CAYUSE CREEK HOEDAD TREE PLANTING - MOUNTAIN HOME R.D..pdf

SEE ADDENDUMIS CHECKED

CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

FACILITYCODE

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

OFFEROR

BOISE ID 83709

1249 SOUTH VINNELL WAY SUITE 200

ATTN KAREN MORTHLAND

SW IDAHO-NEVADA ACQUISITION CENTER

0261 CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

X

115310

SIZE STANDARD:

100.00% FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED OR

RFPIFB

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

RFQ

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NAICS:

SMALL BUSINESS

02/19/2010 1200 MD

02/04/2010

208-373-4115KAREN MORTHLAND

(No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

FOR SOLICITATION 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIMEb. TELEPHONE NUMBER a. NAME

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

AG-0261-S-10-0005

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

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

1 58368215OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

BOISE ID 83709

1249 SOUTH VINNELL WAY SUITE 200

ATTN KAREN MORTHLAND

SW IDAHO-NEVADA ACQUISITION CENTER

15. DELIVER TO

BOISE ID 83709

1249 SOUTH VINNELL WAY SUITE 200

ATTN KAREN MORTHLAND

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$7.0

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW

ISSUE DATE

DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

11.

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-

OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

EMERGING SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

SW IDAHO-NEVADA ACQUISITION CENTER

Sole Source

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

CAYUSE CREEK HOEDAD TREE PLANTING, MOUNTAIN HOME

RANGER DISTRICT, BOISE NATIONAL FOREST, per the attached specifications.

Period of Performance: 04/09/2010 to 04/23/2010

001 Hoedad tree planting on the Mountain Home RD.

415 acres to plant total. Spring 2010 is 315 acres. Includes Cayuse 1,1a,1b, 1c,1d,2,5,6,7,8,10,12,13,14.

Product/Service Code: F005

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

XX

DATED

KAREN MORTHLAND

. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5),

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER

ARE

ARE

31c. DATE SIGNED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL

SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED HEREIN.

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

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

OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 3/2005)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT REF.

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS

NOTED:

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED

40. PAID BY39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER

37. CHECK NUMBER

FINALPARTIAL

36. PAYMENT

FINALPARTIAL

35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

34. VOUCHER NUMBER33. SHIP NUMBER

COMPLETE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41c. DATE41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 3/2005) BACK

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

Product/Service Description: FOREST TREE PLANTING

SERVICES

002 Hoedad tree planting on the Mountain Home RD. 100 AC

415 acres to plant total. Fall 2010 planting is

100 acres. Includes Cayuse 3, 3a,3b,3c.

Product/Service Code: F005

Product/Service Description: FOREST TREE PLANTING

SERVICES

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

582 of

COMMERCIAL ITEM – RFQ AG-0261-S-10-0005 CAYUSE CREEK TREE PLANTING Page 3

United States Department of Agriculture

Forest Service

SW Idaho/Nevada Acquisition Center

1249 South Vinnell Way Suite 200 Boise, ID 83709

CAYUSE CREEK TREE PLANTING 2010

MOUNTAIN HOME RANGER DISTRICT

BOISE NATIONAL FOREST

RFQ AG-0261-S-10-0005

OFFEROR SHALL SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS BACK WITH THEIR

REPONSE TO THIS SOLICITATION:

1. Completed SF-1449, blocks 30a-30c

2. Completed Schedule of Items

3. Provide your TIN and DUNS NUMBER (Pg. 4).

4. Provide Migrant Seasonal Agricultural Workers Act Registration Number (Page 27).

5. Representations and Certifications (Pages 47-60). If you have completed the

Representations and Certifications via the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) website at http://orca.bpn.gov, please only submit a response to Paragraph (b) (Page 49). Otherwise, your response will be required to Paragraphs (c) through (m) of this provision (Pages 50-60).

6. Provide a Technical Proposal which responds to the Evaluation Factors (Page 46).

7. Completed Workers Compensation Verification Form (Supporting Document J)

IT IS REQUESTED THAT YOU WRITE THE SOLICITATION NUMBER ON THE

OUTSIDE OF YOUR ENVELOPE.

NO FAXES WILL BE ACCEPTED.

IT IS REQUIRED THAT ALL CONTRACTOR’S BE REGISTERED IN THE CENTRAL

CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION DATABASE PRIOR TO AWARD UNDER THIS

SOLICITATION.

CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR UPDATING THE CONTRACTING OFFICE OR

PROCUREMENT STAFF OF ANY CHANGES THAT ARE MADE IN CCR THAT COULD

AFFECT PAYMENTS TO THE CONTRACTOR (change in bank account or address). IN

ORDER FOR THE CONTRACTOR TO RECEIVE PAYMENTS, THE CONTRACTING

OFFICE WILL NEED TO NOTIFY THE NATIONAL FINANCE CENTER TO UPDATE

THEIR RECORDS FROM CCR.

http://orca.bpn.gov/�

COMMERCIAL ITEM – RFQ AG-0261-S-10-0005 CAYUSE CREEK TREE PLANTING Page 4

Schedule of Items

BASE BID

ITEM

NO.

DESCRIPTION METHOD

OF MEAS.

UNIT QTY. UNIT PRICE TOTAL

PRICE

Initial Plant – Spring 2010 Cayuse Unit’s 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 2, 5, 6, 7 ,8, 10, 12, 13 and

AQ

Acre

SUBTOTAL

OPTION 1

ITEM

NO.

DESCRIPTION METHOD

OF MEAS.

UNIT QTY. UNIT PRICE TOTAL

PRICE

Initial Plant - October 1, 2010

– June 15, 2011 Cayuse Unit 3, 3A, 3B, 3C

AQ

Acre

SUBTOTAL

TOTAL

BASE BID TOTAL

BASE BID + OPTION 1 TOTAL

FAR 52.217-5 Evaluation of Options. (July 1990) Except when it is determined in accordance with FAR 17.206(b) not to be in the Government’s best interests, the Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. Evaluation of options will not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

(End of provision)

FAR 52.217-7 Option for Increased Quantity – Separately Priced Line Item (Mar 1989)

The Government may require the delivery of the numbered line item, identified in the Schedule as an option item, in the quantity and at the price stated in the Schedule. The Contracting Officer may exercise the optional item under a unilateral agreement to the Contractor within 222 calendar days from award for Option 2. Delivery of added items shall continue at the same rate that like items are called for under the contract, unless the parties otherwise agree.

** For item 2, the acres identified are the estimated quantity. The contractor is requested to provide a unit price that will be applicable to the ordering period. Option 2 will be awarded as funding becomes available in October 2010.

Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and DUNS NUMBER:

TIN: DUNS #:

COMMERCIAL ITEM – RFQ AG-0261-S-10-0005 CAYUSE CREEK TREE PLANTING Page 5

CAYUSE CREEK HOEDAD TREE PLANTING

MOUNTAIN HOME RANGER DISTRICT

SCOPE OF CONTRACT

It is the purpose of this contract to secure services for planting Government-furnished tree and/or shrub seedlings. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, supplies (except those designated as Government-furnished), and incidentals to perform all work necessary to plant tree seedlings on the areas specified in this contract. The contract includes tree handling, planting and tree preparation to provide the seedlings with the greatest chance of survival. All aspects of the work program shall be performed in an organized, systematic manner to assure services shall be performed over the entire unit. Contractor shall pick-up seedlings at Lester Creek Tree Cooler and deliver to the planting unit, plant tree seedlings in accordance with the provisions of this solicitation and any resultant contract for 2010. See project data sheets and maps for a list of the units, their locations, and detailed unit information.

LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

Mountain Home tree planting for Item 1 -Unit 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d ,and 2 and Item 2 - Unit 3, 3a, 3b, and 3c are located in T4N, R11E, Sections 17, 19, and 20. From Mountain Home, Idaho, travel North on State Highway 20 for approximately 25.5 miles before turning north west (left) onto Forest Highway 61. Pine is approximately 16.8 miles from the turnoff at State Highway 20. Continue North from Pine on FH 61 for approximately 5.5 miles, going through the town of Featherville. Follow Sawtooth Forest Road 227 (S. Fork Boise River) for approximately 4.8 miles to Sawtooth Forest Road 70074 (Marsh Creek) Turn left onto Marsh Creek Road and go approximately 4 miles to the intersection of road 70074E. Access to the units will be from this road. Refer to project maps for specific locations.

Mountain Home tree planting for remaining units in Item 1 are located in T4N, R11E, Sections 19, 20 and 30; T4N, R10E, Section 35. From Mountain Home, Idaho, travel North on State Highway 20 for approximately 25.5 miles before turning north west (left) onto Forest Highway 61. Pine is approximately

16.8 miles from the turnoff at State Highway 20. Continue North from Pine on FH 61 for approximately 5.5 miles, going through the town of Featherville. Cross over the Feather River Bridge and FR 135 is on the left.

Access to the other roads will be from FR 135. Refer to project maps for location to unit.

Pay item location descriptions, specific unit information (Project Data Sheets), and corresponding vicinity maps are located in Section J, List of Attachments. Reference maps outlining individual planting stands may be obtained at the applicable District Ranger's Office, or mailed upon request. Copies will be provided to the successful offeror after award.

Locked Gates: The contractor may be authorized to have his/her vehicles behind locked gates only for access to the contract units during the contract period. All units are behind locked gates. The contractor shall close and lock gates after entering or exiting each gate and will be subject to all other restrictions of administrative use during the gate closure period. The contractor shall be permitted to drive from the locked gate to the unit with only the minimum number of vehicles necessary for efficient transport of crew and seedlings. The contractor shall not abuse the privilege of being behind a locked gate for hunting purposes.

Hunting or removing an animal from behind a locked gate with a motor vehicle may be grounds for termination of default and/or the contractor may be subject to civil penalties of the State of Idaho or the Federal Government. Road 138 is a permanent road closure and Marsh Creek is a seasonal closure.

Upon contract award, if keys are provided, Contractor must sign an agreement for the use and return of such key.

COMMERCIAL ITEM – RFQ AG-0261-S-10-0005 CAYUSE CREEK TREE PLANTING Page 6

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

The Contractor shall pick up Government furnished planting stock needed for the days plant at the Lester Creek Guard Station tree cooler at prearranged times. Contractor transport of planting stock shall be by either fully enclosed trailers or pickups with fully enclosed canopies. Inside box temperatures shall be monitored and recorded. Delivery of prepared planting stock will be to the most convenient roadside point nearest the planting areas that can be safely reached by vehicles as determined by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR). The Contractor shall be responsible for care of the seedlings and shall transport them from the roadside delivery point to the planting areas. Government furnished property shall be receipted for by the Contractor when it is picked up.

Boxes and baggies (or other wrapping materials) used in planting bags shall be returned to the delivery point daily. Burlap shall be kept free of contamination from petroleum products or other injurious substances, and free of all other material (i.e. lunches, flagging, etc.).

Seedlings planted under this solicitation require proper acclimatization prior to issuance to the Contractor.

The Contractor must inform the Government of the number of seedlings needed by noon one day prior to the date required for planting.

Other property/services provided: Key or access behind locked gates while actively working on site.

PLANTING TOOLS AND BAGS

Contractor's planting tools shall meet the following minimum requirements, unless otherwise specified.

A. HANDTOOLS. Bars shall have a minimum blade length of 14 inches and width of 4 inches capable of accommodating 12-inch bare root seedlings. Hoedads must have a minimum blade length of 10 inches and be large enough to adequately open a hole for a six-inch container seedling plug.

B. PLANTING BAGS. Planting bags, and other equipment used to carry seedlings to the planters, shall be made of a light color and porous material, shall not retain water or heat, shall have a minimum depth of 15 inches, and shall be free of defects. Bags may have a shield of waterproof material attached to one exterior side to protect the planters from water seepage. Planting bags shall not be transported or come in contact with petroleum products.

CARE OF SEEDLINGSThe Contractor shall adhere to the following specifications for care and protection of seedlings:

A. Seedlings shall not be handled in any manner that may cause injury to the seedlings.

B. Seedlings shall be protected at all times from drying, heating, smothering, freezing, crushing, drowning, abrasion, rapid temperature fluctuations, and contact with injurious substances such as petroleum products or petroleum product residues.

C. Seedlings stored in boxes, bags or bundles shall not be exposed to direct sunlight. Punctured or torn bags or boxes must be promptly resealed. Containers of seedlings shall be opened only in full shade. Bundles, bags or boxes shall be separated to provide free air movement.

D. During aerial, ATV, and/or pack animal delivery of seedlings, COR approved seedling protection tarps (to be furnished by the Contractor) will be utilized.

E. Seedlings shall not be removed from shipping containers until needed for preparation for planting.

COMMERCIAL ITEM – RFQ AG-0261-S-10-0005 CAYUSE CREEK TREE PLANTING Page 7

F. Seedlings shall be planted without further root or top pruning or culling. If pruning or culling appears necessary, or if mold, dry roots or evidence of injury is seen, the condition shall immediately be reported to the COR.

G. Frozen seedlings shall not be handled until completely thawed, and shall be thawed in full shade.

H. Seedlings removed from cold storage facilities shall not stand or lay in water or snow, or be covered directly with snow.

I. Each planting crew will have a designated "Tree Runner" responsible to deliver trees from the roadside delivery point or helispot to resupply the planters with seedlings on the planting unit, unless otherwise authorized by the Contracting Officer. This runner must be conversant in the English language.

TRANSPORTATION

A. Special care shall be taken when transporting seedlings to ensure compliance with Care of Seedlings.

B. Use of motor bikes, off highway vehicles (OHVs) and/or pack strings shall be pre-approved by the COR.

Travel routes shall also be pre-approved.

C. Aviation services: N/A

D. Contractor personnel will only use stream crossings designated by the COR. Stream crossings will be designated by the COR to protect watershed resources and may cause extra travel distance to some units.

SEEDLING CACHES (TEMPORARY STORAGE)

A. All seedlings in Contractor's possession not being carried by planters actively engaged in planting operations shall be stored to comply with the requirements of Care of Seedlings.

B. The COR shall approve all seedling caches or temporary storage sites.

C. Seedlings stored in temporary seedling caches shall be covered with seedling protection tarps (heat shields/reforestation blankets) approved by the COR and furnished by the contractor.

FIELD HANDLING

Seedlings in possession of planters shall be handled in accordance with the following:

A. Seedlings in planting bags shall have only their tops exposed, and shall have wrapping loosened slightly to allow individual seedling removal. Containerized Seedlings shall remain in their plastic baggies until they are removed at the time of planting.

B. Individual seedlings shall not be removed from planting bags until immediately before they are to be planted in prepared holes.

C. Seedlings shall be gently removed, one at a time, to prevent stripping or other injury, and quickly and gently inserted into planting holes. Removal by terminal buds is not permitted.

D. Seedlings carried in planting bags shall not exceed the amount that can be removed without injury, or which can be planted before critical heating or drying occurs. This will be determined by the COR.

Seedlings issued to planters shall be planted out prior to lunch breaks and not returned to storage.

E. Seedlings shall be planted the calendar date of issuance (unless precluded by weather or other unsuitable planting conditions). If seedlings are not planted within this timeframe, they will be considered wasted, unless the Contractor (for excusable reasons) can show that the seedlings could not have been planted.

COMMERCIAL ITEM – RFQ AG-0261-S-10-0005 CAYUSE CREEK TREE PLANTING Page 8

Contractor will be responsible for returning unplanted seedlings to the cooler or other COR designated site for storage in accordance with Sections Care of Seedlings, Transportation, and Seedling Caches.

SPACING AND SPOT SELECTION

A. SEEDLING SPACING REQUIREMENTS.

Seedlings shall be planted in suitable spots distributed over the area at intervals prescribed in the Project Data Sheet (Exhibit 2). Where an unplantable spot is encountered, the scalper shall modify spacing limits and scalp in the closest suitable spot, up to a 50% variance in the spacing requirement. However, average spacing shall be maintained for the unit and the number of seedlings per acre shall not be materially increased or decreased by the method of selecting planting spots.

Trees seedlings shall be planted no more than one-half the spacing interval from the unit boundary where plantable spots exist.

Tree seedlings shall be planted no closer than 50% of the spacing interval from planted trees or acceptable existing trees less than 1 inch in Diameter at Breast Height (DBH). Tree seedlings shall be planted no closer than prescribed spacing interval from acceptable existing trees between 1-8 inches in DBH or under the dripline of existing isolated live dwarf mistletoe free conifers larger than 8 inches DBH.

An unplantable spot will be recognized for each acceptable existing tree on the inspection plot, except, where two or more acceptable existing trees are closer than the spacing limits, only one unplantable spot will be recognized. See also definitions – unplantable spot and acceptable existing seedling.

Trees not meeting the acceptable existing tree definition shall be disregarded and a seedling planted at the required spacing interval.

Tree seedlings shall be planted no closer than 6 feet from willow clumps where it is possible to maintain specified spacing. Where a tree seedling must be planted less than 6 feet to maintain specified spacing, the contractor shall select planting spots where the tree seedling will be most free to grow.

All distances shall be horizontally measured, not measured along the slope.

Established motorcycle trails, big-game trails, wallows, and pocket gopher mounds shall not be planted. The contractor shall modify spacing limits and plant in the closest suitable spot; however, average spacing shall be maintained as specified in paragraphs 1-3 of this section.

Landings, road cuts, and fill slopes shall be planted where satisfactory planting spots exist. Old roadbeds shall be planted unless otherwise shown as a road on the Contract Map.

B. PLANTING SPOT SELECTION.

Wherever possible (within requirements set forth above), planting spots shall be where stumps, logs, slash, and terrain features provide partial protection from sun, wind, animals, loose debris, and other agents detrimental to seedling survival and growth.

Standard Shade Specification (ST)

The following shade requirements will apply to all planting units, unless identified otherwise on the Project Data Sheet a). The prescribed spacing shall be varied up to 50% to take advantage of existing stationary shade. Trees not properly placed to take advantage of existing stationary shade will receive a planting spot selection

COMMERCIAL ITEM – RFQ AG-0261-S-10-0005 CAYUSE CREEK TREE PLANTING Page 9 deduction for the above ground inspection. However, if suitable stationary shade is not available within the 50% variance of the prescribed spacing, planting spot selection shall be based entirely on the prescribed spacing requirements.

b). Planting spots shall be selected where stationary shade sources are available (see Exhibit 6). Acceptable stationary shade sources include stumps, logs, slash, etc. Rocks are not acceptable shade sources.

c). Existing shade shall be at least 8 inches in height, and 6 inches in diameter.

d). Seedlings shall be planted on the northerly (northwest to northeast) sides of stationary material.

PLANTING SPOT PREPARATION

Before preparing the planting hole, the Contractor shall clear planting spots of all limbs, logs, debris, ash, duff, snow, frost, bark, rotten wood, rocks, and root crowns to expose moist mineral soil and provide drainage of prepared scalps to facilitate proper planting and growth of seedlings. Maximum Clearing and Scalping dimensions of material requiring clearing shall be as shown on the Project Data Sheet. Woody debris (slash) less in size than specified on the Project Data Sheet shall be moved to create a plantable spot to achieve the required spacing. Drainage of scalps is not required.

The Contractor shall not destroy or remove any existing tree seedling unless otherwise specified by the COR.

Planting spot preparation shall be at intervals prescribed in the Project Data Table (Exhibit 2). The maximum number of scalps the Contractor can prepare in advance of planting may be limited by the COR.

Scalps shall be placed as close as possible to existing stationary shade sources. The stationary shade source (non-living material) may be used as part of the scalp. A minimum of 50% of the total scalp area shall be bare mineral soil. All living material shall be removed from against the shade source.

PREPARING THE PLANTING HOLE

Planting holes shall be located near the center of the prepared scalp and shall be oriented at an angle between perpendicular to the slope and true vertical. When scalps are located next to existing stationary shade, planting holes shall be located a maximum of 8 inches from the shade source. (See Exhibit 6.)

A. HANDTOOLS. An open hole, broken out and deep enough to fully accommodate seedling roots, is required when hand-planting tools are used. Trees shall be planted and packed using the planter’s hands. Slit planting and foot packing will not be permitted, unless authorized by the Contracting Officer's Representative.

Should the initial attempt to drill or open a planting hole fail because of subsurface rocks, roots, or other obstacles, a second effort shall be made in a different part of the planting spot. If this effort fails for similar reasons, a third attempt shall be made in another part of the planting spot. If the third effort fails, spot shall be abandoned as unplantable.

If a seedling can be successfully planted on the second or third attempt, all remaining holes shall be filled or collapsed by the planter.

SEEDLING PLACEMENT

A. BARE ROOT SEEDLINGS. Seedlings shall be suspended in prepared holes as shown in the Exhibits (Section J), with the roots at a depth that after filling, packing and leveling, the soil comes to a point even with the cotyledon scar with no roots exposed and no needles buried. Roots shall not be doubled, twisted, spiraled, or bunched. Root systems shall be aligned with the axis of the planting holes with all roots extending downward.

COMMERCIAL ITEM – RFQ AG-0261-S-10-0005 CAYUSE CREEK TREE PLANTING Page 10

B. CONTAINERIZED SEEDLINGS. Seedlings shall be planted deep enough in prepared holes so approximately 3/4 inch of soil can be placed on top of the plugs and the cotyledon scar is level with the surrounding soil surfaces to seal the plug into the ground. Plug growing media shall not be broken from the root systems during the planting process.

C. FILING AND PACKING SOIL. Dry soil, ash, organic matter, rock, snow, and other foreign material shall be kept out of holes. Soil shall be filled in and packed progressively so no loose soil or air pockets remain in planting holes and the seedlings shall be planted as firmly as soil conditions will allow. The Contractor shall not wedge the sides of the holes, and firming the soil around the seedlings shall be done in a manner that ensures no injury to the seedlings. Wedging of holes or firming the soil around the seedlings with shoe heels is prohibited. After soil is packed around the seedlings, it shall be smoothed out to the level of the surrounding mineral soil surface. After planting, the seedlings shall be erect and free to grow and not weighed down with mud or debris.

D. SATISFACTORILY PLANTED TREE. Trees shall be planted satisfactorily both above and below ground as defined in FSH 2409.17, 2.66 and 2.67. Trees shall be planted in moist soil, free of foreign debris, and in a hole deep enough to accommodate the fully extended tree roots and shall meet all requirements of the contract.

The planting hole shall be consistent with the description in FSH2409.17, 2.63

MIXTURE OF SPECIES AND SEEDLOTS

A. In units requiring a species mixture, the Contractor shall plant specified species and seedlots in locations and proportions designated by the COR, unless otherwise indicated in the contract.

B. The COR may require contour planting to facilitate the placement of a specific seedlot within the proper elevation band.

SNOW AND TREE REMOVAL

The units in all items will be plowed to by the Government to provide access to the edge of the general planting area, unless areas are designated as walk-in units, in which case, snow removal will not be provided to the planting areas. Snow removal will be provided only on roads that are intended to be driven on. Walk-in areas cannot be driven to by vehicle. The Government will initially clear downed trees from the roads intended to be driven on. Any subsequent falling of trees which block roads will be cleared by the Contractor.

TIMING OF PLANTING

Seedling survival and growth is dependant on proper soil and moisture conditions at the time of planting.

These conditions may only prevail for a short period of time. It may be necessary to plant a portion of a unit and return after snowmelt or when ground conditions are suitable to plant the remaining area. Due to varied situations, this shall be at the discretion of the COR.

DEFINITIONS

A. Plantable Spot. An area from which vegetation, ash, duff, and debris have been, or can be, removed and seedling can be planted according to all specifications contained herein.

B. Unplantable Spot. An area within the specified spacing limits in which it is not possible to plant a seedling according to specifications. Unplantable spots will be recognized as follows: one unplantable will be allowed for each single unplantable area within the plot of square foot size equal to the square of the average specified spacing.

Example: if a single unplantable area of 100 square feet exists on 10 x 10 foot spacing plot, one unplantable

COMMERCIAL ITEM – RFQ AG-0261-S-10-0005 CAYUSE CREEK TREE PLANTING Page 11 spot will be recognized.

An unplantable spot will also be recognized for each Acceptable Existing Seedling (See definition H.) on the plot, except, where two or more Acceptable Existing Seedlings are closer than the minimum limits, only one unplantable spot will be recognized.

C. Satisfactory Planted Seedling. A seedling planted in full compliance with all planting specifications.

D. Unsatisfactory Planted Seedling. A planted seedling that fails to meet one or more of the specifications for a satisfactorily planted seedling.

E. Wasted Seedlings. Seedlings that are lost, damaged, destroyed, or handled contrary to the specifications for the section - Care of Seedlings, and seedlings in excess of the maximum number creditable as defined in the Tables, Section J.

F. Pay Item. A unit or group of units in one bid item indicated on the Project Data Sheet, Exhibit 2.

G. Cotyledon Scar. The location where the seedcoat had been attached to the seedling. This marks the point where the hypocotyl, which grows upward and turns into the stem and the radicle, which becomes the root system differentiate.

H. Acceptable Existing Seedling. Acceptable existing trees are defined as: A healthy conifer (4 inches or greater in height) or aspen (3 stems, 2 feet or greater in height) of good form, vigor and foliage coloration, and shall have at least the top 1/3 of the tree in live green foliage (or aspen with live buds if sprouts are not leafed out when unit is planted). Such a tree shall be free of disease (i.e. Dwarf - mistletoe brooming), and severe physical damage (i.e. broken out top, 3 or more forks, leaning more than 30 degrees from vertical, severe crook or severe cambial damage) and at least 3 inches in height.

COMMERCIAL ITEM – RFQ AG-0261-S-10-0005 CAYUSE CREEK TREE PLANTING Page 12

Performance Requirements Summary

The following describes the major items in the contract with the incentives and deductions for the work described. Items below are included here as requirements.

Work Statement

Performance Standard Government Method of Assessment

Incentives and Deductions for meeting the Standard

Tree Handling, Care, and Transporta-tion

Trees are properly handled and cared for. Box temperatures are below 55 degrees F while in the Contractor’s possession.

When violations occur, Contractor takes corrective action immediately.

COR and inspector will monitor operations and conduct random samples until 4:00 PM.

• The Contractor’s care and handling of trees will affect the performance assessment as either a positive or a negative incentive.

• If Contractor meets the standard, no deduction.

• If Contractor does not meet the standard and/or take corrective action, the Government may assess liquidated or actual damages (Section Contract Administration Data), and provide adverse performance assessment.

Tree Planting

Planting quality meets or exceeds performance standard of 92% quality.

COR or inspector conduct periodic inspection consisting of plots consistent with Planting Inspection.

• The Contractor’s planting quality will be reflected in the performance assessment as either a positive or a negative incentive.

• If Contractor achieves 92% planting quality or greater, full unit price as incentive.

• If Contractor does not achieve at least 92% quality, deductions will be made as per Section Contract Administration Data and may result in adverse performance assessment.

Artificial Shade Installation

N/A •

ADC

Installation

N/A •

Quality Control

Contractor maintains good quality control on all aspects of operation including tree handling, preparation and planting, artificial shade and ADC installation. Actions not consistent with contract specifications are corrected as per the Quality Control Plan.

COR or inspector randomly sample and observe operations.

• The quality of Quality Control provided by the Contractor will be reflected in the performance assessment as either a positive or a negative incentive.

• If the Contractor fails to meet standards, work may be suspended or the Contractor put in Default for failure to take corrective action immediately and result in adverse performance assessment.

Contractor’s plot inspections are +/-5% of Government’s quality.

Inspection completed to meet timeframes.

Inspection records are complete and accurate.

COR or inspector randomly sample and observe Contractor inspection. Reviews Contractor inspection sheets daily.

• The ability of the Contractor to meet the standard will be reflected in the performance assessment as either a positive or a negative incentive.

• When Contractor’s plot inspections meet standards, no deductions.

• If quality does not meet standard, deduction (Section Contract Administration Data) and/or additional costs to the Government will be assessed.

Work Plan and Schedule

Work meets schedule as per the accepted work plan.

COR and inspector conduct periodic monitoring.

• The Contractor’s ability to maintain the work schedule and complete work on schedule will be reflected in the performance assessment as either positive or negative incentive.

• Work not completed on schedule is subject to Default and may result in assessment of actual costs.

COMMERCIAL ITEM – RFQ AG-0261-S-10-0005 CAYUSE CREEK TREE PLANTING Page 13

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

Contractor inspection procedures

A. Contractor shall:

1. Install a series of 1/50 acre inspection plots, with slope correction, sufficient in number to yield at least a 1 percent sample of the contract acreage for 12 x 12 foot ST units. The minimum number of inspection plots for any unit is five.

2. Plot sampling shall be done on an unbiased, uniform, right angle grid located throughout the planting area to obtain a representative sample of the work.

3. Select and identify the location of a Reference Point (RP) and identify location of inspection plots and plot number on a Government-furnished unit work map.

4. Use hand compass (adjusted to local declination or otherwise specified by the Government) and pacing methods, or their equivalent, to establish direction and interval between RP's and sample plots and between sample plots.

5. Identify inspection plot centers on the ground with flagged markers. Mark flagging in permanent marker with unit name and number, plot number, date of inspection and inspectors initials. An additional piece of flagging shall be hung at least 4 feet above ground adjacent to marked plot center.

6. Declare seedlings handled in a manner inconsistent with contract specifications as wasted seedlings.

7. Inspect planting procedures on representative sample plots. Starting north on each plot and progressing in a clockwise direction around plot center examine the planted seedlings to ensure and measure compliance with the specifications.

8. Record results on the planting inspection sheets using the following above and below ground inspection codes:

CODE ABOVE-GROUND INSPECTION

Satisfactory tree

CLAUSE

S Spacing Seedling spacing req.

P Planting spot selection Planting spot selection X Site preparation Planting spot preparation T Tree location on spot Preparing planting hole D Planting depth and exposed roots Seedling placement A Stem position or damage Seedling placement F Firmness Filling packing soil H Auxiliary/attempted planting holes Preparing planting hole left open U Unplantable Definitions – B, Preparing the planting hole Z Missed planting hole Preparing the planting hole E Existing Tree Definitions - H W Incorrect Species Location Mixture of species/seedlots

COMMERCIAL ITEM – RFQ AG-0261-S-10-0005 CAYUSE CREEK TREE PLANTING Page 14

CODE BELOW-GROUND INSPECTION

CLAUSE

Satisfactory tree O Planting hole orientation Preparing the planting hole R Root configuration and orientation Seedling placement L Altered root length and damage Care of seedlings M "Foreign" material in planting hole Filling/packing soil F Loose soil or air pockets Filling/packing soil

9. Deliver the completed unit work map to the Contracting Officer together with the completed Planting Inspection Sheets for that unit.

B. Inspection plot procedure. Each plot shall be inspected as follows:

ST Units

1. For ST units, determine from Table I the average number of planting spots for the plot based on the average spacing. Enter this number in Column 3.

TABLE I

AVERAGE SPACING

(FEET)

AVERAGE NO. OF PLANTING SPOTS

ON 1/50 ACRE PLOTS

8 X 8 14 9 X 9 11

10 X 10 9 11 X 11 7 12 X 12 6 13 X 13 5 14 X 14 4

2. Determine the number of unplantable spots within the plot, and enter this number in column 4. See Definition B for definition of Unplantable spot.

3. Subtract Column 4 from Column 3, and enter the difference in Column 5.

4. Using the number entered in Column 5, determine, from Table II the maximum allowable trees. Enter this number in Column 6.

TABLE II

PLANTABLE SPOTS MAXIMUM NUMBER OF SEEDLINGS

0 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 10 9 11 10 12 11 13 12 14

COMMERCIAL ITEM – RFQ AG-0261-S-10-0005 CAYUSE CREEK TREE PLANTING Page 15

5. Record the number of trees planted within the plot in Column 7.

6. Subtract Column 6 from Column 7. If this number is greater than zero, record the number in column 8 as wasted trees. Do not record any number less than zero.

7. Inspect and record the above-ground conditions of planted trees in spaces under Column 2.

8. Count the number of “Satisfactory” entries in Column 2. Enter this number in Column 9 if it does not exceed the number entered in column 6. If it does exceed the number entered in Column 6, enter the Column 6 number in Column 9. In other words, Column 9 can be no greater than Column 6.

9. Determine the minimum number of trees to be dug from Table IIIa for ST units. This determination is made based on the number of trees that were found to be satisfactory above ground.

TABLE IIIa

NUMBER OF SATISFACTORILY PLANTED SEEDLINGS

ON PLOT - ABOVE GROUND

NUMBER OFSEEDLINGS

TO BE DUG

1 1

2 – 6 2 7 – 8 3

10. Dig trees, starting with those closest to the plot center and progressing outward. Replant the dug trees according to contract specifications after they have been examined.

11. Record findings in Column 2, immediately below entries made for above-ground inspections.

12. Record the number of trees dug in Column 10.

13. Record the number of satisfactory below-ground trees in Column 11.

14. Upon completion of the entire unit, enter the totals of Column 5, 8, 9, 10, and 11 of each sheet on the last line at the bottom of the form.

15. Compute the planting quality by the following formula:

Planting Quality % =

No. of Sat. Trees Above Ground (Col. 9) No. of Sat. Trees Dug (Col. 11) ______________________________ X _________________________ X 100

No of Plantable Spots (Col. 5) No. of Dug Trees (Col. 10)

16. Average planting spots and maximum number of satisfactory seedlings shown in Table I and Table II have been rounded to the nearest whole number and it is mutually understood and agreed that these figures will be used for determining planting quality even though they are not precisely correct from a mathematical standpoint.

C. Inspection Results

1. Inspection shall be maintained concurrent with contract work. Contractor inspection results shall be available to the Contracting Officer at the completion of each planting day for the work completed that day.

COMMERCIAL ITEM – RFQ AG-0261-S-10-0005 CAYUSE CREEK TREE PLANTING Page 16

Completed Planting Inspection Sheets shall be turned in to the Contracting Officer within 24 hours upon completion of each subitem/unit and will remain a part of the permanent contract file.

2. The Contractor shall submit legible plot cards and work maps. Illegible and incomplete sheets will be returned to the Contractor for correction and resubmission before Government verification inspections are performed.

3. By submission of the plot cards to the Government, the Contractor is considered to be certifying that the unit is:

a. Satisfactorily completed.

b. Tree handling was completed in accordance with the contract provisions stated elsewhere in the contract.

c. Plot cards reflect the work accomplished.

4. The Government will randomly inspect Contractor inspection plots throughout the unit to ensure compliance with inspection procedures. The Contractor inspectors shall not correct above ground items on their inspection plots that do not comply with contract specifications.

5. In the event the Contractor falsifies inspection results, as determined by the Contracting Officer, the Government may declare the Contractor to be in default of the contract. Additionally, the Government may refer such falsification to the U.S. Attorney's Office for possible prosecution pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1001 (Falsification of Government Documents) or U.S.C. 287 (Fraud).

GOVERNMENT VERIFICATION

A. The Government will conduct verification inspections to determine compliance with specifications. Each subitem/unit will be verified separately and inspection results on one subitem/unit will not be averaged with those of other subitem/units. Determinations of the acceptability of the work performed will be based on these verification inspections and will be considered conclusive. The Contractor or a designated representative is encouraged to observe inspections while they are underway. Verification inspection of a subitem/unit may or may not be performed immediately following planting.

B. Government inspection will consist of observation of tree handling, site preparation, planting and inspection procedures, and examination of individual trees on sample plots. When less formal inspection fails to support Contractor's inspection results, a full area sample, as specified, may be taken by the Government inspectors. Failure of the Contractor to maintain inspection results within 5% of Government full sample check inspections will be grounds for termination of Contractor's right to proceed with contract work, for default.

REINSPECTION UPON CONTRACTOR REQUEST

A. If the original verification inspection results are unacceptable to the Contractor, the Contractor will have the option to request, in writing, a full inspection by the Government. Requests for reinspection shall be made in writing within five days after receipt of initial inspection results.

B. Inspection results used for payment will be determined as specified elsewhere herein.

COMMERCIAL ITEM – RFQ AG-0261-S-10-0005 CAYUSE CREEK TREE PLANTING Page 17

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

FAR 52.242-14 Suspension of Work (APR 1984) FAR 52.242-17 Government Delay of Work (APR 1984)

AGAR 452.211-74 Period of Performance (FEB 1988)

The period of performance of this contract is from the estimated beginning dates for the allowed days.

CONTRACT TIME AND REQUIRED RATE OF PROGRESS. Tree survival and growth are dependent upon proper soil and weather conditions at the time of planting and because these conditions will only prevail for a limited length of time, it is imperative that work be started promptly after conditions for planting become suitable. The Contractor shall maintain progress at a rate which will assure completion within the contract time indicated below. The minimum acceptable rate of progress will be calculated by dividing the total units of work for each item by contract time specified below:

ITEM ESTIMATED

BEGINNING DATE

CONTRACT TIME*

(CALENDAR DAYS)

Base Item1 April 9, 2010 15 Option Item 2 October 1, 2010 6

The Government will issue a Notice to Proceed as soon as weather and ground conditions are favorable for survival of planting stock. The count of contract time will start on the date specified on the Notice to Proceed if hand delivered, or on the third day after the post office has issued a notice of certified mail to the Contractor, or when planting commences, whichever is sooner. Failure of the Contractor to pick up certified mail will not be considered an excusable delay within the meaning of Clause 52.242-14.

Whenever the Contracting Officer or their representative determines that the temperature, humidity, soil moisture, winds, or a combination of these and other physical conditions have become unsuitable for tree survival on any area, the Contractor shall move the work force to another area as prescribed by the Contracting Officer/representative. When no other area is available, the Contracting Officer will issue a Suspend Work Order for the item(s) and the count of contract time will stop for that item(s). When conditions are again favorable, the Contracting Officer will issue a verbal Resume Work Order and confirm the verbal in writing. The count of contract time will resume on the day indicated by the Contracting Officer.

It is the Contractor's responsibility to keep the Contracting Officer currently advised as to where the Contractor or the Contractor's representative may be reached by phone during periods of work suspension. If the Contractor cannot be reached by the telephone number provided, or if the Contractor fails to leave a number, written Resume Work Order will be mailed and the count of contract time will resume on the date specified on the Resume Work Order.

LIQUIDATED DAMAGES

It is understood and agreed that the loss to the Government by lowered planting quality exceeds the amount by which planting quality is lower than 92 percent, and that replanting at a later date will likely be necessary if planting quality is below 80 percent.

(1) If the Contractor fails to plant at an acceptable level of quality (92 percent), the Contractor shall, in the place of actual damages, pay to the Government as fixed and agreed liquidated damages as follows for each acre of planted at less than 92 percent quality:

COMMERCIAL ITEM – RFQ AG-0261-S-10-0005 CAYUSE CREEK TREE PLANTING Page 18

Less than 80 percent quality ...............Contractor's bid price per acre

Quality between 80 and 92 percent ..........Actual quality % below 100

(2) Alternatively, if quality of planting falls below 80 percent and is not corrected, the Government may terminate this contract in whole or in part under the Termination for Default clause in this contract and, in that event, the Contractor will be liable for fixed and agreed liquidated damages on all acres planted where the planting quality is less than acceptable. In addition to liquidated damages charged for acres planted where the quality is less than acceptable, the Contractor may be assessed actual damages for the remaining acres that have not been planted under this contract but that have been terminated.

(3) The Contractor shall not be charged with liquidated damages when the unsatisfactory quality of planting arises out of causes beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of the Contractor as defined in the Termination for Default clause in this contract.

WORK COMPLETED AFTER THE PERFORMANCE PERIOD.

Whenever the Contractor fails to complete work within the performance period, and is allowed to work beyond that period, the Contractor will be assessed the actual damages. Items to be included in the actual damage includes but is not limited to: wages of the COR and Government inspector(s) for quality assurance after the performance period, costs of vehicles, meals and lodging that are incurred while administering the contract after the performance period.

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

AGAR 452.215-73 Post Award Conference (NOV 1996)

A post award conference with the successful offeror is required. The conference will be held at a mutually agreed upon time and location.

DEBT COLLECTION BY OFFSET

Any monies that are payable or may become payable from the United States under this agreement to any person or legal entity not an agency or subdivision of a State or local government may be subject to administrative offset for the collection of a delinquent debt the person or legal entity owes to the United States, under the Federal Claims Collection Act of 1966, as amended by the Debt Collection Act of 1982 (31 U.S.C. 3701, 3711, 3716-3719); 4 CFR Part 102 and Subpart B of this part. Information on the person's or legal entity's responsibility for a commercial debt or delinquent consumer debt owed the United States will be disclosed to consumer or commercial credit reporting agencies

COMMERCIAL ITEM – RFQ AG-0261-S-10-0005 CAYUSE CREEK TREE PLANTING Page 19

MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT

Method of Measurement. Acreage for some planting units as described on the Schedule of Items and Project Data Sheet have been estimated using aerial photogrammetric methods. The government may be traversing units and re-calculating unit acreage where photogrammetry was the sole source of acre distribution. Re-calculating unit acreage may result in a net increase or decrease in Contractor's final payment. Contractor will be paid based on the Government's most accurate estimates. All linear and area measurements required under this contract will be measured on a horizontal plane.

Remeasurement. Acreage remeasurement of a pay item under this contract will be made upon written request of the Contractor. Request for remeasurement must be made in writing within 10 days after planting has been completed on the pay item or unit to be measured. The total acreage of a pay item will be the basis for determining any differences between original measurement and remeasurement. If remeasurement indicates a difference of not more than 5 percent from the original measurement, the Contractor shall pay for the actual costs of remeasurement. Payments will be based on the second measurement. No adjustment will be made for differences less than one acre.

METHOD OF PAYMENT.

A. Payment for Planting

1. Government quality assurance inspection processes are discretionary.