S-10-0024_Collection_service_rfq_package_final_2-2-10.pdf

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION PAGE OF PAGES

(THIS IS NOT AN ORDER) THIS RFQ X IS IS NOT A SMALL BUSINESS SET- ASIDE 1 35

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

AG-03R6-S-10-0024 2/4/2010

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

LYNETTE BAND 406 329-3856 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

3/9/2010 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) Scion, Pollen, and Cone Collection, Cone

Caging, Tree Climbing within the boundaries of the Bitterroot, Flathead, and Lolo National

Forests

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 requirements as your quote. Return to the address shown in Block 5a, with “Solicitation No. AG-03R6-S-10-0024” 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-10-0024 Vegetation Collection

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES

Scion, Pollen and Cone Collection, Cone Caging, Tree Climbing

Lolo National Forest

B- 1 Schedule of Items

Item No. Description

Est.

Quantity Unit

2010 Unit Price

2011 Unit Price

L1 WBP Scion Collection 10 Tree $ $

L2 WP Tree Improvement Cone Collection 5 Tree $ $

L3a WBP Cone Caging (<5 trees/area) 45 Tree $ $

L3b WBP Cone Collection (<5 trees/area) 45 Tree $ $

L4a WBP Cone Caging (>5 trees/area) 30 Tree $ $

L4b WBP Cone Collection (>5 trees/area) 30 Tree $ $

L5a WBP Operational Cone Caging (Lift Truck) 20 Tree $ $

L5b WBP Operational Cone Collection (Lift Truck) 20 Tree $ $

L6 WL Operational Climbing and Cone Collection 5 Bushel $ $

L7 WL Operational Cone Collection (trees to be felled by Forest Service) 10 Bushel $ $

L8 PP Operational Climbing and Cone Collection 20 Bushel $ $

L9 WP Scion Collection Tree $ $

L10a Specialized Hourly Services (Plains TIA) 250 Hour $ $

L10b Lift Platform Rental 10 Day

(Schedule of Items is continued on pages 3 and 4).

NOTE: Quantities shown are estimates only. Items to be quoted on are on a per tree basis reflected by an estimated quantity that represents the maximum quantity likely to be ordered under each item in each year. Items quoted on a per bushel basis reflect an estimated quantity for each species, which may be collected by the Contractor climbing the trees, or by the Government felling the trees, at the Government’s discretion. Actual quantities will be specified via Blanket Purchase Agreement Calls (BPA Calls) and are dependent on budgets, physiological development of plant materials, and availability of Government personnel to administer this work.

Flathead National Forest

B- 1 Schedule of Items, (Continued)

No. Description

Est.

Quantity Unit

2010 Unit Price

2011 Unit Price

F1 PP Scion Collection 2 Tree $ $

F2 PP Pollen Collection 2 Tree $ $

F3 WBP Scion Collection 5-10 Tree $ $

F4 WP Tree Improvement Cone Collection 4 Tree $ $

F5a WBP Cone Caging (<5 trees/area) 35 Tree $ $

F5b WBP Cone Collection (<5 trees/area) 35 Tree $ $

F6a WBP Cone Caging (>5 trees/area) 30 Tree $ $

F6b WBP Cone Collection (>5 trees/area) 30 Tree $ $

F7 PP Tree Improvement Cone Collection 4 Tree $ $

F8 PP Operational Climbing and Cone Collection 25 Bushel $ $

F9 WL Operational Climbing and Cone Collection 65 Bushel $ $

F10 WL Operational Cone Collection (trees to be felled by Forest Service) 65 Bushel $ $

F11 DF Operational Climbing and Cone Collection 45 Bushel $ $

F12 LP Operational Cone Collection (Trees to be felled by Forest Service) 35 Bushel $ $

F13a Specialized Hourly Services (Bigfork TIA) 250 Hour $ $

F13b Lift Platform Rental 10 Day

(Schedule of Items is continued on pages 2 and 4).

NOTE: Quantities shown are estimates only. Items to be quoted on are on a per tree basis reflected by an estimated quantity that represents the maximum quantity likely to be ordered under each item in each year. Items quoted on a per bushel basis reflect an estimated quantity for each species, which may be collected by the Contractor climbing the trees, or by the Government felling the trees, at the Government’s discretion. Actual quantities will be specified via Blanket Purchase Agreement Calls (BPA Calls) and are dependent on budgets, physiological development of plant materials, and availability of Government personnel to administer this work.

Bitterroot National Forest

B- 1 Schedule of Items, (Continued)

No. Description

Est.

Quantity Unit

2010 Unit Price

2011 Unit Price

B1 White Bark Pine Scion Collection 6 Tree $

B2 Ponderosa Pine Scion Collection 1 Tree

B3 Ponderosa Pine Pollen Collection 3 Tree

B4a WBP Cone Caging (<5 trees/area) 4 Tree

B4b WBP Cone Collection (<5 trees/area) 4 Tree

B5 Ponderosa Pine Tree Improvement Cone Collection 2 Tree

B6 Western Larch Operational Cone Collection (Trees to be felled by Forest Service) 10-75 Bushel

B7 Ponderosa Pine Operational Climbing and Cone Collection 25-250 Bushel

B8a WBP Cone Caging (>5 trees/area) 20-30 Tree

B8b WBP Cone Collection (>5 trees/area) 20-30 Tree

(Schedule of Items is continued on pages 2 and 3).

NOTE: Quantities shown are estimates only. Items to be quoted on are on a per tree basis reflected by an estimated quantity that represents the maximum quantity likely to be ordered under each item in each year. Items quoted on a per bushel basis reflect an estimated quantity for each species, which may be collected by the Contractor climbing the trees, or by the Government felling the trees, at the Government’s discretion. Actual quantities will be specified via Blanket Purchase Agreement Calls (BPA Calls) and are dependent on budgets, physiological development of plant materials, and availability of Government personnel to administer this work.

B- 2 Basis of Award

More than one Blanket Purchase Agreement may be awarded, by item, to the Offeror(s) providing the best over-all value to the Government. Evaluation factors are past performance, experience doing similar work, technical knowledge, safety, quality control, and price. Non-price factors are significantly more important than price. The Experience Questionnaire will be used in the evaluation for award.

B- 3 Quote on all items

Only quotes to the nearest cent will be accepted.

B- 4 Quoters, who quote on more than one item, may qualify their quotes to limit the total quantity of work they will accept. Quoters desiring to qualify their quote must complete the following:

"My quote is limited to a maximum of _______ item(s) and a minimum of _______ item(s), on this quote."

B- 5 Authorized Ordering Activities

Specific work shall be issued and performed under a Blanket Purchase Agreement Call (BPA Call). The BPA Call may be issued orally, but shall be documented in writing. Facsimile orders are acceptable if followed with original signed acknowledgment to and from both parties. BPA Calls will be issued by the Contracting Officer or other warranted procurement official in the WMAZ Office, Missoula, Montana.

Additional BPA Calls may be issued throughout the work season, as needed.

B- 6 Written Acceptance

Any contract resulting from this solicitation will require written acceptance within 7 calendar days of receipt by the Contractor.

B- 7 Economic Price Adjustment

Note: The Economic Price Adjustment clause does not appear in this solicitation. Rather, Offerors are asked to propose prices for years 2010 and 2011 at this time. The new prices would go into effect at the time of renewal, should the option be exercised.

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

General Specifications

C- 1 Scope of Contract

This Blanket Purchase Agreement includes services for tree climbing, caging, and collecting cones, pollen and scion from individual white pine (WP), whitebark pine (WBP), western larch (WL), Douglas-fir (DF), Engelmann spruce (ES), lodgepole pine (LP) and ponderosa pine (PP) trees in accordance with all safety requirements for such work, and specialized tree improvement work as directed by the Government. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, supplies, and incidentals to perform the work (except those items designated as Government-furnished property).

C- 2 Government-furnished Property

The property that will be provided by the Government is as follows:

Item Description Where, When, How Project Maps Maps of operational cone collection areas and tree improvement locations, with access roads identified.

Provided with BPA Call

Cone Collection Tags

Tree Improvement Cone Tags (R1-2470-11), Cone ID Tags (R1-FS-2470-15) and Paint

Provided on first day of work and upon Contractor request.

Caging for

WBP

Wire cages for cones. Provided on first day of work and upon Contractor request.

Bagging Materials

Pre-labeled zip-lock bags for scion collection.

Pre-labeled paper bags for pollen collection.

Burlap bags for operational cone collection.

Mesh bags for TI cone collection.

Twine for securing cone bags.

Provided on first day of work and upon Contractor request.

Orchard Ladders

Standard 3-point tripod orchard ladders used in orchard operations, ranging from 10’ to 16’ tall and made of aluminum. (Guide will be provided on procedures for using ladders section 5.2.4; USDA National Tree Climbing Guide).

Provided as needed for Specialized Hourly Services performed at either Plains Tree Improvement Area (TIA) or Bigfork TIA.

Contractor shall be required to move ladders between individual trees.

Swedish sectional tree climbing ladders

10’ aluminum sectional ladders stacked and secured to bole of tree until height of live crown is reached.

(Guide will be provided on procedures for using ladders section 5.2.4; USDA National Tree Climbing Guide).

Provided for climbing WP Tree Improvement Plus Trees upon arrival on the Flathead National Forest and Contractor request.

Item Description Where, When, How Access to Work Areas

A National Forest map will be provided to the Contractor. If any of the access roads become blocked or otherwise unusable due to closure orders, the Government may under the Changes Clause: (1) provide an alternate route; (2) delete the inaccessible area(s) or tree(s); or (3) substitute similar area(s) or tree(s).

Provided with BPA Call.

The Contractor assumes all risks of loss or damage to his/her equipment and injury to self or employees.

C- 3 Location and Description

Trees to survey or collect vegetative materials from are located in different areas of each of the three Forests (Bitterroot, Flathead and Lolo). Specific trees will be identified by the Government in a BPA Call. In general, trees are located near roads; the exception is whitebark pine (WBP) which may be up to 2 miles from a drivable road.

(a) Scion Collection. Scion will be collected during late dormancy and will usually occur in late February. Dates of operation will be specified in the BPA Call, and will ensure that the Government can deliver the scion to the Coeur d’Alene Nursery by close of business on March 15. Number of pieces to be collected will generally range from 3 to 30, and will be specified in the BPA Call. Scion is to be collected from the upper third of the tree crown only, collecting from wood that grew the previous summer. Scion should measure 6 to 8 inches in length, and be roughly the size of a No. 2 pencil in diameter. Diameter needs will be specified in the BPA Call. Do not trim the needles on the scion.

The cut end of the scion shall be wrapped in wet paper towels. Scion from the same donor tree may be wrapped together, so long as the cut ends of all pieces are protected. Collected scion shall be placed in the pre-labeled zip lock bags provided by the Government; these bags shall also contain a label inside, which the Contractor shall ensure stays with the bag during operations.

Bags of scion shall be placed in an ice cooler with frozen ice packs (do NOT use dry ice) until delivered to the Government. Delivery shall be made within 48 hours of collection. Provide adequate cooler space to store all scion without compaction; scion should not be stored more than 4 bags deep in coolers.

(b) Pollen Collection. Pollen shall be collected during spring, and shall require good communication and rapid response from the Contractor. Pollen from different species ripens at different times throughout the spring. The Government will issue a BPA Call for pollen collection between March 15 and June 1 and will monitor trees for signs of ripening. The Government will give the Contractor additional oral notice of ripeness; the Contractor shall be required to collect pollen within 24 hours of the oral notice.

Place collected catkins in paper bags (provided by the Government). Fill the bags 1/3 to 1/2 full with catkins only, no needles or other debris. Double-fold the top of the bag shut and secure it with three staples evenly spaced. Do not fold the bag so far down that the catkins are packed together with no circulation room. Seal the stapled-fold with strapping tape or Scotch-type tape to avoid contamination between pollen collections. Pre-printed labels will be provided by the Government and Contractor shall apply these labels to the bag as part of collection operations. Care shall be taken to ensure the label applied concurs with the tree pollen was collected from.

Sterilize all collection tools (e.g. clippers) and hands with rubbing alcohol between each tree collected from to minimize pollen contamination. As an alternative, surgical gloves may be worn and replaced between each tree in lieu of repeated skin contact with alcohol.

Keep bags cool and dry, out of direct sunlight until delivered to Government. Bags shall be delivered to the Government Representative at the end of each collection day.

(c) Tree Improvement Cone Collection. For safety reasons, Contractor shall have a minimum of two

(2) climbers onsite while work is being performed. All cones collected under this contract are and shall remain the property of the Government. The delivery point is the administering District Ranger Station, and will be specified on each BPA Call.

(1) Seed Cone Source

(i) Cones shall be harvested only from Government-designated trees. The Contractor is expected to climb all trees designated for picking under a BPA Call. If directed by the COR or the Inspector, the Contractor may be required to climb trees and collect cones for sampling seed count. If no further cone collections are made from that tree, the Contractor will be paid the rate quoted for climbing that tree.

(ii) Any designated tree the Contractor declares unsafe to climb shall be reported to the COR, specifying the reason the tree is not safe to climb, including the nature and location of the hazard.

The COR will designate, verbally or in writing, an acceptable substitute tree or delete the tree from the BPA Call.

(iii) Cones may be damaged by disease, frost, or insect attack, or may be harvested by squirrels. If the COR or Inspector determines that there are not enough cones or seed count is too low to warrant picking, the Contractor will be notified verbally and with documentation in writing not to pick that tree, and the tree will be deleted from the BPA Call.

(iv) Cones cut by squirrels shall not be collected.

(2) Seed Cone Standards

(i) All cones harvested shall be from the current calendar year seed cone crop. It is the Government’s responsibility to determine the quality of the cones prior to collection. The COR may require the Contractor to pick sample cones from designated trees.

(ii) The COR or Inspector may determine cone quality on the basis of the cut cone test. A minimum of three cones for each individual tree collection may be sampled to determine cone quality.

All cut tests shall be made by slicing the cone lengthwise through the central axis. Number of sound seed is determined by counting exposed seed on one open cone face. Cones must meet average cut count per cut face as determined by COR or Inspector.

(iii) Seed will be considered sound when the endosperm and embryo are developing normally and there is no evidence of insect, disease, climatic, or other types of damage.

(iv) If cone quality is so low that minimum cone quality standards are not met, cone collection efforts may be stopped. The COR may terminate all or any portions of the collections or may direct the Contractor to collect in other collection areas.

(v) The actual seed condition will vary by species but in general is considered mature when the embryo fills 90% or more of the embryo cavity and is a cream or pale yellow color. The surrounding storage tissue (endosperm) will have a firm consistency and not a viscous, milky condition. The seed coat and seed wing will have darkened in color and be easily lifted from the cone scale.

(3) Tree Climbing Standards

(i) The Contractor shall take all precautions necessary to prevent excessive damage to trees. For WP and WBP, spurring is not allowed. For climbing WP, Swedish sectional tree climbing ladders will be provided (refer to Section C- 2 – Government-furnished Property). For climbing WBP, the Contractor shall be required to use equipment and methods at their disposal to prevent potential damage. The Contractor shall provide a ladder, a tagline, and a collapsible pole or branch hook for pulling the branches toward them to reach the cones. Living branches shall not be deliberately broken, barked, or cut nor shall tree trunks be skinned or peeled to cause excessive damage to the cambium. If the COR determines that excessive damage is occurring, the Contractor’s right to proceed will be suspended until the proper corrections have been made. Rappelling out of the crown is allowed.

(ii) The Contractor shall take all precautions necessary to prevent excessive damage to trees. Live branches shall not be unnecessarily broken, barked, or cut, nor shall tree trunks be skinned or peeled to cause excessive damage to the cambium. If the COR determines that excessive damage is occurring, the Contractor’s right to proceed will be suspended until the proper corrections have been made.

(iii) Contractor assumes all risks of loss or damage to his/her equipment and injury to self or employees, and will hold and save the Government and its employees harmless from liability of any nature or kind resulting from performance of this contract, except for negligent acts of Government employees.

(4) Cone Collection Standards

(i) The Contractor shall harvest cones only from the top half of trees identified by the Government for collection. Cones shall be from the current calendar year and meet the Seed Cone Standards stated above. The Contractor shall collect mature, sound seed in the quantity specified in the BPA Call.

(ii) The Contractor shall remove the cages from each WBP cone cluster and harvest those cones. Branch tips shall not be cut off in order to remove cages and collect cones. Ripe cones typically fall off into the cages when they are pulled off the branch so care should be taken not to lose any of the seeds.

(iii) Cones must be dry, free of mold, and not showing damage by animals, insects or disease or physical damage.

(iv) The Contractor shall notify the COR when cones are not sufficiently mature or if they do not meet the quality standards for collection.

(v) Branches shall be pulled to the picker by the use of limb hook with a handle allowing a minimum reach of 8 feet, unless another type of equipment has been authorized by the Contracting Officer or his/her representative.

(vi) All cones shall be picked and placed into bags in the tree and lowered to the ground to avoid mechanical damage to seed and to avoid contamination of cones by soil bearing fungi. Bagged cones shall not be thrown or dropped out of trees. Cones shall be protected from moisture and heat.

Cones shall not be damaged during any phase of picking or transporting. No payment will be made for climbing and collection of cones that have been damaged. The COR may suspend work until proper procedures are being followed.

(vii) Cones from each tree shall be bagged separately. Bags will be furnished by the Government. Bags shall be free of debris (such as twigs, needles, cone stems, cones of other tree source).

The bag shall be tied securely shut approximately 3 inches from the top of the bag.

(viii) For each tree, the Contractor shall prepare two Tree Improvement (TI) Cone Tags (R1-2470-11), using the information from the actual collection site and information provided in the Information Chart in the BPA Call. Information must be legible through both layers of the cone tag, and be in permanent ink, and in English. One tag shall be place inside the bag at the top, and the other securely fastened on the outside of the closed bag. In addition, the TI number shall be clearly marked on a separate tag or flagging attached to the bag, and shall be consistent with the number on the cone tag, the sign on the tree, and on the BPA Call.

(ix) Collected cones shall be submitted to the COR or Inspector each day for inspection and acceptance.

(5) Crew Safety

(i) The Contractor shall comply with the safety requirements of the Forest Service Safety and Health Program Handbook (FSH 6709.12), the National Tree Climbing Guide and, FSH 6709.11, Health and Safety Code Handbook, section 22.49. At the request of the Contractor, alternate procedures may be approved by the Contracting Officer that meet the intent of Forest Service safety requirements, but differ in actual practice. The Forest Service National Tree Climbing Guide (Technical Report 0567-2819-MTDC, March, 2005, may be found at:

http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfpubs/pdf05672819/pdf05672819dpi300.pdf).

(ii) The Contractor shall follow all Federal, State, and local safety laws and regulations applicable to the contract work to be performed.

(iii) The Contractor shall:

(A) Provide a statement of technical capability and the number of years the Contractor has performed tree climbing work.

(B) Document the qualifications or skill level of individual personnel who will execute the provisions of the contract.

(C) Specify the techniques and safety practices planned and/or equipment to be used for the contract.

(D) Utilize safety practices for safe climbing, rescue and emergency communications.

http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfpubs/pdf05672819/pdf05672819dpi300.pdf

(6) WBP Cone Caging. This description will be associated with the WBP Cone Collection subitems; the determination of Best Value bidder will be based on the combination of bids for Cone Collection and Cone Caging and the Best Value bidder will be expected to perform the duties of both subitems. Caging will be required in mid June.

(i) Trees to be climbed and caged shall be designated in the BPA Call. Cages will be provided by the Government.

(ii) The Contractor shall climb the identified trees and cage all cones that can be safely caged.

(iii) Spurring is not allowed when climbing WBP trees; the Contractor shall be required to climb using other equipment and methods at their disposal to prevent potential damage. The Contractor shall provide a ladder, a tagline, and a collapsible pole or branch hook for pulling the branches toward them to reach the cones. The Contractor shall take all precautions necessary to prevent excessive damage to trees. Living branches shall not be deliberately broken, barked, or cut nor shall tree trunks be skinned or peeled to cause excessive damage to the cambium. If the COR determines that excessive damage is occurring, the Contractor’s right to proceed will be suspended until the proper corrections have been made.

(iv) The wire cages shall be installed on branches bearing second-year conelets. Wire cages should be placed by mid-June to protect the conelets from bird predation. Adjust wire cage dimensions to fit branch size. Be sure to allow enough room for cones to grow and ripen and be out of reach by birds. If necessary, secure the wire cage to the branch with fasteners to ensure that it doesn't slip off or blow off in the wind.

(v) These subitems are differentiated by the number of trees caged in an area at one time.

For this contract, trees will be considered to be in the same ‘area’ if a reasonably fit person can traverse between trees at the furthest extents in less than 1 hour (for example, Mt. Morrell on the Lolo National Forest, where all trees are within 300’ of a road, over a 5-mile length of drivable road, would be considered one area).

(7) Operational Cone Collection

(i) Cones shall be harvested only from Government-designated trees or trees approved by the Government in designated areas, as specified in the BPA Call.

(ii) Tree Selection – Operational Cone Collection Areas Only

(A) The Contractor shall survey and select trees from each area specified for collection. Collection within a cone collection area shall meet the following criteria:

.1 Selected trees shall be within the specified cone collection area and elevation bands.

.2 At least 20 trees shall be selected. In some cases, the Contracting Officer or Representative may authorize fewer trees when cone crops are small. More than 20 trees may be selected to assure there are sufficient cones for the estimated collection. Cones from a single tree shall not constitute more than 20% of the cone lot.

.3 The physical characteristics of the selected trees are indicative of the genetic makeup of the seed, thus the selected trees shall be equal or better than the average of the same species in the area and be healthy and vigorous. Physical characteristics that are desirable include:

a. Dominant or co-dominant trees (tree crown extends above the general level of the canopy or forms the general level of the canopy) relative to the neighboring trees.

b. Straight stem free from crook, sweep, spiral grain, and forking.

c. Branch bases small in relation to the stem and branches and projecting horizontally or at a slight upward angle. Do not collect from “wolfy” trees.

d. At least 30% live crown ration.

e. Tree crown compact for the species but having a large area of foliage.

f. Conical crown indicating good tree growth and vigor.

g. Free from insect and disease damage.

h. Tree age approximately 40 to 110 years. Very old and very young trees have poor sound seed production even when there are numerous cones.

i. History of past cone crops is desirable.

j. Avoid trees that are isolated from trees of the same species by more than 100 feet; these trees likely have an unacceptably high incidence of self-pollination.

k. Avoid planted trees since their genetic base may be unknown, and trees may have an unacceptably high level of relatedness.

(B) The selected trees should have a cone crop that is expected to provide seed quality and quantity suitable for collection as described in seed cone standards.

(C) Each selected tree should be at least 200 feet from another selected tree, unless agreed upon between the Contractor and Contracting Officer’s Representative. If two selected trees are closer, only one can be used in the collection.

(D) Selected trees are considered appropriate for tree climbing by the Contractor.

(E) The COR shall accept each tree selected prior to the collection to assure that the physical characteristics of the selected trees are suitable prior to the Contractor expending the time to collect from trees that could be substandard.

(F) The Government will plan the sequence of collection to be most efficient in collecting the estimated quantity when cones are ripe but prior to cone flaring.

(iii) Bags will be furnished by the Government. Bags shall be free of debris (such as twigs, needles, cone stems, cones of other tree source). One bushel of cones shall be placed in each bag, separating cones from each designated collection area. A completely filled in Cone ID Tag (R1-FS-2470-15) shall be included in each bag. The bag shall be tied securely shut approximately 3 inches below the top of the bag, and another completely filled in Cone ID Tag shall be secured to the outside of the bag.

(iv) Tree Climbing Standards shall be the same as those listed above for Tree Improvement Cone Collection. If directed by the COR or the Inspector, the Contractor may be required to climb trees and collect cones for sampling seed count. If no further cone collections are made from that tree, the Contractor will be paid one-half of the unit bid rate for Operational Climbing and Cone Collection for that species.

(v) WBP Cone Collection by use of a lift truck may be preferable to climbing in some areas. Lift truck and all necessary equipment shall be provided by the Contractor and must be included in the quoted price. Choice of collection method shall be made by the Government.

(vi) Collecting cones from felled trees may be preferable to climbing in some areas. For the Bitterroot items, trees may be felled by the Government or by the Contractor and will be specified in the BPA Call. For the Flathead and Lolo items, trees will be felled by the Government. The Government will designate the trees to be felled; if to be felled by the Government, falling arrangements will be made prior to collection. The Contractor shall be responsible for collecting, bagging and tagging cones free of debris from the trees felled by the Government.

(d) Specialized Work as Directed by Government. A flat rate per hour will be paid for each worker ordered by the Government. Work will generally call for 1-2 workers, but may require up to 12 workers.

No foreman will be required, but the crew must include at least one English speaking representative.

Point of hire and release will be the Plains Tree Improvement Area (TIA) or the Bigfork TIA unless another location is mutually agreed upon by the Contractor and the Government. Transportation, meals and lodging shall be provided by the Contractor. Possible tasks include, but are not limited to:

Plus tree selection and monumentation – Contractor will be directed to a general location and tasked with selecting trees meeting the criteria specified by the Government. Trees will need to be monumented in the field with tags and paint provided by the Government, and documented on forms provided by the Government. Contractor shall provide equipment to collect tree age, height and diameter, plus lat/long and elevation information, and be able to identify blister rust cankers.

Work may be requested between May 15 and September 15, 2010 and May 15 and September 15, 2011, if the option year is implemented.

Aeciospore collection – Contractor shall collect blister rust spores from white pine or whitebark pine as directed by the Government. Collections shall be secured in zip-lock bags provided by the Government and labeled with collection date and location. Collections shall be returned to the Government as directed. Work may occur May through July of 2010 and May through July of 2011, if the option year is implemented.

Cone crop forecasts – Work may be requested for any species, but is most likely to apply to whitebark pine. Contractor will be directed to previously identified plus trees to estimate the number of cones on each tree. Alternatively, Contractor may be directed to specific stands or areas and asked to assess the current cone crop for operational collection.

TIA cone collection – cones to be collected from WL, PP, DF or LP as directed within the TIA.

Crew size is likely to be 6-12 workers. Cones shall be picked from orchard ladders or motorized lift platforms (provided by the Contractor, at the daily rate quoted in Subitems L10b and F13b), from the ground, or from standing on the Contractor’s vehicle(s). Work shall be closely directed by a Government representative, who will also dictate whether cones are bagged for delivery to the Nursery or transported to a nearby burn pile.

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E- 1 FAR 52.246-4 Inspection of Services -- Fixed-Price (AUG 1996)

(a) Definition: “Services,” as used in this clause, includes services performed, workmanship, and material furnished or utilized in the performance of services.

(b) The Contractor shall provide and maintain an inspection system acceptable to the Government covering the services under this contract. Complete records of all inspection work performed by the Contractor shall be maintained and made available to the Government during contract performance and for as long afterwards as the contract requires.

(c) The Government has the right to inspect and test all services called for by the contract, to the extent practicable at all times and places during the term of the contract. The Government shall perform inspections and tests in a manner that will not unduly delay the work.

(d) If the Government performs inspections or tests on the premises of the Contractor or a subcontractor, the Contractor shall furnish, and shall require subcontractors to furnish, at no increase in contract price, all reasonable facilities, and assistance for the safe and convenient performance of these duties.

(e) If any of the services do not conform with contract requirements, the Government may require the Contractor to perform the services again in conformity with contract requirements, at no increase in contract amount. When the defects in services cannot be corrected by reperformance, the Government may --

(1) Require the Contractor to take necessary action to ensure that future performance conforms to contract requirements; and

(2) Reduce the contract price to reflect the reduced value of the services performed.

(f) If the Contractor fails to promptly perform the services again or to take the necessary action to ensure future performance in conformity with contract requirements, the Government may

(1) By contract or otherwise, perform the services and charge to the Contractor any cost incurred by the Government that is directly related to the performance of such service; or

(2) Terminate the contract for default.

E- 2 Inspection and Acceptance

The Government may, at its option, perform inspections in accordance with Clause E- 1, paragraph (b). If the Government exercises this option, determination of the acceptability of the work performed will be based on these inspections and will be considered conclusive, except as otherwise provided in the contract. The Contractor or a designated representative is encouraged to observe inspections while they are under way.

(a) Inspections will consist of field observations of tree climbing, caging, and cone picking to verify compliance with contract terms.

The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or a designated Inspector shall inspect each tree and delivered bag of cones for compliance with the specifications.

(b) Acceptance will be based on 100 percent visual inspection for adherence to the specifications. If inspection shows unacceptable work, the Contractor will be required to correct deficiencies in order to comply with specifications. If COR determines work is correctable, the Contractor will be required to rework.

E- 3 Quality Assurance Inspections

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

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

(c) Periodic means one (1) review each month, but may be done more frequently if necessary.

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

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

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/

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

52.242-14 Suspension of Work (APR 1984) 52.242-15 Stop Work Order (AUG 1989) 52.242-17 Government Delay of Work (APR 1984)

F- 2 Contract Period and Renewal Option

The contract period shall extend for 1 year from date of award. However, at the option of the Government, the contract may be renewed for additional one-year period, at the same terms and conditions. The Government will notify the Contractor of its intent to renew not less than sixty (60) calendar days prior to the expiration of the current contract period.

F- 3 Contract Time (See Period of Performance definition (next clause)).

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 specified in each BPA Call will generally not exceed a required rate of progress exceeding that determined from the accepted work plan. Specific Contract Time will be determined on each BPA Call.

F- 4 AGAR 452.211-74 Period of Performance [Of the Contract] (FEB 1988)

The period of performance of this contract is from the date of award through last option period. Task Orders period of performance may extend past the expiration of this contract with all the terms and conditions of this contract remaining in full force until the Task Order expires.

Contract Year Start of Contract/Option Date Basic Year Award Date of Contract thru 365 days Option 1 Exercise of option thru 365 days

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.

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

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G- 1 - Measurement and Payment

Payment will be made at the rates shown in the Schedule of Items for each tree successfully completed and accepted. Successful completion will be determined by Government inspection and acceptance of a sufficient quantity of mature cones that can be safely caged, collected, bagged, and labeled from the exact individual tree.

(a) Quantity of Measure. Cone quantity shall be measured to the nearest ¼ bushel, with a maximum of one bushel per bag. One bushel of cones may be measured in a one-bushel container to the level top.

One bushel = 8 gallons. Cones that do not meet the requirements identified in Section C. will not be included in the measurement. Cones not meeting standards remain the property of the Government.

(b) Payment. Payment will be made at the unit price when all specifications have been complied with and will be made as follows:

General Collection - price per cone lot Example: 10 bushels x $50/bushel = $500.

Tree Improvement Collection – price for all trees climbed Example: 5 trees x $30/tree = $150

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H- 1 AGAR 452.236-72 Use of Premises (NOV 1996)

(a) Before any camp, quarry, borrow pit, storage, detour, or bypass site, other than shown on the drawings, is opened or operated on USDA lands or lands administered by the USDA, the Contractor shall obtain written permission from the Contracting Officer. A camp is interpreted to include a campsite or trailer parking area of any employee working on the project for the Contractor.

(b) Unless excepted elsewhere in the contract, the Contractor shall

(1) provide and maintain sanitation facilities for the workforce at the site, and

(2) dispose of solid waste in accordance with applicable Federal, State and local regulations.

H- 2 Pre-work Conference

Prior to commencement of work a pre-work conference may be scheduled. If held, the Contractor shall attend the meeting to review the contract terms and work performance requirements. Also at this meeting such items as work progress schedule, quality control, camping/worksite plan, and Safety plans shall be finalized in writing.

H- 3 Camping and Worksite Conditions

The Contractor shall obtain a camping permit from the National Forest the work is being performed on, prior to camping on Forest Service land. Final payment shall be withheld until the authorized camping areas have been cleaned up to the requirements of the Camping Permit.

H- 4 Safety Plan

The Contractor shall prepare a Safety Plan, outlining actions that will be taken to perform work in a safe manner. The Safety Plan must address how Contractor will assess the work site to determine if it is safe to work in the area, and how conditions will be monitored for changing conditions. The Safety Plan shall also address the personal protective equipment and mitigating measures the Contractor will do to increase safety on the worksite. For reference material, see Section C- 3(c)(5) Crew Safety.

H- 5 Contractor's Representative

All work under this contract shall be performed in a skillful and professional manner. The Contracting Officer may require, in writing, that the Contractor remove from the work any employee the Contracting Officer deems incompetent, careless, or otherwise objectionable.

The Contractor's onsite representative shall be fully conversant in the English language.

H- 6 Program of Work

Work shall be performed in an organized systematic manner. The COR or Inspector will decide the order in which the trees will be climbed.

H- 7 AGAR 452.236-77 Emergency Response (NOV 1996)

(a) Contractor's Responsibility for Fire Fighting.

(1) The Contractor, under the provisions of FAR clause 52.236-9, PROTECTION OF EXISTING VEGETATION, STRUCTURES, EQUIPMENT, UTILITIES, AND IMPROVEMENTS, shall immediately extinguish all fires on the work site other than those fires in use as a part of the work.

(2) The Contractor may be held liable for all damages and for all costs incurred by the Government for labor, subsistence, equipment, supplies, and transportation deemed necessary to control or suppress a fire set or caused by the Contractor or the Contractor's agents or employees.

(b) Contractor's Responsibility for Notification in Case of Fire. The Contractor shall immediately notify the Government of any fires sighted on or in the vicinity of the worksite.

(c) Contractor's Responsibility for Responding to Emergencies. When directed by the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall allow the Government to temporarily use employees and equipment from the work site for emergency work (anticipated to be restricted to fire fighting). An equitable adjustment for the temporary use of employees and equipment will be made under the CHANGES clause, FAR 52.243-1.

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES

I- 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 www.usda.gov/procurement/policy/agar.html

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

52.209-6 Protecting the Government's Interest when Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (SEPT 2006)

52.211-18 Variation in Estimated Quantity (APR 1984) 52.215-8 Order of Precedence--Uniform Contract Format (OCT 1997) 52.219-6 Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (JUNE 2003) 52.222-3 Convict Labor (JUNE 2003) 52.222-21 Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (FEB 1999) 52.222-26 Equal Opportunity (MAR 2007) 52.222-36 Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities (JUNE 1998) 52.222-41 Service Contract Act of 1965 (NOV 2007) 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons (FEB 2009) 52.223-6 Drug-Free Workplace (MAY 2001) 52.224-1 Privacy Act Notification (APR 1984) 52.224-2 Privacy Act (APR 1984) 52.232-1 Payments (APR 1984) 52.232-8 Discounts for Prompt Payment (FEB 2002) 52.232-11 Extras (APR 1984) 52.232-18 Availability of Funds (APR 1984) 52.232-23 Assignment of Claims (JAN 1986) 52.232-25 Prompt Payment (OCT 2008) 52.232-33 Payments by Electronic Funds Transfer—Central Contractor Registration (OCT 2003) 52.233-1 Disputes (JULY 2002) Alternate I (DEC 1991) 52.233-3 Protest After Award (AUG 1996) 52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (OCT 2004) 52.236-9 Protection of Existing Vegetation, Structures, Equipment, Utilities, and Improvements

(APR 1984)

52.243-1 Changes--Fixed-Price (AUG 1987) Alternate I (APR 1984) 52.245-1 Government Property (JUNE 2007) 52.246-1 Contractor Inspection Requirements (APR 1984) 52.249-1 Termination for Convenience of the Government (Fixed-Price) (Short Form) (APR 1984) 52.249-8 Default (Fixed-Price Supply and Service) (APR 1984) 52.253-1 Computer Generated Forms (JAN 1991)

AGRICULTURE ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 4) CLAUSES

452.224-70 Confidentiality of Information (FEB 1988) 452.236-74 Control of Erosion, Sedimentation, and Pollution (NOV 1996)

I- 2 FAR 52.204-7 Central Contractor Registration (APR 2008)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause-

"Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database" means the primary Government repository for Contractor information required for the conduct of business with the Government.

"Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number" means the 9-digit number assigned by Dun and Bradstreet, Inc. (D&B) to identify unique business entities.

"Data Universal Numbering System +4 (DUNS+4) number" means the DUNS number assigned by D&B plus a 4-character suffix that may be assigned by a business concern. (D&B has no affiliation with this 4-character suffix.) This 4-character suffix may be assigned at the discretion of the business concern to establish additional CCR records for identifying alternative Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) accounts (see the FAR at Subpart 32.11) for the same concern.

"Registered in the CCR database" means that-

(1) The Contractor has entered all mandatory information, including the DUNS number or the DUNS+4 number, into the CCR database; and

(2) The Government has validated all mandatory data fields, to include validation of the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and has marked the record “Active”.

The Contractor will be required to provide consent for TIN validation to the Government as a part of the CCR registration process.

(b) (1) By submission of an offer, the offeror acknowledges the requirement that a prospective awardee shall be registered in the CCR database prior to award, during performance, and through final payment of any contract, basic agreement, basic ordering agreement, or blanket purchasing agreement resulting from this solicitation.

(2) The offeror shall enter, in the block with its name and address on the cover page of its offer, the annotation "DUNS" or "DUNS +4" followed by the DUNS or DUNS +4 number that identifies the offeror's name and address exactly as stated in the offer. The DUNS number will be used by the Contracting Officer to verify that the offeror is registered in the CCR database.

(c) If the offeror does not have a DUNS number, it should contact Dun and Bradstreet directly to obtain one.

(1) An offeror may obtain a DUNS number-

(i) Via the Internet at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform or if the offeror does not have internet access, it may call Dun and Bradstreet at 1-866-705-5711 if located within the United States; or

(ii) If located outside the United States, by contacting the local Dun and Bradstreet office.

The offeror should indicate that it is an offeror for a U.S. Government contract when contacting the local Dun and Bradstreet office.

(2) The offeror should be prepared to provide the following information:

http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform

(i) Company legal business.

(ii) Tradestyle, doing business, or other name by which your entity is commonly recognized.

(iii) Company Physical Street Address, City, State, and Zip Code.

(iv) Company Mailing Address, City, State and Zip Code (if separate from physical).

(v) Company…