing wildfire killing approximately 90% of the trees. The goal of this project is to increase the amount of litter in order to protect soils from erosion and degradation. Thinning efforts will concentrate on removing burned, dead trees. The desired end result will be increased woody litter cover with large burned trees and any live trees left standing. The increased ground cover will allow for the vegetation to recover while protecting downstream resources from excessive erosion. It is

HIGHLY recommended that the contractor attend the site visit to determine actual difficulty of work needed to complete this contract. The stipulations listed in “Description of the Work” will be required within the 106 acres of the project area (see Project Map, Attachment J.1).

These stands are variable in structure (tree height, tree diameter, species composition, and number of trees per acre) due to natural disturbances and topography. Acceptable leave tree spacing will be variable and based on tree species, size, and quality. As a result, types of work situations encountered will differ.

C.1.2 - LOCATION OF PROJECT

The project area is approximately 81 miles west of La Veta, CO off Powers Road in the Forbes

Park Subdivision. The legal description is 6th Principal Meridian, Huerfano County, Colorado

T. 29 S., R. 70 W., sec. 13, 24, and 25. (See Overview Map, Attachment J.2).

C.1.3 – SCOPE OF CONTRACT

This will be a performance based contract with the IDIQ Contract. The intent of performance based contracts is for the BLM, through its contracting organization, to state what the intent of the contract is, define any specific requirements, and let any interested contractors inform BLM how they would propose that the work be accomplished and how they propose to ascertain quality workmanship. Contracts will be awarded after a technical review of the project technical plan, which should include a treatment plan (operations plan) and schedule, quality control plan, and a safety plan. Contractors will also be rated on past performance, their organization

(personnel), and equipment. The Contractor will submit their technical plan and their price quote separate from each other. Technically acceptable bids will then be selected based on best value.

See J.3 Technical Plan Template and Instructions.

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.

C.1.4 - DESCRIPTION OF THE WORK:

C.1.4.1 Reserve Trees

1. Reserve all trees that have cavities or evidence of cavity nesting.

2. Reserve all trees with stick nests present

3. Reserve all concentrations of live healthy trees and large healthy live trees

4. Reserve all trees, dead or live, over 15 inches DBH

C.1.4.2 Project Specifications

1. All standing dead trees will be mulched unless they fit in the category of reserved trees. (See C.1.4.1).

2. The desired end result will be even litter cover with mulch/chip slash pieces no larger than 3” diameter and no longer than 4’ in length.

3. All cut trees (including branches and boles) will be chipped or mulched.

4. Chip/mulch piles cannot exceed 12 inches in depth.

5. Stump heights cannot exceed 6 inches in height and all live branches will be severed from the stump. If the hydroaxe cannot accomplish this specification, a chainsaw or other hand powered equipment will be used to achieve desired result.

6. Existing dead and down trees will be mulched.

7. No trees shall be felled toward or across any improvement such as, but not limited to roads, trails, fences, gates, signs and spring developments.

8. Section corner monuments, survey markers, and private land boundaries will be protected. These markers have been heavily flagged with pink flagging, and boundary marking placards.

9. The contractor is responsible for the removal of all created slash and debris from roadways and trails.

10. Mastication activity will only be allowed within the boundaries identified on the maps. Cutting outside of the boundary is prohibited, and if it occurs, must be reported to the COR immediately.

11. Keep any fence cutting to a minimum. If fences need to be cut, seek approval from

COR prior to cutting fence, and report location of cut to the COR.

C.1.5 - CONTRACT PERIOD

This project will begin as soon as possible, but no later than 10 days after the Award, and shall be completed within 90 weekdays, Monday through Friday. This project must be completed before November 26, 2021. No work will be allowed from May 15 through July 15 for migratory bird nesting season. Holidays do not count as weekdays. Consideration will be given to delays caused by bad weather, wet road conditions, or fire restrictions.

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, mountain mahogany, and sagebrush.

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, 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.

Sever – 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, pink, plastic surveyors flagging, or previously treated areas.

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

3. The use of Avenza, GAIA, Garmin, or other mapping applications is highly recommended to ensure that work is only completed within the designated boundary area. The BLM COR can provide a multitude of file types to support the use of the applications.

4. Provide a site visit inspection tour for all potential offerors :

DATE: June 2, 2021

TIME: 10:00am

LOCATION: Intersection of HWY 160 and Forbs Park Road at 1000hrs

It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that the contractor participate in the site visit inspection tour to get an idea of tree density, terrain, and access conditions prior to submitting a technical plan and price quote.

A pre-work conference with the contractor awarded the job.

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

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

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. The contractor will furnish 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 Contractors Authorized Representative” on site at all times when working.

C.2.3 - ACCESS

1. Access is provided to the project location through County Roads and BLM roads throughout the treatment areas unless wet road conditions are encountered as specified in

C.2.6.1

2. Access to the treatment unit will be by existing BLM and or County roads.

3. Under no circumstance will new roads/routes/access points be created in the project area. All travel will occur on current and existing BLM and or County

Roads, or through travel points within the flagged boundaries. If a need for alternative travel route/road/access point arises, it must be mapped and approved by the COR in writing prior to its creation.

4. All gates within the project area shall be left as found or as directed by the COR.

5. No littering is allowed and the contractor shall be responsible for hauling all trash accumulated out of the area. All trails designated on the project map shall be kept free of slash.

6. The area will not be closed to the public during the contract period. Contractor must be aware of the presence of people in the work area and adjust activities to account for their presence. The contractor is responsible for securing his equipment and supplies from possible theft and vandalism.

C.2.4 – OPERATIONS PLAN

Prior to the commencement of operations, the Contractor shall obtain from the COR written approval of a written treatment 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.

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 – Glenda Torres

Natural Resource Specialist-Fuels

Office - (719) 269-8582

Cellular - (719) 429-1707

Project Manager- Sarah McClernan

Rangeland Manager

Office - (719) 269-8534

Cellular - (719) 429-0040

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 - 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.2.6.5 Project start date may be adjusted to avoid work during Ips beetle flight and activity times.

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 3rd through midnight of the following Sunday.

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.

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

b. Additional Fire Precautionary Measure 1 - Tank Truck

The Contractor shall provide a tank truck or trailer, containing not less than 300 gallons of water, during yarding, loading, land clearing, right-of-way clearing, roller crushing, hydro-axing, and mechanical treatment of slash. Such tank truck or trailer shall be maintained in a serviceable condition and located within 10 minutes, round trip, from each project area during fire period and closed season.

The tank truck or trailer shall be equipped with a pump capable of discharging 20 gallons of water per minute, using a 1/4 inch nozzle tip, through a 50 foot length of rubber lined hose.

In addition, 500 feet of serviceable fabric jacket rubber lined hose of not less than 1 inch outside diameter, fitted with a nozzle capable of discharging a straight stream of 1/4 inch diameter and a spray pattern shall be immediately available for use. The tank, pump and at least 250 feet of hose and nozzle shall be connected and ready for use at all times.

If a trailer is used, it shall be equipped with a hitch to facilitate prompt movement. A serviceable tow vehicle shall be immediately available for attachment to the trailer and must meet the time requirements stated above. Such truck or trailer shall be equipped to operate for a minimum of 8 hours. Tank truck or trailer shall be available from the start of work to the end of the Fire Watch/Fire Security service.

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 provide adequate two-way communication facilities to report a fire to

Bureau of Land Management within 15 minutes of detection. FCC Regulations prohibit commercial use of Citizen Band (CB) radios. (CB's are not considered adequate two-way communications.)

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

8. 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 (brass caps), 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 cleanup 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 linear plots (100ft x 20ft) located at predetermined locations across the work unit. Sufficient plots will be done to obtain at least a one percent (1%) sample of the treated area. Inspection plots will not be done in the reserve areas.

C.4.4

Each inspection plot will be evaluated for compliance with all contract specifications. Plots meeting all contract specifications will receive 10 points. Plots found to have one contract violation will receive 5 points. Plots found to have two or more contract violations will receive no points. Any plot having a cut or damaged conifer leave tree will receive no points.

C.4.5

The COR/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. Plots where stumps exceed maximum height.

d. Plots 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. This rate multiplied by 100 equals the work quality percentage. EXAMPLE:

Number of plots inspected - 5

Total points possible (10 x 5) - 50

Total points earned - 45

WQP - (267/300) x 100 - 90%

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 re-inspection 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 re--inspection. The Contractor shall be charged for all the Government's re-inspection 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 quote price.

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 III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

SECTION J - LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

J.1 – Spring Creek Fire Mastication Project Map

J.2 – Spring Creek Fire Mastication Overview Map

J.3 – Technical Plan Template and Instructions

J.1 – Spring Creek Fire Mastication Project Map

Spring Creek Fire Mastication Overview Map

J3: Technical Plan Template and Instructions

Spring Creek Fire Mastication Project

Firm Name

Contact Name

Address

Phone number

DETAILS

1) Technical Plan

Treatment (Operations) Plan and schedule (attach plan)

Examples of items to include in the treatment (operations) plan include:

• Schedule and timing (average time for treatments of this type),

• *how work will proceed through project area (start and finish points)

• *staging areas.

• methods (machines and anything special about machine capabilities and how they will be used)

• *If camping on site proposed location

• How machines handle slope, difficult terrain, rocks,

• Options to reduce the amount of down time with mechanical issues

• How work will be completed to ensure protection of the environment and watershed. Examples include:

o prevention of weed spread o protection of monuments and existing infrastructure o prevention of ground disturbance during wet weather periods o methods to reduce overall ground disturbance

Quality Control Plan (attach plan)

This should include how quality will be measured and documented, how frequently it will be measured and inspected, and how information will be presented to the COR.

Safety Plan (attach plan)

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, including areas in the treatment unit that the operator feels are unsafe and unworkable for the machine capabilities. The Safety Plan shall also address the personal protective equipment and mitigating measures the Contractor will utilize to increase safety on the worksite for both personnel and public. Additionally, a plan of action in the event of an emergency

(accident, injury, wildfire) shall be included in the Safety Plan. This includes contacts needed for employees should accident occur at worksite.

*These areas can be identified (drawn in) on the project map provided.

2) Past Performance

Past performance may be based on the Government’s knowledge of, and previous experience with, the offeror, or other reasonable basis.

Provide following information for the last three jobs (at minimum) either completed or in progress for any client

(Government, Business, or private client)

Project Name

Project Supervisor Name

Phone number

Agency

Dollar Value

Type of Project

Method(s) Used

Location of Project

Any other special information about the project

It would also be acceptable to return three (3) references, for the last three (3) jobs (at minimum) either completed or in progress for any client (Government, Business, or private client), using the attached Past

Performance Evaluation.

3) Organization

Personnel

a) Contract Manager for the Contractor. Name and phone number with a brief resume’ attached - no more than one page per person.

b) One site job superintendent for the contractor. Name with a brief resume’ attached (no more than one page per person.

c) Number of full time employees to be used for this project. Name with a brief resume attached (no more than one page per person).

d) Number of part time employees to be used for this project. Name with a brief resume attached (no more than one page per person).

Equipment

a) Attach a list of hand tools to be used on the job that are owned by the contractor.

b) Attach a list of hand tools to be used on the job that will be rented, leased or purchased by the contractor.

c) Attach a list of vehicles by make and model that will be used on the job

d) Attach a list of mechanical equipment to be used on the job, if any.