A06_Solicitation 12048923Q0010.pdf

12048923Q0010 North Zone Umpqua NF Planting

Issuing Office:

Special Operations Center Northwest Division

This solicitation can be downloaded at https://www.sam.gov.

Offers Are Solicited For:

North Zone Umpqua NF Planting

Solicitation: 12048923Q0010

IMPORTANT – NOTICE TO ALL PROSPECTIVE OFFERORS

Quotes shall be emailed to the Contracting Specialist, at Daniel Rosales daniel.rosales@usda.gov, by 1000 hours, Pacific Daylight Time, 2/24/2023.

As part of its quote, the Offeror shall complete/submit the following:

(a) SF 1449, Blocks 17a, 30a-30c;

(b) Fill in the appropriate information requested in Section B.1, Schedule of Items;

(c) Provide your responses to Sections E.3 Instructions to Offerors; and,

(d) Contact information for an individual with the authority to bind.

(e) Questions can be submitted via email until 2/22/2023 @ 1000 Pacific Daylight Time. Answers to questions will be submitted to SAM.gov as an amendment.

Quotes that arrive after the prescribed time for receipt of quotes will be considered late and treated in accordance with FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items.

It is the Offeror’s responsibility to monitor the following website for any changes to the RFQ:

https://www.sam.gov.

Quotes submitted in response to the solicitation shall honor the offer for 60 days.

This solicitation neither commits the Government to pay any cost incurred in the submission of the offer or in making necessary studies or designs for preparing the offer, nor to contract for services or supplies. Any cost incurred in anticipation of a contract shall be at the Quoter’s own risk.

Quotes may contact the Contracting Specialist, Daniel Rosales at daniel.rosales@usda.gov.

OFFEROR’S COPY

https://www.sam.gov/ https://www.beta.sam.gov/ mailto:daniel.rosales@usda.gov, https://www.sam.gov/ https://www.beta.sam.gov/ mailto:daniel.rosales@usda.gov.

SEE ADDENDUMIS CHECKED

CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

FACILITYCODE

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

OFFEROR

WASHINGTON DC 20250-0001

1400 INDEPENDENCE AVE SW MS-1138

SPOC NORTHWEST

USDA FOREST SERVICE

04T4 CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

X

115310

SIZE STANDARD:

100.00 % FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED OR0489

RFPIFB

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

RFQ

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NAICS:

SMALL BUSINESS

02/24/2023 1000 PD208-696-6065DANIEL ROSALES

(No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

FOR SOLICITATION 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIMEb. TELEPHONE NUMBERa. NAME

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

12048923Q0010

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE OF

1 3 1088422OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

GLIDE OR 97443

18782 NORTH UMPQUA HWY

UMPQUA NATIONAL FOREST NORTH UMPQU

15. DELIVER TO

WASHINGTON DC 20250-0001

1400 INDEPENDENCE AVE SW MS-1138

SPOC NORTHWEST

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$11.5

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW

ISSUE DATE

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

USDA FOREST SERVICE

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

Delivery: 04/17/2023 Period of Performance: 03/06/2023 - 04/17/2023

The "Submit Invoice-to" address for USDA orders is the Department of Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). The contractor must follow the instructions on how to register and submit invoices via IPP as prescribed in the previous communications from USDA and Treasury.

All invoices are to be submitted via the electronic Invoice Processing Platform. This is a

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

X

XX

DATED

VICKI L. KEEN

. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5),

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER

ARE

ARE

31c. DATE SIGNED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL

SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT:

REF.

All invoices are to be submitted via the electronic Invoice Processing Platform (IPP.GOV). This is a mandatory requirement initiated by the U.S. Department of Treasury and you can find more information at this website https:// www.ipp.gov/index.htm.

02/17/2023

SECTION B – SCHEDULE OF

ITEMS/DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS

B.1 SCHEDULE OF ITEMS/PRICE SCHEDULE

Item Supplies/Services Qty Unit of Issue

Unit Price

Total Price

0001 Tree Planting Archie Creek (Low Elevation) See attached schedule of items section 1.1.

295,033 EA $ $

0002 Tree Planting Thielsen (High Elevation Units) See attached schedule of items section 1.2.

69,020 EA $ $

0003 Animal Browse Protection & Sentry Tube Installation See attached schedule of items section 1.3.

13,200 EA $ $

0004 Stake Row Installation (25 trees per row) See attached schedule of items section 1.4.

24 EA $ $

0005 Shade Card Installation (assembly required) See attached schedule of items section 1.5.

2,000 EA $ $

Total

FFP

Schedule Notes:

Estimated Start Work Date: March 06, 2023

Performance Time: 42 workdays

B.2 STATEMENT OF WORK

1.1 Scope of Contract

This contract requires hand tree planting and related work in compliance with its terms, specifications, and provisions. This includes furnishing labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, operating supplies, and incidentals.

1.2 Location and Description

All planting sites are at various locations on the Umpqua National Forest, North Umpqua and Diamond Lake Ranger Districts. The majority of units are located along roads or within ¼-mile hike, while some units may require traveling greater than ¼ mile from an open road. Road access to all units were cleared 1-2 months prior to the anticipated contract start date. Due to high wind events and general winter weather, road access cannot be guaranteed on planting day. In such cases, the COR shall: (1) provide an alternative route to the unit, (2) delete the inaccessible subitems and/or, (3) substitute other suitable planting sites.

Contractors are permitted to use ATVs along roads as permitted by the Umpqua National Forest’s Motorized Vehicle Use Map with adherence to local and state requirements for vehicle operation.

Information about each individual unit is provided on unit/vicinity maps. Boundaries may not be installed on the ground. Boundaries may also change prior to planting or dropped altogether and in such cases will be clearly communicated by the COR. Any sensitive resource areas that will need to be avoided will also be communicated by the COR prior to planting.

SECTION 2

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, MATERIALS, SERVICES

The property and services provided by the Government are listed below. The Contractor shall inform the Government when supplies are needed and both parties shall schedule a time to meet at the warehouse where the Government will issue the needed supplies to the Contractor. The Contractor is responsible for safe handling and transport of supplies to the work sites.

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. All unused Government furnished material shall be returned to the Government in the original packaging and in good condition.

Description Quantity When Project Maps 1 per unit As determined at pre-work

Seedlings (Items 1.1 & 1.2)

364,053 seedlings from mixed varieties of bareroot and container stock

Contractor to pick up trees at nearest tree cooler and transport to project areas, returning unused trees at the end of each day.

North Umpqua Ranger Station 18782 North Umpqua Highway Glide, OR 97443 Or Diamond Lake Ranger Station 2020 Toketee Ranger Station Rd.

Idleyld Park, OR 97447

Item 1.3 Tubing Supplies:

Vexar Tubes 7,600 Supplied by COR after start of work Sentry Tubes 5,600 Bamboo 15,200

Item 1.4 Stake Row Supplies:

Wooden stakes 144 Supplied by COR after start of work Metal stakes 600 Metal tags 600

Item 1.5 Shade Card Installation

A total of 2,000 shade cards (assembly required)

Supplied by COR after start of work

SECTION 3

CONTRACTOR FURNISHED CRITICAL ITEMS/SERVICES

The contractor shall provide tools, transportation, including insulated pickup canopy, to transport seedlings, planting bags with insulators, planting tools, and sufficient workforce to complete the contract in the specified time. The contractor shall also provide materials and means to store seedlings at appropriate temperatures if unfavorable conditions occur during the day (i.e. bagged/dry ice or refrigerated truck). The contractor shall also have at all times of contract performance a properly designated representative that understands and speaks fluent English.

SECTION 4

TASKS AND CRITICAL SUBTASKS

SAFETY

Units indicated for planting include excessive slopes greater than 90%; these and other areas of safety concern may be excluded from planting as approved by the COR. The contractor shall notify the COR if unplantable areas or unsafe terrain exists in amounts that may prevent planting the quantity of seedlings designated for the unit.

Most planting units are located within 2020 & 2021 fire perimeters (Archie Creek, Jack & Thielsen Fires);

contractors shall be alert for undesirable field conditions (e.g. high wind events, falling snags, active smoldering, etc.). If such conditions are present, the Contractor shall notify the on-site COR and the COR will either direct the Contractor to move sites, or remove crew members from the field.

The contractor shall be aware of environmental hazards which affect tree species survival.

The contractor is also responsible for the safety of their crew. Contractor shall alter crew work schedules and handling practices to allow planting when possible and avoid planting during hazardous weather conditions.

Data and information furnished or referred to below is for the Contractor’s information. The Government shall not be responsible for any interpretation of or conclusion drawn from the data or information by the Contractor.

This list shall not be deemed to be all inclusive. The Contractor shall bear the sole responsibility for taking all appropriate actions necessary to prevent accidents and injuries to individuals at the work site The following checked activities have been identified by the Government as potential safety hazards:

[ ] Confined space entry.

[ ] Temporary excavation/deep trenching/slope stability.

[X] Tree falling.

[X] Fall hazard from work heights exceeding six feet.

[ ] Blasting.

[X] Driving on narrow, gravel, and/or limited visibility Forest roads [X] Heavy equipment operation.

[ ] Tree climbing and/or tower climbing.

[ ] Fire hazards.

[ ] Hazardous materials handling.

[ ] Electrical hazard.

[ ] Hydraulic and/or pneumatic and/or other high pressure hazards.

[ ] Mechanical hazards such as pulleys, springs, etc.

[X] Other: Working at a distance greater than ¼ mile from a drivable road. Working in a burned area which includes unique hazards, including snags, large downed logs, uneven ground conditions, overhead hazards, burned stump and root holes, and slick conditions.

At all times during performance of this contract and until work is completed and accepted, the Contractor shall directly superintend the work or assign and have on the worksite a competent superintendent who is satisfactory to the Contracting Officer and has the authority to act for the Contractor.

All work under this contract shall be performed in a skillful and workmanlike manner. The Contracting Officer may require in writing that the Contractor removes from the work any employee the Contracting

Officer/ COR deems incompetent, careless, or otherwise objectionable.

The Contractor’s onsite representative shall be fully conversant in the English language, spoken and written, sufficient to read and understand the contract, and communicate effectively with COR.

Planting shall be performed in an organized manner.

Planting with scattered crews within or between sites shall not be permitted except as necessitated by on-the- ground conditions and only when authorized by the COR. The Contractor shall provide one non-planting supervisor for each crew of up to 10 planters unless otherwise authorized by the Contracting Officer/COR. A maximum of 20 tree planters will be allowed on any single planting unit.

TASKS AND CRITICAL SUB TASKS

This part of the contract identifies the critical tasks and subtasks required in the contract. It also specifies the quality standard of each task and related subtask, as well as the acceptable quality level for each task and related subtask, the means of measuring the level of quality and any penalties or incentives associated with the level of quality.

For each crew or change of crew members on this contract, at the job site immediately prior to the start of planting each day, by each crew, the Contractor or his designated foreman shall discuss the following specifications with all crew members:

- Work Methods - Delivery of Seedlings

- Care and Handling of Tree Seedlings - Preparation of Trees by Contractor

- Field Handling - Spacing and Spot Selection

- Planting Spot Preparation - Preparing the Planting Hole

- Tree Placement - Filling and Firming

- Mixture of Species - Seedling Protection Tube Installation (if required)

Planting Equipment: Planting tools shall be provided by the Contractor and shall have a blade of sufficient size to produce a planting hole at least 12 inches deep and 4 inches wide.

Work Methods: Contractor's operations must proceed in an orderly manner to facilitate inspection. Unless approved otherwise by the COR, the Contractor will restrict operations to one planting site at a time. The Contractor must notify the COR 48 hours prior to moving the Contractor’s crew to work on another district.

Planting Bags: Bags shall be a light color, have a minimum depth of 15 inches and be free of defects. Container trees shall remain in styroblocks until each tree is removed for immediate planting unless other arrangements are approved by the COR.

CARE OF TREE SEEDLINGS

The Contractor shall adhere to the following specifications for care and protection of trees in their possession:

Trees shall be protected at all times from drying, heating, smothering, freezing, crushing, drowning, abrasion, rapid temperature fluctuations or contact with injurious substances.

When transporting trees, trees are not to be exposed to fuel supplies or fumes. Trees shall only be transported from the cold storage building to the planting site by the Contractor, within an insulated trailer or other suitable carrier as approved by the COR.

Trees stored in trays or bags shall not be exposed to direct sunlight. Punctured or torn bags must be promptly resealed. Containers of trees shall be opened only in full shade to the extent feasible. Each tray or bag of trees shall be stored in insulated boxes or under reflective tarps while in the Contractor's possession.

Trees shall not be removed from shipping containers or from under reflective tarps until immediately prior to planting. In particularly warm or dry conditions, the contractor shall work with the COR to ensure seedlings remain at appropriate temperatures, which may include supplying bagged/dry ice or a refrigerated truck.

Trees shall be planted without further root or top pruning or culling. If pruning or culling appears necessary, or if mold, dry roots, evidence of injury or drying is seen, the condition shall immediately be reported to the COR in charge.

Trees that are frozen shall not be handled until completely thawed, the condition shall immediately be reported to the COR in charge. Trees shall be thawed in full shade.

Trees removed from storage shall be field-stored in a manner in which the roots are not in contact with water or snow.

Trees will be planted in the order they are removed from the refrigeration coolers.

All unused tree seedlings remaining in the Contractor's possession upon completion or suspension of planting are to be returned to the government in sealed, original shipping packages, dated when they were removed from the refrigeration cooler the first time. Contractor shall supply tape and/or stapler to reseal bags and have them available on the work site at all times.

Quality Standard - Seedlings remain moist, cool with good needle/bud vigor at all times prior to actual planting.

Seedlings are free of mechanical damage and root elongation is minimal.

PREPARATION OF TREES BY CONTRACTOR

The Contractor shall prepare trees for planting in accordance with the following:

When directed on the Planting Location Map and/or Activity List, or COR, the Contractor shall plant a mixture of species throughout the unit. This will mean providing the species mix in planting bags to ensure the objective is met.

Trees shall be planted without further root or top pruning or culling. If pruning or culling appears necessary, or if mold, dry roots, evidence of injury or drying is seen, the condition shall immediately be reported to the COR in charge.

All tree preparation shall be done at the tree station under the supervision of the planting crew foreman or as agreed upon by COR. For all bareroot seedlings the Contractor shall break the tie on each bundle of trees and loosely separate the roots. Contractor shall not shake dirt from the roots. Bareroot seedlings may be required to be root dipped by the Contractor in a COR approved root dip.

When "root-dipping" of seedlings is required, the Contractor shall furnish clean, five-gallon buckets. The Contractor shall mix the dip compound with water according to instructions from the COR. Prior to dipping the roots into the mixture, the Contractor will separate the roots to insure they are uniformly coated with the dip mixture prior to placing seedlings in a planting bag or box.

Quality Standard - Seedlings remain moist, cool with good needle/bud vigor at all times prior to actual planting.

Seedlings are free of mechanical damage.

FIELD HANDLING

Trees in possession of planters shall be handled in accordance with the following:

1) Trees in planting bags shall have only their tops exposed.

2) Planting bags shall be a light color, have a minimum depth of 15 inches and be free of defects. Planting bags shall be used for both bareroot and containerized stock; soil "plug" of the container stock shall remain intact throughout the planting process.

3) Trees shall not be removed from planting bag until immediately before planting in a prepared hole.

4) Trees shall be gently removed, one at a time, to prevent stripping or other injury, and quickly and gently inserted into the planting hole.

5) Trees carried in planting bags shall not exceed the amount that can be carried and removed without injury, or which can be planted before critical heating or drying occurs. Trees placed in planting bags shall be planted within one hour, unless otherwise directed/approved by COR. Trees placed in planting bags shall be planted out and not returned to storage. Planting bags shall be kept emptied of accumulated/debris and water.

Planters shall work in one group whenever possible.

Quality Standard - Seedlings remain moist, cool with good needle/bud vigor at all times prior to actual planting.

Seedlings are free of mechanical damage.

SPACING AND SPOT SELECTION

Tree Spacing Requirements. Trees shall be planted in spots distributed over the area at the average spacing specified on the Planting Location Map and/or Activity List, unless directed to do otherwise by the COR or the task order. Where an unplantable spot is encountered, the planter shall disregard spacing limits and plant in the closest suitable spot. Spacing may be varied up to 25 percent to take advantage of shade-providing material and the most favorable planting spots.

Planting Spot Selection. Planting spots shall be selected where stumps, slash, logs, dead brush, and terrain features provide partial protection from sun, wind, animals, loose debris, and other agents detrimental to tree survival and growth.

Quality Standard - The specified spacing indicated on the Planting Location Map and/or Activity List or as otherwise directed by COR.

PLANTING SPOT PREPARATION (SCALPING)

The Contractor shall make a scalp or shall otherwise clear the planting spot approximately 12-15 inches by 12- 15 inches wide, using a hoedad or other suitable tool to remove from the planting spot of all snow, bark, rotten wood, ash, dry or loose soil, duff, loose debris and grass or other vegetation. Trees shall be planted near the center of the scalp or other cleared area. If the scalp is made adjacent to a stump, rock or other shade providing object; the Contractor shall plant as close to the object as possible. Planters shall prepare the planting spot so that it is not possible for loose dirt or other debris to fall on the planted tree seedling.

Quality Standard - Scalps free of debris, dry/loose soil.

PREPARING THE PLANTING HOLE (HOEDAD OR OTHER PLANTING TOOL)

Planting tools shall have a blade of sufficient length to produce the correct depth planting hole. Blade width shall be at least four inches. For hoedads, the angle between the blade and the handle must be at least 100 degrees to ensure vertical holes.

Planting holes shall be oriented at an angle, within fifteen degrees of perpendicular to the slope and true vertical. An open hole, broken out and large enough to fully accommodate the roots of the trees to be planted, is required. Up to three attempts at opening a planting hole at any given planting spot will be required. The Contractor is expected to open planting holes in difficult as well as easily plantable ground. Slit planting will not be permitted. If an unplantable planting spot is encountered, the planter shall disregard spacing guidelines and plant in the next closest plantable spot. See Tree Spacing Requirements, above.

Quality Standard - Proper depth, alignment and configuration of planting hole.

TREE PLACEMENT

Trees shall be placed near the center of the hole with roots in a near natural arrangement at a depth that will, after filling, packing and leveling the soil, come to a point even with, or up to one inch above the root collar. No portion of the roots or root collar shall be exposed. The roots shall not be doubled up, twisted, spiraled, bunched or cut. The root system shall be aligned with the axis of the planting hole with all roots extending downward in a near natural position for their entire length. Orient the tree stem at an angle between vertical and 90 degrees with the slope face.

Quality Standard – Seedlings will be planted so that the root collar is even with the soil surface or within one inch below the soil surface.

Figure 1: Planting the Bareroot Tree

FILLING AND FIRMING

Moist mineral soil shall be filled in and firmed around tree roots. Planting holes shall be free of dry soil, ash, organic matter, rock, other foreign material, and air pockets. Soil shall be filled in and firmed progressively, starting at the bottom of the hole, so that no loose soil or air pockets remain and the tree is as firmly planted as soil conditions will allow. The Contractor shall not wedge the sides of the planting hole, and firming the soil around the tree shall be done in a manner that assures the tree and root systems are not damaged. After planting, the tree stem shall be erect and be vertical or perpendicular to the ground level of the planting spot. The tree shall not be weighed down with mud or debris. Firmness will be inspected by gently pulling upward on the stem of the seedling. The soil shall be firm enough around the root system so no movement occurs to the seedling.

Quality Standard. No debris or foreign material shall be incorporated into the planting hole. The planted tree shall be located near the center of the planting spot and the roots shall be oriented at an angle between perpendicular to the slope and true vertical. No portion of the roots or root collar shall be exposed. The root system should be free of j-roots and tangled or balled roots. The soil shall be firm enough around the root system so the seedling does not move when gently pulled and no air pockets exist.

INSTALLATION OF STAKE ROWS

1) Trees within a single stake row shall be planted by one person

2) ONLY the trees specified for the stake row shall be planted between stakes

3) Stake row locations will be determined and communicated by the COR

4) Installation procedure

a. A wooden stake shall be pounded into the ground at a location identified by the COR

b. The row shall run along a bearing determined by the COR

c. Along a straight line, stakes shall be installed every 10 feet for a distance of 50 feet, with one stake installed at the end (6 stakes).

d. Five trees shall be planted at an even spacing between each pair of stakes for a total of 25 trees.

e. Metal tags shall be consecutively numbered and affixed to a metal pin to be inserted 6-12 inches from the base of the planted seedling. Trees shall be numbered as indicated by the COR.

Quality Standard: All quality standards pertaining to handling and planting shall apply to trees planted within stake rows (care of tree seedlings, preparation of trees, field handling, planting spot preparation, preparing the planting hole, tree placement, filling and firming), except spacing and spot selection. Trees shall be numbered consecutively and deviations in the direction of the stake row shall be communicated to the COR.

SEEDLING PROTECTION TUBES

1) Seedling protection tubes and/or cones will be installed around those trees designated on the task order.

Seedling protection tubes will be secured by wooden stakes. Cones are pre-assembled with wire stakes.

2) When installing seedling protection tubes/cones, care will be taken so that the main bud is not damaged and branches are in as near a normal position as is possible. If branches need to be bunched in order to fit in the tube, their branches should point upward rather than downward.

3) Seedling protection tubes will be secured in place by weaving either one or two bamboo stakes, as determined in the task order, through the tube and firmly pushing the stake(s) into the ground. The bamboo stakes are then secured to the mesh using plastic ties.

4) Seedling protection cones must be installed so that all edges are flush or slightly buried into the ground.

Quality Standard - Browse protection materials properly installed with trees free to grow in natural configuration. Seedling buds are not damaged.

SEEDLING SHADE CARDS

1) Seedling shade cards will be installed in planting units at the discretion of the COR; the contractor will be notified of the specified work at the beginning of the work day. Shade cards do require assembly. Assembly involves placing wire through a plastic-mesh sleeve.

2) Shade cards will be installed on the south side and no more than 5 inches away from the seedling; in addition, the shade card wires must be pressed completely into the ground so that the mesh card is flush or slightly buried into the ground.

SECTION 5

QUALITY/PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

Tasks and Critical Subtasks

Quality Standards Acceptable Quality Level

(AQL)

Monitoring Methods

Negative Incentives Positive Incentives

Care of tree seedlings

Task accomplished as described in

TASKS &

CRITICAL

SUBTASKS

99% of all tree seedlings shall meet Quality Standards.

Visual sampling by the Gov’t

Suspend work until deficiency is corrected. Poor performance rating.

Good performance rating.

Preparation of trees by Contractor

Task accomplished as described in

TASKS &

CRITICAL

SUBTASKS

99% of all tree seedlings shall meet Quality Standards

Visual sampling by the Gov’t

Suspend work until deficiency is corrected.

Poor performance rating.

Good

Field handling Task accomplished described in

TASKS &

CRITICAL

SUBTASKS

99% of all tree seedlings shall meet Quality Standards.

Visual sampling by the Gov’t

Suspend work Until Deficiency is Corrected.

Poor Performance Rating.

Good

Spacing and spot selection

Task accomplished described in

TASKS &

CRITICAL

SUBTASKS

90% of all Government plots showing correct number of trees shall meet Quality Standards.

Plot sampling by the Govt.

Rework at no cost to the Gov’t or Gov’t accept with price reduction.

Contractor shall receive full payment for meeting

AQL.

Planting spot preparation.

Task accomplished described in

TASKS &

CRITICAL

SUBTASKS

90% of all tree seedlings shall meet Quality Standards.

Plot sampling by the Govt.

Rework at no cost to the Gov’t or Gov’t full payment

Tasks and Critical Subtasks

Quality Standards Acceptable Quality Level

(AQL)

Monitoring Methods

Negative Incentives Positive Incentives

Preparing the planting hole

Sub-Task accomplished described in

TASKS &

CRITICAL

SUBTASKS

90% of all tree seedlings shall meet Quality Standards.

Plot sampling by the Govt.

Rework at no cost to the Gov’t or Gov’t

Shall receive full payment

Tree placement Sub-Task accomplished described in

TASKS &

CRITICAL

SUBTASKS

90% of all tree seedlings shall meet Quality Standards.

Plot sampling by the Govt.

Rework at no cost to the Gov’t or Gov’t full payment

Stake row installation

Sub-Task accomplished described in

TASKS &

CRITICAL

SUBTASKS

95% of all tree seedlings shall meet Quality Standards as established for all above tasks, excepting spacing and spot selection.

Govt. will sample 100% above ground and 4% below ground per standards established for seedling planting.

Rework at no cost to the Govt.

Contractor shall receive full payment

Requirement Performance

Standard Method of Assessment

Incentive/Deduction for meeting the standard

Quality Control

Contractor maintains good quality control on all aspects of operations.

COR randomly observes operations.

The Quality Control provided by the Contractor will be reflected in the performance evaluation either positive or negative. If the Contractor fails to meet standards, work may be suspended or terminated for cause for failure to take corrective action immediately.

Contractor’s Plot Inspections

Contractor’s plot inspections are +/-5% of Government’s quality.

Inspection completed to meet timeframes.

COR randomly observe Contractor inspection.

Review Contractor inspection sheets daily.

Contractor’s ability to meet the standard will be reflected in the performance evaluation either positive or negative. When Contractor’s plot inspections meet standards, no deduction. If quality does not meet standard, pay deduction per Payment Incentives and Deductions and/or additional costs to the Government will be assessed.

Work Plan, Schedule, & Communications

Work meets schedule as per the accepted work plan.

Contractor keeps COR advised of working location during contract performance.

COR conduct periodic monitoring.

Contractor’s ability to maintain the work schedule and complete work on schedule will be reflected in the performance evaluation as either positive or negative incentive.

Contractor’s work not completed on schedule is subject to default and may result in termination for cause including assessment of reprocurement costs.

UNSATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE

Work on individual planting sites will be accepted following the final inspection by the COR. Work with a 90 percent quality or better will be accepted at full payment. Planting sites which have an inspection quality between 80% and 89% will be accepted at a reduced pay rate as indicated in Payments and Deductions Section.

The Government reserves the right to require rework of areas with planting quality between 80% and 89% if planting stock is available and the existing deficiencies can be corrected. The Contractor will not be assessed damages for rework if the original planting quality was at least 80% and the rework is at the Government’s request. Work with an inspection quality less than 80% is not acceptable, and will not be paid for.

Law Enforcement will be notified if wasted trees are due to theft, burying, hiding or unnecessary discarding.

REWORK AND REINSPECTION AFTER REWORK

The Government will permit the Contractor to rework an area only if planting stock is available and the existing deficiencies can be corrected.

Any Government inspections needed due to the Contractor reworking an area, either at the Contractor's request or because of unacceptable work (original planting quality below 80%), will be at the Contractor's expense. The Contractor may be assessed actual damages which may include but are not limited to wages of the COR and Government inspector(s) incurred due to the rework, costs of vehicles that are incurred while administering the contract during the rework, and the cost of planting stock in excess of the trees originally planned for the site.

If the inspection results are unacceptable to the Contractor, a re-examination may be requested. Requests for reinspection must be made in writing within 5 days after receipt of initial inspection results. The same inspection procedure will be used. New plots will be selected and an additional 1% of the planted trees will be sampled for total of at least 2% of the planted trees. The inspection pattern will be shifted so new inspection plots will not overlap previously inspected plots. Inspection results of the reinspection will be used in determining the planting quality. The Contractor will bear the cost if the reinspection results are equal to or lower than original results.

COMPLIANCE WITH STATE FARM LABOR, OR FARM FOREST LABOR, LICENSE

REQUIREMENTS

To be considered for award, the Contractor shall be required to obtain and maintain currency of the required State Farm Labor or Farm Forest Labor License for the state in which the work will be performed or provide justification for an exemption from this requirement. If you are required to have a license, it must be provided at the time a quote/proposal is submitted in response to a solicitation to be considered for award. If you are not required to have a license, provide a justification which will be verified with the applicable State labor and industries department before you will be considered for award.

Oregon State Farm/Forest Labor License A valid license or exemption is required when responding to this solicitation. In accordance with the responsibility for obtaining necessary licenses and permits quoter shall supply their State of Oregon Farm/Forest Labor Contractor's License Number(s) in the space below or provide justification for why the offeror/quoter is exempt from obtaining a license.

Valid State of Oregon Farm/Forest Labor Contractor's License Number(s)

Justification of exemption from the licensing requirement which the Contracting Officer will send to the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries for verification:

Information on obtaining this license may be obtained from:

http://www.oregon.gov/boli/WHD/FFL/Pages/index.aspx

NOTIFICATION OF SUBCONTRACTING-MSPA CONTRACTS

The Contractor shall promptly notify the Contracting Officer upon entering into any subcontracting arrangement. All clauses contained in this contract will be passed down to the subcontractor with a signed notice of subcontracting. The Contractor shall provide the following information to the Contracting Officer for all sub-contractors to be utilized during the performance of this contract:

1. Name address, telephone number and email address of the subcontractor.

2. Federal MSPA Registration Certificate (orange card)

3. Employee registrations tied to the subcontractor’s MSPA Registration Certificate (blue cards)

4. State Farm/Forest License

5. Required motor vehicle insurance

6. Required Workman’s Compensation, Employer’s Liability, and General Liability insurance;

7. List of PPE provided to employees at no charge

8. Housing plan (including camping) if applicable

9. A copy of the signed subcontracting arrangement with the date upon which the subcontract was entered into and its duration.

10. A detailed description of the work being subcontracted including a listing of contract items, units, etc., as appropriate.

11. SF 1413 Statement of Acknowledgement

CONTRACTOR QUALITY CONTROL PLAN

A. Quality Control Plan The Contractor shall provide a Quality Control Plan (QCP) as part of their quote. The Plan must demonstrate how the Contractor shall assure that quality of performance meets the objectives and requirements of the contract. The QCP shall specify:

- How quality will be monitored to ensure performance standards are met.

- How the work will be supervised.

- How results of the monitoring will result in quality performance.

- Identify the personnel responsible for performing quality control.

B. Contractor Quality Control Inspection The Contractor shall assure themselves that performance meets contract specifications, in accordance with FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items, paragraph (a), prior to requesting the Government to inspect for payment or acceptance. The Contractor shall contact the Contracting Officer upon completion of a work area. The Contracting Officer may observe the Contractor’s inspection at any time and shall otherwise have unlimited access to the inspection data.

GOVERNMENT QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN

Objective: The purpose of this plan is to provide a quality assurance surveillance plan for Tree Planting performed under this contract. This plan provides a basis for the COR to evaluate the quality of the Contractor’s performance. The oversight provided for in the contract and in this plan will help to ensure that quality levels reach the required levels of performance.

Quality Level: By monitoring the Contractor, the COR will determine whether the performance levels set forth in the contract have been attained. Quality standards for all tasks are specified in the Tasks and Critical Sub Tasks Section.

On-site Inspections: The COR will evaluate the current levels of performance, according to the standards set http://www.oregon.gov/boli/WHD/FFL/Pages/index.aspx forth in this contract at the discretion of the COR.

Documentation: The COR will keep a file containing the following:

Copy of the contract All modifications to the contract Copy of the COR appointment letter All contract correspondence initiated or received by the COR Copies of all completed inspection reports, checklists, logs, diaries, and other contract forms Records of meetings attended Copies of processed invoices and receipt documents

Evaluation Methods: The COR will conduct periodic on-site inspections. Planting procedures will be observed and planted seedlings on representative sample plots will be examined to ensure and measure compliance with specifications. Inspection of planted seedlings will be recorded using attached form (R9 FSH 2417-2.8). Specific inspection items include but are not limited to:

Above Ground Inspection:

• Planting spot selection.

• Planting spot preparation.

• Tree location on planting spot.

• Planting depth and exposed roots.

• Stem position or damage.

• Firmness.

• Spacing.

• Wasted (dropped) trees.

• Tree Shelter Installation (if applicable)

Below Ground Inspection:

• Planting hole preparation.

• Planting hole orientation.

• Root configuration and orientation.

• Altered root length and damage.

• Foreign material in planting hole - rocks, sticks, wood, duff, snow, etc.

• Loose soil or air pockets.

PLOT INSPECTION PROCEDURE

The COR or Government Technical Monitor (GTM) will mark on the ground a series of plots sufficient in number to sample at least one percent of the planted trees.

Suggested inspection plot sizes:

TABLE 1

Inspection Plot Size Plot Radius Target planting density range 1/50 ac 16.7 ft 200—500 trees/ac 1/20 ac 26.3 ft 200—500 trees/ac 1/10 ac 37.2 ft 100—200 trees/ac

Average amount of planting spots per spacing requirement and plot size:

TABLE 2

Nominal Spacing

Average planting spot per acre on 1/10 acre plot

Average planting spot per acre on 1/20 acre plot

Average planting spot per acre on 1/50 acre plot

13x13 26 13 5 14x14 22 11 4 15x15 19 10 4

16x16 17 8 3 17x17 15 8 3 18x18 13 7 3 19x19 12 6 2 20x20 11 6 2 30x30 5 2 1

Inspection within each plot will be as follows and the sequence in which these steps are done may vary. All trees inspected using the attached form (R9 FSH 2417-2.8).

1. Locate and mark the plot center on the ground.

2. Determine from Table 1 the inspection plot size based on target planting density.

3. Determine from Table 2 the average number of planting spots for the plot based on the specified average spacing.; (for example, if the average number of trees per acre to be planted is 222 (14x14), then there should be 11 plantable spots on a 1/20 acre plot; 222/20 = 11.1). From this number subtract the number of unplantable spots. Record the difference as the number of plantable spots on which trees could be planted.

4. Record the total number of trees sampled on the plot.

5. Use Table 3 to determine the minimum number of trees to be dug (bareroot only) up to check below ground planter performance. For example, if you have 9 trees on the plot, then inspect every tree above ground and every third tree above and below ground.

TABLE 3

Number of Planted Trees on Plot Minimum Number to be Dug (Bareroot only)

1 1 2 – 6 2 7 – 9 3 10 - 12 4 13 plus 5

5. Working in a clockwise direction from north locate and examine the condition of planted trees. A poorly planted tree may have more than one violation, but record only the most severe violation.

6. Compute the Planting Quality Percentage (PQ %) by the following formula:

7. Percentage of planting quality as calculated above will be rounded upward to the nearest whole percent.

Upon completion of each planting site, the Contractor may request in writing a final evaluation of planting.

The evaluation results will be made available within three days of receipt of the Contractor's request. In the event Forest Service Inspectors become aware of planting quality falling below 90 percent or repetitive type planting errors are found, the Contractor will be notified.

PAYMENTS AND DEDUCTIONS

Payment will be based on number of trees planted and quality of planting as accepted by the Government.

Payment will be processed for completed items only.

Planting quality at 90 percent or above will be paid at the full price for the individual planting site. If planting quality falls below 90 percent for a site, a deduction will be made against the site payment for every percent below 90 as shown in the following table. Planting quality below 80 percent will be rejected without payment.

Examples of the payment schedule are shown below:

QUALITY (%) REDUCTION (%) FINAL PAYMENT (%)

90 or above 0 100

PQ% = (Total planted Correct X 100) / Total Sampled

89 -2 98 88 -4 96 87 -6 94 86 -8 92 85 -10 90 84 -12 88 83 -14 86 82 -16 84 81 -18 82 80 -20 80

79 and lower will not be accepted

B.3 PAST PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

Must provide documentation showing experience within the past five years performing professional tree planting services.

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS – COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIALS

SERVICES. FAR 52.212-4 (DEVIATION 2017-1) (DEC 2022)

(a) Inspection/Acceptance. The Contractor shall only tender for acceptance those items that conform to the requirements of this contract. The Government reserves the right to inspect or test any supplies or services that have been tendered for acceptance. The Government may require repair or replacement of nonconforming supplies or reperformance of nonconforming services at no increase in contract price. If repair/replacement or reperformance will not correct the defects or is not possible, the Government may seek an equitable price reduction or adequate consideration for acceptance of nonconforming supplies or services. The Government must exercise its post-acceptance rights-

(1) Within a reasonable time after the defect was discovered or should have been discovered; and

(2) Before any substantial change occurs in the condition of the item, unless the change is due to the defect in the item.

(b) Assignment. The Contractor or its assignee may assign its rights to receive payment due as a result of performance of this contract to a bank, trust company, or other financing institution, including any Federal lending agency in accordance with the Assignment of Claims Act ( 31 U.S.C. 3727). However, when a third party makes payment (e.g., use of the Governmentwide commercial purchase card), the Contractor may not assign its rights to receive payment under this contract.

(c) Changes. Changes in the terms and conditions of this contract may be made only by written agreement of the parties.

(d) Disputes. This contract is subject to 41 U.S.C. chapter 71, Contract Disputes. Failure of the parties to this contract to reach agreement on any request for equitable adjustment, claim, appeal or action arising under or relating to this contract shall be a dispute to be resolved in accordance with the clause at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.233-1, Disputes, which is incorporated herein by reference. The Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract, pending final resolution of any dispute arising under the contract.

(e) Definitions. The clause at FAR 52.202-1, Definitions, is incorporated herein by reference.

(f) Excusable delays. The Contractor shall be liable for default unless nonperformance is caused by an occurrence beyond the reasonable control of the Contractor and without its fault or negligence such as, acts of God or the public enemy, acts of the Government in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, unusually severe weather, and delays of common carriers. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing as soon as it is reasonably possible after the commencement of any excusable delay, setting forth the full particulars in connection therewith, shall remedy such occurrence with all reasonable dispatch, and shall promptly give written notice to the Contracting Officer of the cessation of such occurrence.

(g) Invoice.

http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml%3Bjsessionid%3D114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml%3Bjsessionid%3D114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_233_1 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_202_1

(1) The Contractor shall submit an original invoice and three copies (or electronic invoice, if authorized) to the address designated in the contract to receive invoices. An invoice must include-

(i) Name and address of the Contractor;

(ii) Invoice date and number;

(iii) Contract number, line item number and, if applicable, the order number;

(iv) Description, quantity, unit of measure, unit price and extended price of the items delivered;

(v) Shipping number and date of shipment, including the bill of lading number and weight of shipment if shipped on Government bill of lading;

(vi) Terms of any discount for prompt payment offered;

(vii) Name and address of official to whom payment is to be sent;

(viii) Name, title, and phone number of person to notify in event of defective invoice; and

(ix) Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). The Contractor shall include its TIN on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(x) Electronic funds transfer (EFT) banking information.

(A) The Contractor shall include EFT banking information on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(B) If EFT banking information is not required to be on the invoice, in order for the invoice to be a proper invoice, the Contractor shall have submitted correct EFT banking information in accordance with the applicable solicitation provision, contract clause (e.g., 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer- System for Award Management, or 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Other Than System for Award Management), or applicable agency procedures.

(C) EFT banking information is not required if the Government waived the requirement to pay by

EFT.

(2) Invoices will be handled in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act ( 31 U.S.C.3903) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR Part 1315.

(h) Patent indemnity. The Contractor shall indemnify the Government and its officers, employees and agents against liability, including costs, for actual or alleged direct or contributory infringement of, or inducement to infringe, any United States or foreign patent, trademark or copyright, arising out of the performance of this contract, provided the Contractor is reasonably notified of such claims and proceedings.

(i) Payment.-

(1) Items accepted. Payment shall be made for items accepted by the Government that have been delivered to the delivery destinations set forth in this contract.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_232_33 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_232_34

(2) Prompt payment. The Government will make payment in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act ( 31 U.S.C.3903) and prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR Part 1315.

(3) Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). If the Government makes payment by EFT, see 52.212-5(b) for the appropriate EFT clause.

(4) Discount. In connection with any discount offered for early payment, time shall be computed from the date of the invoice. For the purpose of computing the discount earned, payment shall be considered to have been made on the date which appears on the payment check or…