AG-0116-S-11-0143_Shrimp_Rare_Plant_080511.pdf

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION PAGE OF PAGES

(THIS IS NOT AN ORDER) THIS RFQ IS IS NOT A SMALL BUSINESS SET- ASIDE 1 24

1. REQUEST NO. 2. DATE ISSUED 3. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NO. 4. CERT. FOR NAT.DEF. RATING

AG-0116-S-11-0143 08/05/2011 538537 UNDER BDSA REG. 2

AND/OR DMS REG. 1

5a. ISSUED BY 6. DELIVER BY (Date)

USDA TNF

648 Mission St.

Ketchikan, AK 99901

February 28, 2013

5b. FOR INFORMATION CALL (NO COLLECT CALLS) 7. DELIVERY FOB DESTINATION NAME TELEPHONE NUMBER OTHER (Section F)

AREA CODE NUMBER 9. DESTINATION

Catherine Powell crpowell@fs.fed.us

907 228-6242 a. NAME OF CONSIGNEE

8. TO: Patricia Krosse Ecology & Botany Program Manager

a. NAME b. COMPANY b. STREET ADDRESS 648 Mission Street

c. STREET ADDRESS c. CITY Ketchikan

d. CITY e. STATE f. ZIP CODE d. STATE e. ZIP CODE

AK 99901

10. PLEASE FURNISH QUOTATIONS TO THE

ISSUING OFFICE IN BLOCK 5A ON OR BEFORE

CLOSE OF BUSINESS

IMPORTANT: This is a request for information, and quotations furnished are not offers. If you are unable to quote, please so indicate on this form and return it to the address in BLOCK 5a. This request does not commit the Government to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of the

09/09/2011 COB 1700 Alaska time submission of this quotation or to contract for supplies or services. Supplies are of domestic origin unless otherwise indicated by quoter. Any representations and/or certifications attached to this Request for Quotations must be completed by the quoter.

11. SCHEDULE (Include applicable Federal, State and local taxes)

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f)

See Section B Schedule of Items Enter prices in Section B Schedule of Items

a. 10 CALENDAR DAYS (%) b. 20 CALENDAR DAYS (%) c. 30 CALENDAR DAYS (%) d. CALENDAR DAYS

12. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT NUMBER PERCENTAGE

NOTE: Additional provisions and representations are are not attached.

13. NAME AND ADDRESS OF QUOTER 14. SIGNATURE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO 15. DATE OF

a. NAME OF QUOTER SIGN QUOTATION QUOTATION

b. STREET ADDRESS 16. SIGNER

a. NAME (Type or print) b. TELEPHONE

c. COUNTY AREA CODE

d. CITY e. STATE f. ZIP CODE c. TITLE (Type or Print) NUMBER

NSN 7540-01-152-8084

Previous edition not usable

18-121 STANDARD FORM 18 (Rev. 6-95) Prescribed by GSA-FAR (48 CFR) 53.215-1(a)

SERVICE RFQ AG-0116-S-11-0143

TNF

Shrimp Bay & Zarembo Islands Rare Plants

PART I—THE SCHEDULE

Shrimp Bay & Zarembo Island Rare Plant Survey

SECTION B--SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B.1 SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

ITEM NO. DESCRIPTION UNIT OF

MEASURE

ESTIMATED

QUANTITY

TOTAL

001 Rare Plant Survey Shrimp Bay &

Zarembo Islands Final Report

Lump-sum 1

SUB-ITEM

NO.

DESCRIPTION UNIT OF

MEASURE

ESTIMATED

QUANTITY

UNIT PRICE TOTAL

101 Survey Plan Lump-sum 1

102 Surveys (Field Forms, photographs

& vouchers)

103 Project Summary Report

104 Electronic database

(MS ACCESS)

105 GIS feature layers Lump-sum 1

B.2 VENDOR INFORMATION

Vendor Name: Phone

Signature: Fax

Address: Email

TIN#

City, State, Zip: Duns#

Info Below requested to ensure payment info on record is accurate in the interest of preventing any delays in the distribution of any payments.

Bank Name Last 4 digits of Acct #

Shrimp Bay & Zarembo Islands Rare Plant

SECTION C--DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 SCOPE OF Work The purpose of this acquisition is to identify any rare plant species within the areas designated in this solicitation. The work includes performing a systematic inventory of rare plant species, including sensitive plants, known or suspected to occur on the Tongass National Forest, performance of field data collection, providing field data in electronic format compatible for entry into the National Resource Information System database (USDA FS), and preparation of a report of rare plant findings.

The contractor shall identify specific survey areas (determined by a pre-field review process) within the designated landscapes on northern Revilla (Shrimp Bay area) and Zarembo Islands (Figure 1 and 2) in which they can provide a General and/or Focused survey using the intuitive meander approach within the pre-selected areas (see survey protocols for definition of survey method and pre-field review process) and an accompanying botanical report for the surveys during the 2012 field season.

The surveys will be consistent with Survey Protocol for Sensitive and Rare Plants on the Tongass National Forest (Krosse, 2011) (Attachment 1).

C.2 LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

The project areas are located in southeastern Alaska: one area includes Zarembo Island on the Wrangell Ranger District; the other is referred to as the “Shrimp Bay Project Area” and is located on a peninsula in the northwestern corner of Revilla Island between Gedney Pass (to the north) and Neets Bay (to the south) on the Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger District. Both project areas are on the Tongass National Forest. Specific survey areas are displayed in Figures 1 and 2 and are within non-management Land Use Designations (LUDs), including Old Growth Reserves, Semi-remote Recreation, Scenic Viewshed and other conservation areas, including the 1,000-foot beach buffer.

C.3 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

The Contractor shall be responsible for completing the following tasks and meeting the technical specifications herein:

1. Survey Plan: The contractor shall determine target species for project areas, locations of surveys and prepare for field work by reviewing literature, maps and aerial photographs as well as technical information about rare plant occurrences and habitats of interest. During this planning phase, it will be necessary to work with USFS personnel who are knowledgeable about specific habitat features and local logistics on selecting survey sites.

2. Surveys: See survey protocols (Attachment 1).

3. Project Summary Report: The Contractor shall submit 1 electronic copy and 1 original project report at the completion of the Contract. Project summary report will include the following elements:

a. Introduction

b. Study area description for each landscape surveyed (Shrimp Bay and Zarembo Island)

c. Summary of rare plants of interest in study area

d. Survey methods including pre-field review, survey methods and survey dates

e. Survey results, including documented rare plant occurrences, habitats and plant communities surveyed, number of survey days accomplished, electronic database created and referenced to survey and element occurrence field forms, plant specimens (if collected), photos and maps generated.

f. Conclusion, including any recommendations for further surveys, gaps in data, unforeseen problems with survey protocols and recommendations for improvements.

g. References

4. Electronic database: A Microsoft ACCESS database v.2007shall be created to include all data elements identified with ® (identified in both red and black font color) on the field survey forms and element occurrence forms using the Natural Resources Information System (NRIS) Access templates and data dictionaries (Appendix I, J and K) for the creation of the database. This database shall be compatible with the Natural Resources Information System Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plant database (NRIS TESP, USDA-FS). USFS will work with contractor prior to development of this database to ensure its compatibility with agency database. A data manager shall be identified that is responsible for monitoring and coordinating timely entry of electronic data during the field survey.

5. Field Forms: The Contractor shall submit the original plant survey field forms (Appendix D) and element occurrence field forms (Appendix E) for each survey. In addition, submit the original completed species list for each survey (Appendix H). All required fields shall be completed (as identified with ®). A data dictionary for each field form is provided, as well as standard NRCS PLANTS codes. (Appendix I, J, and K).

6. GIS feature layers: One GIS feature layer will be created to record all the areas surveyed by the botanist. Additionally, one GIS feature layer (polygon) will be created to record all the EOs (element occurrence) documented during the site surveys.

7. Unknown Plant Identification: Questions regarding unknown plant taxonomy will be resolved by the contractor unless additional species or general expertise is necessary. At that time, the plant specimen will be collected and forwarded to the Forest Service COR where the proper method of plant identification will be determined. All rare plant identifications will be verified by the USFS Regional Botanist by submitting field forms, vouchers (See Appendix D, E and G) and photographs two months prior to final report submittal.

8. Photographs and vouchers of target species: Contractor shall submit a high resolution digital photograph (.jpeg) of any rare plant found during surveys. Plant vouchers will be prepared for all target species occurrences and mounted with approved herbarium label (Appendix G). Vouchers of unknowns will also be submitted.

9. Coordination with COR: Communicate at least bi-monthly (i.e. every other week) with the

COR to provide updates of progress and key developments, using phone, e-mail, or site visits.

The Contractor is responsible for communicating directly with the COR to request specific information required from the Forest Service.

a. Requests for information from the Forest Service will be made in writing or e-mail and include specifications regarding format and content with a not-to-exceed due date for receiving the information. The COR may need to schedule one-on-one meetings with the Contractor in order to clarify information.

b. The Contractor must follow the COR’s advice regarding the Forest Service’s standards or surveys.

C.4 PRODUCT REQUIREMENTS

All written reports, spreadsheets, and Geographical Information System (GIS) data must be compatible with the following programs:

Written narratives:

• Microsoft Office Word 2007 and

• Adobe Acrobat 9 Standard or Adobe Reader X Spreadsheets:

• Microsoft Office Excel 2007 GIS data:

• ERSI® ArcMapTM 10.0 projected in NAD_1983_StatePlane_Alaska_1_FIPS_5001

Documents produced by the Contractor shall be submitted to the Forest Service in Microsoft Word 2007 format, using 12-point, serif fonts (such as Times New Roman, Book Antiqua, or Garamond).

Maps within the documents will be placed into a PDF format.

AGAR 452.211-72 STATEMENT OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS (FEB 1988)

The Contractor shall furnish the necessary personnel, material, equipment, services and facilities (except as otherwise specified), to perform the Statement of Work/Specifications referenced in Section J

AGAR 452.211-73 ATTACHMENTS TO STATEMENT OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS (FEB

1988) The attachments to the Statement of Work/Specifications listed in Section J are hereby made part of this solicitation and any resultant contract.

SECTION D--PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 Project Labeling for Official Correspondence The Government singularly identifies each project with a contract number at time of Award. The contract number is a unique identifier to purposely and permanently represent an awarded project. The Government issued contract number is to be referenced on all official communication starting upon notice of award.

D.2 Project Labeling for Delivery and Submittals The packing of the materials will be such as to prevent materials from becoming separated from the package inadvertently. Binding may be any of the following; three-ring binder, spiral binding, comb binding, thermal binding, or glue binding.

Hard copies of the final submittals required in Section B will be submitted on standard 8.5 inch by 11 inch white copy paper. Maps included in the documentation will be on 11 inch by 17 inch white copy paper as foldouts.

All documents (hard copies and electronic) shall include the project name and contract number.

SECTION E--INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)

This contract 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 a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): www.arnet.gov/far/

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

52.246-4 Inspection of Services--Fixed-Price (AUG 1996)

E.1 INSPECTION OF ITEMS

The Contractor shall receive signed approval from the COR at the following checkpoints before proceeding with further development of the project:

1. Checkpoint 1: Pre-field review and Survey Plan (See Survey Protocols) – Contractor shall submit plan of operation for surveys within designated landscapes for COR approval.

2. Checkpoint 2:

a. Field Inspection – A field inspection will take approximately two weeks after the first survey date. Exact dates of the field review will be determined at the pre-work meeting.

b. Field Form Inspection - Once the contractor has completed two full weeks of survey, field forms will be reviewed in conjunction with the field inspection.

3. Checkpoint 3: Additional inspections may be required and will be determined after the initial two-week inspection period.

4. Checkpoint 4: Contractor will provide vouchers or plant specimens needing verification (including all target species) from subject matter experts by August 30, 2012.

5. Checkpoint 5: Contractor shall provide a DRAFT report and ACCESS database for USFS review by December 15, 2013. Forest Service will have two months to provide comments to contractor.

6. Checkpoint 6: Final report, datasheets, plant collections and electronic database will be completed no later than February 28, 2013. Comments and edits provided by the Forest Service on DRAFT document will be included.

E.2 The Contractor is encouraged to e-mail draft and final documents in order to expedite Forest Service reviews. Edits to Microsoft Word documents, where possible, will be made using the “track changes” feature of Microsoft Word.

E.3 The Forest Service will review all draft materials. Generally, one review will be sufficient prior to printing final materials. However, based upon the amount or complexity of the Forest Service’s revision http://www.arnet.gov/far/ comments, the Forest Service shall have the option of requiring the contractor to revise any and all of their submittals until they are revised to the Forest Service’s satisfaction.

E.4 PAYMENT AND ACCEPTANCE OF SUBMITTALS

Payment may be made based on completion of the following milestones:

Pre-field review and completion of survey plan, including field inspection -10%

Completion of field surveys, photographs and vouchers– 50%

Draft submittal of Sub-Items 103, 104 and 105 – 15%

Final report and associated electronic data, and return of all Government furnished property – 25%

Alternate payment milestones may be proposed by contractor subject to Government approval.

E.5 FINAL DELIVERABLES:

The Contractor will provide one hard copy of the Final Report and an electronic copy of the Final Report including all supporting documents the contractor relied upon to create the required elements (see Schedule of Items) of this contract. By entering into this contract, the contractor is assigning all copy rights for created materials to the Forest Service who will become the sole owner of the materials and shall be able to use any of the documents, maps, or other products as it sees fit.

SECTION F--DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

This contract 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 a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): www.arnet.gov/far/

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

52.211-11 Liquidated Damages (SEPT 2000) 52.242-15 Stop Work Order (AUG 1989) 52.242-17 Government Delay of Work (APR 1984

AGAR 452.211-74 Period of Performance (FEB 1988)

The period of performance of this contract is from the date of award through February 28, 2013.

SECTION G--CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

The Contracting Officer will designate a representative hereinafter referred to as the Contracting Officer's Representative or COR who will provide on-the-ground administration for the Government.

The COR will be designated in writing and a copy of the designation will be furnished to the Contractor before or at the pre-work conference. The Contractor is cautioned to carefully read the COR designation because certain authority under the contract is reserved solely for the Contracting Officer.

G.2 AGAR 452.215-73 Post Award Conference (NOV 1996) 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 via _teleconference___.

G.3 Government-Furnished Property The Government will provide the following item(s) of Government property to the Contractor for use in the performance of this contract. This property shall be used and maintained by the Contractor in accordance with the provisions of the "Government Property" FAR clause contained elsewhere in the contract.

(a) 1:15840 aerial photographs (hard copy stereo pairs) of selected survey areas

(b) Contractor may request GIS layers to produce their own maps.

(c) Access database templates and data dictionary for Rare Plant survey and element occurrence field forms.

SECTION H--SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 AGAR 452.237-74 Key Personnel (FEB 1988)

(a) The Contractor shall assign to this contract the following key personnel: __________________ Key personnel should possess the following skills, qualifications, or experience:

1. Project Manager

(a) Team management

(b) Data management

(c) Logistics

(d) Ensuring Contractor’s team of botanist meet the minimum qualification standards for conducting botanical surveys, as required by the US Forest Service (see Section H.1(a)(2))

(e) Ensuring Contractor’s team meets scheduled deadlines.

(f) Ensuring summary documents (including electronic database) prepared by Contractor are complete and adhere to the requirements of this contract.

(g) Working closely with the Forest Service’s Contracting Officers Representative (COR) to ensure potential roadblocks for meeting deadlines are addressed early on.

(h) Working closely with US Forest Services’ Contract Inspectors (CIs) to ensure surveys are being conducted according to standards identified in the survey protocol.

(i) Submitting requests for payment to the COR following each project milestone.

2. Botanist

(a) 12 semester hours in botany from an accredited University.

(b) Of the 12 semester hours in botany, 4 semester credits in Plant Taxonomy, at a minimum, is required.

(c) A minimum of three years of actual training and experience in conducting rare plant surveys.

(d) Conducting rare plant surveys in general areas identified by the Forest Service and presented by the contractor in a site specific pre-field review, according to survey protocols (Attachment 1).

(e) Complete all required field forms associated with botanical surveys (see required field forms and associated data dictionaries – Appendix D, E, H, I, J and K).

(f) Prepare plant specimens for rare plants found using USFS approved label (Appendix G).

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

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

PART II--CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I--CONTRACT CLAUSES

This contract 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 a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

www.arnet.gov/far/ www.usda.gov/procurement/policy/agar.html

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

52.204-7 Central Contractor Registration (APR 2008) 52.209-6 Protecting the Government's Interest when Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (MAY 2008) ( 52.215-8 Order of Precedence--Uniform Contract Format (OCT 1997) 52.219-6 Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (JUN 2003) 52.222-3 Convict Labor (JUN 2003) 52.222-21 Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (FEB 1999) 52.222-26 Equal Opportunity (MAR 2007) 52.222-36 Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities (JUN 1998) 52.222-41 Service Contract Act of 1965, as Amended (JUL 2005) 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons (SEP 2007) 52.232-1 Payments (APR 84) 52.232-8 Discounts for Prompt Payment (FEB 2002) 52.232-11 Extras (APR 1984) 52.232-23 Assignment of Claims (JAN 1986) 52.232-25 Prompt Payment (OCT 2008) 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer – Central Contractor Registration (OCT 2003) 52.233-1 Disputes (JULY 2002) 52.233-3 Protest After Award (AUG 1996) 52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (OCT 2004) 52.237-2 Protection of Government Buildings, Equipment, and Vegetation (APR 1984) 52.243-1 Changes--Fixed-Price (AUG 1987)--Alternate I (APR 1984) 52.244-6 Subcontracts for Commercial Items (MAR 2009) 52.245-1 Government Property (AUG 2010) 52.245-9 Use and Charges (AUG 2010) 52.249-1 Termination for Convenience of the Government (Fixed-Price) (Short From) (APR

1984) 52.249-8 Default (Fixed-Price Supply and Service) (APR 1984) 52.253-1 Computer Generated Forms (JAN 1991)

AGRICULTURE ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 4) CLAUSES

452.237-70 Loss, Damage, Destruction or Repair (FEB 1988) http://www.usda.gov/procurement/policy/agar.html

452.237-75 Restrictions Against Disclosure (FEB 1988)

FAR 52.222-42 Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (MAY 1989)

In compliance with the Service Contract Act of 1965, as amended, and the regulations of the Secretary of Labor (29 CFR Part 4), this clause identifies the classes of service employees expected to be employed under the contract and states the wages and fringe benefits payable to each if they were employed by the contracting agency subject to the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 5341 or 5332.

This Statement is for Information Only:

It Is Not A Wage Determination.

Employee Class Monetary Wage--Fringe Benefits

30090 - Environmental Technician ____$ 22.13__$3.59____________

FAR 52.246-20 Warranty of Services (MAY 2001)

(a) Definition. "Acceptance," as used in this clause, means the act of an authorized representative of the Government by which the Government assumes for itself, or as an agent of another, ownership of existing and identified supplies, or approves specific services, as partial or complete performance of the contract.

(b) Notwithstanding inspection and acceptance by the Government or any provision concerning the conclusiveness thereof, the Contractor warrants that all services performed under this contract will, at the time of acceptance, be free from defects in workmanship and conform to the requirements of this contract. The Contracting Officer shall give written notice of any defect or nonconformance to the Contractor within 360 days from the date of acceptance. This notice states:

(1) That the Contractor shall correct any defective or nonconforming services

(2) If the Contractor is required to correct performance, it shall be at no cost to the Government, and any services corrected by the Contractor shall be subject to this clause to the same extent as work initially performed. If the Contractor fails or refuses to correct itself, the Contracting Officer may, by contract or otherwise, correct or replace with similar services and charge to the Contractor the cost occasioned to the Government thereby, or make an equitable adjustment in the contract price.

PART III--LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

SECTION J--LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

J.1 Figure 1 – Map of Shrimp Bay rare plant survey areas, 1 page.

J.2 Figure 2 – Map of Zarembo Island rare plant survey areas, 1 page.

J.3 Attachment 1 – Survey Protocol for Sensitive and Rare Plants on the Tongass National Forest

(Krosse 2011), 6 pages J.5 Appendices:

a. Appendix A - 2009 R10 sensitive species list, 1 page

b. Appendix B - TNF rare plant list, 9 pages

c. Appendix C - 2009 SS plant list matrix, 1 page

d. Appendix D - TESP survey form, 4 pages

e. Appendix E - TESP EO form, 5 pages

f. Appendix F - 2009 revised R10 sensitive species report, 47 pages

g. Appendix G - Herbarium label, 1 page

h. Appendix H - TNF Plant checklist, 2 pages

i. Appendix I - Existing Vegetation codes, 4 pages

j. Appendix J - Field Guide rare plant survey, 24 pages

k. Appendix K - Field Guide rare plant occurrence, 44 pages

J.6 Wage Determination 2005-2017 REV. 15, 18 pages J.7 Experience and Capability Questionnaire-OMB Clearance Number 9000-0142, 2 pages

PART IV--REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION K--REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND

OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS

NOTE: Offerors should address questions concerning VETS-100 reporting and reporting requirements to the Office of Veterans Employment and Training Services offices at the following address:

U. S. Department of Labor VETS-100 Reporting 4200 Forbes Blvd., Suite 202 Lanham, MD 20703 Telephone: (301) 306-6752

Website: www.vets100.cudenver.edu Reporting Questions: HelpDesk@vets100.com

Reporting Verification: Verify@vets100.com

AGAR 452.219-70 SIZE STANDARD AND NAICS CODE INFORMATION (JANUARY 2005)

The North American Industrial classification System Code(s) and business size standard(s) describing the products and/or services to be acquired under this solicitation are listed below:

Contract line item(s): ALL --NAICS Code 541620 --Size Standard $7.0 million

The small business size standard for a concern which submits an offer in its own name, other than on a construction or service contract, but which proposes to furnish a product which it did not itself manufacture, is 500 employees.

52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (FEB 2009)

(a) (1) The North American Industry classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is __541620_____.

(2) The small business size standard is _$7.0 million___.

(3) The small business size standard for a concern which submits an offer in its own name, other than on a construction or service contract, but which proposes to furnish a product which it did not itself manufacture, is 500 employees.

(b) (1) If the clause at 52.204-7, Central Contractor Registration, is included in this solicitation, paragraph (d) of this provision applies.

(2) If the clause at 52.204-7 is not included in this solicitation, and the offeror is currently registered in CCR, and has completed the ORCA electronically, the offeror may choose to use paragraph (d) of this provision instead of completing the corresponding individual representations and certification in the solicitation. The offeror shall indicate which option applies by checking one of the following boxes:

[ ] (i) Paragraph (d) applies.

[ ] (ii) Paragraph (d) does not apply and the offeror has completed the individual representations and certifications in the solicitation.

(c) (1) The following representations or certifications in ORCA are applicable to this solicitation as indicated:

(i) 52.203-2, Certificate of Independent Price Determination. This provision applies to solicitations when a firm-fixed-price contract or fixed-price contract with economic price adjustment is contemplated, unless—

(A) The acquisition is to be made under the simplified acquisition procedures in Part 13;

(B) The solicitation is a request for technical proposals under two-step sealed bidding procedures; or

(C) The solicitation is for utility services for which rates are set by law or regulation.

(ii) 52.203-11, Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions. This provision applies to solicitations expected to exceed $100,000.

(iii) 52.204-3, Taxpayer Identification. This provision applies to solicitations that do not include the clause at 52.204-7, Central Contractor Registration.

(iv) 52.204-5, Women-Owned Business (Other Than Small Business). This provision applies to solicitations that—

(A) Are not set aside for small business concerns;

(B) Exceed the simplified acquisition threshold; and

(C) Are for contracts that will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas.

(v) 52.209-5, Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters. This provision applies to solicitations where the contract value is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

(vi) 52.214-14, Place of Performance--Sealed Bidding. This provision applies to invitations for bids except those in which the place of performance is specified by the Government.

(vii) 52.215-6, Place of Performance. This provision applies to solicitations unless the place of performance is specified by the Government.

(viii) 52.219-1, Small Business Program Representations (Basic & Alternate I). This provision applies to solicitations when the contract will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas.

(A) The basic provision applies when the solicitations are issued by other than DoD, NASA, and the Coast Guard.

(B) The provision with its Alternate I applies to solicitations issued by DoD, NASA, or the Coast Guard.

(ix) 52.219-2, Equal Low Bids. This provision applies to solicitations when contracting by sealed bidding and the contract will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas.

(x) 52.222-22, Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports. This provision applies to solicitations that include the clause at 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity.

(xi) 52.222-25, Affirmative Action Compliance. This provision applies to solicitations, other than those for construction, when the solicitation includes the clause at 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity.

(xii) 52.222-38, Compliance with Veterans' Employment Reporting Requirements. This provision applies to solicitations when it is anticipated the contract award will exceed the simplified acquisition threshold and the contract is not for acquisition of commercial items.

(xiii) 52.223-1, Biobased Product Certification. This provision applies to solicitations that require the delivery or specify the use of USDA-designated items; or include the clause at 52.223-2, Affirmative Procurement of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts.

(xiv) 52.223-4, Recovered Material Certification. This provision applies to solicitations that are for, or specify the use of, EPA- designated items.

(xv) 52.225-2, Buy American Act Certificate. This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-1.

(xvi) 52.225-4, Buy American Act--Free Trade Agreements--Israeli Trade Act Certificate. (Basic, Alternate I, and Alternate II) This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225- 3.

(A) If the acquisition value is less than $25,000, the basic provision applies.

(B) If the acquisition value is $25,000 or more but is less than $50,000, the provision with its Alternate I applies.

(C) If the acquisition value is $50,000 or more but is less than $67,826, the provision with its Alternate II applies.

(xvii) 52.225-6, Trade Agreements Certificate. This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-5.

(xviii) 52.225-20, Prohibition on Conducting Restricted Business Operations in Sudan--Certification.

(xix) 52.226-2, Historically Black College or University and Minority Institution Representation. This provision applies to—

(A) Solicitations for research, studies, supplies, or services of the type normally acquired from higher educational institutions; and

(B) For DoD, NASA, and Coast Guard acquisitions, solicitations that contain the clause at 52.219-23, Notice of Price Evaluation Adjustment for Small Disadvantaged Business Concerns.

(2) The following certifications are applicable as indicated by the Contracting Officer:

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate.] ----(i) 52.219-19, Small Business Concern Representation for the Small Business Competitiveness Demonstration Program.

------(ii) 52.219-21, Small Business Size Representation for Targeted Industry Categories Under the Small Business Competitiveness Demonstration Program.

------(iii) 52.219-22, Small Disadvantaged Business Status.

------(A) Basic.

------(B) Alternate I.

------(iv) 52.222-18, Certification Regarding Knowledge of Child Labor for Listed End Products.

------(v) 52.222-48, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Act to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment Certification.

------(vi) 52.222-52 Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Act to Contracts for Certain Services--Certification.

------(vii) 52.223-9, with its Alternate I, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA- Designated Products (Alternate I only).

------(viii) 52.223-13, Certification of Toxic Chemical Release Reporting.

------(ix) 52.227-6, Royalty Information.

------ (A) Basic.

------ (B) Alternate I.

------(x) 52.227-15, Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer Software.

(d) The offeror has completed the annual representations and certifications electronically via the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) website at http://orca.bpn.gov . After reviewing the ORCA database information, the offeror verifies by submission of the offer that the representations and certifications currently posted electronically that apply to this solicitation as indicated in paragraph

(c) of this provision have been entered or updated within the last 12 months, are current, accurate, complete, and applicable to this solicitation (including the business size standard applicable to the NAICS code referenced for this solicitation), as of the date of this offer and are incorporated in this offer by reference (see FAR 4.1201); except for the changes identified below [offeror to insert changes, identifying change by clause number, title, date]. These amended representation(s) and/or certification(s) are also incorporated in this offer and are current, accurate, and complete as of the date of this offer.

FAR Clause Title Date Change http://orca.bpn.gov/

Any changes provided by the offeror are applicable to this solicitation only, and do not result in an update to the representations and certifications posted on ORCA.

FAR 52.219-28 – Post-Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation. (Apr 2009)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause-- Long-term contract means a contract of more than five years in duration, including options. However, the term does not include contracts that exceed five years in duration because the period of performance has been extended for a cumulative period not to exceed six months under the clause at 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services, or other appropriate authority.

Small business concern means a concern, including its affiliates, that is independently owned and operated, not dominant in the field of operation in which it is bidding on Government contracts, and qualified as a small business under the criteria in 13 CFR part 121 and the size standard in paragraph (c) of this clause. Such a concern is “not dominant in its field of operation” when it does not exercise a controlling or major influence on a national basis in a kind of business activity in which a number of business concerns are primarily engaged. In determining whether dominance exists, consideration shall be given to all appropriate factors, including volume of business, number of employees, financial resources, competitive status or position, ownership or control of materials, processes, patents, license agreements, facilities, sales territory, and nature of business activity.

(b) If the Contractor represented that it was a small business concern prior to award of this contract, the Contractor shall rerepresent its size status according to paragraph (e) of this clause or, if applicable, paragraph (g) of this clause, upon the occurrence of any of the following:

(1) Within 30 days after execution of a novation agreement or within 30 days after modification of the contract to include this clause, if the novation agreement was executed prior to inclusion of this clause in the contract.

(2) Within 30 days after a merger or acquisition that does not require a novation or within 30 days after modification of the contract to include this clause, if the merger or acquisition occurred prior to inclusion of this clause in the contract.

(3) For long-term contracts—

(i) Within 60 to 120 days prior to the end of the fifth year of the contract; and

(ii) Within 60 to 120 days prior to the date specified in the contract for exercising any option thereafter.

(c) The Contractor shall rerepresent its size status in accordance with the size standard in effect at the time of this rerepresentation that corresponds to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code assigned to this contract. The small business size standard corresponding to this NAICS code can be found at http://www.sba.gov/services/contractingopportunities/sizestandardstopics/ .

(d) The small business size standard for a Contractor providing a product which it does not manufacture itself, for a contract other than a construction or service contract, is 500 employees.

(e) Except as provided in paragraph (g) of this clause, the Contractor shall make the rerepresentation required by paragraph (b) of this clause by validating or updating all its representations in the Online Representations and Certifications Application and its data in the Central Contractor Registration, as necessary, to ensure they reflect the Contractor’s current status. The Contractor shall notify the contracting officer in writing within the timeframes specified in paragraph (b) of this clause that the data have been validated or updated, and provide the date of the validation or update.

(f) If the Contractor represented that it was other than a small business concern prior to award of this contract, the Contractor may, but is not required to, take the actions required by paragraphs (e) or (g) of this clause.

(g) If the Contractor does not have representations and certifications in ORCA, or does not have a representation in ORCA for the NAICS code applicable to this contract, the Contractor is required to http://www.sba.gov/services/contractingopportunities/sizestandardstopics/ complete the following rerepresentation and submit it to the contracting office, along with the contract number and the date on which the rerepresentation was completed:

The Contractor represents that it [ ] is, [ ] is not a small business concern under NAICS Code __541620_____ assigned to solicitation number _AG-0116-S-11-0143_____.[Contractor to sign and date and insert authorized signer's name and title].

SECTION L--INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR

RESPONDENTS

FAR 52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions 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. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

www.arnet.gov/far/ www.usda.gov/procurement/policy/agar.html

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1)

52.215-1 Instructions to Offerors--Competitive Acquisition (JAN 2004) 52.237-1 Site Visit (APR 1984)

AGRICULTURE ACQUISITION REGULATIONS (48 CFR CHAPTER 4) CLAUSES

452.204-70 Inquiries (FEB 1988)

FAR 52.215-5 Facsimile Proposals (OCT 1997)

(a) Definition. "Facsimile proposal," as used in this provision, means a proposal, revision or modification of a proposal, or withdrawal of a proposal that is transmitted to and received by the Government via facsimile machine.

(b) Offerors may submit facsimile proposals as responses to this solicitation. Facsimile proposals are subject to the same rules as paper proposals.

(c) The telephone number of receiving facsimile equipment is: 907-228-6241

(d) If any portion of a facsimile proposal received by the Contracting Officer is unreadable to the degree that conformance to the essential requirements of the solicitation cannot be ascertained from the document--

(1) The Contracting Officer immediately shall notify the offeror and permit the offeror to resubmit the proposal.

(2) The method and time for resubmission shall be prescribed by the Contracting Officer after consultation with the offeror; and

(3) The resubmission shall be considered as if it were received at the date and time of the original unreadable submission for the purpose of determining timelines, provided the offeror complies with the time and format requirements for resubmission prescribed by the Contracting Officer.

(e) The Government reserves the right to make award solely on the facsimile proposal. However, if requested to do so by the Contracting Officer, the apparently successful offeror promptly shall submit the complete original signed proposal.

(f) Offerors may submit email proposals as response to this solicitation. Email proposals are subject to the same rules as paper proposals. Email address is: crpowell@fs.fed.us http://www.usda.gov/procurement/policy/agar.html

FAR 52.233-2 -- Service of Protest (Sep 2006)

(a) Protests, as defined in section 33.101 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, that are filed directly with an agency, and copies of any protests that are filed with the Government Accountability Office (GAO), shall be served on the Contracting Officer (addressed as follows) by obtaining written and dated acknowledgment of receipt from _Sherman Mayle, 648 Mission St., Ketchikan, AK 99901______.

(b) The copy of any protest shall be received in the office designated above within one day of filing a protest with the GAO.

AGAR 452.237-71 Pre-Bid/Pre-Proposal Conference (FEB 1988)

(a) The Government is planning a pre-bid/pre-proposal conference, during which potential Offerors may obtain a better understanding of the work required.

(b) Offerors are encouraged to submit all questions in writing at least five (5) days prior to the conference. Questions will be considered at any time prior to or during the conference. However, Offerors will be asked to confirm verbal questions in writing. Subsequent to the conference, an amendment to the solicitation containing an abstract of the questions and answers, and a list of attendees, will be disseminated.

(c) In order to facilitate conference preparations, it is requested that the person named on the Standard Form 18 of this solicitation be contacted and advised of the number of persons who will attend.

(d) The Government assumes no responsibility for any expense incurred by an Offeror prior to contract award.

(e) Offerors are cautioned that, notwithstanding any remarks or clarifications given at the conference, all terms and conditions of the solicitation remain unchanged unless they are changed by amendment to the solicitation. If the answers to conference questions, or any solicitation amendment, create ambiguities, it is the responsibility of the Offeror to seek clarification prior to submitting an offer.

(f) The conference will be held:

Date:________8/30/11________ Time:________1400________ Location:_____(907)-586-7554_____

AGAR 452.215-71 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF TECHNICAL AND

BUSINESS PROPOSALS (SEP 1999)

(a) General Instructions. Proposals submitted in response to this solicitation shall be furnished in the following format with the numbers of copies as specified below.

(1) The proposal must include a technical proposal. The technical proposal must not contain reference to cost; however, resource information (such as data concerning labor hours and categories, materials, subcontracts, etc.) must be contained in the technical proposal so that the contractor's understanding of the statement of work may be evaluated.

(2) Offerors may, at their discretion, submit alternate proposals or proposals which deviate from the requirement; provided, that an offeror also submit a proposal for performance of the work as specified in the statement of work. Any "alternate" proposal may be considered if overall performance would be improved or not compromised, and if it is in the best interest of the Government. Alternate proposals, or deviations from any requirement of this RFQ, must be clearly identified.

(3) The Government will evaluate proposals in accordance with the evaluation criteria set forth in Section M of this RFQ.

(4) Offerors shall submit their proposal(s) in the following format and the quantities specified:

(a) 1 copy of the completed, signed offer (Sections A, B, H and K of the solicitation package)

(b) 2 copies of the technical proposal (if in the mail, 1 copy if by fax)

(b) Technical Proposal Instructions. The technical proposal will be used to make an evaluation and arrive at a determination as to whether the proposal will meet the requirements of the Government.

Therefore, the technical proposal must present sufficient information to reflect a thorough understanding of the requirements and a detailed, description of the techniques, procedures and program for achieving the objectives of the specifications/statement of work. Proposals which merely paraphrase the requirements of the Government's specifications/statement of work, or use such phrases as "will comply" or "standard techniques will be employed" will be considered unacceptable and will not be considered further. The technical proposal should not exceed 15 pages. As a minimum, the proposal must clearly provide the following:

• Key Personnel: Resumes addressing the professional qualifications for all professionals assigned to the project including the project manager and all botanists.

• Past Performance: A summary of previously performed work similar in nature and scope including current reference contact information for the contracting activity prepared upon the OMB Experience & Capability Questionnaire.

• Technical Approach: A narrative describing the general technical approach to accomplishing the work addressing, at a minimum

Planned method of completing the project

Logistical issues that have been considered

Comprehensive work plan and schedule for completion of all aspects of the contract

Description of survey method to be used

Identification of general areas to be surveyed in accordance with paragraph 2 of section C.1

Description of the amount of work that will be provided the government given financial constraints of no more than $100,000 available to commit for the award.

(c) Instructions for survey selection. The contractor may evaluate any one or all of the areas described in section C.2 to conduct botanical surveys within the shaded areas identified within each landscape. The

Forest Service will be evaluating the contractor’s selection of survey areas along with the number of surveys planned. The locations are numbered to correspond to the map delineations provided in Figure 1 and 2.

Survey locations may be prioritized as follows:

1. High Priority Survey Areas: Old Growth Reserves and Beach Buffer

2. Moderate Priority: Scenic Viewshed

3. Semi-remote Recreation Areas

The contractor shall describe survey locations they propose to survey and include the following information in the offer:

• General proposal for survey locations within the landscape (Shrimp Bay Area and Zarembo Island). Contractor may negotiate deleting any portion of the identified survey areas within each landscape if necessary.

• Number of surveys to be conducted within each landscape. Contractors should show 20% of the surveys conducted in the Shrimp Bay landscape and 80% of the surveys conducted on Zarembo Island landscape. It is understood that all sensitive and rare plant species listed in Appendix A and B and/or their habitats (Appendix C) may not occur within a specific landscape.

• Cost of survey for both landscapes, including pre-field review, electronic database, resource reports and vouchers.

SECTION M--EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

M.1 - AWARD DETERMINATION

The Government intends to make an award to the offeror whose proposal represents the best value to the Government, with all factors considered as described below. All evaluation factors other than price, when combined, are significantly more important than price. Accordingly, award may be made to an offeror other than the lowest priced offeror, if that higher-priced offeror provides the best value.

Offerors with no past performance data will be treated as an unknown performance risk and will be evaluated neither favorably nor unfavorably. Therefore, offerors will receive credit for good past performance, lose credit for poor past performance, and will not receive nor lose credit for lack of past performance.

M.2 - EVALUATION FACTORS

Four evaluation factors will be used in this…