Soliciation_AG02RCS160109.pdf

AG-02RC-S-16-0109

Stand Exams

Idaho Panhandle NF

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

Common Stand Exam (CSE) Services

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District

WORK

ITEM #

EST.

ACRES

UNIT OF

MEASURE

EST.

QUANTITY*

UNIT

PRICE

TOTAL

AMOUNT

** Item 1

3,408 Plots 613 $______ $________

Total

* Estimated Quantity: Number of plots in stands may vary depending on stand conditions.

** See Appendix B Stand List for complete list of stands to be sampled and the sampling design information.

During the period of the contract, the Government shall guarantee a minimum order of 200 plots and/or a minimum amount of $2,500, whichever is greater.

Award from this solicitation will result in a Firm-Fixed price contract to provide anticipated common stand exam data collection services on the Idaho Panhandle National Forest (IPNF) from the date of award through December 2017.

No site visit is planned for this project. For further information please contact:

John Wright at the Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District, (208) 769-3074

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

1.0 SCOPE of CONTRACT. The scope of this contract is to furnish all labor, tools, equipment, transportation, and incidentals necessary to conduct statistically sound stand examinations with which management determination for the stands will be made. The work performed and the data collected shall be in compliance with terms, specifications, conditions, and provisions of this solicitation and the Common Stand Exam Field Guide for Region 1 (R1 March 2012) with Common Stand Exam

Field Guide for Region 1 (R1 march 2012) hereafter known as "R-1 CSE Handbook." If the contract specifications differ from the R-1 CSE Handbook the contract shall take precedence.

Collected data shall be submitted to the Forest Service on the Common Stand Examination Cover

Sheet with accompanying map of plot locations, and in electronic format. The electronic copy will be produced by either transcribing field data sheets into the PCEXAMS software on a laptop or desktop

PC, or by direct input into the EXAMS software on a personal data recorder (PDR) in the field at the time of exam. For each stand surveyed, the contractor shall submit a Common Stand Examination

Cover Sheet with narrative write-up, a stand map detailing plot locations, and an electronic stand data file.

Copies or printouts of aerial photos of the project areas are available for inspection and will be made available to the successful offeror as provided in the Government Furnished Property.

Habitat Type information shall be identified in accordance with Forest Habitat Types of Northern

Idaho: A Second Approximation.

Plant species shall be identified by using the Field Guide to Forest Plants of Northern Idaho, General

Technical Report INT-180. In the case of a question about species identification, Flora of the Pacific

Northwest (1973), by C. Leo Hitchcock and Arthur Cronquist shall be the final authority. Most plant species in this contract will be those species found in the CSE Field Guide for Region 1, Appendix H and the Kaniksu, St. Joe, and Coeur d'Alene Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants and

Forest Species of Concern by Rare Plant Habitat Guild (October 2004).

Insect and Disease identification will be limited to those agents, pests, and diseases listed in the disturbance tables found in the R-1 CSE Handbook, and the Field Guide to Diseases and Insect Pests of Northern and Central Rocky Mountain Conifers by Susan K. Hagle, Kenneth E. Gibson, and Scott

Tunnock (2003).

Plot locations shall have GPS coordinates recorded. The plot location shall be projected into the coordinate system Datum NAD 1983 Conus. Settings shall be: Latitude and Longitude (Degrees:

DD/MM/SSss), North Reference- True.

1.1 LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

A. PROJECT LOCATION

This solicitation is for Common Stand Exam Plots on the SZ, NZ, and CZ of the Idaho Panhandle

National Forests. See attached project area vicinity maps. Individual stand locations shall be delineated on contract work maps, which shall be furnished to the successful offeror at pre-work meeting.) Copies of aerial photos or computer generated images shall be provided upon contractor request.

B. ACCESSIBILITY

The project area may be accessed by Forest roads during the normal operating season. The Forest

Service assumes no obligation to plow snow or do special maintenance to keep roads open.

Individual stands are accessible by some combination of 2 or 4-wheel drive vehicle, motorcycle/ATV, mountain bicycle, horse, or foot travel.

The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining all necessary permission, through privately owned land, to gain access to stand locations. If the Contractor cannot obtain permission to access a stand location, the Contractor must notify the Government in writing within 5 calendar days of denied access.

Accessibility may be determined from aerial photos and maps furnished by the Government.

Contractor shall be responsible for adhering to the U.S. Forest Service travel management plans for all Ranger Districts and the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. For roads and trails not designated for public motorized access District Rangers may, in writing, grant limited use authorizations upon request of the Contractor. Requested use must be limited to short term use for purpose of accessing stands to be surveyed under this contract. All requests for motorized travel of closed roads by the

Contractor must be submitted in writing to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR). Requests shall specifically identify roads needed for access and the periods of time when use will occur. Gates in the contract area may be locked. A double lock system shall be provided for gates where the contractor access has been authorized. The Contractor will be responsible to ensure that the gates remain closed and locked at all times.

Contractor shall request industrial camping authorization in writing within 5 calendar days of camping date, specifying location, duration, and dates of use. Requests to camp behind locked gates will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Authorization will require a camping permit issued by the

Ranger District. No access to contractors or employees will be allowed behind locked gates after periods of work unless a valid camping permit has been authorized. Motorized access behind locked gates will generally not be permitted during hunting season for deer, elk, or bear. Requests maybe considered on a case-by-case basis and may be authorized at the discretion of the District Ranger.

Otherwise, Contractor shall adjust work schedule to take the closure time into consideration. No

Suspend Work Orders will be issued; contract time will run during this period. Any misuse of gates may constitute loss of privileges.

1.2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF STANDS TO BE SURVEYED

Within 30 days of the estimated start work date for each season of performance, maps and copies of aerial photos, and detailed information will be provided for the stands to be examined on each District. Stand information will include: project area title, stand number, acres, number of plots, exam level.

1.3 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

A. QUALIFICATIONS

The success of this field inventory is dependent primarily on the Contractor's professionalism and expertise. It is necessary that the Contractor's staff meet certain standards. Minimum technical qualifications are specifically defined as follows:

1. Each crew member must have a crew leader with undergraduate courses in mensuration, tree identification, plant identification, silviculture, ecology, and three months prior experience collecting data for Forest inventory or vegetation classification, preferably in the Pacific Northwest.

2. Other crew members must have undergraduate courses in mensuration and tree identification.

3. Each crew member must be able to satisfactorily interpret aerial photographs.

Specific technical experience may be substituted for a given educational requirement.

The Contractor shall designate a crew leader for each crew. The crew leader shall be the individual responsible for ensuring plot measurements are taken in accordance with the accuracy standards.

The Contractor, by signing an offer, agrees to use only personnel meeting these qualifications for performance of the work specified herein. The Government reserves the right to make determination of employees' qualifications and any employee who does not meet the above described qualifications may be requested to leave the worksite with resubmission of any data supplied by that employee.

B. PROCEDURES AND STANDARDS

1. At the prework conference, the Contractor shall submit for the approval of the Contracting Officer, a written Resource Plan specifying the resources (including people, equipment, and other factors) the

Contractor shall use as well as the rate of progress the Contractor proposes to achieve. To be acceptable, the plan shall be reasonable in its detail and shall meet or exceed the rate of performance shown on page 19. Any modification to the plan shall be subject to the approval of the Contracting

Officer.

2. The Contractor shall identify plot center with a marker that can be a No. 9 wire flag, wooden stake, or native material. The marker shall extend a minimum of 12 inches above the ground.

Flagging tied to the marker shall have the plot number, date, and examiner's initials written in grease pencil or waterproof maker.

Where Down Woody Materials transects occur, Contractor shall also identify the end of the Down

Woody Materials transect with a marker similar to the plot center marker. The flag on this marker shall be labeled "DWM."

3. Two pieces of flagging shall be hung near plot center as topography and available vegetation allow.

This flagging shall be at least 5 feet above the ground, 12" long, and reasonably visible within the area.

Write the stand number, plot number, date, and examiner's initials on this flagging.

4. The Contractor shall maintain the rate of progress specified in the Contractor's Work Plan and

Schedule. The minimum acceptable rate of progress shall occur when the percent of work completed within 10 percent of the time used.

5. When work performance of a crew is deficient, the Contractor shall correct the deficiencies before proceeding with any new work.

C. PLOT LOCATION AND ESTABLISHMENT

General Plot Location and Marking

The Contractor shall locate and evenly distribute plots throughout the stand on a systematic, unbiased basis from plot counts provided on the Detailed Unit List. Locate and identify these accurately on the provided stand (contour) map.

The Contractor shall navigate to plot centers using any method that maintains the accuracy standard for plot location, in accordance with the R1-CSE Handbook. Plot number 1 will be used to calculate all plot locations within the stand.

Flagging shall be used to facilitate the location of a plot or the relocation of a plot in order to check the original measurement. The COR and Contractor will jointly select the color of flagging to be used.

Flagging shall be provided by the Contractor and shall be biodegradable unless otherwise specified by

COR. Flagging shall be at least 12 inches long after tying.

Starting points (and reference points as needed) shall be established from survey markers, roads, lakes, and other reliable surface features. A minimum of one reference point per stand shall be established.

Plots from adjacent stands shall not be used as reference points. Record the GPS reading for starting points (and reference points as needed) on the stand (contour) map.

Route to plot center shall be marked as follows:

a. Start of transect- three ribbons at least 5 feet above the ground with the stand number, date, azimuth and distance to the specified plot written on one ribbon.

b. Abrupt Changed in Direction- Two ribbons at least 5 feet above the ground with the new azimuth and distance to the next plot written on one ribbon.

c. Remainder of Route- Single ribbons placed visibly, not to exceed one chain apart.

d. When the line of travel between two plot centers crosses a road or trail, the closest plot number, azimuth and distance shall be put on flagging on at least one side of the road.

No plot center shall be located within one chain of the stand boundaries.

Plot Acquisition Standards- GPS

The Contractor shall use a GPS unit capable of meeting the R1-CSE Handbook GPS Requirements, including the ability to calculate the specified position averaging, to the acquire the coordinates for each plot center in accordance with the tolerances and standards set forth for plot location and plot data in Appendix C.

The Contractor shall set up the GPS receiver and any related software as follows:

Geodetic Datum: NAD 1983 (Conus)

Coordinate System: Latitude/Longitude (DD.mm'ss.s")

North Reference: True

Declination: Auto

Plot Acquisition Data Collection- GPS

The Contractor shall acquire the daily almanac and assure a current position fix of three dimension

"3D" status (four or more satellites). Once the daily almanac has been collected the Contractor shall proceed to navigate.

Once the plot center has been located the Contractor shall collect a minimum of four minutes of averaging, While acquiring, the GPS unit must not move as satellite signals are continuously received. The emphasis of this mode is on high accuracy and stability in the position solution.

Once at least 5 minutes of positional data have been collected the Contractor shall enter the latitude and longitude values on the appropriate fields on the Plot Data screen/form.

When the Contractor cannot record the latitude and longitude readings for any reason in the current position, a position from a documented reference point shall be used, with the distance and azimuth between used to calculate the needed latitude and longitude.

D. STAND EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS

The Contractor shall establish, measure, and record date using variable and fixed radius subplots in accordance with the Common Stand Exam Field Guide for Region 1 (R1 March 2012) with Common

Stand Exam Field Guide for Region 1 (R1 March 2012) hereafter known as "R-1 CSE Handbook."

As stipulated by this contract, data shall be collected to complete the Setting Form, the Plot Data

Screen/Form, the Tree Data Screen/Form, the Vegetation Composition Data Screen/Form (if required), and the Down Woody Materials Data Screen/Form (if required) as specified in Section E.

INSPECTION AND ACCURACY REQUIREMENTS.

The Contractor shall limit disease and insect identification to those agents, pests, and diseases listed in Damage Categories, Agents, and Severity Ratings found in the R-1 CSE Handbook.

1. Setting Data

The Setting Data contains data about the overall stand, and the narrative write-up. A narrative write-up on the Setting Form is required for all stands. The stand examiner's view of current conditions in conjunction with the quantitative data can contribute towards the development of a more accurate mental image of the stand during diagnosis and prescriptive analysis. The Contractor shall complete one Setting Form for each stand.

2. Sample Design

The Sample Design contains information about how the data was collected, which trees, shrubs, and down woody pieces are measured, and how the measurements will be converted into per-acre values.

The sample design describes what kinds of plots are installed, such as fixed or variable radius. It defines the size of each type of plot and what will be collected on that plot. Each stand requires the completion of one Sample Design Screen/Form. All fields are required.

Valid Sample Designs are provided by the Government (See Appendix A.)

The Contractor shall enter the Sample Design used into the Sample Design Screen/Form.

Government has identified the Basal Area Factor (BAF) for each stand; see Exhibit B Detailed Unit

List.

3. Plot Data

The plot data contains information about a sample plot. This information is independent of the information collected on other forms. Record a separate set of plot data for each plot in the stand.

Required fields are Latitude, Longitude, Capable Growing Area, Plot Aspect, Plot Slope, and Plot

Potential Vegetation. Plot Remarks is an optional field. Slope correction shall be calculated for any fixed radius plots on slopes greater than 10%.

A 1/10th acre fixed plot (37.2' radius) shall be used to determine the Plot Potential Vegetation (aka

Habitat Type). Habitat Types shall be identified to phase for each plot in accordance with instructions and descriptions in Forest Habitats of Northern Idaho: A Second Approximation.

Canopy coverage terms for use in this contract are defined below:

"Depauparate": Unusually sparse undergrowth conditions resulting from dense shading or thick duff. This situation requires the adjustment of canopy coverage values in the key to the next lower class (for instance, "well represented" becomes "common), or extrapolation from the nearest non-depauparate condition occurring on a nearby comparable site.

"Present": As applied to trees or large shrubs, requires at least 10 per acre, well scattered through the area, not restricted to microsites. "Present" as applied to low shrubs and herbaceous plants requires scattered individuals throughout the area, usually 5 or more individuals or clumps per

1/10th acre, not restricted to microsites.

"Microsites" are small areas that influence the plant community in a way not typical of the stand, most often by providing cover and moisture holding markedly different from what is characteristic of the stand in general. Examples include wind-throw pockets, stump holes, seeps, well rotted logs, or excessively rocky areas.

4. Tree Data

The Tree Data contains information about every individual tree or group of trees on an individual plot.

A "Plot" is comprised of a Variable radius plot, and a 1/300th acre fixed plot, both originating at plot center.

1/300th Acre Fixed Plot:

The small tree fixed plot tallies live trees with diameters less than the breakpoint DBH (normally 5.0"

DBH). Measurable trees on the fixed plot include live trees greater than .5' in height and dead trees greater than 3.0" DBH. Both live and dead trees less than 5.0" DBH are grouped per IPNF Old

Growth Protocol. (See Section C-4 Data Collection Specifications, Tree Data).

Variable Plot:

Basal Area Factor (BAF) for each stand is provided in Appendix B, Detailed Unit List.

Tally all live and dead trees > 5.0" DBH, starting with an azimuth of 0o and proceeding in a clockwise direction. If two or more "in" trees lie in a straight line along the azimuth, the tree nearest to plot center shall be recorded first. A tree with less than 45o lean shall be considered standing and be recorded. A tree with more than 45o lean shall be considered down and not be recorded.

5. Vegetation Composition Data & Ground Surface Cover

A 1/100th acre fixed radius plot shall be used to collect all vegetation data related to these forms. The

Vegetation Composition Data form records detailed information about shrubs and herbaceous plants on the plot. The Ground Surface Cover form records actual surface cover characteristics of the plot.

6. Down Woody Material Data

This form records the dead woody material on a plot. Down Woody Material shall be measured following the Browns Protocol Method procedures outlined in the R-1 CSE Handbook, section 7, with R-1 CSE Handbook Appendix S, Down Woody Materials.

The Browns transect shall originate at plot center and extend 7 feet for tallied twigs with a diameter of 2.9" and smaller, and 27 feet (20 feet beyond the twig transect) for down woody material 3.0" diameter and larger.

E. RECORDING INSTRUCTIONS

The contractor shall submit to the Government:

One Stand Examination Cover Sheet with narrative write-up for each stand.

One stand map with plot locations marked for each stand.

One (or more) electronic .cse files containing field data for all stands with submitted cover sheet and map. This is the file created by entering field data into the provided

EXAMS/EXAMSPC software.

Acceptable methods of electronic data submission are by CD-R disc or by E-mail to an address specified by the COR. In any case, data must be readable by the Government's computers running the

Microsoft Windows XP operating system (or a future upgraded system should one occur during the life of the contract). No adjustments will be made due to program errors that result in data errors or loss of data.

1.4 DATA COLLECTION SPECIFICATIONS

This section describes, in detail, the fields to be completed for each data collection screen or form.

Data collection is per CSE Quick Plot Protocols.

A. SETTING DATA

A setting is normally a stand in which the stand exam is being done. Following is a list of data fields required for each setting, their source and their default value (if one exists).

Field Name Requirement Data Source Default Value

Project Name Required Government OG_Exams

Proclaimed Region Required Government 01

Proclaimed National Forest Required Government 04

District Required Government 01 or 03

Location Required Government

Stand Number Required Government

Date Required Contractor

Examination Level Required Government

Exam Purpose Required Government SE

Existing Vegetation Composition

Type*

Optional Contractor

Potential Vegetation Reference Required Government 110

Potential Vegetation Required Contractor

Structure* Optional Contractor

Capable Growing Area Required Contractor

Elevation Required Contractor

Aspect Required Contractor

Slope Required Contractor

Acres Required Contractor

Examiner Required Contractor

Precision Protocol Required Government CSE_Q

* Individual projects may specify these fields be recorded, otherwise they are not required.

Many of these fields exist on the Common Stand Exam Cover Sheet as well as the Setting Data entry screen in the exams software. Both forms must be filled out completely. Detailed information and lists of valid codes for each data field are found in the R1-CSE Handbook section 9 and Appendices.

B. SAMPLE DESIGN DATA

The Sample Design describes the methods in which plots are taken and data is sampled. It is the most important screen of the data entry process; an error on the Sample Design screen will cause ALL stand data to be incorrect when loaded into the FSVeg Database. Valid Sample Designs are provided by the government; See Appendix A. It is important to fill the Sample Design screen carefully with the values provided in Appendix A.

C. PLOT DATA

The following items are required to be recorded for each plot. The Exams software will automatically number the plots; the Contractor must insure that plot numbers match the actual plot locations on the stand contour map.

Field Name Requirement Data Source

Latitude (DD/mm’/ss.s”) Required Contractor

Longitude (DD/mm’/ss.s”) Required Contractor

Capable Growing Area Required Contractor

Aspect Required Contractor

Slope Required Contractor

Potential Vegetation Required Contractor

Plot Remarks Not Required Contractor

Detailed information and lists of valid codes for each data item are found in the R1-CSE Handbook section 4 and Appendices.

D. TREE DATA

Begin recording standing tree data at azimuth 0o progressing in a clockwise direction around plot center. A standing tree is one with a lean angle somewhere between standing vertical and 45o trees leaning more than 45o from the vertical will be considered down.

Trees shall be recorded in the following order:

1. Variable radius subplot

2. Fixed radius subplot

The Exams software will automatically fill in the plot number and tree number for each line of data.

Tree Status All trees Contractor

Site/Growth Tree All trees Contractor

Species All trees Contractor

Tree Count All trees Contractor

DBH All trees > 4.5’ tall Contractor

Height Trees < 3.0” DBH and broken top trees Contractor

Radial Growth 1 Growth Sample Trees >5” DBH Contractor

Age Growth Sample Trees >5” DBH Contractor

Crown Ratio All live trees Contractor

Snag Decay Class All standing dead trees Contractor

Tree Damage Category All live damaged trees Contractor

Tree Damage Agent All live damaged trees Contractor

Tree Damage Severity All live damaged trees Contractor

Tree Remarks Optional for all trees Contractor

Detailed information and lists of valid codes for each data field can be found in the R1-CSE

Handbook section 10 and Appendices, except as noted below.

Growth Sample Trees (GST):

Record a “G” for GST trees with a recorded radial growth and age. Site Trees are not required.

Radial growth and age must be recorded for all GST trees. (On some data platforms, “G” is not a valid entry for this field. In this situation, “S” may be used)

A GST tree is the first live standing tree of each species encountered on each plot in each of the following diameter classes, moving clockwise from 0 azimuth. In addition, if not already tallied as the first tree of its size class, the largest tree of each species on each plot is also a GST tree.

GST Diameter Classes

5.0-14.99 inches

15.0-24.9 inches

25.0+ inches

Largest Tree

Boring of trees for age shall be in compliance with the R1-CSE Handbook, Appendix O. In the case of extensive rot preventing the Contractor from reaching the center of the tree, estimate total age as outlined in the R1-CSE Handbook, Appendix O. Record the estimated age in the standard field. In the Remarks field for that tree, record AE1 followed by the measured age and length of measureable core actually bored. (For example, “AE1 87@13”)

Tree Count:

For live trees < 3.0” DBH, group by species within the following height classes:

Height Classes for Trees < 3” DBH

.5-4.4 feet tall

4.5 -12.0 feet tall

13+ feet tall

For live trees 3.0 to 4.9 inch DBH, group by species and record the diameter and crown ratio of an average member of the group.

For dead trees 3.0 to 4.9 inch DBH, group by species and record the diameter and decay class of an average member of the group. Dead trees smaller than 3.0 inch DBH are not recorded.

Trees (live and dead) larger than 4.9 inch DBH are not grouped. Each tree is recorded on a separate data line.

DBH:

In addition to the procedures for limiting distance of borderline trees in Common Stand Exam Field

Guide for Region 1, Appendix K, record the limiting distance measurement to the nearest 0.1 feet along with the word limit in the tree remarks column.

Tree Damage Category, Agent, and Severity:

Unless otherwise noted in order to meet specific data needs specific to a project, the following minimum required data shall be collected:

Bark Beetles (Category 11)- If tree damage severity is 3 or greater, record this damage category, damage agent, and damage severity. It is acceptable to use the General agent code (000).

Defoliators (Category 12)- If tree damage severity is 4 or greater, record this damage category, Root Disease (Category 21)- If tree damage severity is 3 or greater, record this damage category, Stem Decays (Category 22)- If tree damage severity is 4 or greater, record this damage category, damage agent, and damage severity. Damage agent codes 000 through 003 shall be used.

White Pine Blister Rust (Category 26)- If tree damage severity is 2 or greater, record this damage category, damage agent, and damage severity. The agent code for White Pine Blister Rust is 001.

Broken Top (Category 99/Agent 001)- If tree damage severity is 25% or greater, record this damage category, damage agent, and damage severity. Note also that a tree height must be recorded when this damage category is used.

Dead Top (Category 99/ Agent 002)- If tree damage severity is 25% or greater, record this damage category, damage agent, and damage severity.

E. VEGETATION COMPOSITION DATA

This form is used to collect ocular estimates of height layering, cover, and maturity of trees, shrubs, forbs, and grass species within a fixed radius plot.

Field Name Requirement Source

Total Vegetation All recorded species Contractor

Canopy Cover by Lifeform All recorded species Contractor

Canopy Cover by Lifeform by Layer All recorded species Contractor

Remarks All recorded species Contractor

Detailed information and lists of valid codes for each data field are found in the R1-CSE Handbook section 6.4 and Appendices.

F. GROUND SURFACE COVER DATA

Assess and record the estimated ground cover at the soil surface plane for each ground cover type within the fixed radius plot. Cover is defined as that portion of the horizontal surface layer intersected by the ground surface features. Total ground surface cover of all features must equal 100%. Foliar canopy cover above the soil surface plane is not considered ground surface cover. (In other words, the measurement has no height…only those things directly in contact with the soil surface, from above or below, and the soil itself, are counted.)

Field Name Requirement Source

Ground Surface Cover Type All recorded cover types Contractor

Ground Surface Cover Percent All recorded cover types Contractor

Remarks Optional Contractor section 6.6 and appendices.

G. DOWN WOODY MATERIAL DATA

Down Woody Materials (DWM) are simply dead tree parts or downed pieces of wood and brush that have fallen and lie on the ground or are suspended above it. DWM includes downed, dead tree and shrub boles, limbs, and other woody pieces that are disconnected from their original source of growth or are uprooted and no longer self supported by their roots. It also includes non-machine processed roundwood such as fence posts and cabin logs.

DWM does NOT include:

-Standing dead trees and shrubs self supported by their roots.

-Vegetation showing any signs of life. Dead limbs within living trees or brush are not DWM.

-Stumps that are rooted in the ground.

-Dead foliage, bark, or other non-woody pieces that are not an integral part of a bole or limb. Bark attached to a piece of wood is an integral part of that piece.

-Roots or main bole below the root collar.

-Manufactured wood products such as lumber or furniture.

First Duff Required Contractor

Second Duff Required Contractor

Fuel Depth Required Contractor

Twig 1 (0-.24”) Required Contractor

Twig 2 (.25-.99”) Required Contractor

Twig 3 (1.0-2.99”) Required Contractor

Piece Count (>3” diameter) Required Contractor

Decay Class (>3” diameter) Required Contractor

Diameter (>3” diameter) Required Contractor

Piece Length (>3” diameter) Required Contractor section 7 and Appendices.

H. DATA FORMAT

Detailed information for the use of ExamsPC/Exams data entry software can be found in the R1-CSE

Handbook section 12 and Appendices.

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

2.1 CONTRACTOR QUALITY CONTROL PLAN

The Contractor shall provide a Quality Control Plan (QCP) only after award of contract. The Contractor shall supplement the QCP within 10 days of contract award 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 monitoring of quality while work is in progress and an unbiased sample of plots to determine actual quality percentage.

Plot Inspections: The Contractor shall maintain an inspection system that provides an unbiased sample of

CSE plot quality and represents the entire work force. A minimum of 10% of the installed plots shall be sampled within each inspection block. The Government may observe or re-inspect the Contractor’s plots at any time.

The Contractor shall provide written inspection data and electronic GPS inspection data by plot that meets contract requirements, if requested by the Government.

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. All records shall be signed and dated by the person who conducted the inspection.

2.2 QUALITY ASSURANCE INSPECTIONS

(a) The Government will perform periodic review and the Contractor’s Quality Control Procedures, Plan, Inspection Reports, and customer comments.

(b) Quality Assurance Inspections will be made by random sampling or entire inspection of the work, and follow up of customer comments. When validating customer comments, the possible cause of unacceptable performance will be determined. If any Government action or lack of action was the cause, the complaint is not valid and deficiencies shall not be counted against the Contractor.

(c) Periodic means one review each month, but may be done more frequently if necessary.

(d) Work that does not meet the contract requirements will be brought to the Contractor’s attention.

Repetitive or continuous failure to meet contract requirements may result in a quality adjustment to payment or the contractor’s right to proceed may be terminated.

2.3 GOVERNMENT INSPECTION PROCEDURES

An inspection block, as established by the Government, will contain a minimum of 50 plots and a maximum of 100 plots. The final inspection block may be smaller by necessity. Contractor may deviate from these numbers at the COR’s approval. No partial stands will be accepted. The Contractor shall submit stands in designated blocks with respective data sheets, maps, and electronic data.

A. Compliance Inspection

The COR will, by formal review, determine if the specified progress and methods of work are being carried out. Failure to comply with specified work standards may be cause for termination of the

Contractor’s right to proceed.

B. Inspection of Work

The Government will inspect the stand examinations to determine compliance with contract specifications and to provide a basis for payment. The Contractor shall submit completed stand information within seven (7) days after completion of each block to the COR.

Completed work, consisting of any required paper forms, maps, and electronic data, will be turned in for inspection in blocks. Field inspections will be made from the electronic data submitted. Inspection will only be made on completed stands. Within each block, at least 10% of the plots will be selected for inspection to determine if the prescribed work standards have been met. This will constitute the minimum sample plot inspection for determining satisfactory performance. Pass-fail inspection for compliance to other work standards and procedures shall be performed on all blocks.

The Government will make the initial inspection of each block of completed stands without cost to the

Contractor. Any re-inspection required due to the Contractor reworking a block will be at the

Contractor’s expense. Re-inspection charges may include, but are not limited to: inspector’s wages for travel time to and from work site; inspector’s wages to re-inspect; per diem costs (meals, lodging, field costs); COR wages; vehicle use rate and mileage.

All data submitted for inspection or payment that have omissions or exceed the tolerances allowed for the required fields will be returned to the Contractor for completion or rework. All hand written forms shall be turned in with their respective stands in an inspection block. All entries must be legible. Any missing, non-legible, or non-applicable entries shall be counted as discrepancies.

The Contractor’s electronic data shall load successfully into FSVeg or it shall be returned for rework.

The COR will record the global position of the plot during field inspection. A GPS receiver capable of measuring in “3D” status will be used, and coordinates will be gathered for a minimum of 4 minutes.

This coordinate will be used to evaluate the field inspected plot using the tolerances specified in

Appendix C.

The Government is not responsible for GPS down time due to Contractor negligence or satellite disturbances. No Suspend Work Order will be issued, contract time will run during these periods.

C. Determination of Acceptable Work An inspection, as stated above, will be performed by the Government for evaluation of contract specification compliance. The following will be used for determination of acceptable or unacceptable work.

1. Pass-Fail check of specified standards and procedures for each inspection block.

Site examinations deficient in the following specifications are unacceptable on a “pass-fail” basis and will be returned to the Contractor with the entire block for rework. The determination of noncompliance with these items may be made during the office edit or during field inspection.

a. All completed forms and electronic data not submitted to the Forest Service in a timely manner after Contractor completion.

b. Electronic data that cannot be read by Government computers.

c. Any plot center located outside of tolerance, or within one chain of stand boundaries.

d. Stands having less than the prescribed number of sample plots examined.

e. Any sample plot center which cannot be located because of improper plot center labeling or because of improper GPS reference, or for any other reason attributable to noncompliance with specifications.

f. Any data with inaccurate stand location and stand number data.

g. Any plot having a missed live tree over breakpoint DBH.

h. Any plot that includes a live tree over breakpoint DBH that should not have been in the plot.

i. Any plot with discrepancy between live and dead tree classifications.

j. Any stand with an incorrect BAF.

k. Any plot having incorrectly identified tree species over breakpoint DBH.

l. Any stand-level habitat type being incorrect beyond a discrepancy in phase.

2. Discrepancy Trend

If during inspection of selected plots or review of submitted data, the Government determines a similar discrepancy is occurring in the information being recorded by the Contractor, the COR shall notify the

Contractor of the findings. If the same trend continues in the future inspections, the block(s) will be returned for rework.

In addition, if the COR notices a discrepancy trend developing while inspecting plots on the ground, they may visit plots not selected in the random sample, to inspect the field(s) in question. These plots will be used to determine if a discrepancy trend exists, not for payment purposes. The COR will notify the Contractor of the findings. If the same trend continues in the future inspections, the block(s) will be returned for rework.

If an individual or crew repeatedly installs plots in the wrong location or makes inaccurate measurements or observations (e.g., missed heights, diameters, etc.), over two inspections, the COR may notify the Contractor and require the Contractor to replace the individual or crew.

3. Partial Payment Based on Discrepancy

See Page 21 for partial payment schedule based on discrepancies per data line.

D. Rework of Unacceptable Work The Government reserves the right to require unacceptable blocks, as determined under Section C, Determination of Acceptable Work, to be reworked. Upon written notification by the COR that a block is unacceptable, the Contractor may be required to complete and submit a rework before beginning another block of work.

1. Correction of Errors:

a. Pass-fail failures require correction of errors throughout the block.

b. All plots in the inspection block will be returned to the Contractor when the block is determined to be unacceptable. The Contractor is required to rework all of the plots in the inspection block. The

Contractor shall pay the actual costs incurred by the Government for any re-inspection.

c. At the Government’s option, on those inspection blocks reworked by the Contractor, a different colored ribbon shall be tied at each plot center. The COR shall specify the color of the ribbon.

Each time a block is reworked, a different colored ribbon shall be used.

d. For acceptable blocks resulting in less than 100% payment, the contractor may elect to re-work the block or accept reduced payment. The re-inspection will be at the Contractor’s expense.

e. The Government is not required to provide more than two (2) re-inspections on any single inspection block. Results of last re-inspection will supercede any prior inspection results for determining acceptability and payment. Failure to pass inspection may result in contract default.

f. Trend error failures require rework of all items identified as having an error trend.

E. DEMONSTRATION OF INSPECTION PROCEDURES

At the Contractor’s request the Government may provide one free inspection to demonstrate inspection procedures. This inspection shall be performed on the first stand the Contractor works.

F. RE-INSPECTION UPON CONTRACTOR REQUEST

If the Contracting Officer’s Representatives original inspection results are unacceptable to the

Contractor, the Contractor has the option to request, in writing, a re-inspection. Requests for re-inspection shall be made within 5 calendar days of receipt of initial inspection results. A complete re-inspection of the original inspected plot(s) will be made. The Contactor may accompany the COR during the re-inspection.

If re-inspection does not result in additional payment for the Contractor, the Contractor must pay for the re-inspection. Re-inspection for resubmitted units will be done in accordance with the original inspection procedures.

Results of this re-inspection will supersede the original inspection for determining acceptability and payment.

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

3.1 CONTRACT PERIOD AND RENEWAL OPTIONS

The contract period shall extend for one calendar year from the date of award. However, at the option of the Government, the contract may be renewed for additional one year periods, not to exceed two renewal periods, providing the Contracting Officer serves notice of renewal at least 60 days prior to contract expiration.

3.2 PERFORMANCE PERIOD

The Contractor shall be required to: (a) Commence work on this contract within 10 calendar days after the date the Contractor receives the notice to proceed. (b) prosecute the work diligently, and (c) complete the entire work ready for use within the following:

It is estimated that adverse weather and/or road conditions may prevent access to the work sites or performance to specifications. Access could potentially be affected during the period of November 1st to June 1st. Conditions suitable to accurately identify Forest habitat Type indicator species may be affected from November 1st to April 1st. When such conditions make work impracticable, and upon written request of the Contractor, the CO may authorize a total shutdown, with no charge against time, until the COR determines work can resume.

The time stated for completion shall include the final cleanup of premises.

The Contractor shall maintain the rate of progress specified in the Contractor’s Work Plan and schedule.

The minimum acceptable rate of progress shall occur when the percent of work completed falls within

10 percent of the time used.

Multiple awards of items shall not change the required performance period for each item. If multiple awards are awarded to one offeror, the respective times shall run concurrently, not consecutively.

Work may be performed on each item in succession, provided the required rate of progress is maintained.

3.3 AGAR 452.211-75 Effective Period of Contract (FEB 1988)

The effective period of this contract is from date of Notice to Proceed through December 2017.

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

4.1 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

The Government will deliver to the Contractor the following listed materials, supplies, property, or services for use in the performance of this contract, hereafter referred to as the Government Furnished

Property, at the places and times specified below. This property shall be used and maintained by the

Contractor in accordance with the provisions of the “Government Property” FAR clause in this contract.

Item Description Where, When, How

1. Project Area Map Small scale map depicting all stand locations and road systems for the project area.

Provided at prework or as attachment.

2. Stand List Table showing individual stand information.

Provided at prework or as attachment.

3. Stand Maps Individual maps with stand boundary delineations.

Provided at prework meeting.

4. National Forest Map Provides travel route and road closure information.

Provided at prework meeting.

5. R-1 Common Stand Exam

Field Guide

Field Instruction Handbook for conducting Common Stand Exams.

Provided at prework meeting.

6. Field Guide to Plants of

Northern Idaho, GTR-INT-180.

Field guide to plant identification, 1 copies.

Provided at prework meeting.

7. Field Guide to Disease and

Insect Pests of Idaho and

Montana Forests by Susan K

Hagle, Scott Tunnock, Kenneth

E. Gibson, and Carma J.

Gilligan (1987).

Field guide to insect and disease classification, 1 copies.

Provided at prework meeting.

8. Forest Habitat Types of

Northern Idaho: A Second

Approximation.

Field guide to habitat type identification, 1 copies.

Provided at prework meeting.

9. ExamsPC and ExamsCE software and instructions.

Data entry software. Provided at prework meeting.

10. Copies of aerial photographs or computer generated aerial imagery.

Photography with stand numbers and stand boundaries identified.

Provided at prework meeting.

11. Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants and Forest

Species of Concern by Rare

Plant Habitat Guild (Oct 2004).

Rare plant identification guide for

North, South, and Central zones of the

IPNFs.

Provided at prework meeting.

12. All forms needed for exams.

Appropriate data collection forms. Provided at prework meeting.

13. Project Area Vicinity Maps Large scale map depicting all stand locations and primary travel routes for the project areas.

Provided at prework meeting.

All maps, overlays, and unused Government Furnished Property shall be returned to the Government upon completion of the contract. Aerial photographs must be given exceptional care and returned in essentially the same condition as delivered. Failure to do so may result in charges for damage or replacement.

4.2 MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT

A. Method of Measurement

The unit of measure and payment will be the plot as described herein. The quantity of plots completed satisfactorily will be processed for payment in accordance with the payment rate provisions herein based on the unit price bid.

B. Method of Payment

No payment will be made for unacceptable blocks. After notification of unacceptable blocks, the

Contractor shall not begin work on other plots until the unacceptable inspection block(s) have been reworked.

Payment will be based on the results of the field inspection. Each inspection block will be accepted for payment, returned for rework, or rejected based on the results of the field inspection on the selected plots in the block, along with an assessment of “Pass-Fail” criteria outlined in Section E-4, Part C, above. Inspection and payment will be made only on completed stands.

All electronic data will be treated as original field data and will be inspected as such.

Field inspected stands averaging 1 or more discrepancy per data line on inspected plots will not receive payment and will be returned to the Contractor for rework of all plots. Contractor will be assessed Government cost of re-inspection.

The following schedule will be used to calculate payment on submitted blocks.

Discrepancies/ Lines of Data % Payment

< .33 100% Payment

.34 to .67 85% Payment

.68-1.0 70% Payment

>1.0 0% Payment- Block is unacceptable and will be returned for rework.

The average number of discrepancies per data line across all inspected stands in a block will be the basis for payment

For purposes of calculating payment, the following schedule shall apply:

Setting Data: The first plot inspected in a stand shall have the appropriate Setting Data information

(from the narrative write-up sheet) inspected as well, and any errors found within the Setting form shall count as discrepancies against the total number of data lines in that inspection. Incorrect stand numbers or stand habitat types (excepting phase) are fatal errors.

Plot Data: Each line of Plot Data shall count as one (1) line of data. An error in plot level habitat type shall count as two (2) errors.

Tree Data: Each fixed radius subplot line of tree data, and each live tree on a variable plot shall count as one (1) line of data; every two (2) lines of variable plot dead tree data shall count as one line of data. All damage codes pertaining to a tree or group of trees shall be considered part of the “line of data” for that tree, regardless of data entry form/screen formatting.

Vegetation Composition Data: Every two (2) lines of vegetation data shall count as one (1) line of data.

Ground Surface Cover Data: Every two (2) lines of ground surface cover data shall count as one (1) line of data.

Down Woody Material: Every one (1) line of down woody material data shall count as one (1) line of data.

In lieu of reduced payment on acceptable work with discrepancies, the Contractor may elect to rework the plots in the reduced payment block. The Contractor will be charged with re-inspection costs.

Plots selected for field inspection will be checked for accuracy with latitude and longitude coordinates.

If the coordinates are not within the stated tolerances, all plots in the inspection block will be returned for rework. Following rework, an additional inspection is required. The Contractor shall pay for the actual Government costs of re-inspection.

An inspection block is considered complete when all work has been inspected and accepted for payment.

Partial payment may be made for the completed and accepted work as determined by the CO.

Acceptance of the work will be determined by an inspection of the area and will be based on adherence to work specifications.

D. Deductions

Replacement cost for any lost, damaged, or unreturned Government property will be deducted from the

Contractor’s final payment at the following rates.

-- Field Guide to Disease and Insect Pests, $15.00 each.

--Field Guide to Forest Plants of Northern Idaho, $20.00 each.

--Forest Habitat Types of Northern Idaho, $20.00 each.

--Common Stand Exam field guide for Region 1, $20.00 each.

--Aerial Photograph, $20.00 each.

--Forest Service “Yale” lock key, $100.00 each.

SAFETY AND WORKSITE CONDITIONS

5.1 CAMPING AND WORKSITE CONDITIONS. The Contractor shall obtain a camping permit from the…