SOL.doc

AG-02RC-S-15-0001

Kootenai National Forest – 2015 Rexford/Fortine Precommercial Thin/Prune

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

PAGE OF PAGES

UNDER BDSA REG. 2

AND/OR DMS REG. 1

USDA – Forest Service

Idaho / Montana Acquisition Team 3815 Schreiber Way Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815 See Contract Time

FOB DESTINATION

Wendy Stephenson, CO Angie Stafford, Technical 765-7468 296-7142

a. NAME OF CONSIGNEE

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

2015 Rexford/Fortine Precommercial Thin/Prune Rexford/Fortine Ranger Districts Kootenai National Forest

Lincoln County, Montana

PLEASE WRITE YOUR QUOTE IN SECTION B - SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

Furnishing Quotation: Complete Standard Form 18, Section B, Section K and Experience Questionnaire as your quote. Return to the address shown in Block 5a. Please write “Solicitation No. AG-02RC-S-15-0001” on the envelope.

12. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

are not attached.

DUNS No._____________ TIN No._____________________

c. COUNTY

AREA CODE

NSN 7540-01-152-8084

Previous edition not usable

Prescribed by GSA-FAR (48 CFR) 53.215-1(a)

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES

2015 Rexford/Fortine Precommercial Thin/Prune Rexford/Fortine Ranger Districts Kootenai National Forest

Lincoln County, Montana

B- 1 Schedule of Items Item # 1 - Rexford District Thinning & Pruning

Sub-item Area Stand Number Quantity Unit Unit Price Total 1.1 Young Creek 32 02-01-223

ACRE

**NO ACCESS PRIOR TO JULY 1.

1.2+ Three Forks 1 03-03-017

3.2 of 16 ACRE

1.3 HoldUp #12 18-03-072

9.3 of 72

ACRE

TOTAL QUOTE ITEM NO. 1

34.5

ACRE

XXXXXXX

NOTE: Sub-item 1.1 has NO ACCESS PRIOR TO JULY 1ST.

Sub-item 1.2+ also has White Pine pruning requirements.

Item # 2 - Rexford District White Pine Pruning- ONLY Sub-item Area Stand Number Quantity Unit Unit Price Total 2.1 Webb Fire 09-07-167

ACRE

2.2 Steep #10 14-03-286

ACRE

2.3 Steep #12 14-03-287

ACRE

2.4 Helmer Top 5 18-03-482

ACRE

2.5 Upper Pinkham #4 20-03-078

ACRE

2.6 Brier Patch #9 26-04-138

ACRE

2.7 Brier Rabbit #8 26-04-161

5.4 of 28

ACRE

2.8 Ziegler 28-02-164

ACRE

TOTAL QUOTE ITEM NO. 2

199.4

ACRE

XXXXX

Total Acres Rexford Thinning Only = 31.3

Total Acres Rexford Thinning & Pruning = 3.2

Total Acres Rexford Pruning Only = 199.4

Rexford Total Acres = 233.9

Item # 3 - Fortine District Thinning Sub-item Area Stand Number Quantity Unit Unit Price Total

3.1 Beaver 37-06-053

ACRE

3.2 Sterling #5 38-04-042

ACRE

3.3 Silver Pony #1 38-05-086

ACRE

3.4 Silver Pony #2 38-05-087

ACRE

3.5 Beaver Bottom #2 39-02-041+

ACRE

39-03-052

3.6 Beaver #24 40-03-030

ACRE

TOTAL QUOTE ITEM NO. 3

ACRE

XXXXX

Item # 4 - Fortine District Thinning Sub-item Area Stand Number Quantity Unit Unit Price Total

4.1 Swamp Pest #6 49-01-062

ACRE

4.2 Clean Swamp #4 49-01-095

ACRE

4.3 Swamp Ridge #19 50-03-091+

ACRE

50-04-157

4.4 Swamp Ridge #18 50-03-112

ACRE

4.5 Bayou #6 50-03-129

ACRE

4.6 Lake Creek #1 50-04-052

ACRE

4.7 Lake Creek #14 50-04-060

ACRE

4.8 Snooker 54-06-050

ACRE

TOTAL QUOTE ITEM NO. 4

ACRE

XXXXX

Item # 5 - Fortine District Thinning & Pruning Sub-item Area Stand Number Quantity Unit Unit Price Total

5.1 Skelly Park #2 51-01-045

ACRE

and 51-02-103

5.2 Don & Out #2 51-01-048

ACRE

5.3 Park Creek 51-01-068

ACRE

5.4 Grimmtrim #1 51-04-026

ACRE

5.5 Ewe Bugs #2 53-02-020

ACRE

5.6+ Sheep Creek #7 53-02-026

ACRE

5.7+ Sheep Mtn #5 53-02-033

ACRE

TOTAL QUOTE ITEM NO. 5

ACRE

XXXXX

NOTE: Sub-items 5.6+ & 5.7+ also have White Pine pruning requirements.

Total Acres Fortine Thinning Only = 425

Total Acres Fortine Thinning & Pruning = 42

Fortine Total Acres = 467

B- 2 Award Determination AWARD WILL BE MADE BY ITEM. Contractors may choose to not quote on all Items, however quotes will be considered incomplete when all Sub-Items under a particular Item are not quoted upon, and will not be considered for award.

Award of Items is contingent upon availability of funding and may or may not be awarded.

Incidental Payment Items. The intent of this contract is to provide for the complete services of the project described in this contract. Unless otherwise provided, the Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, equipment, tools, transportation, and supplies, and perform all work required to complete the project in accordance with the drawings, specifications, and provisions of the contract. Payment for contract work will be made only for and under those pay Items included in the Schedule of Items. All other work and materials will be considered as incidental to, and included in, the payment for the Items shown.

B- 3 Written Acceptance Any Purchase Order resulting from this solicitation will require written acceptance within 10 days of receipt by the Contractor.

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

C. 1. INTRODUCTION

C.1.1. Background.

The Forest Service is in need of precommercial tree thinning and stand improvement activities to reduce the tree density and, by the deliberate selection of leave trees, improve the overall health and condition of the stand based on the prescribed objectives. Tree selection and cutting of undesirable or excess trees will provide space for the leave trees to grow and develop, reduce the incidence of insect and diseases that affect growth, and undesirable tree qualities.

C.1.2. Scope of Contract

The solicitation is for tree thinning and stand improvement activities on Kootenai National Forest land, specifically the Rexford and Fortine Ranger Districts. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, supplies (except those designated as Government furnished), and incidentals to perform all work necessary on the areas specified. All aspects of the work program shall be performed in an organized, systematic manner to assure services will be performed over the entire unit.

C.1.2.1. This contract is a Performance Based, firm-fixed price contract.

C.1.2.2. The period of performance will be from approximately June, 2015 to end of September, 2015.

C.1.3. Location and Description

The work is located on the Rexford and Fortine Ranger Districts of the Kootenai National Forests. The administrative office for this project is located in Eureka, Montana at the Rexford Ranger Station. To reach the station, travel north from Libby, Montana along MT State Highway 37 to Eureka, Montana. At the intersection of Highway 37 and Highway 93, turn right. The office is located approximately ½ mile south on the right side of the highway as you are entering the community of Eureka.

C.1.3.1. Access. Refer to Government furnished services in Section C.3 and Contractor requirements in Section C.4 for additional information on access to the treatment areas in conjunction with the information below:

REXFORD DISTRICT THINNING & PRUNING

Item No. 1.1, 1.3 – No Access prior to July 1st and short walk

Item No. 1.2 – Open road & short walk.

Item No. 2.1 – Gated Year Round & possible 2+ mile walk.

Item No. 2.2, 2.3, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8 – open road.

Item No. 2.4 – Gated Year Round and short walk.

Item No. 2.5 – Gated Year Round.

FORTINE DISTRICT THINNING & PRUNING

Item No. 3.1 – Open road & short walk

Item No. 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 – Open road.

Item No. 3.5, 4.1, 4.3, 4.4, 4.8, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7 – Gated 7/1 – 11/30.

Item No. 3.6 – ¼ mile walk from open road.

Item No. 4.2, 5.4 – Gated 7/1 – 11/30 and short walk.

C. 2. DEFINITIONS

Access point. The point identified for access to TSI areas.

Acceptable (Stocking) Density. The number of trees between the minimum and maximum specified in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription.

Calendar Days. Every day shown on the calendar, Sundays and holidays included.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The on-site contract administrator for the Contracting Officer. The duties and responsibilities of the COR are defined in the letter of designation issued by the Contracting Officer

Competitive area. [required with Best Tree in competitive area method] The area used for comparison of potential leave trees of the same species. The radius of the competitive area is specified in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription (Section J).

Contract Time. See Period of Performance.

Crop Tree. [required with Best Tree in competitive area method and release; optional use for spacing method] A tree that will be a component of a future commercial harvest or managed into the future. In this contract, it is interpreted as the trees specified in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription that are of preferred species, free of insect or disease infection, or if it is present does not threaten the tree survival or growth, exhibits leader dominance and growth, exhibits little or no damage that affects tree survival or growth, and has crown ratio of greater than 40% (ratio of crown to overall length).

Damage. Defect or deformity of a tree resulting from agents such as wind, snow, animals, insects, disease, and equipment, and evidenced by such things as dead or broken tops or trunks, crooks, and deep scars or damage to the bark on more than ¼ of the circumference of the tree.

Decision area. [required with Best Tree in competitive area method ] An area that is evaluated to determine the appropriate number of leave trees. The Decision area is specified in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription.

Deficiency (or discrepancy). Trees that are unsatisfactory either because they were cut and met the requirements for a leave tree or were not cut and should have been. There are three categories of deficiencies described in the Inspection procedure (Section J).

Category A deficiencies - cutting trees that should not be cut or damaging selected leave trees. These are non-correctable errors.

Category B deficiencies - leaving trees that should be cut. These are excess trees and are correctable errors.

Category C deficiencies - other types of errors such as not completely severing trees from stumps, leaving small trees, and other errors as described on the inspection form.

Desirable leave tree characteristics. Trees that are desirable to be leave trees have the following characteristics:

· Straight stem

· Small branch diameter

· Good coloration

· Well-formed crown

· Branches horizontal or slightly angled to bole

· Free or limited presence of insect or disease damage and/or symptoms; damage or symptom does not affect growth or survival

· Vigorous annual terminal growth (especially in last 1 to 3 years)

· Crown class of dominant or co-dominant

· Crown ratio is 40% or larger

Characteristics of trees that are not desirable for leave trees:

· Multiple tops

· Poor crown form

· Crook or seep in bole

· Dead or broken tops

· Poor coloration

· Large branch diameter

· Presence of insect or diseases

· Branches more than 45 degrees from horizontal

· Physical or mechanical damage

· Suppressed

· Poor annual growth

· Sucker limbs

Diameter breast height (dbh). The diameter of the trunk measure at a point 4-1/2 feet above the ground level on the uphill side of the tree.

Dominate tree. A tree whose crown extends above the general level of the main canopy; or in some cases, a tree whose canopy is above the main canopy of the tree’s immediate neighbors, receiving full light from above.

Excess tree. An uncut tree that according to contract specifications should have been cut. Excess trees are considered a Category B deficiency in the inspection procedure; these are generally correctable.

Ghost trees. A tree of a specific species which allows that desired species to remain in the stand even though it is not retained as a “Leave Tree”. Specified in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription and shall be listed as Tree Evaluation code – S4 – “Tree to be ignored, not included in trees/plot calculations on Thinning Plot Inspections.

Girdle. A cut through the bark and cambium tissue completely encircling the tree trunk for the purpose of killing the tree.

Healthy conifer. [optional, very similar to Desirable tree characteristics] Trees that are growing well, exhibited by good leader growth, green foliage, and at least 40 percent crown ratio (ratio of crown to overall length), has upright growth form, absence of forking or broken tops, absence of mortality causing diseases or insects in the terminal buds.

Hang-up tree. Any cut tree suspended more than 3 feet off the ground.

Improperly Cut tree. A tree that was cut that should have been a leave tree based on contract specifications. Also includes any leave tree that was damaged by the Contractor’s operations. This is considered a Category A deficiency and is not a correctable deficiency.

Inspection Procedure. The plot inspection procedure described in Section J. Used to determine quality of work

Leave Tree. Any tree that is selected or required to be left standing according to requirements in Section C.4.

Leave Trees per acre. The number of leave trees within one acre. Generally referred to average leave trees per acre calculated from one or more plot samples.

No. of trees per plot X reciprocal of plot size = leave trees per acre and

Total trees on all plots X reciprocal of plot size = leave trees per acre

Total no. plots taken

Minor damage. Trees with damage; however, the crooks in the trunk are offset less than 3 inches from the long axis and within 13 feet of the ground, or bark damage to less than one-fourth the circumference of the tree. Trees with forks or broken tops are not considered to have minor damage.

Period of Performance (also Performance Period or Contract Time). The number of calendar days allowed in the contract for completion of contract work.

Quality Assurance. The actions taken by the Government to assess the results to determine they meet contract requirements. The methods for quality assurance are described in the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

Quality Control. Those actions taken by a Contractor to control the production of outputs to ensure that they conform to the contract requirements. The methods for inspecting for quality control are described in the Contractor’s Quality Control Plan (QCP).

Satisfactory leave tree. Tree that is selected to be left on the unit that meets contract specifications. Tree is larger than the minimum height required to be cut.

Slash. Trunks of cut trees, and/or limbs created by the Contractor’s operations.

Small Trees. Trees to be cut that are taller than the minimum tree height to cut and shorter than the “small tree height: specified in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription.

Spacing. The horizontal distance from the trunk of one leave tree to the trunk of the next nearest leave tree. Average spacing is calculated from the leave trees per acre.

Special Protection Area. A zone that has special characteristics such as riparian vegetation, wildlife calving areas, etc. Special protection areas are noted on the project maps and they may require special treatment such as an alteration to the tree cutting, slash treatment, vehicle travel or fueling of saws. Refer to the Silvicultural Summary Prescription for required practices.

Stream course. The area along a stream with riparian vegetation and other riparian characteristics. Stream courses are noted on the project maps. They typically require special treatment, which may include alteration to the tree cutting, slash treatment, vehicle travel or fueling of saws. Special treatments will be specified in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription.

Surplus tree: A tree that is left in the unit that is in addition to the other satisfactory leave trees and is larger than those defined as small trees. It is not counted in the acceptable tree per acre calculation, but does contribute to the total trees per acre on the unit. A surplus tree is coded as S3 or S4 trees in the inspection procedure.

Thinning slash. Debris created from work under this contract, including all cut trees and shrubs including the tops, trunks, and branches.

Unsatisfactory Tree. A tree that fails to meet contract standards; includes but is not limited to:

(1) Cutting the wrong tree, failure to cut a correct tree, failure to completely sever a live limb, etc.

(2) Failure to prune a tree or pruning that is not in contract.

(3) Failure to girdle a tree that meets the specifications is also an unsatisfactory tree.

Unsatisfactory trees are considered a deficiency or discrepancy in contract inspection and may be either a Category A, Category B, or Category C deficiency.

C. 3. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

The property and services that will be provided by the Government are as follows:

Access roads are accessible by vehicle.

During period unit is being treated.

C. 4. CONTRACTOR WORK REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS

C.4.1.1. Road Access. The Contractor may access the units from Forest roads indicated on project maps. Some units require the Contractor to walk. The Contractor shall clear any subsequent falling of trees that block roads needed to access units.

C.4.1.2. Walk-in areas. Units indicated as ‘walk-in’ units cannot be driven to by vehicle.

C.4.1.3. Locked gates. In cases where 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. 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 the crew. No firearms are permitted behind locked gates.

C.4.2. Tree Thinning. Thinning reduces the density of a sapling stand and by purposeful selection of leave trees improves the stand composition and condition as prescribed for each individual unit.

C.4.2.1. Selection of Satisfactory Leave Trees. Satisfactory leave trees contribute to the acceptable density computation. All Satisfactory leave trees are larger than the “small trees” described in the prescription; if there are no small trees specified, then they are taller than the specified minimum cut tree height.

The Contractor shall utilize the Silvicultural Summary Prescription, (also referred to as the prescription) in Section J, characteristics of desirable leave trees (refer to definitions C.2) and requirements in this section for selecting the leave trees. The prescription is based on the overall composition and condition of the stand and is intended to be a guideline for achieving the desired final condition. The Contractor shall use his/her silvicultural knowledge to identify and adjust to any conditions within the stand and notify the Contracting Officer of any conditions not addressed in the prescription. The Contractor shall recognize any insect, disease, or animal damage problems and report them to the Contracting Officer if it not recognized in the prescription. The Government, at the suggestion of the Contractor, may revise prescriptions with approval by the Contracting Officer. Alternate prescriptions must meet the overall stand objectives to be considered by the Contracting Officer.

The acceptable density, preferred species, and unique unit requirements for selecting leave trees are defined in the Silvicultural Summary Prescriptions.

C.4.2.1.1. Spacing method for leave tree selection. The Contractor shall select the most desirable leave trees based on the Silvicultural Summary Prescription and desirable leave tree characteristics within the acceptable stocking density. Alter the spacing to select the most desirable tree within the spacing guide identified in the prescription.

C.4.2.2. Other leave trees.

In addition to the leave trees described in C.4.2.1, the Contractor shall leave trees larger than the maximum dbh, and other “trees to be ignored” as described in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription. Thinning quality will reflect the failure to leave these trees.

C.4.2.3. Cutting trees not selected as leave trees

C.4.2.3.1. All trees not designated as leave trees that are taller than the minimum cut tree height shall be cut. Leave trees shall not be damaged in the operation.

C.4.2.3.2. All cut trees shall be completely severed below the lowest live limb except when prevented by natural obstacles. This will prevent the tree from growing new vegetative material. A live limb is a limb of any size that has green needles attached. Cut trees shall be secured so they do not roll downhill and shall not be hung up on other trees or vegetation.

C.4.2.3.3. Trees defined as “small trees” in the prescription shall be cut; however, there is a greater tolerance for failure to cut these trees than larger trees. Small trees that are not cut are considered a Category C deficiency. Refer to F.4.1.2. for maximum level of Category C deficiencies allowed.

C.4.4. Pruning. Pruning of white pine is conducted to reduce the spread of blister rust from the stem to the bole of the tree, and to reduce the infection to the tree from alternate host shrubs.

C.4.4.1. The Contractor shall select the trees for pruning based on the Silvicultural Summary Prescription.

C.4.4.2. All limbs specified by the prescription shall be cut to within one-half inch of the limb collar and needles removed at the bole. Refer to Section J for diagram. Pruned limbs shall be completely severed from the tree.

C.4.4.3. The bole of the tree and limbs to be retained shall not be damaged in the pruning operation. Chainsaws are not deemed acceptable.

C.4.5. Release. This activity cuts competing conifers from around selected crop trees to allow the crop trees room to grow.

C.4.5.1. The Contractor shall select the crop trees to be released based on the Silvicultural Summary Prescription.

C.4.5.2. Trees specified in the prescription shall be cleared from around the selected crop trees for the distance specified in the prescription.

C.4.5.3. The crop trees and other vegetation specified to be left shall not be damaged during release work..

C.4.6. Slash Treatment. Reduction of slash created in TSI operation to acceptable conditions.

C.4.6.1. All thinning slash shall be less than _2__ feet high, placing it on or near the ground surface. Cut material shall not lean against an uncut tree, stump, log, or any obstacle. It shall be secure and not able to roll down the hill.

C.4.6.2. Slash treatment shall be concurrent and progressive with the thinning. The Contractor shall not move onto a new unit without completion of slash treatment.

C.4.6.3. All trails indicated on the project maps and all open roads within or adjacent to the unit shall be kept free of slash at all times.

C.4.6.4. The following improvements and developments shall be free from slash created by the tasks in this contract:

(1) The area adjacent to cut and fill slopes, and ditches for a distance of _10__ feet measured from the upper cut slope and the lower shoulder of the road. Material shall be less than 6 feet in length to prevent barriers along roads.

(2) Culverts for a distance of _10__feet.

(3) Improvements such as unit boundaries, roads, telephone lines, established trails, stock driveways, fence lines, established land corners.

(4) Stream courses as required in Resource Protection (C.4.7.)

C.4.6.5. Piling. When required by the Silvicultural Summary Prescription, slash shall be piled. Piles shall be constructed to facilitate full consumption when they are burned. Piles shall be located to minimize damage to residual trees when the piles are burned.

C.4.7. Resource Protection. The Contractor shall exercise extreme care to prevent damage to existing facilities, developments and resources in all aspects of the contract work.

C.4.7.1. Existing Facilities. Throughout the operations, the Contractor shall take extreme care to prevent damage to facilities including roads, erosion dips, barriers and drainage, developments and streams and other identified resources. Improvements damaged shall be replaced or repaired at no cost to the Government.

C.4.7.2. Stream courses. The Contractor shall minimize damage to stream courses.

C.4.7.3. Soil Erosion. The Contractor shall take precautions to prevent gullying of roads and skid trails within and adjacent to the contract area, and protect vegetative cover, soil, and water resources.

C.4.8. Salvage. Not applicable.

C.4.10. Plot Tree Data. On each inspection plot conducted by the Contractor, the Contractor shall record the species of each tree and estimate and record the average diameter and height of all remaining trees on each inspection plots. Record this data on the Thinning Inspection Plot Form. This is in addition to the other required inspection information specified in Section J, Thinning Inspection Plot Form and detailed instructions, and other contract requirements.

C.4.11. Quality Control. The Contractor shall prepare a Quality Control Plan as described in Section E. The Contractor shall inspect the work in accordance with the accepted Quality Control Plan.

C.4.12. Work Plan and Schedule. The Contractor shall prepare a work plan and schedule that demonstrates that work will be completed within the performance period described in Section F. The Contractor shall provide a general plan with the response to the solicitation. A supplementary plan and schedules will be provided after contract award, but 7 days before start work.

The Contractor shall advise the Contracting Officer or COR of any periods that the Contractor will not be working that is not specified in the accepted Work Plan.

The Contractor may update the Work Plan when work is in progress and the Contracting Officer may accept the updated Work Plan.

C.4.13. Camping and Worksite Conditions. The Contractor shall prepare a Camping and/or Worksite Plan and operate in a manner that will protect the environmental resources and the public facilities. The conditions shall be consistent with the requirements of Section H, Section I, and supplementary attachments in Section J.

C.4.14. Communications. The Contractor shall keep the Contracting Officer advised as to where the Contractor or Contractor's representative may be reached by phone during periods of work suspension and periods of time without work. Further, the Contractor shall maintain contact with the Contracting Officer during periods of work suspension or periods of time without work.

C.4.15. On-site Representative. The Contractor’s on-site representative shall be fully conversant and literate in the English language and shall be in the work area whenever work is in progress.

C.4.16 Crew Safety. All employees of the contractor shall be equipped with personal protective equipment as described in Section H. Contractor is hereby advised that the thinning/pruning project is located in grizzly country, and shall take appropriate precautions to avoid encounters with grizzly bears or other wildlife.

C. 5. STANDARDS

C.5.1. (Non-mandatory use) Forest Service Handbook, R1 Supplement 2409.17-99-1 (effective 4/12/99), Chapter 6 - Timber Stand Improvement available at:

http://www.fs.fed.us/im/directives/field/r1/fsh/2409.17/2409.17_6-6.17.rtf http://www.fs.fed.us/im/directives/field/r1/fsh/2409.17/2409.17_6.2-6.4.rtf This reference is not mandatory but provides additional information that may be useful to potential offerors in preparation of his/her response to the solicitation.

C.5.2. (Mandatory use) OSHA’s Field Sanitation Standard Fact Sheet No. OSHA 92-25 is available at http://www.osha-slc.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=FACT_SHEETS&p_id=137

C. 6. PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

The following describes the major items in the contract with the incentives and deductions for the work described.

Tree Thinning, C.4.2

Girdling

C.4.3

Pruning

C. 4.4 Quality meets or exceeds performance standard of 90% when considering Satisfactory selected leave trees, and Category A and Category B deficiencies as described in the Inspection Procedure.

AND

The number of Category C deficiencies do not exceed the maximum stated in Section F, acceptance and rework.

· If Contractor achieves 90% or greater quality AND Category C deficiencies are below the maximum allowable, the Contractor will receive unit price as incentive.

· If Contractor exceeds the maximum allowance for Category C deficiencies, the Contractor is required to rework as per Section F prior to payment for other thinning work.

· If Contractor does not achieve at least 90% quality, deductions as per Section G and adverse performance assessment.

Release

C.4.5

· If Contractor achieves 90% or greater quality, the Contractor will receive unit price as incentive.

· If Contractor does not achieve 90% quality, deductions as per Section G. Adverse performance assessment.

Slash Treatment

C.4.6

Reserved for additional work item

C.9.

Quality Control

C4.11

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

· When Contractor’s plot inspections meet standards, no deduction.

· If quality does not meet standard, pay deduction (Section G) and/or additional costs to the Government will be assessed

Work Plan and Schedule

C.4. 12.

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

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E- 1 FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): Federal Acquisition Regulations - http://www.acquisition.gov/far and the Agriculture Acquisition Regulations – http://www.usda.gov/procurement/policy/agar.html.

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

FAR 52.246-4

Inspection of Services - Fixed-Price (AUG 1996)

E. 2. CONTRACTOR QUALITY CONTROL PLAN

E.2.1. Quality Control Plan. The Contractor shall provide a Quality Control Plan (QCP) with the technical proposal. The Contractor shall supplement the QCP within ONE day of starting work based on items awarded to the Contractor and Government comments.

The general Quality Control Plan must demonstrate how the Contractor will assure quality meets the requirements and specifications of the contract. It shall specify how quality will be monitored to assure the performance standards are met; the supervision of crew and work; and the personnel that will be performing the quality control. Quality control includes the monitoring of quality while work is in progress and an unbiased sample of thinning and other work to determine actual quality percentage.

E.2.2 Plot Inspections. The Contractor shall maintain a plot system that provides an unbiased sample of thinning quality, release quality and which represents the entire area treated. Pruning and girdling shall be inspected with thinning. The Contractor shall sample at least 1-percent of the treated area, with a minimum of 5 plots per unit/pay item. A __1/50th acre___ plot size shall be used during inspection.

The Government may observe or re-inspect the Contractor’s plots at any time.

E.2.2.1. The Contractor shall mark and identify each inspection plot on the ground.

E.2.2.2. The Contractor shall provide written inspection data by unit that meets contract requirements and a sketch map with plot locations. The Contractor shall use the Thinning Inspection Plot Form and inspection forms for other work that are provided in Section J.

E.2.2.3. All Contractor inspection records shall be provided to the Government based on the schedule proposed by the Contractor and agreed to by the Contracting Officer for quality assurance assessment consistent with the Government Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. The person who conducted the Contractor’s inspection shall sign and date each sheet and certify that the inspection records are complete and accurate.

E.2.3. The following calculation will be used to determine Tree Thinning Quality:

All computations will be carried to at least thousandths (.000) and the final percentage of thinning quality as calculated above will be rounded to the nearest whole percent.

Trees in excess to the maximum number of acceptable trees will be considered unsatisfactorily selected trees (Category B). Thinning quality will reflect the deductions for improperly selected or cut trees and improper treatment.

E.2.4. The following calculation will be used to determine the trees per acre of Category C deficiencies on the unit.

Cat C trees per acre = Total Category C on plots x Reciprocal of plot size

Number of plots

E.2.5. The equation specified on the inspection form for Release (provided in Section J) will be used to determine quality for release and other work.

E.2.6. Slash Treatment quality must reflect full compliance with requirements.

E.2.7. Acceptance. The Contractor’s Quality Control inspections for thinning and pruning will be considered acceptable when they are within 5 percent of the Government quality assurance results.

E.2.7.1. The Contractor’s quality control will be deemed unacceptable when the Contractor fails to provide tree thinning within 5 -percent of the Government’s quality assurance results at the completion of a unit. When the Contractor’s quality control is unacceptable, payment for the unit will be based on the results of the Government’s quality assurance (G.3.1.).

If the Government’s results are objectionable to the Contractor, the Contractor may request a re-examination in writing, within 5 calendar days after receipt of the Government’s quality assurance results. The request shall include documentation that supports that the probability of an error exists. The Government’s re-examination will consist of a 2-percent sample utilizing the same inspection method as the original examination, but new plots will be selected with different plot centers than the plots previously inspected by the Government. If the results of the re-examination are within 5-percent of the Contractor’s submitted quality control results, the Contractor’s results will be considered acceptable and used for pay. If results of the re-examination exceed 5-percent of the Contractor’s submitted quality control results, the Government’s re-examination will be used for the basis of pay and the Contractor will be assessed the costs incurred by the Government that are directly related to the performance of such service.

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F. 1. FAR 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (Feb 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(as): http://www.arnet.gov/far

FAR 52.242-14

Suspension of Work (APR 1984)

FAR 52.242-15

Stop Work Order (AUG 1989)

FAR 52.242-17

Government Delay of Work (APR 1984)

F. 2. DELIVERIES

F.2.1. Contract Performance Time and Required Rate of Progress

The Contractor shall maintain progress at a rate that will assure completion within the performance period. The minimum acceptable rate of progress will be calculated by dividing the total units of work for each item by performance time specified.

F.2.2. Contract Time. (See Period of Performance definition). The Contractor shall start work promptly after receipt of a Notice to Proceed. The Contractor shall maintain progress at a rate that will assure completion within the stated contract time. The contract time will generally not exceed a required rate of progress exceeding that determined from the accepted work plan.

The Government will issue a Notice to Proceed as soon as weather and ground conditions are favorable for work on one or more of the areas. Contract time will start (1) on the date specified on the Notice to Proceed. Contract time for award of multiple Items shall be concurrent. NO WORK SHALL COMMENCE WITHOUT FIRST HAVING A PRE-WORK CONFERENCE.

F.2.3. Unfavorable Conditions. It is estimated that adverse weather and/or road conditions may prevent access to the work sites or performance to specification during the contract period. When such conditions make work impracticable, or if wind or other conditions create extreme conditions that are unsafe for contract work, and with written request by the Contractor, the Contracting Officer may suspend work with no charge against contract time. When conditions are again favorable, the Contracting Officer will issue a verbal resume work order and confirm that order in writing. The count of contract time will resume on the day indicated by the Contracting Officer. If the Contractor cannot be reached at the phone number provided or the Contractor fails to contact the Contracting Officer (per Section C) a written Resume Work Order will be mailed and count of contract time will resume on the date specified in the order.

F. 3. FAR 52.236-6 SUPERINTENDENCE BY THE CONTRACTOR. At all times during performance of this contract and until the work is completed and accepted, the Contractor shall directly superintend the work or assign and have on the worksite a competent superintendent who is satisfactory to the Contracting Officer and has authority to act for the Contractor.

F. 4. Acceptance and Rework F.4.1. Tree thinning, pruning.

F.4.1.1. When the Contractor’s inspection results are below the performance standard of 90 percent quality based on the Contractor’s quality control inspection and verified by the Government monitoring, and Category B deficiencies (excess trees) contribute to the low quality, acceptance and payment will not be made until the deficiency has been corrected unless the Contracting Officer determines excess tree deficiency to be minor or an isolated situation that will not result in any material differences in the total number of trees to be left.

F.4.1.2. When the total number of Category C deficiencies exceed __50 trees per acre__ based on the Contractor’s quality control inspection and verified by the Government monitoring, acceptance and payment will not be made until the deficiency has been corrected unless the Contracting Officer determines the deficiencies to be minor in nature.

F.4.2. Slash Treatment. Acceptance will be determined based on the Contractor’s quality control inspection and verified by the Government monitoring and will be based on adherence to the specifications stated in the contract. Noncompliance with any of the specifications will classify the treatment as unsatisfactory and rework will be required to bring the treatment up to specification standards.

F.4.3. Acceptance. Acceptance will be determined based on compliance with the contract specifications. Noncompliance will result in non-acceptance of the work. If the Contractor’s work is determined to be unacceptable, the Government may initiate any remedies described in FAR 52.246-4 Inspection of Services.

F.4.3.1. If the initial work is unacceptable to the Government, the Contractor may re-work the area if deficiencies can be corrected. The Government will assess the re-work after receiving the Contractor’s inspection records which reflect that all work meets specification standards.

F.4.3.1.2. The Government will assess the Contractor the actual costs of conducting the additional quality assurance after rework. The Contractor may be assessed actual damages which may include but is not limited to: wages of the COR and Government inspector(s), costs of vehicles, meals and lodging that are incurred during the additional quality assurance.

F.4.4. 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 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.

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G. 1. MEASUREMENT

G.1.1. The area to be treated is stated in the Schedule of Items, Section B. All linear and area measurements under this contract are measured on a horizontal plane within the established boundaries. Boundaries are marked as indicated in Prescriptions.

G.1.2. Re-measurement. The Contractor may at any time after award request re-measurement of any sub-item. The request must be in writing within 10 days after completion of a unit or pay item. The Government’s re-measurement of the unit/sub-item will be made within established boundaries.

G.1.2.1. If re-measurement indicates a variance of 5 percent or less in the acreage stated in the Schedule of Items, there will be no adjustment in acres and the Contractor shall pay for the actual cost of re-measurement.

G.1.2.2. If re-measurement results in a variance greater than 5 percent in the acreage stated in the Schedule of Items, payment shall be based on the re-measured acreage and the Government shall pay for the re-measurement.

G. 2. METHOD OF CALCULATING PAYMENT

G.2.1. The Contractor’s Quality Control For each completed unit, the Contractor’s quality control inspection percentage for tree thinning and tree pruning will be compared to the Government’s assessment results. If the results differ by 5 percent or less, the Contractor’s inspection will be considered acceptable and the Contractor’s quality percentage will be used as the basis for payment. When the results differ by more than 5 percent, the Government’s inspection percentage will be used as the basis for payment as per E.2.6.1. Note that payment for thinning quality will only be made when Category C deficiencies are below the maximum levels described in E.2.

G.2.2. Payment calculation

Payment less damages will be based on the following methods.

G.2.2.1. Quality at fully acceptable performance- meets or exceeds 90 percent. Whenever the quality of work meets or exceeds 90 percent, based on the results of the Contractor’s quality control inspection and verified by the Government monitoring, the work will be acceptable, an incentive payment will be made that provides payment at the unit price for the subitem.

Payment Example: With a unit price of $100 and a unit size of 40 acres, the bid price would be $4,000. If the Contractor’s work quality is 95 percent, payment would be $4,000.

G.2.2.2. Quality at unacceptable performance level, less than 90 percent. Whenever the quality of work is below 90 percent based on the results of the Contractor’s quality control inspection and verified by the Government monitoring, the work is unacceptable and the value of services provided is significantly reduced. Therefore, a deduction will be made for unacceptable performance. For each percentage point that performance quality falls below 90 percent, a 2-percent deduction in unit price will be made. No payment will be made where quality of work is below 70 percent.

Payment Example: With a thinning quality of 85 percent, the deduction would be: 10 percent for quality 85 to 89 percent (5 x 2%) resulting in the Contractor receiving 90 percent of the bid price.

With a unit price of $100 per acre and a unit size of 40 acres, the bid price would be $4,000. At 85 percent thinning quality, payment would be: $100 x 90% x 40 acres = $3,600.

Payment Example: With a thinning quality of 70 percent, the deduction would be: 40 percent for quality 70 to 89 percent (20 x 2%) resulting in the Contractor receiving 60 percent of bid price.

With a unit price of $100 per acre and a unit size of 40 acres, the bid price would be $4,000. At 70 percent thinning quality, payment would be: $100 x 60% x 40 acres = $2,400.

G.2.3. Unacceptable Work

G.2.3.1. Any unit, with quality less 90 percent, is considered unacceptable and may be rejected. For these areas the Government may (i) accept the work at a reduced price (ii) require the area to be re-worked at no additional expense to the Government, or (iii) reject the work in its entirety. If the quality is unacceptable, the Contractor's right to proceed is subject to immediate termination for default.

G.2.3.2. When work quality falls below 90 percent in areas of 1 acre or larger and the quality of work can be corrected, the Government may require the area to be reworked. If the Government does not require the area to be reworked or the quality remains below 80 percent, the area may be separated from the sub-item and payment made in accordance with G.3.2.2.

G.2.3.3. Category C deficiencies that exceed the maximum allowance stated in Section F will be considered unacceptable and payment for the unit will not be made until corrections are made consistent with Section F.

G.2.3.4. The Government will document unacceptable work quality in the performance assessment.

G. 3. INVOICE PROCESSING PLATFORM (IPP)

The Forest Service is utilizing the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) for the electronic submission and tracking of contracts/purchase orders, invoices, and payment information. IPP is a secure Government-wide, Web-based invoice processing service. Visit http://www.ipp.gov to learn more.

Upon award of a contract, Contractors must enroll at https://www.ipp.gov/vendors/enrollment-vendors.htm. Contractors shall submit all invoices electronically via IPP. Paper copies of invoices will no longer be accepted.

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H. 1.

FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by…