0116S160012SOW_042616.pdf

USDA Forest Service

Performance Work Statement, Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan, Other Terms and Requirements Solicitation # AG-0116-S-16-0012, Triple R Timber Stand Improvement

Contract Specialist, Catherine Powell, crpowell@fs.fed.us 4-26-2016

Solicitation No. AG-0116-S-16-0012 Triple R Timber Stand Improvement Performance Work Statement, Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan, Other Terms and Requirements Page 1 of 33 Table of Contents Performance Work Statement/Description

Period of Performance/Effective Period of the Contract

Safety

Communications

Travel

Climate

Bears

Item Boundaries

Land Survey Corner Monuments and Markers

Thinning Specifications

Felling

Girdling

Basic Thinning Slash Treatment

Roads

Streams

Nest Trees

Bear Dens

Beaver Ponds

Pruning and Ingrowth Treatment Specifications

Prune tree limits

Pruning Methods

Branches to be pruned

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

Thinning Inspection

Area(s) for Inspection

Method of Inspection

Corresponding Slash Treatment and Inspection

Thinning Inspection Report

Inspection Report Information

Calculation of Thinning Quality

Unsatisfactory Work or Re-work and Re-Inspection

Pruning Inspection

Inspection Report Information

Requirements Page 2 of 33

Method of Measurement

Re-measurement

Other Terms and Requirements

Method of Payment and Invoicing Procedures

Electronic Invoicing and Payment Requirements – Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) . 17

Winter Shutdown

Work Progress

Prosecution of the Work

Notification

Email and Telephone Communications

Other Contracts

Worker’s Compensation Laws

Project Labeling for Official Correspondence

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

Contractor’s Designated Representative

Fires Extinguishers and Power Saws

Burning of Refuse

Emergency Fire Precautions

Emergency Fire Precautions Schedule

Fire Prevention

Fire Tools

Spark Arrestors and Mufflers

Fire Extinguishers and Power Saws

Employee Eligibility Verification

Employment of Eligible Workers

Camping Requirements

BIO-Preferred

Definitions

Requirements Page 3 of 33

Performance Work Statement/Description

Scope of Contract This is a performance based service contract. The purpose and intent of this contract is to secure services for pre-commercial tree thinning, tree pruning and incidental ingrowth treatments on young growth stands on Zarembo Island. The Contractor shall 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 chain saws and hand tools only.

Project Location This project is located on the Tongass National Forest’s Wrangell Ranger District, on Zarembo Island, approximately 25 miles west of the city of Wrangell.

Wrangell, Alaska is linked to Seattle, Washington via Alaska Airlines, the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry System (from Bellingham, Washington) and barge services from Seattle. Wrangell is the administrative site of the Wrangell Ranger District.

Overall Physical Description of Ground Conditions 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 may 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.

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

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 six (6) items. All items are located on open roads. See detailed item information and maps in Attachments for more road closure information.

Zarembo Island has its own separate road system. All vehicles must be barged to St. John Harbor, Deep Bay or Roosevelt Harbor. See the All Items Map in Attachments for the access location.

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.

Requirements Page 4 of 33

Requirements Page 5 of 33 Period of Performance/Effective Period of the Contract The effective period of this contract is:

Items Total Acres Estimated Start Work Date

Completion No Later Than

Estimated Crew Size

ALL 353 June 1, 2016 August 1, 2017 6 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 this contract, in the time required. It is estimation only.

Due to the excessive administrative burdens that delinquent contractor performance places on the Government, the Contractor is hereby put on notice that time is of the essence on 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 Winter Shutdown). The Contractor shall not commence work prior to the effective date of the Notice to Proceed.

Safety 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.

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 the 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.

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.

Requirements Page 6 of 33

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.

Bears Black Bears range through the contract area. Bears 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.

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.

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.

Thinning Specifications Cut and Leave Tree Limits All conifer species:

Tree Size Treatment Less than 2 ft. high Leave and ignore for spacing 2 ft. high and less than 8 inches dbh

Cut trees to reach the desired spacing

8 inches dbh and larger Girdle if not a Leave Tree Residual trees Do not cut or girdle – ignore for spacing

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

Requirements Page 7 of 33 Spacing of Leave Trees The Contractor shall thin all eligible conifers greater than 2 feet in height to the following spacing specifications:

Sub-item Target Trees per Arce

Average Spacing (feet)

Minimum

TTPA

Max TTPA

1A, 1B, 1C, 1D

N/A N/A N/A N/A

2-3 222 14x14 167 278

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% varience 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.

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:

Species Priority Ranking Alaska yellow-cedar 1st Sitka spruce 2nd Western redcedar 3rd Western hemlock 4th Mountain hemlock 5th Red alder 6th

Except on closed roads to aid access, (see Roads), deciduous trees and shrubs (Red Alder, Black Cottonwood, Mountain Ash, Sitka Alder and willow) shall not be cut and will not count as leave trees.

The Contractor shall contact the COR should there be any question as to tree species identification.

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

Requirements Page 8 of 33 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.

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 that are marked on the ground and/or so designated in the contract map(s). 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.

Girdling Use a chainsaw or other acceptable tool. Make two continuous and parallel cuts around the tree bole as illustrated in Girdling attachment.

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. This slash must be pulled back into the general cutting area on all roads (including closed roads) bordering or within the cutting unit. Thinning slash shall also be removed from streams within the units as shown on the contract map(s).

Roads Roadways found inside established item boundaries shall not be treated. Trees may be cut to improve access, if desired. 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 Felling and Basic Thinning Slash Treatment specifications.

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 prior written approval of the Contracting Officer. Contractor altered physical barriers, with the exception of alder/conifer clearing, must be restored to their previous condition prior to final payment for the item in which they occur.

Streams Cut trees shall be felled away from all mapped streams within the Items. These streams are designated on the 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 meet contract requirements. The government will inspect streams to ensure felled trees are pulled back into cutting area; payment will be withheld until this slash treatment is completed.

Requirements Page 9 of 33 Nest Trees Trees which have active songbird nests in them shall left untreated and will not count as an excess tree, or otherwise against the Contractor. 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.

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.

Beaver Ponds The Contractor shall thin trees to the edge of any beaver ponds encountered.

Pruning and Ingrowth Treatment Specifications Items 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D are all 36 years old and were pre-commercially thinned in 1985 to a spacing of approximately 14’x14’. The crop trees are now easily distinguishable from the new ingrowth.

Approximately 150 to 300 trees per acre account for the ingrowth since the 1985 pre-commercial thin.

The item is composed of about 60% spruce with cedars making up only 6% of the item. Within the item there is significant variation in species composition.

Items 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D shall be pruned. In these sub-items, the Contractor shall cut all intermediate and overtopped trees, excluding well-formed cedars. 1 out of every 3 dominant and/or co-dominant trees will be pruned. The Contractor shall select from the dominant and co-dominant trees, the largest, best formed, most vigorous trees, of the preferred species to be pruned. Trees are to be pruned to 50% of total tree height, to maximum of 17 feet lift. Selected trees should be free of insects, disease, physical or mechanical damages.

Prune tree limits All conifer species:

Sub-item Target Pruning Prune height Allowable Variance

Ingrowth Treatment

1A, 1B, 1C, 1D

Every 3rd dominant/co-dominant tree

17 feet OR 50% tree height

+/-2 feet

Cut all intermediate and overtopped trees excluding well-formed cedars

Pruning excess trees in a portion of the stand will not make up for areas that were pruned too lightly (or vice versa) and will result in lower pruning quality score (See Method of Inspection). Pruned trees should be evenly spaced.

Selection of Trees to be Pruned Trees to be pruned shall be selected by the Contractor.

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.

Requirements Page 10 of 33 Species: the Contractor shall prune only spruce, hemlock and cedar trees. Alder, pine and cottonwood shall not be pruned.

Preferred species for pruning selection are:

Species Priority Ranking Sitka Spruce 1st Western red-cedar 2nd Alaska yellow-cedar 3rd Western hemlock 4th

Pruning Methods Prune branches as close to the basal enlargement as possible. Look for the branch collar. If no branch collar is visible, the Contractor is to cut flush to the bole of the tree without damaging the bark. It is recommended that the Contractor undercut large branches to prevent the stripping of bark from the bole.

Stripped bark will result in a lower quality score. See Method of Inspection.

Trees may be pruned by hand or by mechanical means.

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

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.

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 Pruning Diagram, Exhibit 4 in Attachments.

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

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

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

Requirements Page 11 of 33 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

Thinning Inspection 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.

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.

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.

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 Prosecution of Work requirements. 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).

Method of Inspection 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 noncompliance such as missed clumps of trees, failure to thin to item boundary, unsatisfactory road or stream treatments, excessive numbers of high stumps, excessive numbers of live limbs, leaners or hang-ups (felled trees leaning on or covering any leave tree), the inspection may be terminated and the Contractor required to rework the thinned area.

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.

Sub-item

Spacing (feet)

Plot Size (fraction)

Plot Radius (Feet)

No. of Trees Targeted

Minimum Check Intensity

Requirements Page 12 of 33

2,3 14x14 1/31 21.2 7 1 plot per

6 AC

The inspection procedure will take into account the fact that the number of leave trees per plot may vary due to poor initial stocking levels or the spacing variance allowed (See Spacing 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 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:

TTPA Minimum No. of Trees Maximum No. of Trees 222 5 9

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 maximum 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. The actual number of eligible conifers found on the plot will be listed in column 3 (indicating any trees missed due to heavy brush, neglect, or other reasons).

Corresponding Slash Treatment and Inspection 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.

Thinning Inspection Report At each plot the inspector will examine the thinning plot area and record the findings on the thinning inspection report (Exhibit ^ in Attachments) as follows:

The number of trees to be left, in Column 2 (adjusted for actual stocking and spacing variance as indicated in 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 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 Plot Number

Requirements Page 13 of 33 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 polt, and according to the 25 percent TTPA variance allowance.

Number of Trees Left: the actual number of uncut eligible trees on the plot.

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].

Thinning-damaged leave tree, which includes saw scars, pruned limb stobs greater tha 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].

Number of Trees Deficient: The number of trees less than number 2 above; [counts as ONE TREE].

Number of Trees Excess: The number of Trees greater than number 2 above; [counts as ONE TREE].

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Requirements Page 14 of 33 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 is 7. With a 50% tree spacing variance the minimum trees per plot is 4 and the maximum is 10.

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 Deficie nt

#Tree s Exces s

Remarks

1 7 7 0 0 0 OK

2 10 11 0 0 1 1 excess 3 7 7 2 0 0 2 poor choice

4 5 5 0 0 0 large boulder on plot = 2 trees

5 4 3 0 1 0 1 deficient

6 9 9 0 0 0 OK

Totals 42 - 2 1 1 -

Applying the formula: 1 – (1+1+1+1) x 100 or 1 – 4 x100 or 0.90 x 100 = 90%

42 42

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.

Example 2 The inspection results in a thinning quality equal to 78%.(0.78) x 100 = 78% thinning quality, 90% - 78% = 12% X 3 = 36% payment reduction.

Unsatisfactory Work or Re-work and Re-Inspection 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.

Excess Trees

Requirements Page 15 of 33 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.

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.

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.

Pruning Inspection Pruning/In-growth treatment Inspection (Items 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D): At each inspection plot the inspector will examine the pruning plot area (1/31 acre plot with a radius of 21.2 feet) and record the findings on the pruning inspection report as follows:

The number of trees to be left, in Column 2 (adjusted for actual stocking).

The number of actual trees left, in Column 3.

The number of trees to be pruned in Column 4.

The number of actual prune trees in Column 5.

The number of unsatisfactory trees pruned, in Column 6.

The number of deficient or excess trees, in Column 7.

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 Plot Number Number of Trees to be Left: Remaining trees after cutting overtopped and intermediate trees, except for well-formed cedar.

Number of Trees left: the actual number of uncut eligible trees on the plot Number of Pruned Trees: The actual number of trees pruned equals 1/3 of dominant and co-dominant trees left [counts as ONE TREE]

Requirements Page 16 of 33 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 that is not in the dominant or co-dominant crown class, [class as ONE HALF 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 HALF TREE].

Damaged leave tree, which includes saw scars, or broken leader [counts as ONE HALF TREE].

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

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

High stump; [counts as ONE QUARTER TREE].

Stripped bark from pruning; {counts as ONE QUARTER to ONE TREE].

Branch stob over ½ inch; [counts as ONE QUARTER TREE] Pruning lift incorrect by more than +/- 2ft [counts as ONE TREE] Pruning trees inadequately spaced [counts as ONE TREE]. Pruned trees should be reasonably spaced across the stand and inspection plots. There should not be areas where trees are pruned at a greater intensity than 1:3 while other areas have no pruned trees.

Branches broken instead of cut [counts as ONE HALF TREE] Number of Trees Deficient: The number of co-dominant or dominant trees cut; [counts as ONE TREE].

And number of well-formed cedars in the lower crown classes cut; [counts as ONE QUARTER TREE] Number of Lower crown strata trees Excess: The number intermediate or overtopped trees left; [counts as

ONE QUARTER TREE]

Method of Measurement Bid Item(s) and acreages were determined from GIS (Geographic Information System) by digitizing stand boundaries as they appear on ortho-photos and calculating the acreages accordingly. All acreages are calculated as horizontal measurements.

Acreage estimates do not include areas of non-treatment within the gross item(s) boundaries such as but not limited to; roads, rock pits, and stream buffers.

Re-measurement The Contractor may request re-measurement of acreage of any contract item at any time prior to acceptance of the item. The request must be in writing. The method of re-measurement will be the same as the original method of measurement used, unless another method is mutually agreed upon.

If re-measurement (rounded to the nearest whole acre) indicates a variance of 1 acre or less for pay items up to 10 acres, 2 acres or less for items from 11 to 25 acres, 3 acres or less for items from 26 to 50 acres, 5 acres or less for items from 51 to 100 acres, or 5% or less for items greater than 100 acres, the Contractor shall pay for the actual cost of re-measurement and no adjustment will be made in the acreage as shown in the Schedule of Items.

If re-measurement (rounded to the nearest whole acre) indicates a variance of more than 1 acre for items up to 10 acres, more than 2 acres for items from 11 to 25 acres, more than 3 acres for items from 26 to 50 acres, more than 5 acres for items from 51 to 100 acres, or more than 5% for items greater than 100 acres, payment for the specific items will be based on the re-measured acreage and the Government will bear the cost of the re-measurement. In addition, the Contracting Officer may adjust contract time.

Requirements Page 17 of 33

Other Terms and Requirements

Method of Payment and Invoicing Procedures After inspection and approval of completed acreage, the COR will calculate payment and inform the Contractor of the proper amount to invoice. Contractor’s that submit invoices without consulting with the COR for actual acres inspected and accepted risk submitting an improper invoice. Payments are based upon acres completed and calculated at the item bid price shown in the Schedule of Items.

Electronic Invoicing and Payment Requirements – Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) Payment requests must be submitted electronically through the U. S. Department of the Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).

"Payment request" means any request for contract financing payment or invoice payment by the Contractor. To constitute a proper invoice, the payment request must comply with the requirements identified in the applicable Prompt Payment clause included in the contract, or the clause 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items included in commercial item contracts. The IPP website address is: https://www.ipp.gov

The Contractor must use the IPP website to register, access and use IPP for submitting requests for payment. Contractor assistance with enrollment can be obtained by contacting the IPP Production Helpdesk via email IPPCustomerSupport@fms.treas.gov or phone (866) 973-3131.

Final Payment. The final invoice must be accompanied by a release of claims against the Government arising by virtue of this contract, other than claims, in stated amounts, that the Contractor has specifically accepted from the operation of the release. Final payment will not be approved without a properly executed Contract Release, Form 6300-16.

Winter Shutdown It is assumed that adverse weather and/or ground conditions may prevent access to or satisfactory performance on the project during the winter period and which is defined as the period from November 1 through March 31. Therefore, no count of contract time will be made during this period. Work may continue at the Contractor's option, however, the Government shall not be obligated to make progress payments or inspections during this period.

Work Progress The Contractor shall, at the pre-work meeting submit to the Contracting Officer for approval: A practical work progress schedule showing, as a minimum, the dates on which the Contractor contemplates starting the key features or items of the work, the order in which the Contractor proposes to perform the work, the expected rate of progress per day, the planned number of calendar days until completion (or alternatively a completion date) see attached Work Schedule Example.

The Contractor shall submit an updated work progress schedule to the Contracting Officer monthly.

If in the opinion of the Contracting Officer, the Contractor falls behind the approved schedule, the Contractor shall take steps necessary to improve its progress, including those that may be required by the Contracting Officer, without additional cost to the Government. In this circumstance, the Contracting Officer may require the Contractor to submit for approval any supplementary schedule or schedules as the Contracting Officer deems necessary to demonstrate how the approved rate of progress will be regained.

https://www.ipp.gov/ mailto:IPPCustomerSupport@fms.treas.gov

Requirements Page 18 of 33 Failure of the Contractor to comply with the requirements of the Contracting Officer under this clause shall be grounds for a determination by the Contracting Officer that the Contractor is not prosecuting the work with sufficient diligence to ensure completion within the time specified in the contract. Upon making this determination, the Contracting Officer may terminate the Contractor's right to proceed with the work, or any separable part of it, in accordance with the default terms of this contract.

Prosecution of the Work Due to the high cost of inspections, spot thinning will not be allowed. Spot thinned areas will not be inspected for payment. The Contractor may request approval from the Contracting Officer, in advance, to cut separate areas. Such requests must be in writing. Such approval may be granted only if, in the judgment of the Contracting Officer, the request is reasonable AND it does not place an excessive administrative burden on the Government. The Contractor shall proceed in an orderly manner (work shall be contiguous and continuous) and once an item is started, unless otherwise approved in advance by the Contracting Officer, must complete that item before starting on subsequent items. Government estimates of acreage completed are not subject to dispute.

All work under this contract shall be performed in a diligent, skillful and workmanlike manner. The Contracting Officer may require, in writing, that the Contractor remove from the work any employee that the Contracting Officer deems incompetent, careless, or otherwise objectionable.

Notification The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer, in writing, when intending to leave the project area for 5 or more consecutive calendar days and also when planning to return to the project area. Failure to give notice as required herein may be considered as abandonment and could place the Contractor in danger of default termination.

Email and Telephone Communications For the life of this contract, the contractor shall monitor the email address and telephone number provided to the government. The government requires response to email or telephone inquiries within three days.

Not responding within three days is an un-satisfactory business practice and will reflect unfavorably on the performance evaluation and subsequent source selections. Email sent by the government to the contractor shall be considered received the same day they are sent.

Other Contracts The Government may undertake or award other contracts for additional work at or near the site of the work under this contract. The Contractor shall fully cooperate with the other contractors and with Government employees and shall carefully adapt scheduling and performing the work under this contract to accommodate the additional work, heeding any direction that may be provided by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall not commit or permit any act that will interfere with the performance of work by any other contractor or by Government employees.

Worker’s Compensation Laws Alaska state law requires that all employers have Worker’s Compensation Insurance for their employees. The Forest Service furnishes contract award information to the Alaska Department of Labor. Failure to comply with the state worker’s compensation laws can be a felony offense in Alaska. The Alaska Workers’ Compensation Division can also fine employers up to $1,000 per employee for each day they are conducting business with employee labor without the required insurance. For the definitions of “employer”, “employee”, and “subcontractor”, and other pertinent information contact:

Alaska Department of Labor

Requirements Page 19 of 33

Workers Compensation Division Special Investigations Unit P.O. Box 115512 Juneau, AK 99802-5521

907.465.5875 (Direct) 1-888-372-8330 (toll free), 907.465-2797 (FAX)

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. The main or parent contract number of the IDIQ will have “C” for contract indicator in the number. Task Orders will have a similar number format but will have a “D” in place of the “C”.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) The Contracting Officer will designate a representative hereinafter referred to as the Contracting Officer's Representative (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.

Contractor’s Designated Representative It is required that the Contractor have a designated representative available on the project during the entire project and that the representative be able to speak and understand English. When designating a representative, the Contractor shall furnish a copy of the designation in writing to the Contracting Officer.

Such designation shall clearly indicate the name and limitations (if any) of authority of the representative.

If the Contractor intends to designate a representative prior to the pre-work meeting, the representative is strongly encouraged to attend that meeting.

Fires Extinguishers and Power Saws Contractor shall test or check each extinguisher for proper functioning prior to the beginning of Fire…