Combined_Synopsis_RFP_AG-0116-S-16-0020.pdf

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION IAW FAR 12.603

SOLICITATION NUMBER: AG-0116-S-16-0020

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested based on the requirements outlined in this combined synopsis/solicitation. A written solicitation will not be issued.

This solicitation is issued as a Request for Proposal (RFP), for a firm fixed price type contract. This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-87. All responsible sources may submit a offer in response to this solicitation, which shall be considered. A contract may be awarded resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforms to the solicitation and is most advantageous to the Government.

The Forest Service at Ketchikan, AK intends to award one firm fixed price contract for the acquisition of items listed below. All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency.

The Government intends to select one contractor; however, the Government reserves the right to award no contract at all, depending on the quality of the proposals, prices submitted, and the availability of funds.

Required Delivery Date October 31, 2017

Competition requirements:

100% Small Business Set-Aside

NAICS Code:

115310

Size Standard:

$7 Million

Project Name: Exchange Cove PCT

The intent of this RFP is to have your firm provide a well-considered proposal for the associated work.

Issuing Office:

US Forest Service Federal Building, 648 Mission St.

Ketchikan, AK 99901 Phone (907) 228-6254 – Fax (907) 228-6244

Proposal Due Date:

June 15, 2016 @ 1:00 PM (AS)

Before submitting your quote, please ensure you are responsive and responsibly compliant with the following:

1. A valid Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Workers Protection Act (MSPA) registration number.

2. Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA)

3. Documentation affirming capability to obtain Worker’s Compensation Insurance and familiar with Worker’s Compensation Laws

4. Compliance with E-Verify

• Have you completed the OMB Experience and Capability Questionnaire form in Section J?

• Have you completed Forestry Labor Contract Supporting Information (attached)

• Have you acknowledged all amendments?

• Have you entered and rechecked your bid figures in SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES

AND PRICES/COSTS ?

• Have you registered and confirmed you are “active” in the System for Award Management (SAM) database www.sam.gov?

* Please send your proposal electronically to Ron Smith, Contracting Officer Email: rpsmith@fs.fed.us

PART 1 - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

PROJECT: Exchange Cove PCT Task Order

Item No. Description Line item funding distribution Unit Qty Unit Price Total

A PCT 14x14 NFVW05/01 (48 ac) AC 48 $ $ B PCT 14x14 NFVW05/01 (96 ac) AC 96 $ $ C PCT 14x14 NFVW05/01 (28 ac) AC 28 $ $ D PCT 14x14 NFVW05/01 (3 ac) AC 3 $ $ E PCT 14x14 KV0012/02 (15 ac) AC 15 $ $

F PCT 14x14 NFVW05/01 (22 ac) KV0012/02 (31 ac) AC 53 $ $

G PCT 14x14 NFVW05/01 (14 ac) KV0012/02 (19 ac) AC 33 $ $

H PCT 14x14 NFVW05/01 (29 ac) KV0012/02 (25 ac) AC 54 $ $

I PCT 14x14 NFVW05/01 (76 ac) KV0012/02 (26 ac) AC 102 $ $

J PCT 14x14 NFVW05/01 (81 ac) KV0012/02 (5ac) AC 86 $ $

TOTAL: AC 518 $ $

Line item % of total

NFVW05/01 (77%)

KV0012/02 (23%)

100%

Total $

Contractor is required to certify of the following Not Separately Priced (NSP) Contract Line Items (CLIN) with every invoice. Submit certification on the Invoice Certification form, found under Exhibit 8.

CLIN 0001 Certifications – Not Separately Priced (NSP). This contract contains contract subline items A through L that are Not Separately Priced (NSP), that means that the unit price for each subline item is included in the unit price of CLIN 0001. The certifications required by CLIN 0001, shall be submitted as supporting documentation for each invoice submitted for work accomplished under the basic CLIN 0001. Acceptance of the contractor's certification by the Government does not waive or limit any rights or remedies of the Government as provided for by the contract, as stated in the contract terms and conditions or as otherwise provided for by law. Each certification reflects a material condition of the contract.

CLIN 0002 Service Contract Act (SCA) and Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (CWHSSA) – Certification with Invoice Submission:

“The contractor recognizes that the SCA and CWHSSA are material conditions of this contract, and in addition to other remedies provided by this contract or penalties as prescribe by law, the Government may terminate the contract for violations of those laws. Recognizing the preceding, the contractor hereby certifies that the attached invoice reflects full compliance with the SCA and CWHSSA.

CLIN 0003 Section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act – Certification with Invoice Submission:

“As present by Forest Service Acquisition Regulations (FSAR) Chapter 22 and the text included under the contract provisions, the contractor recognizes that compliance with Section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act is a material condition of the contract and that for violations of Section 274A, the Government may terminate the contract in addition to other contractual remedies or penalties prescribed by law.

Recognizing the preceding, the contractor hereby certifies that the attached invoice reflects full compliance with Section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act

CLIN 0004 Worker Camp conditions – Certification with Invoice Submission:

“The contractor hereby certifies that the on-site, place of performance camp requirements of this contract have been met. The contractor recognizes that compliance with worker camp conditions per the contract terms is a material condition of the contract and that for violations of camp requirements and conditions, the Government may terminate the contract in addition to other contractual remedies or penalties prescribed by law.

Recognizing the preceding, the contractor hereby certifies that the attached invoice reflects full compliance with on-site, place of performance worker camp requirements.

Additional Contractor Information

Contact Name: Phone No:

Email: DUNS No:

Scope of Contract The purpose of this contract is to secure services for pre-commercial thinning of conifer reproduction, approximately 23 to 33 years old. Contract the contractor must furnish all labor, equipment, housing, subsistence, supervision, transportation, operating supplies, and incidentals except those items listed as Government-furnished property. This work is generally done with chainsaws.

Project Location All items are on Prince of Wales Island. Prince of Wales Island is part of the Thorne Bay and Craig Ranger Districts, Tongass National Forest, Alaska. The Items A-D are located approximately 9 air miles north of Whale Pass, Items F, H, I, J, K are located approximately 4 air miles southwest of Coffman cove, and Item L is located approximately 3 air miles southwest of Thorne Bay.

Ketchikan is accessible via Alaska Airlines and the Alaska Marine Highway System. Commercial floatplane services, based in Ketchikan, fly passengers and freight to communities located on Prince of Wales Island. The Inter-Island Ferry M/V Prince of Wales has scheduled daily sailings between Hollis and Ketchikan. Island Air Express offers travel between Ketchikan and Klawock. Island Air Express also offers medevac services. A paved/gravel road system connects Hollis to most communities located on Prince of Wales Island. During the winter months, only the roads connecting the communities of Hollis, Craig/Klawock, and Thorne Bay are maintained and passable. Barge lines in Seattle, Washington transport materials and equipment to Thorne Bay, Craig, and Ketchikan.

The Prince of Wales Island communities that are on the road system are Craig, Klawock, Thorne Bay, Naukati, Coffman Cove, Whale Pass, Kasaan, Hydaburg and Hollis.

Craig is the largest community on Prince of Wales Island. It has most services including lodging, fuel supply, groceries, vehicle rentals and mechanical repairs. Other businesses in town are hardware & building supply, auto parts, marine parts, tool rental and propane supply. There are several restaurants, a medical clinic, pharmacy, dentist office and two banks. Craig has seaplane service, landing craft service and a barge line terminal. The Craig Ranger District office is located there. The Alaska State Troopers office is also located in Craig.

Klawock has some of the same services including lodging, fuel supply, groceries and mechanical repairs.

Other services include a medical clinic, seaplane dock and the only wheel plane airport on the island.

Thorne Bay has fuel supplies, propane, groceries, seaplane service, mechanical repairs, limited lodging, a barge line terminal and a medical clinic. Thorne Bay Ranger District office is also located there.

Overall Physical Description of Ground Conditions The 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.

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.

Items A-C is located along Forest Road 300575 and Forest Road 300576. Both roads are open to off highway vehicles only.

Item D is located on Forest Road 3075100. Road 3075100 is closed at the intersection of Forest Road

3075. It is approximately 900 feet to the boundary of Item D.

Item F is located is located on closed Forest Road 3030710. It is approximately 600 feet to the boundary of Item F.

Item H is located on closed Forest Road 3030503. It is approximately 1,500 feet to the boundary of

Item H.

Item I is located on closed Forest Road 3030519. It is approximately 0.75 miles to the boundary of

Item I.

Item J is located on closed Forest Road 3030530. It is approximately 1,600 feet to the boundary of

Item J.

Item K is located on Forest Road 3030500. For Road 3030500 is closed at the item boundary.

Item L is located on Forest Road 2030. Forest Road 2030 is open through the Item. Forest Road

2030800 is also open to Item L.

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.

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.

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 518 July 1, 2016 October 31, 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.

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

1. 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. Inspection block divisions will not be flagged, but also use distinct physical features or simple compass bearings.

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 7 inches dbh Cut trees to reach the desired spacing 7 inches dbh to less than 14 inches dbh Girdle trees to reach the desired spacing 14 inches dbh and greater 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.

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

Item No. Spacing (feet)

50% Variance minimum feet apart

+ 50% Variance maximum feet apart

All 14x14 7 21

Conifer tree spacing may be varied up to +/-50percent 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.

When a group of two or more Cedars (Yellow or Red) are encountered the tree spacing will change to 6 x 6 feet. This spacing will be only for Cedars. The -50% Variance (minimum feet apart) does not apply to the Cedar to Cedar spacing. The +50% Variance (maximum feet apart) will apply to the Cedar to Cedar spacing but will be based off of the spacing for that Item No. as listed in the above table 2a. What this means is the minimum spacing between two Cedars can be 6 feet and the maximum spacing can be up to +50% of the spacing for that Item No. as listed in the table. The spacing and spacing variance between Cedars and all other leave trees will be according to the Item No. as listed in table 2a.

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

EXCEPTION: If the Sitka spruce or Cedar (Yellow or Red) have similar form and vigor but the Sitka spruce is at least twice as tall as the Cedar then the Sitka spruce shall be the leave tree.

a. All live alder and Crabapple will be left untreated and will be ignored for spacing. Exceptions include: situations where alder inhibits the Contractor's ability to perform the thinning operation. Any treated alder within their own height from the edge of the road prism shall not be girdled, but cut and felled according to specifications found in Section 3 Stump height and the removal of limbs and Section 5, Roads.

This is required to prevent slash from entering roads or road drainage structures, should the girdled alders break or blow over.

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.

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. Cuts should be at least 0.25 inches deep into the cambium, but not deeper than 0.5 inches from the cambium. Cutting more than 0.5 inches will be considered an unsatisfactory tree.

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.

Wildlife Corridors The contractor will leave strips of un-thinned young growth in all Items except D and J. The approximate locations of the strips are shown on the Item maps and are marked where they cross the road with black/red stripped flagging. The center line of the wildlife corridor is marked where it crosses the road. It is the contractor’s responsibility to locate the strip from the road to timberline. The contractor will begin the strip as near as possible to that location. A strip should not be located in an area where it will go across a cliff, log landing, rock pit or pond. When the strip crosses roads or streams it should meet on both sides.

In all items the strip will be 100 feet wide. All the strips will run from timberline to timberline. The un-thinned strip does not have to be in a straight line. Curves can be used to avoid cliffs and landings, as long as the correct width is maintained. The purpose of this un-thinned strip is to allow wildlife an area to move easily through the treated stand.

Streams A 10-foot wide no-thin buffer shall be left on each side of protected class one and class two streams, as shown on the item maps, to meet Fisheries and Wildlife objectives. When the Contractor is within 10 feet of the stream bank, he/she shall establish a 10-foot wide no-thin stream buffer on each side of the stream.

The no-thin buffer shall be measured from the edge of the stream bank. The 10-foot no-thin stream buffer boundaries are not flagged on the ground. The Contractor shall establish the approximate edges of these no-thin stream buffers. Equipment fueling should be done 150 feet away from any live stream.

Land Slides Leave a 25 foot no thin buffer around the head and sides of any landslides greater than 100 Feet in length encountered in the project area.

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.

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 leave a 25-foot un-cut fringe around all beaver ponds.

Karst features A zone equal to one tree height should be left untreated to insure that no slash or debris will be placed in Karst features. No thinning or slash will be allowed inside the Karst feature. Any cut trees falling beyond the Karst feature rim shall be removed and pulled back into the cutting area. The intention is to prevent slash from entering Karst features where it may inhibit water flow or alter subterranean structures or characteristics.

SECTION D--PACKAGING AND MARKING

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, to include emails, starting upon notice of award.

NOTE: The solicitation number will have an “S” for the solicitation indicator in the number. Contracts will have a similar number format but will have a “C” in place of the “S”.

SECTION E--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.

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

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:

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).

In areas of abundant Cedar (Yellow or Red) it is possible, using the 6x6 foot Cedar to Cedar spacing, for the number of crop trees found on a plot to exceed the maximum number of trees allowed in the above table.

In these rare cases the maximum number of trees allowed would be listed in column 3, unless they didn’t meet the spacing requirements (see Section 8, Thinning Specifications). Also in this case any trees in excess of the maximum number of trees allowed would not be counted in column 6, unless they didn’t meet the spacing requirements (see Section 8 Thinning Specifications). This scenario should be the exception rather than the rule.

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:

Spacing

Minimum No. of Trees

Maximum No. of Trees

14x14 4 10

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 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.

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 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.

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] 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.

SECTION F--DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

d. Period of Performance/Effective Period of the

Contract The effective period of this contract is:

Items Total

Estimated Start Work Date . Contract Time Estimated

Crew Size ALL 518 June 30, 2016 October 31, 2017 6

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

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

g. Contract time for all items shall run concurrently.

h. 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 an estimation only.

i. 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.

j. 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.

SECTION G--CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

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

a. 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.

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.

b. 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.

c. In addition, when submitting the invoice, the Contractor shall submit payrolls, subcontractor payment information and a spreadsheet detailing the payment breakdown in accordance with the Pay Items in the Schedule of Items, Section B.1 (either electronically in…