s090045_complete_solicitation_pkg.pdf

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION PAGE OF PAGES

(THIS IS NOT AN ORDER) THIS RFQ X IS IS NOT A SMALL BUSINESS SET- ASIDE 1 45

1. REQUEST NO. 2. DATE ISSUED 3. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NO. 4. CERT. FOR NAT.DEF. RATING

AG-03R6-S-09-0045 4/10/2009

UNDER BDSA REG. 2 �

AND/OR DMS REG. 1

5a. ISSUED BY 6. DELIVER BY (Date) USDA – Forest Service Western Montana Acquisition Zone Bldg. 24, Fort Missoula Missoula, MT 59804

See Contract Time

5b. FOR INFORMATION CALL (NO COLLECT CALLS) 7. DELIVERY FOB DESTINATION NAME TELEPHONE NUMBER X OTHER (See Schedule)

AREA CODE NUMBER 9. DESTINATION

Ronald Penrose 406 329-3979 a. NAME OF CONSIGNEE

8. TO: Sec. C - Location & Description

a. NAME b. COMPANY b. STREET ADDRESS

c. STREET ADDRESS c. CITY

d. CITY e. STATE f. ZIP CODE d. STATE e. ZIP CODE

10. PLEASE FURNISH QUOTATIONS TO THE

ISSUING OFFICE IN BLOCK 5a ON OR BEFORE CLOSE OF BUSINESS (Date)

IMPORTANT: This is a request for information, and quotations furnished are not offers. If you are unable to quote, please so indicate on this form and return it to the address in BLOCK 5a.

This request does not commit the Government to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of the

5/11/2009 4:00 pm 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)

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f)

COMMON STAND EXAMINATION

Flathead National Forest Swan Lake & Tally Lake Ranger Districts

Flathead County, Montana

PLEASE PLACE YOUR QUOTE IN SECTION B -

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

Furnishing Quotation: Complete Standard Form 18, Section B, Section K, Experience Questionnaire and Section L as your quote. Return to the address shown in Block 5a. Please place “Solicitation No.

AG-03R6-S-09-0045” on the envelope.

a. 10 CALENDAR DAYS (%) b. 20 CALENDAR DAYS c. 30 CALENDAR DAYS d. CALENDAR DAYS

12. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT � (%) (%) NUMBER PERCENTAGE

NOTE: Additional provisions and representations X are are not attached.

13. NAME AND ADDRESS OF QUOTER 14. SIGNATURE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO 15. DATE OF

a. NAME OF QUOTER SIGN QUOTATION QUOTATION

DUNS No._____________ TIN No._____________________

b. STREET ADDRESS 16. SIGNER

a. NAME (Type or print) b. TELEPHONE

c. COUNTY AREA CODE

d. CITY e. STATE f. ZIP CODE c. TITLE (Type or Print) NUMBER

NSN 7540-01-152-8084

Previous edition not usable

18-121 STANDARD FORM 18 (Rev. 6-95) Prescribed by GSA-FAR (48 CFR) 53.215-1(a)

AG-03R6-S-09-0045

Common Stand Examination/Flathead NF

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES

COMMON STAND EXAMINATION

Flathead National Forest

Swan Lake and Tally Lake Ranger Districts Flathead County, Montana

B- 1 Schedule of Items

General Information: Quotes are solicited from Quoters who have the ability and capacity to provide the necessary management and organization to undertake and successfully complete a project of this size.

2009 Common Stand Exam

Est.

Item No. Description Quantity Unit Unit Price Amount

1. Swan Lake RD 572 Tree Plots with Tree Ages $_________ $_________

2. Tally Lake RD 200 Tree Plots with Tree Ages $_________ $_________

3. Tally Lake RD 108 Tree Plots without Tree Ages $_________ $_________

TOTAL QUOTE (All Items) $______________________

Note: The common stand exam plot includes standard variable radii/fixed radius tree plot, vegetation plot and a down woody transect. Tally Lake will have approximately 200 plots that require tree ages and 108 plots where no tree ages will be needed.

Funding for this project has a fixed amount. Quantity is an estimate for bidding purposes only. The number of plots could be reduced or increased if quotes are higher/lower than anticipated and funds are/are not available to cover the full number of plots.

B- 2 General Description of Stand Exam Units and Cost Categories

Categories: The above Items are in three different project areas; Blacktail Bill, Bug Creek and Martin Creek.

Project Name Location of Project Area

Approx. Acres Examined

Completion Date

Approx. # of Plots

Blacktail Bill Swan Lake Ranger District, Island Unit

766 16 Oct. 2009 165

Bug Creek

Swan Lake Ranger District, east side

Crane Mountain by Swan Lake

1985 16 Oct. 2009 407

Martin Creek

Tally Lake Ranger District, Martin

Creek area, west of Olney, Montana

1712 16 Oct. 2009

200 with tree ages

108 without tree ages

B- 3 Quote on all items. Only quotes to the nearest cent will be accepted.

B- 4 Quote/Submittal

See Section L, Clause L- 2 for quote submittal requirements.

B- 5 Written Acceptance

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

B- 6 Basis of Award

One award will be made. Offer of award will be made to the Quoter(s) whose quote, as determined by the Contracting Officer, provides the best value to the Government, considering but not limited to, such factors as price, and past performance. The Experience Questionnaire will be used as part of this evaluation.

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

C- 1 Introduction

The purpose of this performance-based contract is to provide plot inventory and stand examination data.

It includes locating and establishing plots in timbered stands, measuring and recording plot, tree, vegetation and down woody data, and technically writing a stand summary of observations and characteristics. This stand examination data provides information and statistics for management purposes.

C- 2 Scope of Contract

The scope of this contract is to furnish all labor, tools, equipment, transportation, and incidentals necessary to do statistically sound timber stand examinations. The work performed and the data collected shall be in compliance with the terms, specifications, conditions and provisions of this solicitation and the Common Stand Exam Field Guide for Region 1, R1 March 2009, or the most current version of this manual prior to data collection, hereafter referred to as Common Stand Exam Field Guide for R1 available at www.fs.fed.us/emc/nris/products/fsveg/index.shtml. (R1 Field Guide is located under the heading Common Stand Exam Field Guides.) Collected data shall be submitted in electronic format.

Data will be collected using EXAMS software on the Allegro Personal data recorder (PDR). The Contractor’s electronic data generated from the EXAMS software shall successfully transmit to the U.S.F.S. FSVEG System using the IBM computer equipment at the Swan Lake Ranger District and the Tally Lake Ranger District as arranged with the COR.

Plot locations shall have a GPS reading recorded for each plot. The Contractor shall submit with each pay unit a GPS acquired data in a waypoint (.wpt) file format with corresponding hard copy of the way (.wpt) file.

C- 3 Location and Description

(a) Project Location. The project is located on the Swan Lake and Tally Lake Ranger Districts of the Flathead National Forest with headquarters at 650 Wolfpack Way, Kalispell, Montana. Project work area locations can be found on the attached vicinity maps. See Exhibit A.

Plot locations are on a 1:15,840 scale topographic map as dot grid points (Exhibit B). Plot navigation coordinates will be provided for each plot by the Government. Photo delineations and topographic stand maps define stand boundaries and should be used together to determine the best starting points for pacing azimuths to plot centers. Contractor will be provided with a 4-inch to the mile black and white photo quad that has stand and topographic layers on a 8 ½ x 11 field sheet.

(b) Accessibility. Forest roads may access the project area during the normal operating season. The Forest Service assumes no obligation to plow snow or do special maintenance to keep roads open.

Individual stands are accessible by some combination of 2- or 4-wheel drive vehicle, mountain bicycle, or foot travel. Some roads that were closed seasonally in the past may be closed year round.

The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining all necessary permission to gain access to stand locations through privately owned land. Most private land boundaries are blazed or flagged. If the http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/nris/products/fsveg/index.shtml

Contractor cannot obtain permission to access a stand location, the Contractor must notify the Government COR within 5-calendar days of denied access.

Accessibility may be determined from 2005 NAIP Imagery and maps furnished by the Government.

Contractor shall be responsible for adhering to the U.S. Forest Service travel management plans on the Swan Lake and Tally Lake Ranger Districts. The Ranger District Road Access Maps give specific road closure dates and locations. Authorization for use of access roads behind gates will be granted on Swan Lake (Island Unit, Blacktail Bill Project) and Tally Lake Ranger Districts as coordinated with COR. On Swan Lake Ranger District, vehicle access behind Red Gated Roads (three gates, located in the Bug Creek Project area) will be limited to three trips per week behind gates effected by Red Gated Road as coordinated by COR. There are approximately 110 plots that may need to be accessed by these roads, (approximately 40 plots can be accessed by vehicle and 70 by a combination of vehicle, bike and/or on foot). A key or a double lock system shall be provided to the Contractor for roads approved by the District Rangers for limited motorized access. The Contractor will be responsible to ensure that the gates remain closed and locked at all times.

The District Rangers will assess camping behind locked gates on a case-by-case basis. Contractor shall provide camping plans in writing, within 5-calender days prior to the camping date, specifying exact time and dates of use behind locked gates. No access to Contractor or employees will be allowed behind locked gates after completion of daily work. No motorized access will be allowed behind closed gates during the general rifle hunting season which opens October 26, 2009. Contractor shall adjust work schedule to take the closure time into consideration. No Suspend Work Orders will be issued, and contract time will run during this period. Any misuse of gates may constitute loss of privileges.

C- 4 Definitions

Calender Days. Every day shown on the calender, Sundays and holidays included.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The onsite 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.

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

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 plot location, access to stands, or vehicle travel. Refer to the specifications for required practices.

Definitions that refer to data element and attributes for collecting Common Stand Exam data are found in the Common Stand Exam Field Guide for R1.

(a) Acronyms.

CO Contracting Officer COR Contracting Officer’s Representative CSE Common Stand Exam DBH Diameter at Breast Height FAR Federal Acquisition Regulations QCP Quality Control Plan

C- 5 Government Furnished Materials and Services

The Government will provide the Contractor the following listed materials, supplies, property or services, for use in the performance of this contract, hereinafter referred to as Government-furnished Property.

This property shall be used and maintained by the Contractor in accordance with the provisions of the “Government Property” FAR clause, (Reference Clause 52.245-1).

Item Description Where, When, How Project Area Map Map depicting stand boundaries, numbers, and roads on a 2.64 inch/mile topographic base.

Provided in Section J - Exhibit A (Vicinity Maps). A larger map will be provided at the Prework Meeting.

Individual Work Maps Map with stand boundary delineations, plot locations and stand numbers on a 4 inch/mile topographic base.

Sample provided in Section J - Exhibit B. Maps will be provided at the Prework Meeting.

Copies of aerial photos or 2005 NAIP Imagery

Photo image of the stands and surroundings.

Provided at the Prework Meeting.

Stand List Stand list showing location/stand number, County, acres and number of plots.

Sample provided in Section J - Exhibit C. Stand list provided at the Prework Meeting.

Plot Navigation Coordinates

Excel spreadsheet with stand number and plot coordinates.

Provided at the Prework Meeting.

ExamPC Software and instructions

Data entry software. This software is downloadable from the following website:

http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/nris/products/fsveg/index.shml

All forms needed for Exams. Cover sheet for Stand Narrative.

Appropriate data collection forms.

Provided at the Prework

Swan Lake and Tally Lake Ranger Districts Maps and Flathead National Forest Map.

Provides road closure information and locations.

One or two sets provided at the Prework Meeting.

http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/nris/products/fsveg/index.shml

Item Description Where, When, How

Common Stand Exam Field Guide for R1

Field size copies of the USDA Forest Service’s R1 Common Stand Exam Field Guides and appendices.

Two to four copies provided at the Prework Meeting.

Forest Habitat Types of Montana

General Technical Report

INT-44

One or two copies provided at the Prework Meeting.

Field Guide to Diseases and Insect Pests of Northern & Central Rocky Mountain Conifers

Insect and Disease identification by Susan K.

Hagle, Scott Tunnock and Kenneth E. Gibson

One or two copies provided at the Prework Meeting.

Sensitive Plant Field Guide, Flathead National Forest

One or two copies provided at the Prework Meeting.

Field Guide to Forest Plants of Northern Idaho

Plant identificaiton guide by Patricia A. Patterson, Kenneth E. Neiman and Jonalea R. Tonn

One or two copies provided at the Prework Meeting.

All Government-furnished items shall be returned to the Government upon completion of the contract.

Failure to do so may result in charges for damages or replacement.

Replacement cost for any lost, damaged or unused Government property that is not returned shall be deducted from the Contractor's final payment as examples listed below.

Field Guide to Diseases and Insect Pests - $15.00 each Field Guide to Forest Plants of Northern Idaho - $20.00 each Sensitive Plant Field Guide, Flathead National Forest - $15.00 each Forest Habitat Types of Montana - $20.00

(a) Services.

(1) At the Contractor’s request, the Government shall provide one free quality assurance assessment to demonstrate procedures. This quality assurance assessment demonstration shall be performed on one plot in the first stand the Contractor works.

(2) At the Contractor’s request, the Government shall spend the first day accompanying the Contractor to review any procedures in question.

(3) At the Contractor’s request, the Government will review the Exams PC data entry software.

Applicable Directives

Directive Section

FSH – 2409.12a Chapter 10 – Field Sampling Procedures

Field Instructions, Stand Examination

Common Stand Exam Field Guide for R1

C- 6 Contractor Work Requirements and Technical Specifications

(a) Scope of Work. Work shall consist of locating, establishing, measuring and recording data for sample plots in accordance with the Common Stand Exam Field Guide for R1. The Contractor shall provide all personnel, materials, services, and facilities necessary for the stand examination project.

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

(1) Each crew must have a crew leader with undergraduate courses in mensuration, tree identification, plant identification, silviculture, and ecology and 3 months prior experience collecting data for Forest inventory or vegetation classification.

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

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

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

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

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

At the prework conference, the Contractor shall submit for the approval of the CO, a written Work Plan specifying the resources (including people, equipment, and other factors) the Contractor shall use, qualifications of crew leaders, as well as the rate of progress the Contractor proposes to achieve. To be acceptable, the plan shall be reasonable in its details and shall meet or exceed the rate of progress shown in (Clause F- 2(b)). Any modification of the plan shall be subject to approval by the CO.

(c) Plot Location.

(1) Plots per Stand. The number of sample plots for each stand has been predetermined. Plots locations have also been predetermined and assigned a GPS coordinate. No fewer plots than the indicated number will be acceptable.

(2) Plot Location. The Contractor shall navigate to plot center using a method that maintains the accuracy standard stated for plot location in accordance with Common Stand Exam Field Guide for R1.

All directions from compass readings shall be corrected for magnetic declination. If azimuths are used, azimuths are to be measured from a topographic work map that has plot locations marked on a dot grid design.

Reference points shall be established from survey markers, roads, lakes, or other reliable surface features.

One reference point for each stand is preferable. Plots from adjacent stands shall not be used as reference points.

(3) Flagging shall be used to facilitate the location of a plot or the relocation of a plot in order to check the original measurement. The flagging color for this contract shall be red or pink glo.

Flagging shall be provided by the Contractor and shall be biodegradable unless otherwise specified by COR. Flagging shall be at least 12 inches long after tying.

(4) The route to plot center shall be marked as follows: (Use “(i)” below for reference points for all stands. Implement “(ii) – (iii)” in absence of a properly functioning GPS. Implement “(iv) – (v)” for all plots that land on specified roads or cross roads or trails.)

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

(ii) Abrupt Changes in Directions - two ribbons at least 5 feet above the ground with azimuth and distance indicated.

(iii) Remainder of Route - single ribbons placed visibly, not to exceed one chain apart.

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

(v) Actual plots location shall be offset 1.5 chains from any road listed on the District Road

Maps. The azimuth and distance to the plot shall then be indicated on flagging and noted on the work map.

(5) Plot Establishment Procedure.

(i) The Contractor shall identify plot center and the end of the Down Woody Material

(DWM) Transect with a wooden stake or sturdy stick that shall extend a minimum of 12 inches above the ground surface. The plot number shall be marked on the flagging with a waterproof marker or grease pencil. The plot center and DWM transect is defined as that point where the wire or the stake enters the ground. This point or plum line extension of this point shall be used for all distance measurements.

(ii) Two pieces of flagging shall be hung adjacent to plot center and shall be at least 5 feet above ground surface and 12 inches long. Write the stand (setting) and plot numbers on flagging with a grease pencil or waterproof marker. In absence of a properly functioning GPS, indicate azimuth and distance to the next plot.

(iii) Plots will be identified numerically on the individual work map. In absence of a properly functioning GPS, the azimuth and distance to each plot shall be written at the bottom of the work map.

(d) Plot Acquisition Procedure Using Global Positioning System (GPS).

(1) The Contractor shall set up the GPS receiver and software as referenced below:

(i) The Contractor shall provide a GPS receiver that has the ability to obtain the stated accuracy standard of ± 15 meters (49.2 feet) in the horizontal dimension.

(ii) All directions from compass observations shall be corrected for magnetic declination.

(iii) All GPS data shall be supplied using the following format:

Map Projection – UTM, Zone 11 Geodetic Datum – NAD83 Coordinate System – Lat/Long

(2) The Contractor shall acquire the coordinates for each plot center in accordance with the following plot acquisition procedure:

(i) The field GPS receiver shall be set to position or record observations to a minimum of four satellites above 15 degrees elevation (also known as “3D” mode).

(ii) GPS navigation files provided by the Government shall start with the letter N followed by the two (2) digit compartment number, two (2) digit sub-compartment number, three (3) digit stand number and a two (2) digit plot number. The Contractor shall use this same naming convention when acquiring and inspecting plot coordinates in the field, but shall change the N at the beginning of the file to a 1 or 8 (for District 1 or 8). All acquired files shall start with the number 1 or 8 and all inspection files shall start with the letter I. See example below.

N240306601 – Navigation coordinate file, provided by the Government, for Stand #24-03-066, Plot # 1.

1240306601 – Acquire coordinate file, provided by the Contractor, for Stand # 24-03-066, Plot # 1.

I240306601 – Inspection coordinate file, provided by the Contractor, for Stand # 24-03-066, Plot # 1.

(iii) Point features are surveyed when the GPS antenna is over plot center for a period of time. During that time, a number of individual GPS position fixes are collected and averaged to give a single location for the point. While acquiring, the GPS receiver must not move as satellite signals are continuously received. The emphasis of this mode is on high accuracy and stability in the position solution.

(iv) For each point feature, the minimum occupation time shall allow for 30 individual position fixes.

(v) In the event the Contractor is not able to obtain satellite coverage, the position fixes shall not be taken. The Contractor shall identify those plots (where coordinates were not acquired) on the stand list.

(vi) A minimum of 1 GPS position per stand at a plot center is required.

(e) Data Collection.

(1) Common Stand Exam (CSE). The Contractor shall measure and record data for each sample plot to complete the Setting Form, Plot Data Form, Tree Data Form, Vegetation Composition Form and Down Woody Material Form in accordance with Common Stand Exam Field Guide for R1. If the contract specifications differ from the Common Stand Exam Field Guide for R1, the contract shall take precedence.

Examination Level will be 2120 for this contract: 2 (Extensive Tree Data), 1 (Vegetation Composition, Lifeform only), 2 (Down-Woody Materials, Browns Protocols) and 0 (Ground Surface not collected).

(2) Setting. The Contractor shall complete one Setting Form for each setting (stand) in accordance with Common Stand Exam Field Guide for R1. An X in the table below indicates required fields that are to be completed by the Contractor. All other fields shall not be collected.

Setting Data Form

Field Number Field Name Extensive Plot Data Source

Number of Plots X Government 1 Project Name X Government 2 Proclaimed Region X Government 3 Proclaimed National Forest X Government 4 District X Government 5 Location X Government 6 Stand Number X Government 7 Ownership X Government 8 State X Government 9 County X Government

10 Administrative Forest X Government 11 Date X Contractor 12 Photo ID Government 13 Examination Level X Government 14 Exam Purpose X Government 15 Stratum 16 Existing Vegetation Cover Type X Contractor 17 Potential Vegetation Reference X Government 18 Potential Vegetation X Contractor 19 Structure X Contractor 20 Capable Growing Area X Contractor 21 Fuel model 22 Elevation X Contractor 23 Aspect X Contractor 24 Slope X Contractor 25 Slope Position X Contractor 26 Acres X Government 27 Radial Growth Interval X Government 29 Height Growth Interval X Government 30 Fuel Photo Reference n/a 31 Precision Protocol X Government 32 Examiner X Contractor 33 Setting Remarks X Contractor 34 Setting Damage Category X Contractor 35 Setting Damage Agent X Contractor 36 Setting Damage Severity X Contractor 37 Species of Management Interest X Contractor 38 Sketch Map and Traverse Notes X Contractor

The Contractor shall select a BAF for each stand and this shall be entered in the provided column labeled BAF on the Setting Form.

(3) Stand Design. The Sample Design Form contains information about how the data was collected, which trees, shrubs and down woody pieces are measured, and how the measurements will be converted to per acre values. The Sample Design Form describes the type of plots to be installed, such as fixed area or variable radius plots. It defines what will be collected on variable radius plots and what will be collected on fixed area plots. It also defines the size of each plot. Each stand requires the completion of one sample design form. The Contractor shall examine the assigned number of plots and provide a BAF that was used for the stand. For each setting, the Contractor shall use the Sample Design and shall edit the Expansion Factor for the Live Tree data fields affected by the BAF for that stand in the Sample Design Form in the .pdr file and enter the BAF in the BAF column on the Setting Form.

An example of the Sample Design for this contract is shown below and also in (Section J - Exhibit D).

Sample Design Form

Form Type

Selection Method

Expansion Factor

Azm Subpop.

Filter Selection Criteria #

Subpop.

Variable

Subpop.

Min.

Subpop.

Max.

TREE BAF 20.00 LIVE DBH 5.00 999.99

TREE FRQ 100.00 LIVE DBH .10 4.99

LIVE OR HGT .50 4.49

TREE BAF 10.00 DEAD DBH 5.00 999.99

VEGCOV FRQ 100.00 LIVE CVR 5.00 100.00

DNWDY TRN 7 45 DOWN DIA 0.01 0.24

DNWDY TRN 7 45 DOWN DIA 0.25 0.99

DNWDY TRN 7 45 DOWN DIA 1.00 2.99

DNWDY TRN 27 45 DOWN DIA 3.00 999.99

For all plots installed for this contract, the breakpoint diameter (DBH) between the large tree variable radius plot and the small tree fixed plot will be 5.0 inches. The small tree inventory will be measured on a 1/100th acre fixed radius plot (11.8 feet diameter).

(d) Stand Narrative. Observations that describe the stand's characteristics and evaluations that prove important to the stand's management are documented in the Stand Narrative. Items that shall be addressed from observations made in the stand include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1) Overstory description. Describe species by specie composition, height classes, DBH range, age classes, trees per acre, distribution (clumpy, uniform, scattered), damage agents and general condition.

(2) Understory description. Same as above with the addition % coverage of understory trees throughout the stand, and tree vigor (ability to release).

(3) Site conditions. Soil depth, hydro activity (such as intermittent streams, slumps, marshes), rock, topography, inhibiting brush/grass species or logging equipment constraints.

(4) Old growth characteristics. Describe canopy stories, presence of older large DBH trees and snags, decadence.

(5) Wildlife use. Identify pellet groups, evidence of browse, active game trails, nesting snags, big game species, non-game species, birds, and birds of prey.

(6) Vegetation, habitat type and sensitive plants. Describe specific vegetation, its height and distribution. Identify any changes in habitat type such as micro-sites, aspect changes or transition zones. Be specific as to what is influencing specific habitat type changes. Identify sensitive plant species or noxious weeds if encountered anywhere in the stand and mark their location on stand work maps.

Reference Section J - Exhibit F: Flathead National Forest Noxious Weeds, Sensitive Plants and Common Plant List. Enter noxious weed species in the Remarks column on the setting form, (Section J - Exhibit E).

(7) Previous management activities. Logging, thinning, roads, wild fire, prescribed fire, cattle use.

(8) Items not applicable shall be documented in the stand narrative. For example if no wildlife sign is observed, then write: No evidence of wildlife use in this stand.

(9) Personal comments / management insights (optional).

(e) Stand Sketch. As needed, draw a two dimensional sketch of the stand shape and boundaries similar to the work map with plot placement and any notable characteristics such as topographic features, root rot areas, disease outbreaks, noxious weeds, archeological sites, etc.

(f) Plot Data. The Contractor shall collect plot data in accordance with Common Stand Exam Field Guide for R1. Plot data is recorded in the first 6 fields on the tree data field form. An X in the table below indicates required fields. All other fields shall not be collected.

Plot Data Form

Field Number

Field Name

Extensive Plot Data Source

Plot

Number X Contractor

Plot

Aspect X Contractor

6 Plot Slope X Contractor

Slope

Position

Contractor

Plot

Potential Vegetation

X Contractor

Plot

Remarks When Applicable Contractor

Plot Remarks shall include a description of reference points, azimuths, distances, and offsets used in locating plots, especially if no GPS points were taken.

Plot data and tree data are entered on the Plot/Tree Data Form.

(g) Potential Vegetation (Habitat Type) Plot. Habitat types shall be identified for each plot in accordance with instructions and descriptions in Forest Habitat Types of Montana (May 1977), General Technical

Report INT-34. A 1/10 acre plot (37.2’ radius) shall be used to determine the Plot Potential Vegetation (Habitat Type). A slope correction shall be calculated for slopes ≥ 10%. Canopy coverage terms for use in this contract and written descriptions are described below.

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

“Present”: as applied to trees or large shrubs, requires at least 10 individuals per acre, well scattered through the stand, not restricted to micro-sites. “Present” as applied to low shrubs and herbaceous plants requires scattered individuals throughout the stand, usually 5 or more individuals or clumps per 1/10th acre, not occurring on micro-sites.

Micro-sites: small areas that are atypical for the stand, such as wind-throw pockets, micro-drainage ways, seeps, well-rotted logs, or excessively rocky areas.

(h) Tree Data. The Contractor shall collect and record Live and Dead tree data in accordance with Common Stand Exam Field Guide for R1. An X in the table below indicates required fields.

Tree Data Form

Header X Contractor 1 Plot Number X Contractor 2 Tag ID X Contractor 3 Tree Status X Contractor 4 Site/Growth Trees X Contractor 5 Tree Species X Contractor 6 Tree Count X Contractor 8 DBH X Contractor

9 Height

GST, trees < 4.5 in.

DBH, all broken topped trees, all snags

11 Radial Growth GST Contractor 13 Height Growth GST Contractor 14 Tree Age GST Contractor 15 Crown Ratio X Contractor

Crown Class Crown Width

X

18 Wildlife Use X Contractor 19 Snag Decay X Contractor 21 Tree Damage Category X Contractor 22 Tree Damage Agent X Contractor 23 Tree Damage Part X Contractor 24 Tree Damage Severity X Contractor

Tree Remarks (Tree

Class) X Contractor

Field 25, Tree Remarks: An underscore (__) shall be used to separate remarks. Do not use commas to separate remarks.

“AE1” – estimated age. If a tree is a growth sample tree and the age was estimated due to heart rot, record “AE1” in Tree Remarks. (Section 5.15: Tree age, Common Stand Exam Field Guide for R1.)

(1) Variable Radius Live and Dead Tree Plot. The Contractor shall determine the appropriate

Basal Area Factor (BAF) for each stand for Live Trees. Only one BAF per stand is allowed. A BAF shall be selected that yields a minimum average of five live trees per variable plot in each stand. Stands with an average of less than 5.0 live trees per plot will not be accepted. The allowable BAF factors are 10, 20, 30, 40, 60 and all BAF factors that can be used with the relaskop. If a BAF of 10 is used, the

5.0 trees per plot average shall be waived.

Dead trees from 5.0 DBH to 999.99 DBH will be tallied using a 10 BAF and will not be counted in the average trees per plot.

Record tree data in accordance with Common Stand Exam Field Guide for R1. An X in the table below indicates all required fields for the Dead Tree Plots.

Required Fields for Dead Tree Plot

Plot/ Tree Data Form

1 Plot Number X Contractor 2 Tag ID X Contractor 3 Tree Status X Contractor 5 Tree Species X Contractor 6 Tree Count X Contractor 8 DBH X Contractor 9 Height X Contractor

18 Wildlife Use X Contractor 19 Snag Decay X Contractor 21 Tree Damage Category X Contractor 22 Tree Damage Agent X Contractor 23 Tree Damage Part X Contractor 24 Tree Damage Severity X Contractor 25 Remarks X Contractor

(i) Tally all trees > 5.0” DBH, starting with an azimuth of 0° and proceeding in a clockwise direction.

(ii) All live down trees shall be recorded; a tree is considered down when the lean from tip to stump is greater than 45 degrees.

(iii) All trees shall be marked with crayon, painted, or visibly scribed where DBH was taken. DBH should be taken 4.5 feet from the forest floor on the uphill side of the tree. A discrepancy will occur if DBH mark is over .5 feet from where the Government inspectors measures DBH and the DBH measurement is out of tolerance. (Common Stand Exam Field Guide for R1: Appendix T.)

(2) 1/100 Acre Fixed Radius. The Contractor shall tally all live conifers and deciduous trees with diameters < 5.0” DBH on the small tree fixed plots (radius 11.8 feet). A measurable tree on the fixed plot is a tree 6" or greater in height for softwood species and 12" or greater in height for hardwood species. A slope correction shall be calculated for slopes ≥ 10%. Tally shall start at 0 azimuth and proceed in a clockwise direction.

(i) All GST trees shall be marked with paint or flagging. GST only conifer trees.

(ii) Any trees less than .5 feet in height shall not be included.

“AE1” – Estimated Age. If a tree is a growth sample tree and the age was estimated due to heart rot, record “AE1” in Tree Remarks. (Section 5.15: Tree age, Common Stand Exam Field Guide for R1.)

(3) Vegetation Composition Data. The Contractor shall use a 1/100 acre plot (11.8 feet radius) to collect ocular estimates of Lifeform Cover. Record vegetation data on the Vegetation Composition Form according to Common Stand Exam Field Guide for R1, as required by Cover by Lifeform (Form 1), Section 6.4.

Exam Level 1 will be used for this exam: Individual species are not recorded. Percent cover is recorded by Lifeform, and layers within the tree and shrub Lifeforms. Only Form 1 is required.

An X in the table below indicates all required fields

Vegetation Composition Form

Field Number Field Name Exam Level 1 Data Source

1 Plot Number X Contractor 2 Live/Dead X Contractor 3 Layer X Contractor 4 Life Form X Contractor 5 Species Contractor 7 Average Layer Height Contractor

Percent Cover by Life Form

X Contractor

12 Vegetation Remarks When Applicable Contractor

(4) Down Woody Material. Record down woody material transect according to the following chart and in accordance with Common Stand Exam Field Guide for R1. An X in the table below indicates all required fields.

Field Number Field Name Exam Level 2 Data Source

1 Plot Number X Contractor 2 First Duff X Contractor 3 Second Duff X Contractor 4 Fuel Depth X Contractor 5 Twig 1 X Contractor 6 Twig 2 X Contractor 7 Twig 3 X Contractor 8 Piece Count X Contractor 9 Decay Class X Contractor

10 Diameter X Contractor 11 Piece Length X Contractor 12 Small End Diameter X Contractor 13 Large End Diameter X Contractor

First Duff and Second Duff: Record duff in accordance with Common Stand Exam Field Guide for R1. Take the duff readings along a 45-degree azimuth from plot center (at 1 foot and then 6 feet, respectively from plot center). Measure in tenths of inches as 12/10ths = 1.2.

Down Woody Material Transect: Down Woody Material shall be measured following Browns Protocol Method procedures outlined in Appendix S, Down Woody Material procedures of the Common Stand Exam Field Guide for R1.

The azimuth for all transects shall be 45° from plot center. The transect length shall be 7 feet for tallied twigs with a diameter ≤ 2.9 inches and 27 feet for down woody material that is ≥ 3.0 inches diameter.

C- 7 Data Entry

(a) Data Format.

(1) The Common Stand Exam data and Supplemental Snag Plot data is required in electronic format that duplicates the ExamsPC program. The electronic data shall successfully run through R1 Pre-load Audit program and load into the FSVeg database without fatal errors. The electronic data shall successfully transmit to the Forest Service IBM Computer Equipment at Swan Lake or Tally Lake Ranger Stations.

(2) When entering a new Common Stand Exam setting (stand), the Contractor shall edit the following fields on the Sample Design Form for the BAF used to collect the live tree data on that stand.

(i) Expansion Factor for the Live Tree BAF (example: change Expansion Factor 20.00 BAF to 40.00 BAF if 40.00 BAF was used on a stand).

(3) A payment unit shall remain separate and unique on field recorders or in any electronic form when it is turned in. Two payment units shall not have stands mixed together in one .pdr or data file.

C- 8 Reports

(a) Work Plan. At the Prework Conference, the Contractor shall submit for the approval of the Contracting Officer, a written Work Plan specifying the resources (crew members and their experience with stands exams, data entry and GPS, GPS equipment and software, quality control personnel) and the inspection process for field and electronic data. The Contractor shall also include a rate of progress proposal. To be acceptable, the work plan shall be reasonable in its details and shall meet or exceed the rate of production shown in Section F- 2.

(b) Progress Report. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer’s Representative via phone or e-mail of work location and progress.

C- 9 Deliverable Specifications

(a) The Contractor shall submit completed payment items within seven (7) days after completion of work.

(b) The unit of measure shall be the plot as described in Common Stand Exam Field Guide for R1. Each payment item shall consist of a minimum of 100 plots, a maximum of 150 plots, consisting of completed stands; or 15 stands, whichever comes first. Contractor may deviate from this number upon approval of the Contracting Officers Representative’s (COR).

(c) The Contractor shall submit with each payment item the following: (Reference Figure 1, Typical Stand Exam Process with Deliverables.)

Hard copy field forms.

Electronic field data in Exams PC (.pdr) file format and the original corresponding inspection forms.

Individual stand work maps with plots identified, numerically, and azimuth and distance to each plot written at the bottom of the work map, under plot remarks, or in the setting narrative, if GPS points were not aquired.

Stand list containing stand numbers with corresponding number of plots, examiner name(s) and date(s).

All the Contractors inspection records for the payment item.

GPS acquired points. The acquired point for each plot shall start with the number 1 or 8

(District number) followed by the two (2) digit compartment number, two (2) digit subcompartment number, three (3) digit stand number and a two (2) digit plot number.

Example: 1370110103 Lat. = _____

Long = ____

(d) The Contractor shall ensure that completed data is unique to each pay item.

Figure 1. Typical Stand Exam Process with Deliverables

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): www.arnet.gov/far/ and the Agriculture Acquisition Regulation may be accessed at www.usda.gov/procurement/policy/agar.html

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

52.246-4 Inspection of Services - Fixed-Price (AUG 1996)

E- 2 Contractor Quality Control Plan

(a) Quality Control Plan. In accordance with FAR 52.246-4, Inspection of Services – Fixed Price (AUG 1996), paragraph (c), the Contractor shall provide a quality control self-inspection system to ensure that accuracy standards stated in Common Stand Exam Field Guide for R1, Appendix T: Tolerances for Region 1 Common Stand Exams, are achieved. The Contractor’s quality control program shall include inspection measures taken on plot location, and data collection.

(b) Plot Inspection. An inspection block will contain a minimum of 100 plots, and a maximum of 150 plots, consisting of complete stands; or 15 stands, whichever comes first.

(1) Self Inspection.

(i) The Contractor shall self inspect the first two payment items, for each crew, at a minimum rate of 5% of the total plots per payment item.

(ii) If the Government’s quality assurance assessments for these first two payment items maintain ≤ .33 descrepancies per data line, the Contractor may maintain a minimum inspection rate of 5% of the total plots per payment item.

(iii) If at any time the Government’s quality assurance assessments show ≥ .34 descrepancies per data line for the payment item, the Contractor shall be required to increase self inspections to a rate of 10% of the total plots per payment item.

(iv) If at any time, changes are made to the Contractor’s Work Plan (i.e. GPS system components, crew members, quality control measures), the Contractor shall contact the COR immediately following the change. Any modification of the plan shall be subject to approval by the Contracting Officer (CO).

E- 2 Government Inspection Procedures

(a) Government Quality Assurance Assessment. In accordance with FAR 52.246-4, Inspection of Services – Fixed Price (AUG 1996), paragraph (c):

http://www.arnet.gov/far/

(1) The Contracting Officer’s Representative will perform quality assurance assessments under this contract to ensure the Contractor’s quality control accuracy standards are achieved.

(2) The Government will conduct an office edit of all submitted data in a payment item.

(3) The Contracting Officer’s Representative will forward copies of all completed Performance Assessment reports to the Contracting Officer and the Contractor.

(b) Accuracy Requirements. The Contracting Officer’s Representative will assess each payment item in accordance with the specifications, accuracy standards and required data elements stated in Common Stand Exam Field Guide for R1. If the contract specifications differ from the Common Stand Exam Field Guide for R1, the contract shall take precedence.

A discrepancy will be counted for each deviation (error) from Tolerances and Standards stated in Common Stand Exam Field Guide for R1, Appendix T .

Certain discrepancies have been identified that will make a plot fail or a stand unacceptable as follows:

(1) A setting (stand) has less than the prescribed number of sample plots examined.

(2) A plot center cannot be located because of improper navigation, plot center labeling or noncompliance with accuracy standards.

(3) A setting has an inaccurate setting location and stand number.

(4) Any inspection block with an overall inspection percentage < 85%.

(5) A plot has a missed live tree ≥ 5.0 inches DBH that should have been included in the tally.

(6) A plot includes a live tree ≥ 5.0 inches DBH that should not have been included in the tally.

(7) A plot has a discrepancy between live and dead tree classifications, unless tree has just died.

(8) A plot has a missing or incorrect species on a live tree ≥ 5.0 inches DBH.

(9) Any plot center location outside of tolerance: ± 15 meters (49.2 feet), for each plot, in horizontal dimension of the stated plot location center. Any plot center located outside of a + 5% azimuth transect or +10% chaining distance if GPS unit fails to work.

(10) A plot contains an incorrect identification of habitat series or habitat type.

(11) The stand averages less than 5 live trees per variable plot. (Exception for stand with 10

BAF).

(12) A plot averages > 1.0 discrepancies per line.

(c) Rework and Unacceptable Payment Item.

(1) Plots selected for field inspection shall be checked for location accuracy. If plot locations are not within tolerance, all plots in the payment item shall be returned to the Contractor for rework and the incorrectly located plots shall be relocated and remeasured.

(2) If the Government determines that a discrepancy trend is occurring in either the field data or electronic data the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) will notify the Contractor and may return the payment item for rework.

(3) When a plot has failed or the stand is unacceptable, all plots in the stand will be returned to the Contractor for rework.

(4) Upon notification to the Contractor of an unacceptable payment item, the Contractor shall be required to rework all plots in the failed payment item before beginning work on another payment item.

At the Government’s option, a different colored ribbon shall be tied at each plot center and the COR shall specify the color of the ribbon.

(5) After rework by the Contractor, the Government will select another sample selection from the reworked payment item for reinspection. Results of the reinspection will be used for payment purposes.

The Contractor shall be assessed the reinspection costs incurred by the Government including wages, vehicle use rate, mileage, and per diem (if applicable).

(6) Due to the time and expense incurred by the Government in performing additional inspections, the Contractor will have only two opportunities to rework unacceptable or reduced payment items.

Should a payment item fail to pass inspection after reworking twice, no payment will be made for that payment item. If more than 10 percent of payment items fail to pass inspection after reworking, the contract may be terminated for default.

(d) Reassessment Upon Contractor Request.

(1) If the Contracting Officer's Representative’s original quality assurance assessment results are unacceptable to the Contractor, the Contractor has the option to request, in writing, a re-assessment.

Requests for re-assessment shall be made within five (5) calendar days of the initial results and shall contain documentation to support the probability that an error exists.

(2) At the approval of the Contracting Officer, the Government will conduct a re-assessment of new plots from the original payment item. If the results of the re-assessment support the Contractor’s original quality control results, the Contractor’s original results will be considered acceptable and used for payment.

(3) If the results of the re-assessment support the Government’s quality assurance assessment, the Government’s final results will be used for the basis of payment. The Contractor may accompany the Contracting Officer’s Representative during the re-assessment.

(4) If the results of the re-assessment does not constitute an additional payment for the Contractor, the Contractor shall be assessed the costs incurred by the Government.

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(es): www.arnet.gov/far/

52.242-15 Stop Work Order (AUG 1989)

F- 2 Deliveries

(a) Contract Performance Time and Required Rate of Progress. The Contractor shall maintain a progress rate, which shall assure completion of one half of the work by the midpoint of the contract time. The minimum acceptable rate of progress shall occur when the percent of work completed falls within 10 percent of the time used.

(b) Contract Time. The Contractor shall start work promptly after receipt of a Notice to Proceed. The Contractor shall maintain progress at a rate which will assure completion of work within the calendar time specified above. Contractor shall maintain progress at a rate that shall assure completion and acceptance of work within the following time frame:

Item No. Estimated Beginning Date No. of Plots Completion Date 1 June 29, 2009 572 October 16, 2009 2 June…