Soliciation.doc

SERVICE RFQ

SOL NO: AG-03J1-S-09-0011

UNIT: Kootenai National Forest / Fortine Ranger District

PROJ NAME: Hand Tree Thinning

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

PAGE OF PAGES

AND/OR DMS REG. 1

USDA Forest Service Idaho / Montana Acquisition Team 3815 Schreiber Way Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815 See Section F

FOB DESTINATION

Wendy Stephenson, CO Christie Ferruzzi, Technical 765-7468 882-4451

a. NAME OF CONSIGNEE

8. TO:

July 2, 2009 4:30 p.m., PDT submission of this quotation or to contract for supplies or services. Supplies are of domestic origin unless otherwise indicated by quoter. Any representations and/or certifications attached to this Request for Quotations must be completed by the quoter.

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

PRECOMMERCIAL THINNING

Fortine Ranger District

Furnishing Quotation: Complete the short package of this Request for Quotations as your quote. It contains the Standard Form 18, through Page 11. Return your offer to the address shown in Block 5A.

DUNS #

TIN #

NAICS Code: 115310

Support Activities for Forestry

Size Std. : $7 million

12. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

are not attached.

c. COUNTY

AREA CODE

NSN 7540-01-152-8084

Previous edition not usable

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

SECTION B--SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

Precommercial Thinning

Fortine Ranger District

Kootenai National Forest

Lincoln County, Montana

B-1 - SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

All items, or a combination of the following items, may be awarded depending on prices received and funding available at the time of award:

NOTE:

Item # 1, western white pine (WWP) shall be daylight thinned and pruned in a 24 acre block as marked on the stand map and as specified in the stand prescription.

In Items 2 and 3, whitebark pine (WBP) and WWP shall be daylight thinned and pruned by covering the whole stand and using the specifications (in the stand prescriptions). This will result in only 20% of the stand acres of each stand being thinned for compliance with the Lynx Amendment Decision Notice.

In Items 1-3, WBP and WWP occur at a frequency of approximately 3-15 trees per acre (TPA) and are distributed thickly in some areas and may be thin-absent in others. White pine blister rust occurs at a low to moderated rate and minimum (possibly some moderate) amounts of pruning are required.

In Items 4A and 4B, not all the acres are thinnable in lump sum acreages. Lump sum acreages are noted in quantity below with “LS”.

(FY2009)

ITEM # 1: Sunday Western White Pine Thinning and Pruning

Subitem Area

Stand Number Quantity Unit Unit Price Total 1.0

Paul Mountain 34-05-074 24 of 258 Ac.

TOTAL QUOTE ITEM # 1

Ac.

XXXXXXX $_________

(FY2009)

ITEM # 2: Foundation Whitebark Pine Thinning and Pruning Subitem Area

Stand Number Quantity Unit Unit Price Total 2.01

Foundation Cr. A 07-02-061 Ac.

2.02

Foundation Cr. B 07-05-001 Ac.

2.03

Foundation Cr. C 07-05-002 Ac.

2.04

Foundation Cr. D 07-01-006 Ac.

TOTAL QUOTE ITEM # 2

XXXXXXX $_________

(FY2009)

ITEM # 3: Grave Western White Pine Thinning and Pruning

Subitem Area

Stand Number Quantity Unit Unit Price Total

3.01

Grave Cr. A

07-04-013 Ac.

3.02

Grave Cr. B

07-04-014 Ac.

3.03

Grave Cr. C

07-04-015 Ac.

3.04

Grave Cr. D

07-04-068 Ac.

TOTAL QUOTE ITEM # 3

XXXXXXX $_________

(FY2009)

ITEM # 4A: Standard Thinning

Subitem Area

Stand Number Quantity Unit Unit Price Total

4.01

Rattlebone Lake 28-01-057

21 LS

Ac.

4.02

Mullen

31-04-080

Ac.

4.03

Crippled Buggy #3 32-04-034

4 LS

Ac.

4.04

Jumbo #1

34-03-072

Ac.

4.05

Jumbo Bugs #9 34-03-089

Ac.

4.06

Beaver #19

36-05-065

Ac.

TOTAL QUOTE ITEM # 4A

XXXXXXX $_________

(FY2010)

ITEM # 4B: Standard Thinning (Optional)

Subitem Area

Stand Number Quantity Unit Unit Price Total

4.07

Beaver Tail #9

40-03-036

Ac.

4.08

Beaver Tail #4

40-03-038

Ac.

4.09

Lime Creek A

41-01-045

53 LS

Ac.

4.10

Lime Creek B

41-01-051

25 LS

Ac.

4.11

Magnesia #10

41-03-025

11 LS

Ac.

4.12

Magnesia #11

41-03-026

15 LS

Ac.

4.13

Bald Paul #7

42-02-061

9 LS

Ac.

4.14

Southpaws Bait 42-06-041

31 LS

Ac.

4.15

Fortine Creek

48-02-041

1 LS

Ac.

4.16

Swamp Mtn Pest #4 49-01-060

Ac.

4.17

Swamp Peak #4 49-01-105 (2 Ac) 39

50-05-069 (37 Ac)

4.18

Swamp Ridge #4 49-01-117

Ac.

4.19

Lake OSR #4

50-03-125

17 LS

Ac.

4.20

West Fortine

55-01-057

10 LS

Ac.

TOTAL QUOTE ITEM # 4B

XXXXXXX $_________

B-2 – EVALUATION OF QUOTES / BASIS OF AWARD. Offers will not be accepted for quantities less than those specified for each subitem and must be submitted for all subitems within each item. Award will be by complete Item. Award of all subitems is contingent on available funding and may or may not be awarded.

The Government will issue one or more orders as a result of this Request for Quotations to the responsible quoter whose quote conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government. Award will be made on a Best Value basis considering, but not limited to, such factors as past performance, experience, capability, capacity, price, and overall cost to the Government. The Government may issue an order to other than the lowest quoter, waive minor informalities or irregularities in quotes received, or elect not to award at all. If necessary, the Government may conduct discussions with any or all quoters.

The Experience Questionnaire located on Pages 5 and 6 will be used to evaluate all responsive quotations received. In addition to responding to the Experience Questionnaire, the quoter must submit a Quality Control Plan with their quotation. See Page 24 for further details on what the Quality Control Plan (QCP) must contain.

B-3 – WRITTEN ACCEPTANCE

Any contract resulting from this solicitation will require written acceptance within 10 days of receipt by the Contractor.

EXPERIENCE QUESTIONNAIRE

PRECOMMERCIAL THINNING

FORTINE RANGER DISTRICT

Briefly, but thoroughly address the following questions.

(1) Crop Tree Selection: Describe the experience of your employees, who will be assigned to this project, in performing "crop tree selection" thinning methods. (Include years of experience, experience with pathogens, and other factors relating to this type of thinning.) Also describe your self-inspection system.

(2) Thinning Quality: Describe the self inspection system you will use in this contract to detect and correct deficiencies. Include such factors as frequency, submittal of inspection data to government, and experience of the person performing the inspection.

(3) Current Obligations: List ALL current obligations or contracts which will run concurrent during the life of this contract. Include location, agency or organization, reference individual at agency, and estimated completion dates.

(4) Record of Past Performance: List ALL Precommercial thinning contracts you have had over the past three years. Include the amount of acreage thinned, name, address and phone number of references that can be contacted regarding these contracts.

(5) Progress/Production Schedule: List approximate amount of acres that you anticipate each crew member will complete each day. What crew size will you use on this project?

(6) Site Visit: List those thinning units in this solicitation you have visited and reviewed on the ground.

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

FAR 52.204-8 - ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (FEB 2009)

(a) (1) The North American Industry classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 115310 – Support Activities for Forestry.

(2) The small business size standard is $ 7 million.

(3) The small business size standard for a concern which submits an offer in its own name, other than on a construction or service contract, but which proposes to furnish a product which it did not itself manufacture, is 500 employees.

(b) (1) If the clause at 52.204-7, Central Contractor Registration, is included in this solicitation, paragraph (d) of this provision applies.

(2) If the clause at 52.204-7 is not included in this solicitation, and the offeror is currently registered in CCR, and has completed the ORCA electronically, the offeror may choose to use paragraph (d) of this provision instead of completing the corresponding individual representations and certification in the solicitation. The offeror shall indicate which option applies by checking one of the following boxes:

[ ] (i) Paragraph (d) applies.

[ ] (ii) Paragraph (d) does not apply and the offeror has completed the individual representations and certifications in the solicitation.

(c) (1) The following representations or certifications in ORCA are applicable to this solicitation as indicated:

(i) 52.203-2, Certificate of Independent Price Determination. This provision applies to solicitations when a firm-fixed-price contract or fixed-price contract with economic price adjustment is contemplated, unless—

(A) The acquisition is to be made under the simplified acquisition procedures in Part 13;

(B) The solicitation is a request for technical proposals under two-step sealed bidding procedures; or

(C) The solicitation is for utility services for which rates are set by law or regulation.

(ii) 52.203-11, Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions. This provision applies to solicitations expected to exceed $100,000.

(iii) 52.204-3, Taxpayer Identification. This provision applies to solicitations that do not include the clause at 52.204-7, Central Contractor Registration.

(iv) 52.204-5, Women-Owned Business (Other Than Small Business). This provision applies to solicitations that—

(A) Are not set aside for small business concerns;

(B) Exceed the simplified acquisition threshold; and

(C) Are for contracts that will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas.

(v) 52.209-5, Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters. This provision applies to solicitations where the contract value is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

(vi) 52.214-14, Place of Performance--Sealed Bidding. This provision applies to invitations for bids except those in which the place of performance is specified by the Government.

(vii) 52.215-6, Place of Performance. This provision applies to solicitations unless the place of performance is specified by the Government.

(viii) 52.219-1, Small Business Program Representations (Basic & Alternate I). This provision applies to solicitations when the contract will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas.

(A) The basic provision applies when the solicitations are issued by other than DoD, NASA, and the Coast Guard.

(B) The provision with its Alternate I applies to solicitations issued by DoD, NASA, or the Coast Guard.

(ix) 52.219-2, Equal Low Bids. This provision applies to solicitations when contracting by sealed bidding and the contract will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas.

(x) 52.222-22, Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports. This provision applies to solicitations that include the clause at 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity.

(xi) 52.222-25, Affirmative Action Compliance. This provision applies to solicitations, other than those for construction, when the solicitation includes the clause at 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity.

(xii) 52.222-38, Compliance with Veterans' Employment Reporting Requirements. This provision applies to solicitations when it is anticipated the contract award will exceed the simplified acquisition threshold and the contract is not for acquisition of commercial items.

(xiii) 52.223-1, Biobased Product Certification. This provision applies to solicitations that require the delivery or specify the use of USDA-designated items; or include the clause at 52.223-2, Affirmative Procurement of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts.

(xiv) 52.223-4, Recovered Material Certification. This provision applies to solicitations that are for, or specify the use of, EPA- designated items.

(xv) 52.225-2, Buy American Act Certificate. This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-1.

(xvi) 52.225-4, Buy American Act--Free Trade Agreements--Israeli Trade Act Certificate. (Basic, Alternate I, and Alternate II) This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225- 3.

(A) If the acquisition value is less than $25,000, the basic provision applies.

(B) If the acquisition value is $25,000 or more but is less than $50,000, the provision with its Alternate I applies.

(C) If the acquisition value is $50,000 or more but is less than $67,826, the provision with its Alternate II applies.

(xvii) 52.225-6, Trade Agreements Certificate. This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-5.

(xviii) 52.225-20, Prohibition on Conducting Restricted Business Operations in Sudan--Certification.

(xix) 52.226-2, Historically Black College or University and Minority Institution Representation. This provision applies to—

(A) Solicitations for research, studies, supplies, or services of the type normally acquired from higher educational institutions; and

(B) For DoD, NASA, and Coast Guard acquisitions, solicitations that contain the clause at 52.219-23, Notice of Price Evaluation Adjustment for Small Disadvantaged Business Concerns.

(2) The following certifications are applicable as indicated by the Contracting Officer: None.

----(i) 52.219-19, Small Business Concern Representation for the Small Business Competitiveness Demonstration Program.

------(ii) 52.219-21, Small Business Size Representation for Targeted Industry Categories Under the Small Business Competitiveness Demonstration Program.

------(iii) 52.219-22, Small Disadvantaged Business Status.

------(A) Basic.

------(B) Alternate I.

------(iv) 52.222-18, Certification Regarding Knowledge of Child Labor for Listed End Products.

------(v) 52.222-48, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Act to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment Certification.

------(vi) 52.222-52 Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Act to Contracts for Certain Services--Certification.

------(vii) 52.223-9, with its Alternate I, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA-Designated Products (Alternate I only).

------(viii) 52.223-13, Certification of Toxic Chemical Release Reporting.

------(ix) 52.227-6, Royalty Information.

------ (A) Basic.

------ (B) Alternate I.

------(x) 52.227-15, Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer Software.

(d) The offeror has completed the annual representations and certifications electronically via the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) website at http://orca.bpn.gov . After reviewing the ORCA database information, the offeror verifies by submission of the offer that the representations and certifications currently posted electronically that apply to this solicitation as indicated in paragraph (c) of this provision have been entered or updated within the last 12 months, are current, accurate, complete, and applicable to this solicitation (including the business size standard applicable to the NAICS code referenced for this solicitation), as of the date of this offer and are incorporated in this offer by reference (see FAR 4.1201); except for the changes identified below [offeror to insert changes, identifying change by clause number, title, date]. These amended representation(s) and/or certification(s) are also incorporated in this offer and are current, accurate, and complete as of the date of this offer.

Any changes provided by the offeror are applicable to this solicitation only, and do not result in an update to the representations and certifications posted on ORCA.

FAR 52.219-28 - Post-Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation. (June 2007)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause—

Long-term contract means a contract of more than five years in duration, including options. However, the term does not include contracts that exceed five years in duration because the period of performance has been extended for a cumulative period not to exceed six months under the clause at 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services, or other appropriate authority.

Small business concern means a concern, including its affiliates, that is independently owned and operated, not dominant in the field of operation in which it is bidding on Government contracts, and qualified as a small business under the criteria in 13 CFR part 121 and the size standard in paragraph (c) of this clause.

(b) If the Contractor represented that it was a small business concern prior to award of this contract, the Contractor shall rerepresent its size status according to paragraph (e) of this clause or, if applicable, paragraph (g) of this clause, upon the occurrence of any of the following:

(1) Within 30 days after execution of a novation agreement or within 30 days after modification of the contract to include this clause, if the novation agreement was executed prior to inclusion of this clause in the contract.

(2) Within 30 days after a merger or acquisition that does not require a novation or within 30 days after modification of the contract to include this clause, if the merger or acquisition occurred prior to inclusion of this clause in the contract.

(3) For long-term contracts—

(i) Within 60 to 120 days prior to the end of the fifth year of the contract; and

(ii) Within 60 to 120 days prior to the exercise date specified in the contract for any option thereafter.

(c) The Contractor shall rerepresent its size status in accordance with the size standard in effect at the time of this rerepresentation that corresponds to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code assigned to this contract. The small business size standard corresponding to this NAICS code can be found at http://www.sba.gov/services/contractingopportunities/sizestandardstopics/.

(d) The small business size standard for a Contractor providing a product which it does not manufacture itself, for a contract other than a construction or service contract, is 500 employees.

(e) Except as provided in paragraph (g) of this clause, the Contractor shall make the rerepresentation required by paragraph (b) of this clause by validating or updating all its representations in the Online Representations and Certifications Application and its data in the Central Contractor Registration, as necessary, to ensure they reflect current status. The Contractor shall notify the contracting office by e-mail, or otherwise in writing, that the data have been validated or updated, and provide the date of the validation or update.

(f) If the Contractor represented that it was other than a small business concern prior to award of this contract, the Contractor may, but is not required to, take the actions required by paragraphs (e) or (g) of this clause.

(g) If the Contractor does not have representations and certifications in ORCA, or does not have a representation in ORCA for the NAICS code applicable to this contract, the Contractor is required to complete the following rerepresentation and submit it to the contracting office, along with the contract number and the date on which the rerepresentation was completed:

The Contractor represents that it ( ) is, ( ) is not a small business concern under NAICS Code ______________ assigned to contract number ______________.

[Contractor to sign and date and insert authorized signer’s name and title].

SECTION C--DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

C. 1. INTRODUCTION

C.1.1. Background

The Forest Service is in need of precommercial tree thinning, slash treatment, 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 stands improvement activities on the Kootenai National Forest, Fortine Ranger District. 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 July 1, 2009 to October 15, 2010.

C.1.3. Location and Description is located on the Silvicultural Prescriptions (Exhibit E) and contract maps (Exhibit F).

C.1.3.1 Access. The project areas may be reached by Forest Roads that are accessible by standard two-wheel drive pickup truck equipped for mountain driving during the normal operating season, except as noted below. The Government assumes no obligation to plow snow or do special maintenance to keep roads open.

Fortine Ranger District

For road/gate accesses for each of the bid items, refer to individual stand maps and the travel map for the Rexford and Fortine Ranger Districts, Kootenai National Forest.

Permission can usually be obtained for access after road closure dates at the Murphy Lake Ranger Station except in special wildlife area closures that will require a walk-in. Walk-in units have been identified above.

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. 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.

Contract Time. See Period of Performance.

Crop Tree. 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. An area that is evaluated to determine the appropriate number of leave trees. The Decision area is the same as the plot radium used for inspection (1/50th acre plot = 16.65 feet).

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 of insect or disease damage and/or symptoms.

· 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 specification should have been cut. Excess trees are generally considered a Category B deficiency in the inspection procedure; these are generally correctable.

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

Healthy Conifer. 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 numbers of leave trees within one acre. Generally referred to average leave trees per acre calculated from one or more plot samples.

Number 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 that 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. A 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, failing 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 either be 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:

3.7 Wage Determination

Section J, Exhibit H.

Note: The Government will provide the above item(s) of Government property to the Contractor for use in the performance of this contract. This property shall be used and maintained by the Contractor in accordance with the provisions of the "Government Property" FAR clause contained elsewhere in the contract.

C. 4. CONTRACTOR WORK REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS

C.4.1. General 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; access is to the access point noted on project map. After initial clearing of the access roads by the Government for the show-me trip, 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 on the maps cannot be driven to by vehicle.

C.4.1.3. Locked Gates. In cases where units are behind locked gates, the Contractor will be issued a permit and lock. The Contractor shall close and lock gates (see C.3.5) 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 their 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. Major problems and treatment are described in the silvicultural prescription. In areas with root rot, the leave tree priorities shall be changed putting DF and GF on the bottom of the crop tree priority list. In areas with mistletoe whatever the species of the infected tree, (including trees adjacent to the stand) that species shall be dropped to the lowest priority on the leave tree preference list, for a radius of 66 feet from the infection or the height of the infected tree, whichever is greater. 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.

Western white pine (WWP) and whitebark pine (WBP) without topkill shall be selected as leave trees and daylight thinned to reduce the stocking level and improve the vigor and form of the WBP or WWP, but maintain a mixed conifer stand. To comply with the Lynx Amendment Decision Notice, where WWP or WBP are components of a stand, ≤20% of the stand acres may be thinned when in lynx habitat. Refer to the individual stand Silvicultural Summary Prescriptions for Items 1-3.

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

C.4.2.1 Best Tree in Competitive Area Leave Tree Selection. Leave trees shall be selected from trees that have potential for being a crop tree. The trees having the potential for crop trees are rated in relation to the optimal tree of the same species and age in the Competitive area. The selected leave trees shall be those that have the highest rating in the decision area. The number of leave trees to be left in the decision area will depend on the acceptable stocking density. (Example: 1/50 of the acre decision area will have a range of 7 to 9 trees when the acceptable stocking density is 350-450 trees per acre.) When there is more than one tree rated the highest for its species for species in the decision area, the selection shall be based on the species preference list. Selected leave trees shall have the best form and vigor, be of a species listed in the species preference in the prescription, and be within the acceptable stocking density. The characteristics of desirable leave trees shall determine trees to be cut, but defects are acceptable for a particular leave tree if it is the best selection within a decision area.

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 7 inches 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 of 24 inches 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 at least 1/4 inches in size or 8 inches in length that has green needles attached. Cut trees shall be secured so they do not roll down hill 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. This contract allows for a maximum of 35 missed small trees per acre.

C.4.2.3.4 Stump height shall not exceed 12 inches above the ground level or 4 inches above natural obstacles.

C.4.3. Girdling. Girdling deliberately kills the treated tree, leaving it to become a snag. The Contractor shall select and girdle trees specified in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription. Girdling shall be accomplished by sawing two continuous cuts, approximately three inches apart, around the circumference of each bole, each deep enough to sever the cambium layer of the tree.

C.4.4 Pruning. Pruning is conducted to alleviate white pine blister rust infection on western white pine (WWP) or whitebark pine (WBP). Basal and lower stem cankers are most often the cause of mortality in sapling sized western white Pine. These infections occur when trees are generally < 10 ft tall. Pruning of live branches shall be done to a maximun height of 8 ft or 50% of live crown, whatever is less.

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

C.4.4.2. All limbs, to a height of eight (8) feet or 50% of live crown, whatever is less, shall be cut to within one half inch of the limb collar and all needles originating at the bole shall be removed. Infected branches above this height and within easy reach should also be pruned. Refer to Exhibit E –Pruning Branch Illustration. 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. Pruning shears shall be required.

C.4.5. Release. This activity cuts competing vegetation from around selected crop trees to allow the crop trees room to grow. (There is no release work in this contract.)

C.4.5.1. Trees and brush specified in the prescription shall be cleared from around the selected crop trees for the distance specified in the prescription.

C.4.5.2. 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 10 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. Trees shall be directionally felled away from the stream course. Individual unit requirements are described in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription.

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.

C.4.8.1. Salvage material is available to the Contractor with approval by the Contracting Officer; when other contract work is progressing as scheduled; and removal will be completed prior to expiration of the contract time. Any such material shall become property of the Contractor on a salvage rights basis. Rights to any material not removed from the project prior to expiration of contract time shall revert back to the Government.

C.4.8.2. The Contractor shall provide a general salvage plan with the technical proposal, which addresses the intent to salvage and general conditions. Based on items awarded, the Contractor shall provide a more detailed plan after contract award [task order issuance]. The general plan shall address:

(a) Identification of material to be salvaged and number of loads to be removed.

(b) Name of salvage operator and all employees.

(c) License number and vehicle description of all trucks that will be hauling salvage material.

(d) Approximate date salvage and hauling will be accomplished.

C.4.8.3. Truck tickets may be required for each individual subitem. Tickets will only be issued to identified salvage operators. Salvage shall not commence on any other subitem until truck tickets are all accounted for, from the subitem previously salvaged on.

C.4.9. Reserved.

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 a progress 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 technical proposal. A supplementary plan and schedules will be provided after contract award, but before start of 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.

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. 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 proposal.

C.5.2. 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.

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.

Slash Treatment

C.4.6.

Reserved for additional work item

C.4.9.

Quality Control

C.4.11.

· 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.

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.