2009 Thinning.doc

Precommercial Thinning & Pruning

RFP AG-03J1-S-09-0012

Rexford & Libby Ranger Districts

UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

FORMCHECKBOX

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

8. ADDRESS OFFER TO (If other than Item 7)

Kootenai National Forest

31374 U.S. Highway 2

Libby, MT 59923-3022

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations "offer" and "offeror" mean "bid" and "bidder".

SOLICITATION

(Hour)

(Date)

CAUTION - LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See Section L, Provision No. 52.214-7 or 52.215-1. All offers are subject to all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

NOTE: Item 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the provisions at 52.214-16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period.

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted by the offeror) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item, delivered at the designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amend-ments to the SOLICITATION for offerors and related documents numbered and dated):

15A.

NAME AND ADDRESS

OF OFFEROR

CODE

FACILITY

OFFER (Type or Print)

15B. TELEPHONE NO. (Include area code and extension)

18. OFFER DATE

IS DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE - ENTER

FORMCHECKBOX

SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

AWARD (To be completed by Government)

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

FORMCHECKBOX

10 U.S.C. 2304 (c) (

FORMCHECKBOX

41 U.S.C. 253(c) (

USDA Rural Development Centralized Servicing Center

4300 Goodgellow Blvd. (FC-233), Bldg. 105E St. Louis, MO 63120-1703

JEANNE M. ROBERTSON

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

IMPORTANT - Award will be made on this Form, or on Standard Form 26, or by other authorized official written notice.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

STANDARD FORM 33 (REV.9-97)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.214(c)

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SERVICES AND PRICES

PRECOMMERCIAL THINNING & PRUNING

Kootenai National Forest

Rexford & Libby Ranger Districts

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:

Libby District 2009 Thinning Item# 1 (RAC) (Currently UN-Funded) Subitem Stand Number and Area Quantity Unit Unit Price Total

1.1 Granite Cr. 528-02-120 Ac.

TOTAL ITEM NO. 1 100

Ac.

XXXXXXX

Libby District 2009 Thinning Item# 2

Subitem Stand Number and Area Quantity Unit Unit Price Total

2.1

FDR 552-03-040

Ac.

2.2

FDR 552-03-041

Ac.

2.3

FDR 552-05-029

Ac.

2.4

FDR 552-05-032

Ac.

TOTAL ITEM NO. 2 67

XXXXXXX

Libby District 2009 Thinning Item # 3

Subitem Stand Number and Area Quantity Unit Unit Price Total

3.2 Snell Cr. 574-01-015 Ac.

3.3 Snell Cr. 574-01-036 Ac.

3.4 Snell Cr. 574-01-037 Ac.

3.5 Snell Cr. 574-01-038 & 574-01-003 Ac.

3.6 Snell Cr. 574-01-039 Ac.

TOTAL ITEM NO. 3 125

XXXXXXX

Libby District 2009 Thinning Item # 4 Subitem Stand Number and Area Quantity Unit Unit Price Total

4.0 Smoke Cr. 575-04-004 Ac.

TOTAL ITEM NO. 4 26

Ac.

XXXXXXX

Libby District 2009 Thinning Item # 5 Subitem Stand Number and Area Quantity Unit Unit Price Total

5.1 Backus Cr. 577-07-017 Ac.

5.2 Syrup Cr. 578-02-035 Ac.

5.3 Syrup Cr. 578-02-036 130 Ac.

5.4 Syrup Cr. 578-02-044 Ac.

5.5 Syrup Cr. 578-02-042 Ac.

5.6 Syrup Cr. 578-02-026 Ac.

TOTAL ITEM NO. 5 244

XXXXXXX

Libby District 2009 Thinning Item # 6 (Currently UN-Funded) Subitem Stand Number and Area Quantity Unit Unit Price Total

6.1 Cowell Cr. 540-01-014 Ac.

6.2 Cowell Cr. 540-04-037 Ac.

(Short walk-in <1/4 mile)

6.3 Cowell Cr. 540-04-024 Ac.

(Short walk-in <1/4 mile)

6.4 Cowell Cr. 540-01-044 Ac.

6.5 Cowell Cr. 540-04-019 Ac.

TOTAL ITEM NO. 6 110

XXXXXXX

Libby District 2009 WP Thinning & Pruning (Pruning of 40 to 100 WP per acre) Item # 7 (Subitem 7.2 is Currently UN-Funded) Subitem Stand Number and Area Quantity Unit Unit Price Total

7.1 Bristow Cr. 554-01-024 Ac.

Prune 100 WP per acre

7.2 Bristow Cr. 554-05-099 Ac.

Prune 40-50 WP per acre, walk in ½ mile

7.3 Bristow Cr. 554-05-075 Ac.

TOTAL ITEM NO. 7 95

Ac.

XXXXXXX

Rexford District 2009 Thinning Item # 8 Subitem Stand Number and Area Quantity Unit Unit Price Total

8.1 Young Cr. 02-05-011 1.7 Ac.

8.2 Marias #1 03-01-111 * 47.5 Ac.

8.3 Marias #2 03-01-131 3.0 Ac.

8.4 Dodge Cr. 03-02-032 5.5 Ac.

WP Daylight Thin

TOTAL ITEM NO. 8 57.7

XXXXXXX

Rexford District 2009 Thinning Item # 9 Subitem Stand Number and Area Quantity Unit Unit Price Total

9.1 N. Sullivan 06-03-081 * 6.2 Ac.

9.2 S. Sullivan #1 06-05-102 8.6 Ac.

9.3 S. Sullivan #2 06-05-125 6.7 Ac.

9.4 S. Sullivan #3 06-06-009 4.2 Ac.

9.5 Lower Sullivan 06-06-070 * 2.7 Ac.

9.6 S. Sullivan #4 06-06-081 7.6 Ac.

9.7 S. Sullivan #4a 06-06-81a 9.5 Ac.

9.8 S. Sullivan #5 06-06-082 6.2 Ac.

9.9 Scalp 07-04-090 11.0 Ac.

9.10 Basin Cr. 08-04-029 * 4.8 Ac.

TOTAL ITEM NO. 9 67.5

XXXXXXX

Rexford District 2009 Thinning Item # 10 Subitem Stand Number and Area Quantity Unit Unit Price Total

10.1 Cadette Cr. 18-03-022 Ac.

10.2 Beartrap 18-03-046 Ac.

10.3 Cadette #2 18-03-074 * Ac.

10.4 Cadette #3 18-03-517 Ac.

10.5 Watertrough Draw 19-01-018 Ac.

TOTAL ITEM NO. 10 86

XXXXXXX

Rexford District 2009 Thinning Item # 11 Subitem Stand Number and Area Quantity Unit Unit Price Total

11.1 Sutton Cr. 22-02-061 5.3 Ac.

11.2 Flat Cr. #1 23-03-054 * 2.0 Ac.

11.3 Flat Cr. #2 23-04-092 23.4 Ac.

11.4 Flat Cr. #3 23-04-104 7.3 Ac.

11.5 McGuire 24-04-021 8.4 Ac.

TOTAL ITEM NO. 11 46.4

XXXXXXX

Price

Contractors Records, Data and Reports

* Includes all work items specified in Silvicultural Summary Prescription

NSP - Not separately priced.

B-2 - AWARD DETERMINATION. AWARD WILL BE MADE BY ITEM. 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 of all subitems is contingent on available funding and may or may not be awarded.

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION C - SPECIFICATIONS

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

C.1.2.1. This contract is a Performance Based, Firm-Fixed Price contract.

C.1.2.2. The period of performance will be from approximately June 15, 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.

The road/gate accesses for the bid items are as follows:

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

Item 1.1 - Road 4791 Lower Granite Cr. is open year round;

Item 2.1 – 2.4 - Road 228 FDR Westside Koocanusa is open year round;

Item 3.2 – 3.6 – Roads 5801, 5805, & 5813A are open year round;

Item 4.0 - Road 6732 is open yearlong;

Item 5.1 - Road 4597 is closed with a yearlong restriction and gate;

Item 5.2 - Road 2387 is closed with a yearlong restriction and gate;

Item 5.3 – Road 2387 is closed with a yearlong restriction and gate;

Item 5.4 – Road 2364 is closed with a yearlong restriction and gate;

Item 5.5 – Road 2387 is closed with a yearlong restriction and gate;

Item 5.6 – Road 2387 is closed with a yearlong restriction and gate;

Item 6.1 – 6.4 - Road 866 is closed with a yearlong restriction and gate;

Item 6.5 – Road 5318 is closed with a yearlong restriction and gate;

Item 7.1 – Road 6245 is open year round;

Item 7.2 – Road 4848 is closed with tank trap and will require a ½ mile walk in;

Item 7.3 – Road 4851 is decommissioned, Road 4852 is gated with a yearlong restriction

Item 8.1 & 8.4 – Short walk from open road.

Item 8.2 – Road 7168 is open year round.

Item 8.3 – Road 14081 yearlong restriction, no access before July 1st.

Item 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.6 through 9.9 – Roads 8008, 7329-A/C/D, 7206C, 7180 – yearlong restriction and gate.

Item 9.2, 9.5, 9.10 – Roads 7206, 7329, 337 open year round.

Item 10.1 – Road 7194 is closed with a yearlong restriction and gate.

Item 10.2, 10.5 – Roads 7939, 494 open year round.

Item 10.3, 10.4 – Roads 7194, 7196 – yearlong restriction, no access before July 1st.

Item 11.1, 11.2, 11.4, 11.5 – Roads 7993C, 993, 7998 – yearlong restriction and gate.

Item 11.3 – Road 7993 open year round.

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 encircles the tree trunk for the purpose of killing the tree. See girdling specifications in section C.6.1.

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 G.

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. No motorized access will be allowed behind gates October 15 – Dec 1st unless waived in writing.

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.

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

C.4.2.1.1. 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 8 inches in size 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. Then two more continuous cuts, approximately three inches apart, around the full circumference of the tree severing the cambium, approximately six inches from the first two cuts. The contractor shall then remove the three inch bands with an axe or Pulaski. See the diagram on page 18 (section C Standards) for further description. The contractor may also go with one 8-9” band that is chipped out.

C.4.4. Pruning. Libby District – Subitems 7.1, 7.2, and 7.3 are White Pine pruning units, trying to alleviate White Pine blister rust infection. Basal and lower stem cankers are most often the cause of mortality in sapling sized Western White Pine. Pruning will be required on 40 to 100 WP per acre on each unit. Pruning shall be done to a minimum height of seven (7) feet. The Contractor shall move slash and other obstacles as necessary to achieve proper pruning. There shall be no clearing of slash around the pruned tree. Pruning shears shall be required for subitems 7.1 – 7.3 in order to limit bole damage on these trees (no pruning saws or chainsaws).

Rexford District – Subitems 9.1, 9.5, and 11.2 are White Pine pruning units, trying to alleviate White Pine blister rust infection. Basal and lower stem cankers are most often the cause of mortality in sapling sized Western White Pine. Pruning will be required on 40 to 100 WP per acre on each unit. Pruning shall be done to a minimum height of eight (8) feet (see C.6.). The Contractor shall move slash and other obstacles as necessary to achieve proper pruning. Pruning shears shall be required for these subitems in order to limit bole damage on these trees (no pruning saws or chainsaws).

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

C.4.4.2. Libby District – All limbs, to a height of seven (7) feet, shall be cut to within one inch of the limb collar and needles removed at the bole. Refer to Section C.6. for diagram. Pruned limbs shall be completely severed from the tree.

Rexford District – All limbs, to a height of eight (8) feet, shall be cut to within one inch of the limb collar and needles removed at the bole. Refer to Section C.6. for diagram. Pruned limbs shall be completely severed from the tree.

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

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

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

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

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

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

C.4.6.1. All thinning slash shall be less than 2 feet high, placing it on or near the ground surface. Cut material shall not lean against an uncut tree, stump, log or any obstacle. It shall be secure and not able to roll down the hill.

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

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

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

(1) The area adjacent to cut and fill slopes, and ditches for a distance of 10 feet measured from the upper cut slope and the lower shoulder of the road. Material shall be less than 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. 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 sub-item. 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 sub-item 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. PRUNING REQUIREMENTS

(a) Pruning for ladder fuel reduction. The objective is to remove lower branches from ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, and Douglas fir, prior to under-burning, to reduce ladder fuels and lessen crown scorch of selected trees. The Contractor shall select the trees for pruning based on the Silvicultural Summary Prescriptions (see Section J, Exhibit E).

(b) Pruning for Disease Control: The objective is to remove all limbs up too seven feet in height from the ground on Western white pine. Removal of these limbs reduces the potential for blister rust spores to come in contact low live limbs. Also, by pruning the lower limbs, those infected limbs are severed from the tree and the potential for the tree to reach crop size increases.

(c)Pruning Specifications: Libby District – Prune both live and dead branches of Western White Pine crop trees to a height of 7 feet or 50% of live crown, whichever is less. Branches shall be pruned flush with the branch collar and shall be less than 1 inch or more than 2 inches in length.

Rexford District – Prune both live and dead branches of Western White Pine crop trees to a height of 8 feet or 50% of live crown, whichever is less. Branches shall be pruned flush with the branch collar. Infected branches above this height and within easy reach should also be pruned. All branches shall be removed from upper height down to ground level, watching for those covered by duff/vegetation.

C.6.1 GIRDLING REQUIREMENTS

A. Girdling for Mistletoe Reduction. The objective is to sever the cambium on mature overstory trees to kill them. These trees must be left standing if they are over 12 inches DBH. The girdling of trees heavily infected with dwarf mistletoe will help prevent the mistletoe blight from establishing on younger crop trees. Thinning units with overstory girdling will have it specified in the thinning prescription. Girdling marked (Painted) trees in units that are not being thinned are in item NINE. A girdling diagram is provided the following page. These trees may NOT be salvaged by the contractor.

B.

Branches shall be pruned flush with the branch collar (see arrows). Remove green needles originating at the bole.

Tree Girdling Specifications Diagram

A.

SHAPE \* MERGEFORMAT

C. 7. 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.

Quality meets or exceeds performance standard of 90% when considering girdling specifications seen in section C.6.1 & C.4.3 COR or inspector conduct periodic monitoring of operations and random plots consistent with Thinning Inspection Method described in Section J.

COR or inspector conduct periodic monitoring of operations and random plots (per tree basis). See inspection form in exhibit C and definitions in C.4.3 & C.6.1.

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

· 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.

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

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

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

Pruning

C.4.4.

Release

C.4.5.

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

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

Slash Treatment

C.4.6.

Reserved for additional work item

C.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.

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E. 1. FAR 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

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

FAR 52.246-4

Inspection of Services – Fixed Price (AUG 1996)

E. 2. CONTRACTOR QUALITY CONTROL PLAN

E.2.1. Quality Control Plan. The Contractor shall provide a Quality Control Plan (QCP) with the technical proposal. The Contractor shall supplement the QCP within 10 days of the start of work based on items awarded to the Contractor and Government comments.

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

E.2.2 Plot Inspections. The Contractor shall maintain a plot system that provides an unbiased sample of thinning quality and which represents the entire area treated. Girdling shall be inspected with thinning. The Contractor shall sample at least 1-percent of the treated area, with a minimum of 5 plots per unit/pay item. A 1/50th plot size shall be used during inspection. The Government may observe or re-inspect the Contractor’s plots at any time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Number of plots

E.2.5. Not applicable.

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

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

E.2.7.1. The Contractor’s quality control will be deemed unacceptable when the Contractor fails to provide tree thinning within 5 -percent of the Government’s quality assurance results at the completion of a unit. When the Contractor’s quality control is unacceptable, payment for the unit will be based on the results of the Government’s quality assurance (G.2.1.).

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

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

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

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

FAR 52.242-14

Suspension of Work (APR 1984)

F. 2. DELIVERIES

F.2.1. Contract Performance Time and Required Rate of Progress F.2.2. Contract Time. (See Period of Performance definition). The Contractor shall start work promptly after receipt of a Notice to Proceed. The Contractor shall maintain progress at a rate that will assure completion within the stated contract time. The contract time will generally not exceed a required rate of progress exceeding that determined from the accepted work plan.

The Government will issue a Notice to Proceed as soon as weather and ground conditions are favorable for work on one or more of the areas. Contract time will start (1) on the date specified on the Notice to Proceed, if the notice is hand-delivered; or (2) on the third-day after the post office has issued a Notice of Certified Mail to the Contractor; or (3) when thinning and/or other work commences, whichever is sooner. Failure of the Contractor to pick-up Certified Mail will not be considered excusable.

F.2.3. Unfavorable Conditions. It is estimated that adverse weather and/or road conditions may prevent access to the work sites or performance to specification during the period May 1 to June 30.