AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV.2/2012)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

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

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30 1171015 34

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE 4. ORDER NUMBER 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICIATION ISSUE DATE

12363N26Q4180 July, 14th 2026

7. FOR SOLICITATION INFORMATION CALL:

EMAIL CONTACT PREFERRED

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NUMBER 8. OFFER DUE DATE/ LOCAL TIME

Mark Phillipp 541-410-1187 August 4th, 2026 4:00 p.m. PT

9. ISSUED BY CODE 363N 10. THIS ACQUISITON IS UNRESTRICTED OR SET ASIDE % FOR:

USDA Forest Service

Procurement and Property Services

National Stewardship Contracting Branch 1400 Independence Ave. SW, MS-1138

Washington DC 20250-1138

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS (WOSB)

ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMAN- OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

NAICS:

HUBZONE SMALL BUSINESS 115310

SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-

OWNED SMALL BUSINESS 8(A)

SIZE STANDARD:

$30 M

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINATION

UNLESS BLOCK IS MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED

ORDER UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. Rating

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ IFB RFP

15. DELIVER TO CODE 9A38 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE 363N

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

McCloud Ranger District

2019 Forest Road

McCloud CA 96057

USDA-FS – Procurement & Property Services

National Procurement Operations

Stewardship Contracting Branch

1400 Independence Ave. SW, MS-1138

Washington DC 20250-1138

17A. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR CODE

FACILITY

CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE 363N

Name:

Address:

Email:

Telephone No:

*Invoice Processing Platform (IPP):

All invoices must be submitted electronically through the Invoice Processing Platform Via www.IPP.gov.

SAM UEI:

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER 18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.

ITEM N0. SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

Bald Mountain STEWARDSHIP SSC

PACIFIC SOUTHWEST (PSW) STEWARDSHIP BPA

Shasta-Trinity NATIONAL FOREST

McCloud RANGER DISTRICT

See attached Schedule of items

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

N/A

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

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

ADDENDA

ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN VIA

ELECTRONIC (email) to mark.phillipp@usda.gov and peter.laduke@usda.gov

ONE (1) COPY TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS

SPECIFIED

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF.______ OFFER DATED ____________,

YOUR OFFER ON S OLICITATION (BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH

ARE SET FORTH HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print) 31c. DATE SIGNED http://www.ipp.gov/ mailto:mark.phillipp@usda.gov mailto:peter.laduke@usda.gov

STATEMENT OF REQUIREMENT

1. GENERAL INFORMATION:

Proposals shall be valid for 60 days after the date of receipt for the solicitation. If additional time is needed, an extension will be requested. Refer to Section 35 for instructions on preparing your proposal and pricing. Submit technical proposals and price proposals separately, via email, to the individual(s) shown in box 28 of page 1.

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

(a) Description of Work- Create a 600-foot-wide ridgeline fuel break using mastication and tethered mastication. Project also includes falling hazard trees, creating 2 helispots, and repairing any damage caused to the access road. Examples of work include:

a. Masticate brush and Small Trees

b. Fall Dead Standing Trees

c. Create 2 Helispots

d. Maintain/Establish Access

(b) Resulting Contract – This BPA call will be issued against the Pacific Southwest BPA when ordered by warranted contracting personnel. The resultant contract will be a commercial services contract with requirements for timber removal.

(c) Project Location- 9 miles south of McCloud, CA. T 38 N, R 3 W, S: 24, 25, 26, and 35. T 37 N, R 3 W, S:

11, 14, and 23. Access from Highway 89: South on FR 11 (38N11) from McCloud, Right turn (heading West) on 38N53, as if heading to Ah-Di-Nah Campground. Right turn on 38N36, which becomes “Bald Mountain Jeep Trail”. The project follows this road until it ends, then continues for approximately 3 miles.

(d) Under this contract, “Contractor’s Operations” shall include activities of or use of equipment of Contractor, Contractor’s employees, agents, Subcontractors, or their employees or agents, acting in the course of their employment in operations hereunder on National Forest lands or within Forest Service protection boundary (unless acting under the immediate supervision of Forest Service).

Contractor’s Operations shall be conducted in a workmanlike and orderly manner. The timing of required Forest Service designation of work on the ground and the performance of other Forest Service work shall not be such as to cause unnecessary delay to Contractor.

(e) The Forest Service is executing this procurement under the stewardship contracting authority provided under Section 8205 of Public Law 113-79, the Agricultural Act of 2014 as amended under Section 204 & 207 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act (Omnibus Bill 2018). Stewardship authority grants the Forest Service Chief or designee the authority to aggregate contractual requirements into stewardship projects.

Performance of land management activities shall be in accordance with Project Description and Work Specifications. Payment for Land Management Work Activities in Schedule of Items will be made in Stewardship Credits and Appropriated Funds. All Base Work Activities (Mandatory) shall be performed.

BALD MOUNTAIN STEWARDSHIP SHASTA-TRINITY NATIONAL FOREST

SOLICITATION 12363N26Q4180 MCCLOUD RANGER DISTRICT

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

3. MANDATORY WORK ACTIVITIES:

ITEM

NO.

DESCRIPTION OF

MANDATORY WORK ACTIVITIES UNIT ESTIMATED

QUANTITY UNIT PRICE TOTAL PRICE

1 Masticate Brush and Small Trees Acre 509

2 Fall Dead Standing Trees Acre 509

3 Create 2 Helispots Acre 2

4 Maintain / Establish Access Mile 7

Total All Mandatory Service Items $

Schedule Notes

Note: These schedules are for pricing/payment purposes. Refer to Section 32, Instructions to Offerors for business proposal requirements. Evaluation criteria used by the Forest Service for proposals is in Section 35 of this solicitation.

Note: Price Proposals MUST be provided on ALL Items in Schedules: Mandatory Work. Unit prices prevail.

A site visit is scheduled for Thursday July 23rd, 2026, to view the project area and discuss the objectives of this contract. The meeting will take place at 8:00 am at 2019 Forest Road, McCloud Ranger District, McCloud CA, 96057. It is highly recommended to bring ATV’s or UTV’s for accessing and viewing entire project area, majority of area is not accessible by Highway Vehicles.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE IS FROM DATE OF AWARD THROUGH February 1, 2029.

TECHNICAL DATA

4. SOLICITATION ATTACHEMENTS: The following documents are made a part of this solicitation and any resultant contract.

Title Pages

1. Appendix A – Technical Specifications for Service Work Items 7

2. Maps- 2a. Bald Mtn Vicinity 2b. Bald Mtn Project Overview 2c. Bald Mtn Unit Maps 2d. Bald Mtn LiDAR

3. Fire Plan 10

4. Service Contract Act Wage Determination #1977-0727, Revision #77 dated 7/08/2025 4

CONTRACT CLAUSES

5. FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR) AND UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

ACQUISITION REGULATION (AGAR) CLAUSES AND PROVISIONS

The clauses and provisions contained herein are applicable to any order awarded as a result of this solicitation.

The terms and conditions set forth herein supersede all other terms and conditions. Acceptance of the order in accordance with (IAW) FAR 12.201-1(b)(2) constitutes acceptance of all terms and conditions contained herein.

As part of the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), system updates may lag policy updates. The System for Award Management (SAM) may continue to require entities to complete representations based on provisions that are not included in this solicitation. Contracting officers will rely on representations from offers based on provisions in the solicitation. Entities are not required to, nor are they able to, update their entity registration to remove these representations in SAM.

6. FAR 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS - COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL

SERVICES (NOV 2023)

See parent BPA for full clause text and associated addenda.

FAR 52.212-4 ADDENDA

7. FAR 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also the full text of the clause may be accessed electronically at Internet address https://www.acquisition.gov or https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52.

FAR 52.204-13 System for Award Management—Maintenance (NOV 2025) FAR 52.222-90 Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors (APR 2026) FAR 52.232-39 Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations (June 2013) FAR 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payment to Small Business Subcontractors (MAR 2023) FAR 52.240-91 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions (NOV 2025) FAR 52.244-6 Subcontracts for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (NOV 2025)

8. SPECIFICATIONS

General specifications for each Contract Activity individually described by an item number in the Schedule of Items can be found in Appendix A.

9. FAR 52.211-10 COMMENCEMENT, PROSECUTION, AND COMPLETION OF WORK (APR 1984)

The Contractor shall be required to (a) commence work under this contract within 10 calendar days after receipt of Notice to Proceed or Order for specific work items, (b) prosecute the work diligently, and (c) complete the entire work ready for use not later than February 1, 2029. The time stated for completion shall include final cleanup of the premises.

Except as this contract otherwise provides, the Government shall order all services within the scope that are required by Government activities specified in the Schedule only with the vendor holding this contract for the https://www.acquisition.gov/ https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52 specified services. Timber Removal activities shall be scheduled and carried out in accordance with the Timber Removal Specifications in Appendix B or C and as approved by the Contracting Officer.

10. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance of this contract is from Date of award through February 1, 2029.

11. CONTRACT OPERATIONS SCHEDULE

Under this contract, “Contractor’s Operations” shall include activities of or use of equipment of Contractor, Contractor’s employees, agents, Subcontractors, or their employees or agents, acting in the course of their employment in operations hereunder on National Forest lands or within Forest Service protection boundary (unless acting under the immediate supervision of Forest Service).

Contractor’s Operations shall be conducted in a workmanlike and orderly manner. The timing of required Forest Service designation of work on the ground and the performance of other Forest Service work shall not be such as to cause unnecessary delay to Contractor.

Contractor shall, before commencing operations, provide in writing an annual Operating Schedule of anticipated major activities and needs for logging Included Timber and completing stewardship projects, such as logging, road maintenance, and construction. Upon reasonable notice to Forest Service, such schedule shall be subject to modifications necessitated by weather, markets, or other unpredictable circumstances.

Timeframe Restriction Description

February 1st through September 15th. Operating restriction for Northern Spotted Owl.

12. FOREST PRODUCT APPRAISAL METHODOLGY

13. TIMBER PRODUCT VOLUME ESTIMATION

N/A

14. OPTIONAL LINE ITEMS

N/A

15. OPTION FOR INCREASED QUANTITIY

N/A

16. POST AWARD CONFERENCE

A post award conference with the successful offeror is required. It will be scheduled within 10 days after the date of contract award. The conference will be held at Mcloud Ranger Station, 2019 Forest Rd, McCloud CA, 96057.

17. KEY PERSONNEL

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

Overall Project Manager Fuels Treatment Supervisor (for non-commercial activities)

Individual Sub-Managers – Individuals supervising individual sub-contracts for work items not covered by personnel noted previously herein.

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

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

Key Personnel- Representatives:

Unless otherwise agreed, Contractor shall designate, in writing, a representative who is authorized to receive notices in regard to performance under this contract and take related action. In no case shall Contractor designate any representative to this contract who is currently debarred, proposed for debarment, or suspended by the Federal Government. Contractor’s representative shall provide a copy of the contract to Contractor’s field supervisor and persons authorized to assume responsibilities in the field super- visor’s absence. Prior to initial operations and after shutdowns of 10 days or more, Contractor’s representative shall notify Forest Service 2 days, excluding weekends and Federal holidays, before any operations begin on Contract Area.

Contractor’s representative shall designate, in writing, a field supervisor, one of whose responsibilities shall be on-the-ground direction and supervision of Contractor’s Operations. The field supervisor shall be readily available to the area of operations when operations are in progress and shall be authorized to receive notices in regard to performance under this contract and take related action. The responsibilities of the field supervisor shall include the safeguarding of National Forest resources and performance within the terms of the contract.

Contractor representative will furnish Forest Service with names of persons authorized to assume responsibilities in field supervisor’s absence. Such delegations may be made a part of Contractor’s annual Operating Schedule.

Unless Contracting Officer designates another Forest Service representative and notifies Contractor in writing, the COR is the representative of Forest Service. Forest Service representative shall:

(a) Receive notice in regard to performance under this contract,

(b) Take action in relation to this contract, and

(c) Be readily available to the area of service work activities and logging operations.

Contracting Officer shall designate other on-the-ground representatives in writing along with their specific contractual responsibilities and authority. Representatives with authority delegated in writing are the only Forest Service personnel authorized to provide notice or take related actions under the contract. Such delegation shall be made within 60 days of contract award.

18. NOTICES

Notices by either party as to action taken or to be taken by the other respecting this contract shall be made in writing to the other party’s designated representative unless otherwise agreed.

19. PROTECTION MEASURES NEEDED FOR PLANTS, ANIMALS, CULTURAL RESOURCES, AND CAVE

RESOURCES

Locations of known areas needing special measures for the protection of plants, animals, cultural resources, and/or cave resources are shown on Contract Area Map and/or identified on the ground. Special protection measures needed to protect such known areas are identified in Appendix B.

In addition to any special protection measures noted, Contractor has a general duty to protect all known and identified resources referenced in this Subsection from damage or removal during Contractor’s operations.

Discovery of additional areas, resources, or members of species needing special protection shall be promptly reported to the other party, and operations shall be delayed or interrupted at that location, if Contracting Officer determines there is risk of damage to such areas, resources, or species from continued operations.

Wheeled or track-laying equipment shall not be operated in areas identified as needing special measures for the protection of cultural resources, except on roads, landings, tractor roads, or approved skid trails. Unless agreed otherwise, trees will not be felled into such areas. Contractor may be required to backblade skid trails and other ground disturbed by Contractor’s operations within such areas in lieu of required cross ditching.

Contractor shall immediately notify Forest Service if disturbance occurs to any area identified as needing special protection measures and shall immediately halt operations in the vicinity of the disturbance until Forest Service authorizes Contractor to proceed. Contractor shall bear costs of resource evaluation and restoration to identified sites. Such payment shall not relieve Contractor from civil or criminal remedies otherwise provided by law.

Forest Service has exercised due diligence and followed established protocols in identifying known areas needing special protection measures. Nevertheless, nothing in this provision shall be interpreted as creating any warranty that all locations and special measures for the protection of plants, animals, cultural resources, and cave resources have been described herein, elsewhere in the contract, or designated on the ground.

Label on Contract Area Map

Restrictions

N/A N/A

20. PROTECTION OF IMPROVEMENTS

So far as practicable, the Contractor shall protect all physical improvements including, but not limited to, roads, trails, ditches, fences, waterlines, and other improvements, existing in the contract area, determined to have continuing need or use, and designated on the Contract Area Map.

The Contractor shall keep all roads and trails needed for fire protection or other purposes and designated on the Contract Area Map reasonably free of equipment and products, slash, and debris resulting from the Contractor’s operations. The Contractor shall make timely restoration of any such improvements damaged by the Contractor’s operations and, when directed (because of such operations) shall move such improvements if and as specified by the Forest Service.

All protected improvements will be protected from damage by the Contractor. If any protected improvements are disturbed, the Contractor shall immediately contact the COR and will be liable for the cost of repairs.

PROTECTED IMPROVEMENTS

IMPROVEMENT DESCRIPTION LOCATION

Roads Fix any damage caused to 38N36 road As identified on Contract Area Map

Trails PCT crosses project area. Avoid damage to trails and signposts, keep trail clear.

As identified on Contract Area Map

Forest Service shall notify all utility companies, or other parties affected, and make arrangements for all necessary adjustments of the public utility fixtures, pipelines, and other appurtenances likely to be affected by Contractor’s Operations.

When Contractor’s Operations are adjacent to properties of railway, telephone, or power companies, or other property, work shall not begin until Contractor has identified actions necessary to prevent damage.

Contractor shall cooperate with the owners of any underground or overhead utility lines in their removal and/or rearrangement operations in order that these operations may progress in a reasonable manner, utility duplication or rearrangement work may be reduced to a minimum, and services shall not be unnecessarily interrupted.

In the event of interruption to utility services be- cause of accidental breakage or as a result of lines being exposed or unsupported, Contractor shall promptly notify the proper authority and shall cooperate with that authority in the restoration of service until the service is restored.

When materials are to be hauled across the tracks of any railway, Forest Service will make arrangements with the railroad for the use of any existing crossing or for any new crossing required. Contractor shall make arrangements for use of alternate crossings. All construction work to be performed by Contractor on the rail-road right-of-way shall not damage railroad company’s property.

21. STREAMCOURSE PROTECTION

“Streamcourses” that are subject to provisions of this Section are shown on Contract Area Map. Unless otherwise agreed, the following measures shall be observed to protect Streamcourses:

(a) Contractor’s Operations shall be conducted to prevent debris from entering Streamcourses, except as may be authorized under paragraph (d). In event Contractor causes debris to enter Streamcourses in amounts that may adversely affect the natural flow of the stream, water quality, or fishery resource, Contractor shall remove such debris as soon as practicable, but not to exceed 48 hours, and in an agreed manner that will cause the least disturbance to Streamcourses.

(b) Culverts or bridges shall be required on Temporary Roads at all points where it is necessary to cross Streamcourses. Such facilities shall be of sufficient size and design and installed in a manner to provide unobstructed flow of water and to minimize damage to Streamcourses. Trees or products shall not be otherwise hauled or yarded across Streamcourses unless fully suspended.

(c) Wheeled or track-laying equipment shall not be operated in Streamcourses, except at crossings designated by Forest Service or as essential to construction or removal of culverts and bridges.

(d) Flow in Streamcourses may be temporarily diverted only if such diversion is necessary for Contractor’s planned construction and Forest Service gives written authorization. Such flow shall be restored to the natural course as soon as practicable and, in any event, prior to a major storm runoff period or runoff season.

22. PROTECTION OF PROPERTY

In maintenance, construction and reconstruction of roads, Contractor shall not unnecessarily remove, deface, injure, or destroy trees, shrubs, or other natural features, unless specifically authorized. To the extent practicable, Contractor shall confine operations to within the clearing limit or other areas designated in the contract and prevent the depositing of rocks, excavated materials, stumps, or other debris outside these limits.

Material that falls outside these limits shall be retrieved, disposed of, or incorporated in the work to the extent practicable and necessary to protect adjacent resource values, unless otherwise agreed.

23. AGAR 452.203-71 ANTI-DISCRIMINATION AND DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION (DEI)

COMPLIANCE (MAY 2026)

(a) By entering into this contract, the contractor certifies that:

(1) It is compliant with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws and the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution, and it will remain compliant for the duration of the contract.

(2) Neither it nor any subcontractor or teaming partner operates or funds any program, policy, or initiative that promotes DEI in a manner that violates any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws, including but not limited to Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, or the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution, and the contractor and any subcontractor or teaming partner will not do so for the duration of the contract.

(b) If the contractor participates in, facilitates, or funds programs that implicate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, including but not limited to grants to or for schools, colleges, universities, 4-H programs, non-governmental organization (NGO) programs, sports programs, and education-related grants to prisons or other detention facilities, the contractor certifies that it will remain compliant with those laws, including the requirements set forth in Executive Order 14168, Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, and Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.

(c) The contractor affirms that the above requirements are conditions of payment that go to the essence of the contract and are therefore material terms of the contract. Payments under the contract are predicated on compliance with the above requirements, and therefore the contractor is not eligible for funding under the contract or to retain any funding under the contract absent compliance with the above requirements.

(d) This certification reflects a change in the Government’s position regarding the materiality of the foregoing requirements and therefore any prior payment of similar claims does not reflect the materiality of the foregoing requirements to this contract.

(e) Submission of a knowing false statement relating to contractor’s compliance with the above requirements and/or eligibility for the contract may subject the contractor to liability under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729, and/or criminal liability, including under 18 U.S.C. §§ 287 and 1001.

(f) The contractor must include the provisions of this clause in all subcontract solicitations.

(g) Failure on the part of the contractor or its subcontractors to comply with the terms of this clause may be grounds for the Contracting Officer to terminate this contract for default.

(End of Clause)

24. AGAR 452.203-72 UNENFORCEABLE SUPPLIER TERMS (APR 2026)

(a) Definitions.

Supplier terms mean provisions customarily drafted by vendors of supplies or services and intended to create a binding legal obligation on the end user. The term applies:

1. Regardless of the format or style of the document. For example, supplier terms may appear in standard terms of sale or lease, Terms of Service (TOS), End User License Agreement (EULA), or another similar legal instrument or agreement, and may be presented as part of a proposal or quotation responding to a solicitation for a contract or order or otherwise become effective after the contract date.

2. Regardless of the media or delivery mechanism used. For example, supplier terms may be presented as one or more paper documents or may appear on a computer or other electronic device screen during a purchase, software installation, other product delivery, registration for a service, or another transaction.

(b) Applicability. When any supply or service acquired under this contract is subject to supplier terms, the supplier terms are deemed part of the contract only to the extent they are consistent with this clause. Supplier terms that conflict with any part of this clause, the contract, or Federal law are void and will not be considered incorporated into a contract, even if they are physically present in a contract documentation or systems. In the event of any inconsistency between supplier terms and this contract, this clause and the terms of the Government contract shall govern and supersede any supplier terms in all cases.

(c) Authorization Required. Notwithstanding any other provision, no supplier terms shall be binding on the Government unless the term is expressly authorized on the USDA Supplier Terms Authorization Form signed by the Contracting Officer, and the completed Authorization Form has been incorporated into the contract.

(d) Unenforceable Terms. Any supplier terms that impose obligations or restrictions inconsistent with applicable Federal law are unenforceable against the Government and deemed stricken from the agreement.

This includes, but is not limited to, any clause that:

1. Requires the Government to pay future fees, penalties, interest, legal costs, early‑termination fees, cancellation fees, minimum purchase commitments, true‑up payments, seat‑count minimums, usage minimums, continued‑use charges, or any other financial obligation not expressly authorized by the contract.

2. Requires the Government to indemnify the contractor or any other entity.

3. Restricts the Government’s ability to obtain similar supplies or services from another source.

4. Imposes any penalty, financial or otherwise, based on the Government’s decision not to exercise an option.

5. Subjects the United States Government to the laws of any U.S. state, territory, district, municipality, or foreign nation, except where Federal law expressly permits such application.

6. Requires dispute resolution in a forum or venue other than one prescribed by applicable Federal law.

7. Establishes a period of limitations for bringing an action that differs from that provided by applicable

Federal law.

8. Grants the contractor rights to use, mine, access, aggregate, analyze, or otherwise exploit Government data, usage data, or metadata.

9. Deems the Government to have accepted initial or revised terms based on silence, continued performance, or failure to object.

10. Grants the supplier the right to audit Government facilities, systems, records, or use of the product or service, except as expressly authorized by the contract and applicable Federal law.

11. Requires the Government to accept supplier security requirements, network access requirements, monitoring, penetration testing, or other technical or security measures.

12. Permits the supplier to suspend, degrade, or terminate access to products or services based on alleged non‑payment, alleged breach, automated security triggers.

13. Limits the Government’s right to use, install, access, test, evaluate, or transfer the licensed product or service in any manner consistent with the contract and Federal law.

14. Requires the Government to store, process, maintain, or transmit data in a particular geographic location, or permits the supplier to transfer Government data outside the United States, except as expressly authorized by applicable Federal law.

15. Authorizes the supplier to use the Government’s name, seal, trademark, logo, or any reference to the Government as an end user or customer for marketing, publicity, promotional activities, press releases, or similar purposes.

16. Incorporates by reference, or requires the Government to accept, terms or conditions imposed by any third party, subcontractor, or upstream service provider, unless such terms are expressly incorporated into the contract by bilateral modification.

17. Limits, conditions, or negates the contractor’s performance obligations, service levels, or remedies through a supplier‑provided service level agreement (SLA).

18. Uses Government data, usage data, metadata, prompts, content, or interactions to train, fine‑tune, improve, or derive any artificial intelligence, machine learning, or automated decision‑making model.

19. Subjects the Government to automated decision‑making, automated risk scoring, automated content moderation, or any algorithmic process that may affect access, performance, or rights under the contract.

20. Utilizes artificial intelligence or algorithmic tools that produce decisions, recommendations, or outputs affecting contract performance without providing transparency, explainability, auditability, and bias‑mitigation consistent with applicable Federal law and policy.

21. Profiles, tracks, or analyzes Government user behavior, preferences, communications, or interactions for personalization, marketing, or algorithmic optimization purposes.

(e) Non-binding Actions. Neither the Government nor any Government authorized end user is deemed to have consented to any term, condition, or clause by virtue of its inclusion in the supplier agreement or through the use of clickwrap, browsewrap, “I agree” mechanisms, or similar means. Execution of such mechanisms does not bind the Government or its authorized end users to any unenforceable terms.

(f) End user. The supplier agreement shall bind the ordering activity as the end user to the extent it does not conflict with the terms of this clause, but it shall not bind or impose personal liability on any Government employee or any person acting on behalf of the Government in their personal capacity.

(g) Law and disputes. The supplier agreement is governed by Federal law.

(h) Statutory exception. This clause does not apply to indemnification or any other payment by the Government that is expressly authorized by statute and specifically authorized under applicable agency regulations and procedures.

(i) Continued performance. The supplier or licensor shall not unilaterally revoke, terminate, or suspend any rights granted to the Government except as allowed by the contract. If the supplier or licensor believes the ordering activity to be in breach of the supplier agreement, it shall pursue its rights under the Contract Disputes Act or other applicable Federal statute while proceeding diligently with performance, pending final resolution of any dispute in accordance with the Disputes Clause at FAR 52.212‑4(d) or FAR 52.233‑1, as applicable.

(j) Arbitration. Binding arbitration shall not be used unless specifically authorized by agency guidance.

(k) Equitable or injunctive relief. Equitable or injunctive relief, including the award of attorney fees, costs, or interest, may be awarded against the United States Government only when explicitly provided by statute (e.g., the Prompt Payment Act or the Equal Access to Justice Act).

(l) Revisions to supplier agreements. Any revisions to the supplier agreement must be incorporated into the contract using a bilateral modification. Unilateral revisions are not binding on the Government.

(m) No automatic renewals. If any license or service tied to periodic payment is provided under the supplier agreement (e.g., annual software maintenance or annual lease term), such license or service shall not renew automatically upon expiration of its current term without prior express written consent from an authorized Government representative.

(n) Indemnification. Any clause of the supplier agreement requiring the supplier or licensor to defend or indemnify the end user is amended to provide that the U.S. Department of Justice has the sole right to represent the United States in any such action, in accordance with 28 U.S.C. 516.

(o) Taxes or surcharges. Any taxes or surcharges which the supplier or licensor seeks to pass along to the Government as end user will be governed by the terms of the associated Government contract or order and must be submitted to the Contracting Officer for a determination of applicability prior to invoicing unless specifically agreed otherwise.

(p) Non‑assignment. The supplier agreement may not be assigned, nor may any rights or obligations thereunder be delegated, without the Government’s prior approval, except as expressly permitted by FAR 52.212-4(b) or FAR 52.232-23, as applicable.

(q) Confidential information. If the supplier agreement includes a confidentiality clause, such clause is amended to state that neither the agreement nor the contract price list, as applicable, shall be deemed “confidential information.” Issues regarding release of “unit pricing” will be resolved consistent with the Freedom of Information Act. Notwithstanding anything in the supplier agreement to the contrary, the Government may retain any confidential information as required by law, regulation, or its internal document retention procedures for legal, regulatory, or compliance purposes; provided, however, that all such retained confidential information will continue to be subject to the confidentiality obligations of the supplier agreement.

(r) Conflict with Federal law. If any other language, provision, or clause of the supplier agreement conflicts or is inconsistent with Federal law or the terms and conditions of this contract, such language, provisions, or clauses will be considered null and void and will not be binding on the United States Government

25. AGAR 452.204-70 MODIFICATION FOR CONTRACT CLOSEOUT (APR 2026)

(a) If unliquidated funds in the amount of $1000 or less remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer (Contracting Officer) may issue a unilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification but is not required to provide a signature. The Contracting Officer will immediately proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

(b) For commercial contracts not exceeding the simplified acquisition procedure threshold under FAR 12.001(c), if more than $1,000 in unliquidated funds remain at closeout, the Contracting Officer will issue a bilateral deobligation modification. Only the modification requires the contractor’s signature, though a Release of Claims may be requested. If the required documents are not returned within 60 days, the Contracting Officer will issue a unilateral modification and proceed with closeout once performance is complete, acceptance is confirmed, and final payment is made.

(c) For all other non-commercial or non–cost‑reimbursement contracts, if more than $1,000 in unliquidated funds remain at closeout, the Contracting Officer will issue a bilateral deobligation modification and a Release of Claims, both requiring contractor signature. If these documents are not returned within 120 days, the Contracting Officer will issue a unilateral modification u and proceed with closeout upon completion of performance, acceptance, and final payment.

26. AGAR 452.236-70 EMERGENCY RESPONSE, FIRE SUPPRESSION, AND LIABILITY.

Contractor's Responsibility for Responding to Emergencies. When directed by the contracting officer, the Contractor shall allow the Government to temporarily use employees and equipment from the work site for emergency work (anticipated to be restricted to firefighting). This is considered to be within the general scope of the contract. An equitable adjustment for the temporary use of employees and equipment will be made under the Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services Changes clause, FAR 52.212-4 (c).

(b) Contractor's Responsibility for Fire Fighting. The Contractor, under the provisions of FAR 52.236-9, Protection of Existing Vegetation, Structures, Equipment, Utilities, and Improvements, shall immediately extinguish all fires on the work site other than those fires in use as a part of the work. The Contractor may be held liable for all damages and for all costs incurred by the Government for labor, subsistence, equipment, supplies, and transportation deemed necessary to control or suppress a fire set or caused by the Contractor or the Contractor's agents, subcontractors, or employees subject to the fire classifications listed in subsection (c).

(c) Fire Suppression Costs. The Contractor's obligations for cost of fire suppression vary according to three classifications of fires as follows:

(1) Operations Fire. An “operations fire” is a fire caused by the Contractor's operations other than a negligent fire. The Contractor agrees to reimburse the Forest Service for such cost for each operations fire, subject to a maximum dollar amount of $10,000.00. The cost of the Contractor's actions, supplies, and equipment expended or used on suppressing any such fire, or otherwise provided at the request of Forest Service, shall be credited toward such maximum. If the Contractor's actual cost exceeds the contractor's maximum obligation stated above, the Forest Service shall reimburse the contractor for the excess.

(2) Negligent Fire. A “negligent fire” is a fire caused by the negligence or fault of the Contractor's operations including, but not limited to, one caused by smoking by persons engaged in the Contractor's operations during the course of their employment, or during rest or lunch periods; or if the Contractor's failure to comply with requirements under this contract results in a fire starting or permits a fire to spread. Damages and the cost of suppressing negligent fires shall be borne by the Contractor.

(3) Other Fires in Contract Area. The Forest Service shall pay the Contractor, at firefighting rates common in the area or at prior agreed rates, for equipment or personnel furnished by the Contractor at the request of the Forest Service, on any fire on the contract area other than an operations fire or a negligent fire.

(d) Contractor's Responsibility for Notification in Case of Fire. The Contractor shall immediately notify the Government of any fires sighted on or in the vicinity of the work site.

(e) Performance by the Contractor. Where the Contractor's employees, agents, contractors, subcontractors, or their employees or agents perform the Contractor's operations in connection with fire responsibilities, the Contractor's obligations shall be the same as if performance was by the Contractor.

(f) State Law. The Contractor shall not be relieved by the terms of this contract of any liability to the United States for fire suppression costs recovered in an action based on State law, except for such costs resulting from operations fires. Amounts due to the Contractor for firefighting expenditures on operations fires shall not be withheld pending settlement of any such claim or action based on State law.

(End of Clause)

27. FIRE PRECAUTIONS AND CONTROL

1. Fire Period and Closed Season Specific fire prevention measures are listed below and shall be effective for the period January 1 to December 31 of each year. The Forest Service 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 currently in serviceable condition and immediately available for initial attack on fires.

2. Fire Plan Before starting any operations on the project, the Contractor, Permittee, Licensee, or Purchaser, hereinafter referred to as the "Contractor," shall prepare a fire plan in cooperation with the Contracting Officer providing for the prevention and control of fires in the project area. The Contractor shall certify compliance with fire protection and suppression requirements before beginning operations during the fire period and closed season and shall update such certification when operations change.

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

4. Emergency Measures The Forest Service 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.

5. Fire Control The Contractor shall, independently and in cooperation with the Forest Service, 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 forest 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 Forest Service. Any individual hired by the Forest Service will be employed in accordance with the Interagency Pay Plan for Emergency Firefighters. The Forest Service will compensate the Contractor for equipment rented at firefighting equipment rates common in the area, or at prior agreed to rates.

6. 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.

7. Specified Fire Precautions and Emergency Precautions Prior to initiating the Contractor’s operations during the Fire Precautionary Period, the Contractor shall file with the Government a Fire Prevention and Control Plan providing for the prevention and the control of fires on the Contract Area and other areas of the Contractor’s operations. Such plan shall include a detailed list of personnel and equipment at the Contractor’s disposal for implementing the plan.

(a) SMOKING AND LUNCH FIRES. Smoking is prohibited except inside a building, developed recreation site, vehicle, or while seated in an area of at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or clear of all flammable materials. The building of camp, lunch, warming and other fires within the Contract Area and vicinity is prohibited, except at established camps, or at other safe places where all flammable material has been cleared away sufficiently to prevent the start and spread of wildfires. The Government may, upon written request of the Contractor, designate specific places where campfires may be built for purposes of heating lunches.

(b) SPARK ARRESTER AND MUFFLERS. Operating or using any internal combustion engine, on any timber, brush, or grass covered land, including trails and road traversing such land, without a spark arrester, maintained in effective working order, meeting either:

(1) Department of Agriculture, Forest Service standard 5100, “SPARK ARRESTERS FOR INTERNAL

COMBUSTION ENGINES,” (current edition); or

(2) The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Recommended Practices J335, “MULTIPOSITION

SMALL ENGINE EXHAUST SYSTEM FIRE IGNITION SUPPRESSION,” (current revision) and J350, 36 CFR 261.52(j), is prohibited.

Passenger carrying vehicles, pickups, medium and large highway trucks (80,000 GVW) will be equipped with a factory designated muffler system which is specified for the make and model of the respective vehicle/truck or with a muffler system that is equivalent or that exceeds factory specifications. Exhaust systems shall be properly installed and continually maintained in serviceable condition.

(c) FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND TOOLS ON EQUIPMENT. While in use, each internal combustion engine including tractors, trucks, yarders, loaders, welders, generators, stationary engines, or comparable powered equipment shall be provided with at least the following:

(1) 1 fire extinguisher, at least 5#ABC with an Underwriters Laboratory (UL) rating of 3A – 40BC, or greater

(2) 1 shovel, sharp, size O or larger, round-pointed with an overall length of at least 48 inches

(3) 1 axe, sharp, double bit 3-1/2#, or 1 sharp Pulaski Extinguishers, shovels, axes, and Pulaskis shall be mounted so as to be readily available from the ground. All tools shall be maintained in a serviceable condition.

(d) POWER SAWS. Each gasoline engine power saw shall be provided with 1 chemical-pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than 8-ounce capacity by weight, and 1 size O or larger, round-pointed shovel with an overall length of at least 48 inches. The extinguisher, and shovel shall be maintained in good working order. The extinguisher shall be with the power saw operator and immediately available for use at all times. The extinguisher shall not be affixed to the saw. The shovel shall be readily available to the operator of the saw at all times. Having the shovel with the gas can used to refuel the saw may be considered "readily available" if not more than 200 feet from the saw. During periods of critical fire danger, the Government may prescribe other precautionary measures. Any fueling or refueling of a power saw shall be done in an area which has first been cleared of material which will carry fire. The power saw shall be moved at least 10 feet from the place of fueling or refueling before starting.

(e) BLASTING AND WELDING. The use of fuses in blasting shall not be permitted except near power lines where the danger of accidental detonation is present, and then only by special written permission of the Government. Whenever the relative humidity falls below 50%, the Contractor shall place a watchman at each point where blasting is done who shall remain on duty for at least one hour after blasting is finished, and who shall be equipped with a shovel and a water-filled backpack can equipped with hand pump. During periods when the relative humidity falls below 20%, blasting shall be discontinued unless authorized, with special provisions, in writing by the Government. Blasting shall not be permitted in any area not cleared to mineral soil without advance written approval of the Government and with such special precautions as may be required.

Prima Cord shall not be used in clearing operations, and in other areas where timber has been felled and slash not burned.

Unless otherwise directed in writing by the Government, all flammable material shall be cleared for 10 feet around any piece of equipment being welded.