Solicitation_FINAL-_Woodpecker_PCT_Stewardship.pdf

STEWARDSHIP - Woodpecker Pre-Commercial Thinning (PCT)

SECTION B--SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

SECTION B SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

PROJECT: Woodpecker PCT Stewardship Contract Item No. Description Line item funding distribution Unit Qty Unit Price Total

1 PCT 14x14 NFVW05/03 AC 17 $ $ 2 PCT 14x14 NFVW05/03 AC 84 $ $ 2a 54 Gaps SC1005/04 AC 5 $ $ 3 PCT 14x14 NFVW05/03 AC 30 $ $ 3a Prune every 4th tree SC1005/04 AC 30 $ $ 4 PCT 14x14 NFVW05/03 AC 97 $ $ 5 PCT 14x14 NFVW05/03 AC 101 $ $ 6 PCT 14x14 NFVW05/03 AC 93 $ $ 6a Prune every 4th tree SC1005/04 AC 93 $ $

7 PCT 14x14 NFVW05/03 (34 acres) NFVW05/03 (27 acres) AC 61 $ $

8 PCT 14x14 NFVW05/03 AC 52 $ $

9 PCT 16x16 SC1005/04 (60 acres) NFVW05/03 (7 acres) AC 67 $ $

TOTAL: 730 - -

Line item % of total NFVW05/03 (542 acres) 74.3% Line item % of total SC1005/04 (188 acres) 25.7% Total $

Additional Vendor Information Contact Name:

Phone No:

TIN No.:

DUNS No:

Email:

U.S. Department of Labor, Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA) Registration Number:

In accordance with Forest Service clause FSAR 4G52.222-703, if the successful offeror employs or anticipates hiring employees subject to MSPA, the contractor shall provide a valid MSPA Registration Number to the Contracting Officer within 10 days after notification of award of the contract.

Electronic Funds Transfer Banking Information Bank

Last Four Numbers of Account

SECTION C--DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 Scope of Contract The purpose and intent of this contract is to secure services for pre-commercial thinning of 602 acres, pruning of 123 acres and to create 54 1/10th acre canopy gaps in young growth stands approximately 33 to 34 years old. The Contractor must furnish all labor, equipment, housing, subsistence, supervision, transportation, operating supplies, and incidentals except those items listed as Government-furnished property. Due to the fairly steep and rugged terrain and limited access, methods for accomplishing this work are limited to hand tools only.

C.2 Project Location and Description

C.2.1 Location and General Accessibility This project is located on the Tongass National Forest’s Petersburg Ranger District, on Mitkof Island, approximately 25 miles south of the city of Petersburg. This project lies on the same road system as the city of Petersburg.

Petersburg, Alaska is linked to Seattle, Washington via Alaska Airlines, the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry System (from Bellingham, Washington) and barge services from Seattle.

Petersburg is the administrative site of the Petersburg Ranger District.

C.2.2 Overall Physical Description of Ground Conditions The project area contains old logging slash that may be heavy in areas. The surface of the ground is extremely broken with some slopes becoming abruptly steep or having rock outcrops and bluffs of various sizes. Wind throw does occur along some sections of the boundary. Brush can be extremely thick in many areas, especially in areas with lower tree stocking. Old logging cable and debris may be present.

Tree heights, diameters, and densities vary as site productivity conditions change over the project area and may also exhibit variable areas of muskeg and thick hemlock and spruce competition.

Potential contractors are encouraged to examine the young growth stands on the ground before submitting an offer, in order to determine their expenses in doing the work. Logistics, access, weather, thickness of brush, steepness of slopes, presence of slash, and density of conifer regeneration are just some of the critical items that should be examined on the ground by each potential contractor.

No statistically reliable stem count data is available for the project area.

C.2.3 Item(s) Accessibility The Government does not guarantee vehicle access or continued vehicle access to project areas by road. Roads indicated on the contract map may not be accessible by motorized vehicle.

Road maintenance by the Government will not be provided for in this contract.

If access to any of the items changes due to weather, floods, slides, failure of man-made structures, or any natural phenomenon, the Government reserves the right to delete those items affected by the change in access. The Government may decide to substitute similar items, or may provide an alternate access route. The Government may also agree to the completion of the work on those items affected by a change in access with an adjustment in contract price, an extension in contract time, or both.

This project consists of 9 items; all located on Mitkof Island. Items 3, 7, 9 are on closed roads;

use of an ATV could improve access. See detailed item information and maps in Section J for more road closure information.

C.2.4 Local Services The City of Petersburg is the closest full-service community to the project area.

C.3 Safety

C.3.1 Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA) and Safety Plan Contractors are subject to all applicable State and Federal OSHA rules and regulations. Work sites are remote, and advance planning with regards to safety is crucial. Contractors must be prepared to discuss their safety plan and an emergency evacuation plan at the time of the pre-work meeting.

C.3.2 Communications All work sites are remote, and telephone service is usually unavailable on or anywhere near work sites. Having access to reliable communications is essential should an injury occur on the work site. Cell phone coverage in SE Alaska is not consistent. Contractors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with proper use of radios as well as emergency procedures.

At the time of the pre-work meeting, contractors must be prepared to discuss their communications plan. Contractors shall provide a functional two-way communication system and be familiar with its use. The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) or her/his inspectors may require a contractor, or their employees, to display on site that they have functional, adequate communications. Inadequate communications will be cause for the issuance of a written cure notice, or stop work order.

C.3.3 Travel Logistics pose a special challenge on the Tongass National Forest. Gaining access into remote work areas requires planning and research into local conditions. Contractors are advised to learn about the transportation systems of Southeast Alaska. Of special concern are jobs that may require a contractor to use small boats to access a work area. Boating can be dangerous any time of year in Southeast Alaska, particularly in the fall, winter and early spring. Contractors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with emergency procedures.

C.3.4 Climate Southeast Alaska has a cool and moist maritime climate. This maritime climate results in cool summers, moderate winters, considerable precipitation distributed throughout the year, and a high percentage of overcast days. Precipitation amounts vary widely throughout Southeast Alaska, and annual precipitation of over 100 inches is common. All field workers should be prepared for wet, cool conditions.

C.3.5 Bears Brown Bears X and/or Black Bears X may range through the contract area. Black bears and particularly brown bears (a large, coastal form of the Grizzly) are considered unpredictable and potentially dangerous in human/bear encounters. It is suggested that contractors carry a large caliber weapon as bear protection. Any bear shot in defense of life or property requires a written explanation and becomes property of the State of Alaska. The best protection is avoiding bear/human contacts. Campsites shall be kept clean and free of garbage. Failure to do so will result in the issuance of a cure notice or a stop work order. Waste disposal shall be in accordance with Federal EPA guidelines. Report any problems with bears to the Contracting Officer (CO) as soon as possible. This may be done through the COR, or his/her inspectors.

Especially important is the reporting of bears that appear to have become habituated to humans.

Report habituated bears so that the Government can notify the public.

C.4 Item Boundaries The Government will mark the exterior boundaries of each item with florescent pink and yellow flagging together, unless a distinct physical feature is available which would serve as boundary.

Distinct physical features can be roads, well defined slope breaks, limit of old growth timbered edges (stump line), or stream courses. The Contractor is responsible for thinning within the measured boundary and should direct any questions regarding boundary location to the Contracting Officer. Boundaries as shown on the contract maps or aerial photo overlays represent approximations of the actual item boundaries.

There are 54 canopy gaps, 1/10 acres in size, to be created only in Item 2. The canopy gap boundaries are not flagged. The government has marked 25-foot wide no-thin strips with red/black striped flagging in Items 2 & 6. All canopy gap reference points are marked along the no-thin strips with white/black striped flagging.

C.4.1 Land Survey Corner Monuments and Markers The Contractor is responsible for the preservation of all corner monuments, stakes, and permanent plot markers. Corner monuments and plot markers may be of various materials including iron re-bar, wood post, marked tree and PVC pipe. When damaged by the Contractor's operations, the cost of replacing them will be charged to the Contractor.

C.5 Thinning Specifications

Items 2 and 6 contain several 25 foot wide no-thin strips. Trees in the no-thin strips shall not be treated. The strips are shown on Item maps in Section J, LIST OF ATTACHMENTS.

C.5.1 Cut and Leave Tree Limits All conifer species:

Tree Size Treatment <2 feet high Leave and ignore for spacing.

>2 feet high & <8 inches dbh Cut trees to reach the desired spacing.

8 inches dbh and larger Shall not be treated unless damaged. Girdle trees if damaged.

Excess trees due to this requirement will not count for spacing.

Residual trees Leave and ignore for spacing.

All trees qualifying for treatment within their own height of the road prism on a designated road (Section H.6, Definitions), shall not be girdled, but cut and felled according to specifications found in Section C.5.5, Felling. This is required to prevent slash from entering roads or road drainage structures, should the girdled trees break or blow over.

C.5.2 Spacing of Leave Trees (Per Tree Spacing Option) The Contractor shall thin all eligible conifers greater than 2 feet in height to the following spacing specifications:

Item No. Spacing (feet)

- 25% Variance minimum feet apart

+ 25% Variance maximum feet apart

Items 1-8 14x14 10.5 17.5

Item No. Spacing (feet)

- 50% Variance minimum feet apart

+ 50% Variance maximum feet apart

Item 9 16x16 8 24

Items 1-8: Conifer tree spacing may be varied up to +/- 25 percent on an individual tree basis, in order to select the most desirable leave trees. Leave trees shall be no closer and no farther apart than the minimum and maximum variance for any given spacing as listed in the above table. The intent of the 25% variance is to give the Contractor the greatest opportunity for selecting the most desirable leave trees. However, overall average spacing using the original spacing guides shall be maintained wherever possible.

Item 9: Conifer tree spacing may be varied up to +/- 50 percent on an individual tree basis, in order to select the most desirable leave trees. Leave trees shall be no closer and no farther apart than the minimum and maximum variance for any given spacing as listed in the above table. The intent of the 50% variance is to give the Contractor the greatest opportunity for selecting the most desirable leave trees. However, overall average spacing using the original spacing guides shall be maintained wherever possible.

All spacing distance between trees shall be adjusted to horizontal distance and measured from the face of the tree boles at breast height (4.5 feet above ground level). Though most stands contain openings not occupied by trees, overly dense thickets shall not be left in one spot to offset the lack of trees in another.

C.5.3 Trees to Favor for Leave Trees Within the spacing requirements the Contractor shall select as leave trees, the largest, best formed, most vigorous tree, of the preferred species. It shall be dominant or co-dominant, free from mechanical or animal damage, and show no signs of disease or dwarf mistletoe. In the event the Contractor determines that no tree meets these specifications, he/she shall choose the one that comes closest to meeting the specifications in order to maintain the required spacing.

The Contractor shall not select double-trunked trees or trees that are growing on logs or stumps as leave trees, unless no other crop tree is available. Double-trunked trees may be selected, in the absence of a more desirable crop tree, if they are at least half or more the height of the alternate tree choices. If a double-trunked tree is selected, both stems shall be left.

Leave tree preference:

Preference Species

1 Western Red cedar Preferred species

2 Alaska yellow-cedar

3 Sitka Spruce or Western Hemlock

Do not favor one species over the other. The objective is to leave SS & WH trees proportionately distributed throughout the stand.

4 Mountain Hemlock

5 Lodge pole Pine Last tree to favor

EXCEPTION: If a Sitka spruce or Western Hemlock have similar form and vigor but are at least twice as tall as the Cedar then the Sitka spruce/Western Hemlock shall be the leave tree.

Except on closed roads to aid access, (see C.5.8), deciduous trees (Red Alder, Black Cottonwood) shall not be cut and will not count as leave trees. The contractor should contact the COR should there be any question as to tree species identification.

C.5.4 Stump Height – Removal of Live Limbs All trees to be cut shall be cut below the lowest live limb, except when prevented by natural obstacles. Natural obstacles are objects that could damage a saw blade if nicked, such as rock, cable or mineral soil. They do not include logs or stumps. Any live limbs left on stumps because of natural obstacles shall be trimmed to within 4 inches of the obstacle. Stump height shall not exceed 12 inches above ground level or 4 inches above natural obstacles.

Pruning branches of leave trees is allowed only when required to access and sever excess trees growing within the leave tree crown. Pruned branch stubs should not exceed 4 inches in length.

Care should be taken not to damage the leave tree bole. Damaged leave tree boles or long-branch stubs in excess of 4 inches shall count as a damaged tree for inspection purposes.

C.5.5 Felling Cut trees shall be felled away from item boundaries, roads including associated ditches and road banks, established game and recreation trails, ponds and streams. Any trees falling in such areas shall be removed and pulled back into the cutting area. Felled trees shall not be left leaning on, entangled in the branches of or covering any crop tree. Reasonable efforts must be made to ensure that all cut trees are completely felled. At no time will cutting be allowed outside designated item boundaries without written authorization from the Contracting Officer.

C.5.6 Girdling Use a chainsaw or other acceptable tool. Make two continuous and parallel cuts around the tree bole as in Section J Exhibit 10.

C.5.7 Basic Thinning Slash Treatment All slash treatment, including pull back or any required lopping and scattering shall be performed concurrently with thinning operations.

Thinning slash shall be pulled clear of roadways and associated ditches and road banks, and back into the general cutting area on all roads (including closed roads) bordering or within the cutting unit.

C.5.8 Special Thinning Slash Treatment Cut trees shall not be felled into the no-thin strips located in Items 2 and 6. All thinning slash shall be pulled back into the cutting area.

C.5.9 Roads Roads are considered and shall be treated as part of the treatment unit when found inside established boundaries. Where boundaries are un-flagged and fall along roads, the boundary of the treatment area shall be the centerline of the road surface. Felling of trees on and along all roads shall be performed in accordance with Section C.5.5 Felling and C.5.7 Basic Thinning Slash Treatment.

Some roads accessing or contained within units may be physically closed to vehicle traffic by water bars, removed culverts, alder re-growth or other physical barriers. To improve access, the Contractor may alter or remove physical barriers such as water bars and alder re-growth with exception of alder/conifer clearing, must be restored to their previous condition prior to final payment for the item in which they occur.

Deciduous trees may be cut on the closed roads to aid access and are subject to the specifications found in Section C.5.5, Felling or C.5.7 Basic Thinning Slash Treatment.

C.5.10 Streams Cut trees shall be felled away from all streams within the Items. These streams are designated on item maps. Any trees falling into streams shall be removed and pulled back into the cutting area.

The written request for inspection, submitted by the contractor, shall include a statement indicating that the streams have been inspected and meets contract requirements. The government will inspect streams to ensure felled trees are pulled back into the cutting area;

payment may be withheld until this slash treatment is correctly completed.

C.5.11 Nest Trees Trees to be cut, which have active songbird nests in them shall be girdled instead of severed. A tree with an active or inactive eagle, other raptor or heron nest shall not be girdled or cut. Notify the Contracting Officer promptly should an eagle, other raptor or heron nest be found in or adjacent to a thinning item as special provisions must be applied and a substantial buffer of uncut vegetation may be required.

C.5.12 Bear Dens Any bear dens encountered during thinning operations shall be reported to the Contracting Officer and, if possible, a screen of trees, 10 feet minimum and 25 feet maximum in width shall be left to hide the den opening. Dens can sometimes be located by observing cedar and hemlock trees, which have been stripped of branches to a height of seven feet (branches are used for bedding). A den opening may be visible beneath a stump. The Contractor should consult with the Contracting Officer if there are any questions.

C.5.13 Beaver Ponds The Contractor shall leave a 25-foot un-cut fringe around all beaver ponds.

C.6 Pruning Specifications Only Items 3a and 6a shall be pruned. Item 6a contains several 25 foot wide no-thin strips.

Trees in the no-thin strips shall not be pruned.

C.6.1 Prune tree limits All conifer species:

Tree Size Treatment <10 feet high Shall not be pruned.

>10 feet high Prune every 4th tree to a height of 50% of the total tree height, not to exceed 17 feet.

Residual Trees Shall not be pruned.

EXCEPTION: If there are areas in the Items where there are not enough trees over 10 feet high to prune every 4th tree, then reasonable efforts shall be made to prune 55-56 trees per acre. At 14x14 thinning spacing, there should be 222 leave trees per acre and pruning every 4th trees equals 55.5 trees per acre.

C.6.2 Selection of Trees to be Pruned

1. Trees to be pruned shall be selected by the Contractor, except that the Government may mark individual trees.

2. Trees to be pruned shall be those of the tallest height, largest crown, and straightest stems that are free of damage from insects, disease, physical or mechanical causes.

3. Species: the contractor shall prune only spruce, hemlock, Cedar and pine trees. Alder and cottonwood shall not be pruned.

C.6.3 Pruning Methods

1. Trees may be pruned by hand or by mechanical means.

2. Climbing spurs or other tree climbing methods which will damage the tree bark are not to be used.

3. Pruning Height - All live and dead branches shall be removed from the tree bole to a height of 50% of the total tree height, not to exceed 17 feet.

Example #1: If the total tree height is 30 feet, then 50% of that height should be pruned.

(50% of 30 feet = 15 feet to be pruned)

Example #2: If the total tree height is 50 feet, 50% of that height is 25 feet.

However, only the maximum 17 feet should be pruned.

4. Branches to be pruned - All branches shall be removed from the ground level up to the specified pruning height. These branches shall be completely severed from the tree as close to the bole as possible without cutting into the branch collar. See the Pruning Diagram in Section J, List of Attachments.

5. Branch stobes are not to be left. The bole, trunk bark or remaining live limbs shall not be damaged by pruning or climbing.

6. A cutting method shall be used which does not allow the branch bark to remain attached to the bole resulting in stripped bark from the bole.

7. Double-trunk Tree - Both trees will be treated as one. Either both shall be pruned or both shall be left unpruned.

C.7 Canopy Gap Specifications

A canopy gap is a manmade clearing in which all the trees are cut to allow additional light into the stand. Item 2a shall have 54 1/10th acre canopy gaps created. The canopy gaps shall be 74 feet in diameter (37 feet radius).

The canopy gap boundaries shall be flagged by the contractor prior to cutting and shall be located along the edge of the no-thin strips as shown on Item 2 Map and the Gap Diagram in Section J, LIST OF ATTACHMENTS.

Cut trees shall be felled, if possible, outside the canopy gap boundaries but not into the no-thin strips. Felled trees shall not be left leaning on, entangled in the branches of or covering any tree.

Reasonable efforts must be made to ensure that all cut trees are completely felled and the boles are within 2 ft. of the ground. Some of the boles and/or lower limbs or branches may need to be cut to accomplish this.

C.7.1 Canopy Gap Cut Tree Limits

Tree Size Treatment < 2 feet high Shall not be cut.

> 2 feet high All shall be cut.

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.

SECTION E—INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 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

52.236-7 Permits and Responsibilities (NOV 1991) 52.236-9 Protection of Existing Vegetation, Structures, Equipment, Utilities, and

Improvements (APR 1984) 52.236-13 Accident Prevention (NOV 1991) 52.242-14 Suspension of Work (APR 1984) 52.246-4 Inspection of Services—Fixed-Price (AUG 1996)

E.2 Thinning Inspection

(a) Frequency of Inspections. The Government will conduct inspections during the contract performance period at such times and places as the Contracting Officer deems sufficient to ensure satisfactory contract performance.

(b) Contractor Responsibilities. Prior to payment inspections, the Contractor shall submit a written request for inspection. Prior to Government inspection, the Contractor shall provide written self-inspection results indicating the acreage completed and certifying that the work has been inspected by the Contractor or contractor’s authorized representative and that it meets contract requirements.

http://www.arnet.gov/far/

The Contractor shall provide on-the-ground evidence of self-inspection. Self-inspection plots shall be flagged and numbered on the ground and the plot number recorded on the inspection form. A map showing plot locations shall be submitted to the Government along with the request for inspection. The self-inspection plots will be randomly checked by the Government.

Inspection/Request/Certification forms will be provided at the pre-work meeting for the Contractor’s use. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that work to be inspected for payment purposes, and requests for payment inspections, are in compliance with the contract requirements. If the Contractor fails to provide the self-inspection results, when they are requested, or comply with the contract requirements regarding inspection or prosecution of the work, the Government may cancel the inspection at the Contractor’s expense.

I Area(s) for Inspection. Cut areas for inspection must be contiguous and within a single contract item, unless the Contracting Officer has approved cutting in separate contract items, and/or separate areas within a contract item, in accordance with F.3.2 Prosecution of Work.

Each contract item, as designated on the contract maps and in the Schedule of Items, will be separately inspected and the quality will not be averaged with any other contract item.

Government estimates of work completed shall not be subject to dispute. Each contract item inspection and/or re-inspection will stand on its own (i.e., it will not be averaged with other inspections to come up with an overall thinning quality for the contract item).

E.2.1 Method of Inspection (Per Tree Spacing Option) The quality of performance will be determined from the results of a series of scattered check plots of pre-determined radius and area. Sufficient plots will be taken to total at least one-half of one percent (0.5%) of the area being inspected. Plots will be flagged and numbered on the ground and the plot number recorded on the inspection form. Additionally, if observations made while inspecting the thinned areas show gross contract noncompliance such as missed clumps of trees, failure to thin to item boundary, unsatisfactory road and stream treatments, excessive numbers of high stumps, excessive numbers of live limbs, leaners or hang-ups (felled trees leaning on, entangled in the branches of, or covering any leave tree), the inspection may be terminated and the Contractor required to rework the thinned area.

(24) Plot Size: The table below indicates the inspection plot size in fraction of an acre and actual plot radius for spacing encountered. The No. of Trees Targeted represents the number of well-spaced crop trees that should be present per plot given fully stocked ground conditions.

Spacing

Plot Size (fraction) Plot Radius No. of Trees

Targeted Minimum

Check Intensity 14x14 1/32 acre 20.8 feet 7 One plot per 6 acres inspected 16x16 1/24 acre 24.0 feet 7 One plot per 8 acres inspected

(2) The inspection procedure will take into account the fact that the number of leave trees per plot may vary within each spacing regime due to poor initial stocking levels or the spacing variance allowed (see Section C.5.2, Spacing of Leave Trees Per Tree Spacing Option) to select the best crop tree. However, average spacing within each inspection block must be maintained.

In most cases, inspection plots should show the normal number of well-spaced trees indicated above. However, because of the variance in spacing allowed, it is possible that an inspection plot could reflect the spacing variance, but this would be the exception rather than the rule. The Contractor is cautioned that inspection plots revealing other than the average number of trees per plot will be cause for a written work order to improve the quality of thinning. Repeated failure to comply with written work order(s) is grounds for termination of the Contractor's right to proceed. For individual plots, the minimum/maximum acceptable number of trees per plot is indicated in the following table:

Spacing

Minimum No. of Trees

Maximum No. of Trees

14x14 5 9 16x16 4 10

(3) For calculation purposes, the number of crop trees found on the plot, if within the acceptable range as shown above, will be listed in Column 2, No. of Trees to Be Left on the inspection form, providing they meet spacing requirements. If there are deficient trees on the plot, the minimum acceptable number of trees will be used in Column 2. If there are excess trees on the plot, the maximum acceptable number of trees will be used in Column 2. When considering less than fully stocked conditions, a growing site, which would normally be occupied by a tree on spacing, that is un-stocked or non-stockable, shall be considered an acceptable tree for purposes of calculating inspection results. Credit will be given for up to 7 un-stocked growing sites. The actual number of eligible conifers found on the plot will be listed in column 3 (including any trees missed due to heavy brush, neglect, or other reasons).

(4) Corresponding Slash Treatment and Inspection: Because the thinning and slash treatment are to be accomplished concurrently, inspection for payment will not be performed until both the thinning and any required slash treatment are completed.

E.2.2 Thinning Inspection Report (Per Tree Spacing Option) At each inspection plot the inspector will examine the thinning plot area and record the findings on the thinning inspection report (EXHIBIT 1 in Section J) as follows:

The number of trees to be left, in Column 2 (adjusted for actual stocking and spacing variance as indicated in Section E.2.1, Method of Inspection).

The number of actual trees left, in Column 3.

The number of unsatisfactory trees left, in Column 4.

The number of deficient trees, in Column 5.

The number of excess trees, in Column 6.

No tree will be counted twice against the Contractor. Example: If an excess tree remains on the plot, and it is also unsatisfactory, it will be recorded as either excess or unsatisfactory, but not both. Inspection report categories (shown on the report form as Columns) are outlined below.

Inspection Report Information:

(1) PLOT NUMBER

(2) NUMBER OF TREES TO BE LEFT: The target number of crop trees on a 100 percent stocked plot is 7 trees. The number of trees to be left will be adjusted according to the stocking of the plot, and according to the 25 percent spacing variance allowed between individual trees.

(3) NUMBER OF TREES LEFT: the actual number of uncut eligible conifers on the plot.

(4) NUMBER OF UNSATISFACTORY TREES: the number of trees that do not meet contract specifications, such as, but not limited to:

Diseased, poorly formed, wildlife damaged, or otherwise undesirable leave tree, [counts as ONE

TREE]

Leaner (an uncut tree leaning due to cut tree leaning on it; a cut tree covering a crop tree; a cut tree hung in the branches of a crop tree, which could be reasonably removed; or bole to bole contact of a cut tree and crop tree for whatever reason); [counts as ONE TREE].

Damaged trees greater than 8 inches DBH not treated according to specifications (C.5.1); [counts as ONE TREE].

Thinning damaged leave tree, this includes saw scars, pruned limb stubs greater than 4 inches or broken leader; [counts as ONE HALF TREE].

Tree not completely severed from the stump; [counts as ONE HALF TREE].

Live limb left on the stump; [counts as ONE HALF TREE].

High stump; [counts as ONE QUARTER TREE].

(5) NUMBER OF TREES DEFICIENT: The number of trees less than number 2 above; [counts as ONE TREE].

(6) NUMBER OF TREES EXCESS: The number of trees greater than number 2 above; [counts as ONE TREE].

E.2.3 Calculation of Thinning Quality The quality of thinning will be calculated as follows:

1 - (# unsatisfactory + # deficient + # excess) x 100 = thinning quality % (# leave trees to be left)

(a) Inspections which achieve a 90% (minimum acceptable level) or higher thinning quality, using the formula in (a) above, will be considered satisfactory and qualify for full payment, providing no gross noncompliance exists.

(b) Where thinning quality is unsatisfactory (below 90 %), and it is likely that the quality could be improved or raised to satisfactory by rework, for example if too many trees are left, the Contractor will be required to rework the thinning.

(c) For inspections that achieve a thinning quality of 85% to 89%, providing no gross noncompliance exists and it is unlikely that the quality could be improved or raised to satisfactory by rework; payment may be made at a reduced rate for the affected payment item.

The payment reduction shall be at the rate of one (1) percent less, for each percent that the thinning quality falls below 90 percent

(d) For inspections that achieve a thinning quality of 80% to 84%, providing no gross noncompliance exists and it is unlikely that the quality could be improved or raised to satisfactory by rework; payment may be made at a reduced rate for the affected payment item.

The payment reduction shall be at the rate of two (2) percent less, for each percent that the thinning quality falls below 90 percent

(e) For inspections that achieve a thinning quality of 70% to 79%, providing no gross noncompliance exists and it is unlikely that the quality could be improved or raised to satisfactory by rework; payment may be made at a reduced rate for the affected payment item.

The payment reduction shall be at the rate of three (3) percent less, for each percent that the thinning quality falls below 90 percent

(f) Where thinning quality is unsatisfactory and is below 70%, and it is unlikely that the quality could be improved or raised to satisfactory by rework, reduced payment may be made at the discretion of the Contracting Officer.

Example 1

There are 36 acres ready for inspection in an item with 14' X 14' spacing. A 0.5% sample would be (36 acres) (.005) = 0.18 acres of inspection or six 1/32 acres plots of 20.8' radius each. The target trees per plot are 7. With a 25% tree spacing variance the minimum trees per plot is 5 and the maximum is 9. Assume that field inspection data is as follows:

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)

Plot No. # Trees to be Left

#Trees Left

# Unsatisfactory Trees

# Trees Deficient

# Trees Excess Remarks

1 6 6 0 0 0 OK

2 9 10 0 0 1 1 excess 3 5 4 0 1 0 1 deficient 4 8 8 1 0 0 1 poor selection

5 7 7 0 0 0 OK

6 5 5 0 0 0 OK

Totals 40 - 1 1 1 -

Applying the formula: 1- (1+1+1) x 100 = 1 – 3 x 100 = 0.925 x 100 = 93% 40 40

In this case the work is satisfactory and the full progress amount was earned since inspection results were equal to, or greater than 90%:

Amount earned = 36 acres X Item bid price per acre.

However, if: (1) the inspection results are below 90% but above 69%; (2) the quality cannot be improved or raised to a satisfactory level by rework; (3) the amount earned will be calculated per payment calculation level as in E.2.3 (c), (d), or (e) which ever the thinning quality falls within.

Example 2

The inspection results in a thinning quality equal to 78%, which falls within payment calculation level (e).

(.78) x 100 = 78% thinning quality, 90% - 78% = 12% X 3 = 36% payment reduction.

Amount earned = (.64) X Item bid price per acre X number of acres

E.2.4 Unsatisfactory Work or Re-work and Re-Inspection

(a) Unsatisfactory Thinning

If inspection results from plot data are marginally below minimum acceptable levels, the Government may, at the inspector's discretion, increase the sampling intensity, up to double the sampling intensity (double the number of plots) and average all plots to obtain an estimate of thinning quality. If the thinning quality falls below the minimum acceptable level of 90%, the Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor in writing and order him/her to improve the quality of thinning. If the quality of subsequent thinning is not raised to an acceptable level by the time of the next Government inspection, the Contractor's right to proceed may be terminated and the contract terminated for default. Failure to consistently perform work at or above the minimum acceptable level will result in default termination.

(b) Excess Trees

When walk through examination reveals gross noncompliance or when inspection results fall below the minimum acceptable level of 90% and excess trees, leaners, high stumps, live limbs or specified treatments not applied are the main cause of the deficiency, the Contractor may be required to rework the affected area(s). Inspections after rework will be made in the same manner as the first inspection, but different plots will be established. The Contractor shall pay the actual costs of re-inspections necessitated by rework. No re-inspection on reworked areas will be made until the rework is completed and the Contractor furnishes written self-inspection results. Reworks must be satisfactorily completed before any new thinning will be inspected.

(c) Deficient and Unsatisfactory Trees

When thinning quality falls below the minimum acceptable level of 90% and the poor quality is due primarily to over-thinning (deficient number of leave trees) or poor leave tree selection (unsatisfactory trees), rework is generally not feasible. In such situations the Contracting Officer will determine whether rejection, rework, or reduced payment is appropriate.

(d) Re-inspection of Thinning Upon Contractor Request

If initial inspection results from plot data are below minimum acceptable levels and the Contractor disagrees with the results of the inspection, the Contractor may request a re-inspection. The Contracting Officer will determine if a re-inspection is warranted, and if warranted, the same inspection procedure will be used. However, new plots will be established.

The results of the re-inspection will govern. If the re-inspection results are also below the minimum acceptable level, the Contractor will be charged for the cost of the re-inspection. In any case where the results of the re-inspection are acceptable (90% or above), the Government will bear the cost of the re-inspection. Requests for re-inspection must be submitted in writing at the time of notification of original inspection results. Rework of areas while in dispute and under request for re-inspection will not be tolerated and may be grounds for termination.

E.3 Pruning Inspection

E.3.1. Pruning Inspection Procedures

1. The Forest Service COR or Inspector will conduct inspections. The contractor or a representative is encouraged to observe the inspection and will receive inspection summaries upon request.

2. Inspections for contract acceptance and payment will involve inspecting a sufficient number of pruned trees to yield at least a ten percent (10%) sample of treated trees.

3. Each tree will be examined to record findings on the items listed below:

A. Tree selection – Based on criteria of tree height, crown size, existing damage, crook, cull tree characteristics, double trunk, and species selection.

B. Spacing – Based on spacing requirement C. Lift height - Pruning height is 50% of total height, not to exceed 17 feet from the ground

(uphill side).

D. Stobs - All live and dead branches are completely severed, leaving no more than one half inch (1/2") of the branch beyond the collar and cut being parallel with the main tree stem.

E. Damage – stripped bark on bole due to improper cutting method, branch collar damage, pruning tool damage on bole and climbing scars.

4. When inspection of an item is completed, payment deductions will be based upon pruning deficiencies if any are found on the plots. Each one of the five criteria above is worth 20% of a maximum inspected tree score of 100%. During inspection each one of these five criteria will be awarded or deducted in its entirety from the inspection trees final score.

Example:

Tree # Selection Spacing Lift height Stobs Damage Total score 1 20 20 20 20 20 100 2 20 20 0 20 20 80 3 20 20 20 20 20 100 4 20 20 20 0 0 60 5 20 20 20 20 20 100 6 20 0 20 20 20 80 7 20 20 20 20 20 100 8 0 20 20 20 20 80 9 20 20 20 20 20 100 10 20 20 20 20 0 80 Total: 880

In this example most trees were given the maximum score of 100, however, some scores were lowered to reflect the deficiencies found during inspection. The final score for the item would be calculated using the following equation:

Item score = or in this example or 88%

Work which achieves an 86% (minimum acceptable level) or higher pruning quality using the formula above will be considered satisfactory. Where work is unsatisfactory (below 86%) and it is unlikely that the quality percent could be raised to satisfactory by a rework, payment may be made at the discretion of the Contracting Officer, at a reduced rate as follows:

A. Payment will be made for completed work at 100% of the contract price when the quality of pruning is 86% or greater.

B. When pruning quality is 71% to 85%, the pay rate will be determined by multiplying the item contract price times the pruning quality percentage.

C. When inspection determines that pruning quality is less than 71%, no payment will be made, and may be cause for Termination for Default.

5. The final inspection quality for a completed item will not exceed 100%.

E.4 Canopy Gap Inspection

The quality of performance will be determined from the results of a series of scattered check plots of randomly selected Canopy Gaps. Sufficient plots will be taken to total at least twenty five percent (25%) of the total Canopy Gaps on each inspection request. Plots will be flagged and numbered on the ground and the plot number recorded on the inspection form. Additionally, if observations made while inspecting the thinned areas show gross contract noncompliance such as missed clumps of trees, failure to thin to item boundary, unsatisfactory road and stream treatments, excessive numbers of high stumps, excessive numbers of live limbs, leaners or hang-ups (felled trees leaning on, entangled in the branches of, or covering any uncut tree) the inspection may be terminated and the Contractor required to rework the thinned area. In addition if during an inspection 1 tree is found to not be treated (meaning not cut down or no sign of being girdled) in any of the gaps, the gaps for this inspection fail. These failing gaps must be reworked.

(1) Plot Size: The table below indicates the inspection plot size in fraction of an acre and actual plot radius for each Canopy Gap encountered.

Plot Size (fraction)

Plot Diameter

Minimum Check Intensity

1/10 acre 74 feet 25% of total Canopy Gaps.

(2) For calculation purposes, the number for gaps not cut to specifications (+/- 5 ft.) will be listed in Column 2. The number for unsatisfactory thinning will be listed in column 3. The number for unsatisfactory slash treatment will be listed in Column 4.

(3) Corresponding Slash Treatment and Inspection

Because the thinning and slash treatment are to be accomplished concurrently, inspection for payment will not be performed until both the thinning and any required slash treatment are completed.

E.4.1 Canopy Gap Inspection Report

At each inspection plot the inspector will examine the thinning plot area and record the findings on the thinning inspection report (EXHIBIT 2 in Section J) as follows:

• Gap not cut to specifications (+/- 5 ft.), in Column 2.

• Unsatisfactory Thinning, in Column 3.

• Unsatisfactory Slash Treatment, in Column 4.

No tree will be counted twice against the Contractor. Example: If a high stump is found on the plot, and it also has a live limb, it will be recorded as either high stump or live, but not both.

Inspection report categories (shown on the report form as Columns) are outlined below.

Inspection Report Information:

(1) CANOPY GAP NUMBER

(2) GAP NOT CUT TO specifications (+/- 5 FT.): The thinning treatment not cut to specifications (+/- 5 feet); [counts as TWO PERCENT].

(3) UNSATISFACTORY THINNING: the number of trees that do not meet contract specifications, such as, but not limited to:

• Leaner (an uncut tree leaning due to cut tree leaning on it; a cut tree hung in the branches of a uncut tree, which could be reasonably removed; or bole to bole contact of a cut tree and uncut tree for whatever reason); [counts as ONE PERCENT].

• Tree not completely severed from the stump; [counts as ONE HALF PERCENT].

• Live limb left on the stump; [counts as ONE HALF PERCENT].

• High stump; [counts as ONE QUARTER PERCENT].

(4) UNSATISFACTORY SLASH TREATMENTS: Slash treatment not completed; cut boles more than 2 feet above ground; [counts as TWO PERCENT].

E.4.2 Calculation of Canopy Gap Quality

The quality of canopy gap thinning will be calculated as follows:

For each canopy gap inspected, a thinning quality percentage score will be calculated using the formula below. An average of all thinning quality percentage scores per inspection request will be made. This score will be used for payment of all Canopy gaps turned in on that inspection request.

100 - (# column 2 + # column 3 + # column 4 + # column 5) = thinning quality %

(a) Inspections which achieve a 90% (minimum acceptable level) or higher thinning quality, using the formula in (a) above, will be considered satisfactory and qualify for full payment, providing no gross noncompliance exists.

(b) Where thinning quality is unsatisfactory (below 90 %), and it is likely that the quality could be improved or raised to satisfactory by rework, for example if too many trees are left, the Contractor will be required to rework the thinning.

(c) For inspections that achieve a thinning quality of 85% to 89%, providing no gross noncompliance exists and it is unlikely that the quality could be improved or raised to satisfactory by rework, payment may be made at a reduced rate for the affected payment item.

The payment reduction shall be at the rate of one (1) percent less, for each percent that the thinning quality falls below 90 percent

(d) For inspections that achieve a thinning quality of 80% to 84%, providing no gross noncompliance exists and it is unlikely that the quality could be improved or raised to satisfactory by rework, payment may be made at a reduced rate for the affected payment item.

The payment reduction shall be at the rate of two (2) percent less, for each percent that the thinning quality falls below 90 percent

(e) For inspections that achieve a thinning quality of 70% to 79%, providing no gross noncompliance exists and it is unlikely that the quality could be improved or raised to satisfactory by rework, payment may be made at a reduced rate for the affected payment item.

The payment reduction shall be at the rate of three (3) percent less, for each percent that the thinning quality falls below 90 percent

(f) Where thinning quality is unsatisfactory and is below 70%, and it is unlikely that the quality could be improved or raised to satisfactory by rework, reduced payment may be made at the discretion of the Contracting Officer.

Example 1

There are 20 canopy gaps ready for inspection and the contractor has turned in an inspection request. 20 (gaps ready) x 0.25 (minimum check intensity) = 5 (gaps to inspect). Assume that field inspection data is as follows:

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

Gap No.

Gap not cut to specs (+/- 5 ft.)

Unsatisfactory Thinning

Unsatisfactory Slash

Treatments Remarks

Thinning Quality

Percentage Score

1 0 0 0 OK 100%

2 0 1 0 1 leaner 99%

3 0 0 5 5 stems > 2 feet above ground 90%

4 0 0 0 OK 100%

5 0 3 0 3 trees

>2 feet tall not cut

97%

Average Score

97%

Applying the formula:

Gap-1, 100 - 0 = 100 or 100%

Gap-2, 100 - (1) = 100 – 3 = (99) or (99)% Gap-3, 100 - (10) = 100 – 10 = 90 or 90% Gap-4, 100 - 0 = 100 or 100% Gap-5, 100 - (3) = 100 – 8 = 96.8 or 97% Average Score = (100+(99)+90+100+97) / 5 = (486) / 5 = (97.2) or 97%

In this case the work is satisfactory and the full progress amount was earned since inspection results were equal to, or greater than 90%:

Amount earned = 20 canopy gaps X Item bid price per each.

However, if: (1) the inspection results are below 90% but above 69%; (2) the quality cannot be improved or raised to a satisfactory level by rework; (3) the amount earned will be calculated per payment calculation level as in B.8.3 (c), (d), or (e) which ever the thinning quality falls within.

Example 2

The inspection results in a thinning quality equal to 78%, which falls within payment calculation level (e).

(.78) x 100 = 78% thinning quality, 90% - 78% = 12% X 3 = 36% payment reduction.

Amount earned = (.64) X Item bid price per acre X number of acres

SECTION F--DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 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-.242-15 Stop Work Order (AUG 1989) 52.242-17 Government Delay of Work (APR 1984)

AGAR 452.211-75 Effective Period of the Contract (FEB 1988) The effective period of this contract is:

Items Total Acres

Estimated Start Work Date

Completion No Later Than

Estimated Crew Size

ALL 730 Jun 1, 2014 October 30, 2014 8

• The Contractor shall be required to commence work within 30 calendar days after the effective date of the Notice to Proceed.

• Work may be allowed to commence earlier, weather permitting.

• Contract time for all items shall run concurrently.

• Estimated crew size is the estimated number of workers needed, on average, to ensure completion of a given item, in the time required. It is estimation only.

http://www.arnet.gov/far/

Due to the excessive administrative burdens that delinquent contractor performance places on the Government, the bidder/contractor is hereby put on notice that time is of the essence in the completion of this contract. The Contractor must maintain progress at a rate, which will ensure satisfactory completion of all contract work within the contract time specified above.

The Government plans to issue a Notice to Proceed with an effective date as close to the estimated start work date as soon as possible. The count of contract time will start on the effective date of the Notice to Proceed (unless the Notice to Proceed is issued during the winter period - see below). The contractor shall not commence work prior to the effective date of the notice to proceed.

F.2.1 Winter Shutdown It is assumed that adverse weather and/or…