S130043CompleteSolicitation-05-FinalDraft.pdf

OFFEROR'S COPY

NOTE: Attached forms must be completed and submitted intact.

Solicitation No. RFP AG-03R6-S-13-0043 HELP PREVENT FOREST FIRES

IMPORTANT - NOTICE TO OFFEROR

1. This is a complete copy. Information and instructions for submission of proposals as well as contract provisions and specifications are contained in this OFFEROR REFERENCE COPY.

This copy should be retained by offerors.

2. This project is set-aside for HUBZone Small Business Concerns.

FS-6300-45 (11/79)

Issuing Office:

U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Western Montana Acquisition Zone Building 24, Fort Missoula Missoula, Montana 59804

Offers Are Solicited For:

PROJECT

Tree Thinning & Fuels Reduction Services Bitterroot National Forest Ravalli County, Montana

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD 1.THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED ORDER RATING PAGE OF

UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700) 1 75 PAGES

2. CONTRACT NUMBER 3. SOLICITATION NUMBER 4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION 5. DATE ISSUED 6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE

AG-03R6-S-13-0043 SEALED BID (IFB) 26 JUL 2013 NUMBER

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

7. ISSUED BY CODE 8. ADDRESS OFFER TO (If other than Item 7) USDA – Forest Service Western Montana Acquisition Zone Building 24, Fort Missoula Missoula, MT 59804

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

SOLICITATION

9. Sealed offers in original and 0 copies for furnishing the supplies or services in the Schedule will be received at the place specified in Item 8, or if handcarried, in the depository located in Building 24, Fort Missoula, Missoula, MT 59804 until 4:00 pm local time 04 SEP 2013

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

10. FOR

INFORMATION A. NAME B. TELEPHONE NO. (NO COLLECT

CALLS)Area Code/Number/Extension C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

CALL: Loren Ebner (406) 329-3858 lebner@fs.fed.us

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

(X) SEC. DESCRIPTION PAGE(S) (X) SEC. DESCRIPTION PAGE(S)

PART I - THE SCHEDULE PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

X A SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM 1 X I CONTRACT CLAUSES 14

X B SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES 8 PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACH.

X C DESCRIPTION/SPECS./WORK STATEMENT 13 X J LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 1

D PACKAGING AND MARKING PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

X E INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 3 X

K REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND

7 X F DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE 2 OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

X G CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA 4 X L INSTRS., CONDS., AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS 6

X H SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS 14 X M EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD 2

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror) NOTE: Item 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the provisions at 52.214-16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period.

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

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT 10 CALENDAR DAYS 20 CALENDAR DAYS 30 CALENDAR DAYS CALENDAR DAYS (See Section I, Clause No. 52-232-8) % % % %

14. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS AMENDMENT NO. DATE AMENDMENT NO. DATE

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

15A. NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR CODE FACILITY 16. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN

TIN: ____________________

DUNS: _____________________

OFFER (Type or Print)

15B. TELEPHONE NO. (Include area code and extension) 15C. Check if remittance address

17. SIGNATURE

18. OFFER DATE

is different from above – enter such address in Schedule.

AWARD (To be completed by Government)

19. ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS NUMBERED 20. AMOUNT 21. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION:

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN ITEM

10 U.S.C. 2304 (c) ( ) 41 U.S.C. 253(c) ( ) (4 copies unless otherwise specified)

24. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 7) CODE 25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

Submit invoice to COR for the work performed. Invoice will be reviewed and approved or rejected by the COR within 7 days of receipt of the invoice. Rejected invoices must be corrected and resubmitted. COR will forward the approved invoice to the CO who will submit to: USDA, OCFO, COD, APB, PO Box 60075, New Orleans, LA 70160

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print) 27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 28. AWARD DATE

(Signature of Contracting Officer) IMPORTANT - Award will be made on this Form, or on Standard Form 26, or by other authorized official written notice.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION STANDARD FORM 33 (REV.9-97)

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

AG-03R6-S-13-0043

Tree Thinning & Fuels Reduction Services/Bitterroot NF

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES

Tree Thinning & Fuels Reduction Services Bitterroot National Forest Ravalli County, Montana

B. 1 Schedule of Items

Work Item

Subitem / Description Stems per Acre

Spacings Unit of

Measure

YEAR

ONE

(Base Year)

Unit Price

YEAR

TWO

(Option Year)

THREE

(Option Year)

Quantities (First # is used for evaluation.

Second # is an estimated quantity for Year One)

C. 4.1 Walk-in > 1000 ft (C. 4.1.)

Per 1000 ft./per Acre

$_________ $_________ $___________ 2000 ft./0 ft.

20 ac./0 ac.

C. 4.2. Tree Thinning

C. 4.2. A. Incidental Thinning Consists of approximately less than (<) 300 stems/acre to be cut on a 12’x 12’ to 30’x 30’ spacing.

Acre $_________ $_________ $___________ 25/0 acres

C. 4.2. B. Light Thinning Consists of approximately 301-700 stems/acre to be cut on a 12’x 12’ to 30’x 30’ spacing.

Acre $_________ $_________ $__________ 1,000/1,000 acres

C. 4.2. C. Medium Thinning Consists of approximately 701-1500 stems/acre to be cut on a 12’x 12’ to 30’x 30’ spacing.

Acre $_________ $_________ $__________ 600/500 acres

C. 4.2. D. Heavy Thinning Consists of approximately 1501-2500 stems/acre to be cut on a 12’x 12’ to 30’x 30’ spacing.

Acre $_________ $_________ $__________ 75/50 acres

C. 4.2. E. Very Heavy Thinning Consists of approximately 2501-3500 stems/acre to be cut on a 12’x 12’ to 30’x 30’ spacing.

Acre $_________ $_________ $__________ 50/0 acres

C. 4.2. F. Super Heavy Thinning Consists of approximately 3501-5000 stems/acre to be cut on a 12’x 12’ to 30’x 30’ spacing.

Acre $_________ $_________ $__________ 25/0 acres

C. 4.3.

Girdling Incidental girdling when required by the Silvicultural Prescription.

Incidental girdling is defined as less than 5 trees per acre in any unit.

NSP NSP NSP NSP

Stems per Acre

Spacings Unit of

Measure

YEAR

TWO

(First # is used for evaluation.

Second # is an estimated quantity for Year One)

Pruning

C. 4.4. A. Light Pruning 50-100 stems/acre Acre $_________ $_________ $__________ 10/0

C. 4.4. B. Medium Pruning 101-200 stems/acre Acre $_________ $_________ $__________ 10/0

C. 4.4. C. Heavy Pruning 201-300 stems/acre Acre $_________ $_________ $__________ 10/0

C. 4.5 Tree Slashing Treatment Areas

C. 4.5 A. Light Slashing Consists of approximately less than (<) 700 stems/acre to be cut.

Acre $_________ $_________ $__________ 100/100

C. 4.5 B. Medium Slashing Consists of approximately 700-1200 stems/acre to be cut.

Acre $_________ $_________ $__________ 100/100

C. 4.5 C. Heavy Slashing Consists of approximately 1201-2500 stems/acre to be cut.

Acre $_________ $_________ $__________ 25/0 acres

C. 4.5 D. Very Heavy Slashing Consists of approximately 2500-5000 stems/acre to be cut.

Acre $_________ $_________ $__________ 25/0 acres

C. 4.6. Slash Treatment

C.4.6.1.a Standard Slash Treatment (up to 8” DBH Acre NSP NSP NSP -----------------

C.4.6.1.b Supplemental Slash Treatment (8.1”-10.0” DBH) Acre $_________ $_________ $_________ 500/500

C.4.6.1.c Supplemental Slash Treatment (10.1”-12.0” DBH) Acre $_________ $_________ $_________ 100/100

C. 4.6.5 Hand Piling

C. 4.6.5 A. Hand Piling (Very Light) Approximately <15 piles/acre Acre $_________ $_________ $__________ 20/0

C. 4.6.5 B. Hand Piling (Light) Approximately 16-25 piles/acre Acre $_________ $_________ $__________ 250/250 acres

C. 4.6.5 C. Hand Piling (Medium) Approximately 26-35 piles/acre Acre $_________ $_________ $__________ 500/500 acres

C. 4.6.5 D. Hand Piling (Heavy) Approximately 36-45 piles/acre Acre $_________ $_________ $__________ 5/50 acres

C. 4.6.5 E. Hand Piling (Very Heavy) Approximately 46-55 piles/ac Acre $_________ $_________ $__________ 5/0 acres

Stems per Acre

Spacings Unit of

Measure

YEAR

TWO

(First # is used for evaluation.

Second # is an estimated quantity for Year One)

C. 4.6.6.

Pile Covering (This price per acre is paid in addition to any price paid for piling under C. 4.6.5.)

Acre $________ $________ $__________ 750/750 acres

C. 4.7. Resource Protection NSP NSP NSP NSP

C. 4.9.1 Fireline Construction Per foot $_________ $_________ $__________ 2500/0000 feet

C. 4.9.2 Fuel Break Construction Acre $_________ $_________ $__________ 10/0 acres

C.4.9.3 Residual Tree Protection

C.4.9.3 A. Residual Tree Protection

(Incidental) <10 trees per acre NSP NSP NSP NSP

C.4.9.3 B. Residual Tree Protection (Light) 11-30 trees per acre Acre $________ $________ $__________ 50/0 acres

C.4.9.3 C. Residual Tree Protection (Medium) 31-50 trees per acre Acre $________ $________ $__________ 25/0 acres

C.4.9.3 D. Residual Tree Protection (Heavy) 51-75 trees per acre Acre $________ $________ $__________ 10/0 acres

C.4.9.4 Duff Mound Removal

C.4.9.4 A. Duff Mound Removal

(Incidental) <10 trees per acre NSP NSP NSP NSP

C.4.9.4 B. Duff Mound Removal (Light) 11-30 trees per acre Acre $________ $________ $__________ 50/0 acres

C.4.9.4 C. Duff Mound Removal (Medium) 31-50 trees per acre Acre $________ $________ $__________ 25/0 acres

C.4.9.4 D. Duff Mound Removal (Heavy) 51-75 trees per acre Acre $________ $________ $__________ 10/0 acres

C. 4.10. Plot Tree Data Acre NSP NSP NSP

C. 4.11. Contractor Inspection System Each NSP NSP NSP

C. 4.11. Quality Control Each NSP NSP NSP

Stems per Acre

Spacings Unit of

Measure

YEAR

TWO

(First # is used for evaluation.

Second # is an estimated quantity for Year One)

C. 4.12. Work Plan & Schedule Each NSP NSP NSP

C.4.13. Camping/Worksite plan NSP NSP NSP

C. 4.14. Communications NSP NSP NSP

C. 4.15. Onsite Representative NSP NSP NSP

• NOTE 1: NSP = Not Separately Priced. For contract time, the time for this work is included in the time calculations made for other work items and no additional time will be added for these work items.

• NOTE 2: The “Quantity” column above shows two numbers. The first number is the quantity that the Government will use for evaluation purposes for the base year and each option year. The second quantity is the estimated quantity to be ordered in Year One, although the Government order(s) is/are not limited to this quantity. The quantities identified are not necessarily the quantities that will be ordered in any particular year. Please be advised that quantities identified on the Schedule of Items are provided for information only and do not in any way restrict the Government from ordering services in accordance with the minimums and maximums established under this Indefinite-Quantity, Indefinite Delivery Contract.

B. 2. AGAR 452.216-73 Minimum and Maximum Contract Amount (FEB 1988)

During the period specified in FAR clause 52.216-18, ORDERING, the Government shall place orders totaling a minimum of $15,000.00 for the base year and each option year exercised by the Government, but not in excess of $3,000,000.00. (Also see I. 6 Order Limitations for limitations on individual Task Orders.)

B. 3. Authorized Ordering Activities

In addition to the Contracting Officer for the parent contract, the authorized officials shown below may issue Task Orders under this contract: Any Contract Specialist assigned to the USDA Forest Service, Western Montana Acquisition Zone, within the limits of their authority.

B. 4. General Description of TSI Units and Cost Categories

Categories: The above cost categories are substituted for the individual listing of each thinning unit. Stands to be treated will be classified by these categories defined by stocking levels that are based on a combination of examinations and visual estimates of the stand uniformity.

Stocking levels displays stems per acre. This is the total amount of trees per acre and the Silvicultural Summary Prescription will identify the appropriate post-treatment stocking levels based on spacing requirements.

Spacing and diameter limits used within these categories will be within the range shown in the Schedule of Items and specified in the detailed prescriptions.

B. 5 Capacity and Workforce: Production Rates. These rates are inserted into Paragraphs F. 3.2.1 and F. 3.2.2 of the contract as appropriate.

Work Item Subitem / Description Unit of

Measure

Contract Production Rate to be used in the calculation of contract time for

Task Orders.

See Paragraphs F. 3.2.1 and F. 3.2.2

Quantities (First # is the total # that will be applied during evaluation. (See Section M).

Second # is an estimated quantity for Year One)

See Note 2 Below

C. 4.1 Walk-in > 1000 ft (C. 4.1.)

Per 1000 ft./per Acre

N/A 2000 ft./0 ft.

20 ac./0 ac.

C. 4.2. Tree Thinning

C. 4.2. A. Incidental Thinning Consists of approximately less than (<) 300 stems/acre to be cut on a 12’x 12’ to 30’x 30’ spacing.

Acre

_________ Acres Per Crew/Calendar Day 25/0 acres

C. 4.2. B. Light Thinning Consists of approximately 301-700 stems/acre to be cut on a 12’x 12’ to

_________ Acres Per Crew/Calendar Day 1,000/1,000 acres

C. 4.2. C. Medium Thinning Consists of approximately 701-1500 stems/acre to be cut on a 12’x 12’ to

_________ Acres Per Crew/Calendar Day 600/500 acres

C. 4.2. D. Heavy Thinning Consists of approximately 1501-2500 stems/acre to be cut on a 12’x 12’ to

_________ Acres Per Crew/Calendar Day 75/50 acres

C. 4.2. E. Very Heavy Thinning Consists of approximately 2501-3500 stems/acre to be cut on a 12’x 12’ to

_________ Acres Per Crew/Calendar Day 50/0 acres

C. 4.2. F. Super Heavy Thinning Consists of approximately 3501-5000 stems/acre to be cut on a 12’x 12’ to

_________ Acres Per Crew/Calendar Day 25/0 acres

C.4.3 Girdling

C.4.3 A. Incidental Girdling Incidental girdling when required by the Silvicultural Prescription. Incidental girdling is defined as less than 5 trees per acre in any unit.

Acre _________ Acres Per Crew/Calendar Day xxxxx

Work Item Subitem / Description total # that will be applied during evaluation. (See Section M).

Second # is an estimated quantity for Year One)

See Note 2 Below

C.4.4 Pruning

C. 4.4. A. Light Pruning 50-100 stems/acre Acre

________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 10/0

C. 4.4. B. Medium Pruning 101-200 stems/acre Acre

C. 4.4. C. Heavy Pruning 201-300 stems/acre Acre

C. 4.5 Tree Slashing Treatment Areas

C. 4.5 A.Light Slashing Consists of approximately less than (<) 700 stems/acre to be cut.

Acre

________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 100/100

C. 4.5 B. Medium Slashing Consists of approximately 700-1200 stems/acre to be cut.

Acre

________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 100/100

C. 4.5 C. Heavy Slashing Consists of approximately 1201-2500 stems/acre to be cut.

Acre

________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 25/0 acres

C. 4.5 D. Very Heavy Slashing Consists of approximately 2500-5000 stems/acre to be cut.

Acre

________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 25/0 acres

C. 4.6. Slash Treatment

C.4.6.1.a Standard Slash Treatment (up to 8” DBH) Acre

________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day -----------------

C.4.6.1.b Supplemental Slash Treatment (8.1”-10.0” DBH) Acre

________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 500/500

C.4.6.1.c Supplemental Slash Treatment (10.1”-12.0” DBH) Acre

________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 100/100

C. 4.6.5 Hand Piling

C. 4.6.5 A. Hand Piling (Very Light) Approximately <15 piles/acre Acre

________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 20/0

C. 4.6.5 B. Hand Piling (Light) Approximately 16-25 piles/acre Acre

________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 250/250 acres

C. 4.6.5 C. Hand Piling (Medium) Approximately 26-35 piles/acre Acre

________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 500/500 acres

C. 4.6.5 D. Hand Piling (Heavy) Approximately 36-45 piles/acre Acre

________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 5/50 acres

C. 4.6.5 E. Hand Piling (Very Heavy) Approximately 46-55 piles/ac Acre ________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 5/0 acres

Stems per Acre

Spacings total # that will be applied during evaluation. (See Section M).

Second # is an estimated quantity for Year One)

See Note 2 Below

C. 4.6.6.

Pile Covering (This price per acre is paid in addition to any price paid for piling under C. 4.6.5.)

Acre ________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 750/750 acres

C. 4.7. Resource Protection NSP NSP NSP NSP

C. 4.9.1 Fireline Construction Per foot

________ Feet Per Crew /Calendar Day 2500/0000 feet

C. 4.9.2 Fuel Break Construction Acre

________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 10/0 acres

C.4.9.3 Residual Tree Protection C.4.9.3 A. Residual Tree Protection

(Incidental) <10 trees per acre NSP NSP NSP NSP

C.4.9.3 B. Residual Tree Protection (Light) 11-30 trees per acre Acre

________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 50/0 acres

C.4.9.3 C. Residual Tree Protection (Medium) 31-50 trees per acre Acre

________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 25/0 acres

C.4.9.3 D. Residual Tree Protection (Heavy) 51-75 trees per acre Acre

________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 10/0 acres

C.4.9.4 Duff Mound Removal C.4.9.4 A. Duff Mound Removal

(Incidental) <10 trees per acre NSP NSP NSP NSP

C.4.9.4 B. Duff Mound Removal (Light) 11-30 trees per acre Acre

________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 50/0 acres

C.4.9.4 C. Duff Mound Removal (Medium) 31-50 trees per acre Acre

________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 25/0 acres

C.4.9.4 D. Duff Mound Removal (Heavy) 51-75 trees per acre Acre

________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 10/0 acres

C. 4.10. Plot Tree Data Acre NSP NSP NSP

C. 4.11. Contractor Inspection System Each NSP NSP NSP

C. 4.11. Quality Control Each NSP NSP NSP

Stems per Acre

Spacings total # that will be applied during evaluation. (See Section M).

Second # is an estimated quantity for Year One)

See Note 2 Below

C. 4.12. Work Plan & Schedule LS NSP NSP NSP

NSP

C.4.13. Camping/Worksite plan LS NSP NSP NSP

NSP

C. 4.14. Communications LS NSP NSP NSP

NSP

C. 4.15. Onsite Representative LS NSP NSP NSP

NSP

• NOTE 1: NSP = Not Separately Priced. For contract time, the time for this work is included in the time calculations made for other work items and no additional time will be added for these work items.

• NOTE 2: The “Quantity” column above shows two numbers. The first number is the quantity that the Government will use for evaluation purposes. The second quantity is the estimated quantity to be ordered in Year One, although the Government order(s) is/are not limited to this quantity. The quantities identified are not necessarily the quantities that will be ordered in any particular year. Please be advised that quantities identified on the Schedule of Items are provided for information only and do not in any way restrict the Government from ordering services in accordance with the minimums and maximums established under this Indefinite-Quantity, Indefinite Delivery Contract.

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

C. 1. Introduction

C. 1.1. Background

The Forest Service is in need of pre-commercial tree thinning and stand improvement activities to reduce the tree density and, by the deliberate selection of leave trees, improve the overall health and condition of the stand based on the prescribed objectives. Tree selection and cutting of undesirable or excess trees will provide space for the leave trees to grow and develop, reduce the incidence of insect and diseases that affect growth, undesirable tree qualities and to reduce the ladder fuels thus reducing the potential for crown fires. Pruning, hand piling and covering of slash, residual tree protection, duff mound removal and fire line construction activities are also included in this contract.

C. 1.2. Scope of Contract

The solicitation is for pre-commercial thinning, stand improvement, slash treatment, fuel break creation, fire line construction, and related activities on the Bitterroot National Forest. The Contractor shall furnish everything necessary, including, but not limited to all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, supplies (except those designated as Government-furnished), and incidentals to perform all work necessary on the areas specified in Task Orders issued under this contract. All aspects of the work shall be performed in accordance with the Silvicultural Summary Prescription. A Silvicultural Summary Chart that displays some elements from the Silvicultural Summary Prescription will be attached to each Task Order. All aspects of the work program shall be performed in an organized, systematic manner to assure services will be performed over the entire unit.

The scope of this contract also allows for the performance of work under this contract on the Flathead National Forest and/or the Lolo National Forest.

C. 1.2.1. This contract is a Performance Based, Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a base and 2 optional year renewals.

C. 1.2.2. Specific locations, maps, and unit data for each subitem will be provided with each task order issued under the contract.

C. 1.2.3. The acres to be treated each year are estimated to range from 100 acres to 2,500 acres per year, however, these numbers are not guarantees (See Paragraphs B. 2. and I. 7. herein for minimum and maximum quantities and order limitations). The contract time that will be mandated for each task order will be specified in the task order. The amount of contract time for each task order will be identified according to the parameters identified in Paragraph F. 3. herein.

C. 1.3. Location and Description

C. 1.3.1. Access. Refer to Government-furnished services in Section C. 3. and Contractor Requirements in Section C. 4. for additional information on access to the treatment areas.

C. 2. Definitions

Access Point: The point identified for access to contract subitem areas.

Acceptable (Stocking) Density: The number of trees between the minimum and maximum specified in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription.

Calendar Days: Every day shown on the calendar, Sundays and holidays included.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): The 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

Competitive Area: The area used for comparison of potential leave trees of the same species. The radius of the competitive area is specified in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription.

Contract Period: For the purposes of this contract, the contract period is defined as the entire period from the date of contract award through the end of the base year, and/or any option year(s) if option year(s) are exercised by the Government.

Contract Time: The number of calendar days identified in each Task Order, within which the Contractor shall complete the work described in that Task Order in compliance with the Task Order and the parent contract.

Damage: Defect or deformity of a tree resulting from agents such as wind, snow, animals, insects, disease, and equipment, and evidenced by such things as dead or broken tops or trunks, crooks, and deep scars or damage to the bark on more than ¼ of the circumference of the tree.

Decision Area: An area that is evaluated to determine the appropriate number of leave trees. The Decision area is specified in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription.

Deficiency (or discrepancy): Trees that are unsatisfactory either because they were cut and met the requirements for a leave tree or were not cut and should have been. There are three categories of deficiencies described in the Inspection procedure (Section J).

Category A deficiencies - cutting trees that should not be cut or damaging selected leave trees.

These are non-correctable errors.

Category B deficiencies - leaving trees that should be cut. These are excess trees and are correctable errors.

Category C deficiencies - other types of errors such as not completely severing trees from stumps, leaving small trees, and other errors as described on the inspection form.

Desirable Leave Tree Characteristics: Desirable leave trees shall generally be those of the tallest height, largest crown (in dominant & co-dominant crown positions), and straightest stems without forking that are free of damage due to insects, disease, physical, or mechanical causes. Leave characteristics are as follows:

• Straight stem

• Small branch diameter

• Good coloration

• Well-formed crown

• Branches horizontal or slightly angled to bole

• Free or limited presence of insect or disease damage and/or symptoms; damage or symptom does not affect growth or survival

• Vigorous annual terminal growth (especially in last 1 to 3 years)

• Crown class of dominant or co-dominant

• Crown ratio is 40% or larger

Characteristics of trees that are not desirable for leave trees:

• Multiple tops

• Poor crown form

• Crook or seep in bole

• Dead or broken tops

• Poor coloration

• Large branch diameter

• Presence of insect or diseases

• Branches more than 45 degrees from horizontal

• Physical or mechanical damage

• Suppressed

• Poor annual growth

• Sucker limbs

Diameter Breast Height (dbh): The diameter of the trunk measure at a point 4-1/2 feet above the ground level on the uphill side of the tree.

Dominant Tree: A tree whose crown extends above the general level of the main canopy; or in some cases, a tree whose canopy is above the main canopy of the tree’s immediate neighbors, receiving full light from above.

Down Wood Concentration: An area where the amount of Down Wood (see Definitions for Down Wood), located in a 50-foot radius area or smaller, is sufficient to build a hand pile.

Down Wood: Woody debris not meeting the definition of Slash (i.e. Contractor created) that is 10 inches or less in diameter on the large end and 3 feet or greater in length. Rotten wood which is partially buried in the soil or is decayed 75% or greater is not considered down wood.

Excess Tree: An uncut tree that according to contract specifications should have been cut. Excess trees are considered a Category B deficiency in the inspection procedure; these are generally correctable.

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

Healthy Conifer: Trees that are growing well, exhibited by good leader growth, green foliage, and at least 40 percent crown ratio (ratio of crown to overall length), has upright growth form, absence of forking or broken tops, absence of mortality causing diseases or insects in the terminal buds.

Hang-Up Tree: Any cut tree suspended more than 3 feet off the ground.

Improperly Cut Tree: A tree that was cut that should have been a leave tree based on contract specifications. Also includes any leave tree that was damaged by the Contractor’s operations. This is considered a Category A deficiency and is not a correctable deficiency.

Inspection Procedure: The plot inspection procedure described in Section J. used to determine quality of work.

Jackpot Concentration: Small slash concentration between 1 ½ and 3 feet in height and less than 4 feet wide created by directional felling and/or pulling slash away from leave trees.

Leave Tree: Any tree that is selected or required to be left standing according to requirements in Section C. 4.

Leave Trees Per Acre: The number of leave trees within 1 acre. Generally referred to average leave trees per acre calculated from one or more plot samples.

No. of trees per plot X reciprocal of plot size = leave trees per acre and

Total trees on all plots X reciprocal of plot size = leave trees per acre Total no. plots taken

Lopping: Cutting limbs and boles of trees to reduce depth of slash created by felled trees.

Minor Damage: Trees with damage, however, the crooks in the trunk are offset less than 3 inches from the long axis and within 13 feet of the ground, or bark damage to less than one-fourth the circumference of the tree. Trees with forks or broken tops are not considered to have minor damage.

Period of Performance: (deleted).

Pullback: Pulling slash by hand into the unit to protect leave trees and/or designated improvements and developments. Specifications defined further in C. 4.6.

Quality Assurance: The actions taken by the Government to assess the results to determine that they meet contract requirements. The methods for quality assurance are described in the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

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

Satisfactory Leave Tree: A tree that is selected to be left on the unit that meets contract specifications.

Tree is larger than the minimum height required to be cut.

Slash: Trunks of cut trees and limbs, either pre-existing or created by the Contractor’s operations.

Slash Concentration: An area where the amount of slash created from the thinning and/or slashing located in a 50-foot radius area or smaller, is sufficient to build a hand pile. Task Orders issued under this contract will identify whether the Contractor shall pile pre-existing slash and/or slash created by Contractor operations.

Small Trees: Trees to be cut that are taller than the minimum tree height to cut and shorter than the “small tree height” specified in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription.

Spacing: The horizontal distance from the trunk of one leave tree to the trunk of the next nearest leave tree. Average spacing is calculated from the leave trees per acre.

Special Protection Area: A zone that has special characteristics such as riparian vegetation, wildlife calving areas, etc. Special protection areas are noted on the project maps and they may require special treatment such as an alteration to the tree cutting, slash treatment, vehicle travel or fueling of saws. Refer to the Silvicultural Summary Prescription for required practices.

Stream Course: Areas along a stream with riparian vegetation and other riparian characteristics. Stream courses are noted on the project maps. They typically require special treatment, which may include alteration to the tree cutting, slash treatment, vehicle travel or fueling of saws. Special treatments will be specified in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription.

Surplus Tree: A tree that is left in the unit that is in addition to the other satisfactory leave trees and is larger than those defined as small trees. It is not counted in the acceptable tree per acre calculation but does contribute to the total trees per acre on the unit. A surplus tree is coded as S3 or S4 trees in the inspection procedure.

Tree Slashing: This activity cuts competing vegetation from around selected crop trees to allow the crop trees room to grow and reduce fuel continuity. The term “slashing” does not refer to slash treatment, which is a separate activity.

Unsatisfactory Tree: A tree that fails to meet contract standards; includes but is not limited to:

(1) Cutting the wrong tree, failure to cut a correct tree, failure to completely sever a live limb, etc.

(2) Failure to prune a tree or pruning that is not in contract.

(3) Failure to girdle a tree that meets the specifications is also an unsatisfactory tree.

Unsatisfactory trees are considered a deficiency or discrepancy in contract inspection and may be either a Category A, Category B, or Category C deficiency.

C. 3. Government-Furnished Property and/or Services

The property and services that will be provided by the Government are as follows:

Item Description Where, When, How C. 3.5. Access behind locked gates

Some units are behind Forest road closures (locked gates). The Government will provide a permit and combination lock to the Contractor. Refer to C. 4.1.3.

During period unit is being treated.

C. 4. Contractor Work Requirements and Standards

C. 4.1. General

C. 4.1.1. Road Access. The Contractor may access the units from forest roads indicated on project maps.

Some units may require the Contractor to walk; access is to the access point noted on project map. After initial clearing of the access roads by the Government, the Contractor shall clear any subsequent falling of trees that block roads needed to access units.

C. 4.1.2. Walk-In Areas. Units indicated as ‘walk-in’ units cannot be driven to by vehicle. See Section G for payment for walk-in.

C. 4.1.3. Locked Gates. In cases where units are behind locked gates, the Contractor shall close and lock gates (see C. 3.5.) after entering or exiting each gate and will be subject to all other restrictions of administrative use. The Contractor shall be permitted to drive from the locked gate to the unit with only the minimum number of vehicles necessary for efficient transport of the crew. No firearms are permitted behind locked gates.

C. 4.1.4. Area and/or Road Closures. No motorized access, unless authorized by the COR, will be permitted behind locked gates/barriers during the Montana Big Game hunting season, generally from October 15 through December 1, annually. Walk-in will be permitted.

C. 4.2. Tree Thinning. Thinning reduces the density of a sapling stand and by purposeful selection of leave trees improves the stand composition and condition as prescribed for each individual unit.

C. 4.2.1. Selection of Satisfactory Leave Trees. Satisfactory leave trees contribute to the acceptable density computation. All Satisfactory Leave Trees are larger than the “small trees” described in the prescription. If the prescription has no “small trees” specified then the leave trees should be taller than the specified minimum cut tree height.

The Contractor shall utilize the Silvicultural Summary Prescription (also referred to as the prescription), in Section J, characteristics of desirable leave trees (refer to definitions C. 2.) and requirements in this section for selecting the leave trees. The prescription is based on the overall composition and condition of the stand and is intended to be a guideline for achieving the desired final condition. The Contractor shall use his/her silvicultural knowledge to identify and adjust to any conditions within the stand and notify the Contracting Officer of any conditions not addressed in the prescription. The Contractor shall recognize any insect, disease or animal damage problems and report them to the Contracting Officer if it not recognized in the prescription. The Government, at the suggestion of the Contractor, may revise prescriptions with approval by the Contracting Officer. Alternate prescriptions must meet the overall stand objectives to be considered by the Contracting Officer.

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

C. 4.2.1.1. Spacing Method for Leave Tree Selection. The Contractor shall select the most desirable leave trees based on the Silvicultural Summary Prescription and desirable leave tree characteristics within the acceptable stocking density. Alter the spacing to select the most desirable tree within the spacing guide identified in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription.

C. 4.2.2. Other Leave Trees. In addition to the leave trees described in C. 4.2.1, the Contractor shall leave trees larger than the maximum DBH, and other “trees to be ignored” as described in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription. Thinning quality will reflect the failure to leave these trees.

C. 4.2.3. Cutting Trees Not Selected as Leave Trees.

C. 4.2.3.1. All trees not designated as leave trees that are taller than the minimum cut tree height shall be cut. Leave trees shall not be damaged in the operation.

C. 4.2.3.2. All cut trees shall be completely severed from the stump below the lowest live limb except when prevented by natural obstacles. This will prevent the tree from growing new vegetative material. A live limb is a limb of any size that has green needles attached. Cut trees shall be secured so they do not roll down hill and shall not be hung up on other trees or vegetation.

C. 4.2.3.3. Trees defined as “small trees” in the prescription shall be cut however there is a greater tolerance for failure to cut these trees than larger trees. Small trees that are not cut are considered a Category C deficiency. Refer to E. 3.1.2. for maximum level of Category C deficiencies allowed.

C. 4.2.3.4. Stump height shall not exceed 4 inches above the ground level as measured on the uphill side, or 4 inches above natural obstacles.

C. 4.2.3.5. Stumps shall be cut to an angle of less than 30 degrees from the horizontal.

C. 4.2.3.6. Hang- up trees shall be pulled down and made to lie on the ground. Portions of severed trees shall not be left entwined with standing leave trees.

C. 4.3. Girdling. Girdling deliberately kills the treated tree, leaving it to become a snag. The Contractor shall select and girdle trees specified in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription. Girdling shall be at least 2 cuts through the bark and cambium tissue completely encircling the trunk for the purpose of killing the tree.

C. 4.4. Pruning. Pruning of ponderosa pine is conducted to reduce the spread of Elytroderma needle cast and is also performed to remove lower limbs from trees to reduce the crown damage during an underburn.

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

C. 4.4.2. All limbs specified by the prescription shall be cut to within ½ inch of the limb collar and needles removed at the bole. All branches within the lower one-half of the bole shall be pruned, up to a maximum height of 8 feet. Pruned limbs shall be completely severed from the tree.

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

Pruning shall be performed with hand pruning shears, loppers or hand pruning saws only. Chainsaws are not deemed acceptable.

C. 4.5. Slashing. This activity cuts competing vegetation from around selected crop trees to allow the crop trees room to grow and reduce fuel continuity.

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

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

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

C. 4.5.4. A requirement for some of these slashing units may be to pull back the slash from around live residual trees as specified in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription.

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

C. 4.6.1. Bucking, Lopping, Scattering

C. 4.6.1.a All thinning slash shall be lopped to less than 2 feet high and placed on or near the ground surface. Slash will be bucked, lopped and/or scattered according to the Silvicultural Summary Prescription. Cut material shall not lean against an uncut tree, stump, log or any obstacle. It shall be secure and not able to roll down the hill.

Bucking is required, regardless of height of slash above the ground, when specified in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription. Bucked lengths will be specified in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription. The minimum length will be 4 feet and the maximum would be 10 feet.

C.4.6.1.b. When the maximum DBH cut limit for Tree Thinning (C. 4.2.) or Tree Slashing (C.4.5) as shown in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription, is between 8.1 inches DBH and 10.0 inches DBH, the Contractor shall perform the slash treatments described in C.4.6.1.a. Additional costs for these treatments will be reflected as shown in B.1. Schedule of Items, C.4.6.1.b.

C.4.6.1.c. When the maximum DBH cut limit for Tree Thinning (C. 4.2.) or Tree Slashing (C.4.5) as shown in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription, is between 10.1 inches DBH and 12.0 inches DBH, the Contractor shall perform the slash treatments described in C.4.6.1.a. Additional costs for these treatments will be reflected as shown in B.1. Schedule of Items, C.4.6.1.c.

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

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

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

(1) The area adjacent to cut and fill slopes, and ditches for a distance of 10 feet measured from the upper cut slope and the lower shoulder of the road. Material shall be less than 6 feet in length to prevent barriers along roads.

(2) Culverts for a distance of 25 feet upstream from the culvert.

(3) 10 feet from improvements such as unit boundaries, roads, telephone lines, established trails, stock driveways, fence lines, established land corners.

(4) Stream courses as required in Resource Protection (C. 4.7.).

C. 4.6.5. Hand Piling. When required by the Silvicultural Summary Prescription or when specified in the Task Order, Contractor-generated slash and/or pre-existing down wood shall be piled by the Contractor.

Piles shall be constructed to facilitate full consumption when they are burned. Piles shall be located to minimize damage to residual trees when the piles are burned.

Unless otherwise specified in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription, or in the Task Order itself, piles shall be constructed as follows: Piles shall be 6-10 feet in diameter, a minimum of 5 feet in height, shall be constructed reasonably compact, shall have a good base to prevent the pile from toppling and shall not be made on down logs or rotten stumps. All objects which extend more than 3 feet in any direction from the pile profile shall be cut off and returned to the pile.

C. 4.6.6. Pile Covering. When pile covering is specified in a Task Order issued under this contract, the Contractor shall cover piles with a burnable water-repellent paper that is approved by the Contracting Officer. For example, the Contracting Officer will approve 80# kraft paper, that is burnable, water-repellant paper and that is non-toxic when burned. The Contracting Officer will not approve tar paper to be used for pile covering. Paper shall be placed within the pile such that ¾ the diameter of the pile is covered and held firmly in place by heavy slash on top of it.

C. 4.7. Resource Protection. The Contractor shall exercise extreme care to prevent damage to existing facilities, developments and resources in all aspects of the contract work.

C. 4.7.1. Existing Facilities. Throughout the operations, the Contractor shall prevent damage to facilities including roads, erosion dips, barriers and drainage, developments and streams and other identified resources. Improvements damaged shall be replaced or repaired at no cost to the Government.

C. 4.7.2. Stream Courses. The Contractor shall minimize damage to stream courses. Stream courses identified on project maps shall be free of thinning slash for a distance of 50 feet on either side of the stream course. Trees shall be directionally felled away from the stream course.

C. 4.7.2.a. Irrigation Ditches. There will be no hand piles constructed within 100’ either side of designated and flagged ditches.

C. 4.7.3. Soil Erosion. The Contractor shall take precautions to prevent gullying of roads and skid trails within and adjacent to the contract area, and protect vegetative cover, soil, and water resources.

C. 4.8. Salvage. There will be no salvage of material included in this contract.

C. 4.9. Other Work

C. 4.9.1. Fireline Construction. The Forest Service will designate firelines on the ground and provide the Contractor with a written description of the work standards in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription or the Task Order.

Clear fireline of all brush and woody debris for a minimum of 4 feet. On the exterior edge of the fireline, a continuous line of not less than 24 inches in width shall be scraped to mineral soil using hand tools.

Cup-trenching roughly 8 inches deep is required on under-slung line.

The minimum overall width of the fireline plus the mineral soil line is 6 feet. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, material removed from the fireline shall be scattered within the cutting area (if creating fireline around a cutting area) or burn area (if creating fireline around a burn area) and not windrowed or otherwise concentrated adjacent to the fuel break. Do not mix slash with side cast material.

Payment will be made based on linear distance (slope distance in feet) of completed fireline which meets the approved standards.

C. 4.9.2. Fuel Break Construction. The Forest Service will designate fuel breaks on the ground and provide the Contractor with a written description of the work standards in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription and/or the Task Order. A fuel break should be completely cleared of all brush and woody debris along a specified width. In some circumstances a fuel break will be an extension in width of an established fireline.

A fuel break may be constructed at a minimum of 4 feet to a maximum of 50 feet in width depending on the prescription. Payment will be made on an area measurement (acres) of completed fuel break which meets the approved standards.

C. 4.9.3. Residual Tree Protection. When required by the Silvicultural Summary Prescription or Task Order, a treatment area will be designated to reduce stocking levels and break up the existing fuel continuity. The down wood and thinning slash 3”- 10” inches in diameter and 3 feet in length in these areas will be bucked to 3-foot lengths and pulled-back at least 15 feet from the bole of any live residual tree greater than 12 inches d.b.h., any tree with a cat face or fire scar, or as stated in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription or Task Order.

C. 4.9.4. Duff Mound Removal. When required by the Silvicultural Summary Prescription or Task Order, duff shall be raked or blown away from tree boles to expose mineral soil for a distance of 8-12 inches surrounding the tree. Duff debris shall be scattered at least two feet away from each tree and to a depth of less than 2 inches.

Additional specifications for Fireline Construction, Fuel Break Construction, Residual Tree Protection, and Duff Mound Removal will be defined in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription or the Task Order.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, all Fireline Construction, Fuel Break Construction, Residual Tree Protection, and Duff Mound Removal shall be done by hand using approved handtools.

C. 4.10. Plot Tree Data. On each inspection plot conducted by the Contractor, the Contractor shall record the species of each tree and estimate and record the average diameter and height of all remaining trees on each inspection plots. Record this data on the Thinning Inspection Plot Form. This is in addition to the other required inspection information specified in Section J, Thinning Inspection Plot Form and detailed instructions, and other contract requirement.

C. 4.11. Quality Control. The Contractor shall prepare a Quality Control Plan as described in Section E.

The Contractor shall inspect the work in accordance with the accepted Quality Control Plan.

C. 4.12. Work Plan and Schedule (Also see F. 3.4.) Upon receipt of Task Orders, the Contractor shall prepare a work plan and schedule that demonstrates how the work will be completed within the contract time identified in the Task Order. Task Order work plans and schedules shall be provided to the Contracting Officer at least 5-calendar days before the estimated start work date identified on the Task Order.

The Contractor shall advise the Contracting Officer or COR of any periods that the Contractor will not be working that is not specified in the accepted Work Plan.

The Contractor may update the work plan when work is in progress and the Contracting Officer may accept the updated work plan.

C. 4.13. Camping and Worksite Conditions. The Contractor shall prepare a Camping and/or Worksite Plan and operate in a manner that will protect the environmental resources and the public facilities. The conditions shall be consistent with the requirements of Section H, Section I, and supplementary attachments in Section J.

C. 4.14. Communications. The Contractor shall keep the Contracting Officer advised as to where the Contractor or Contractor’s representative may be reached by phone during periods of work suspension and periods of time without work. Further, the Contractor shall maintain contact with the Contracting Officer during periods of work suspension or periods of time without work.

C. 4.15. Onsite Representative. The Contractor’s onsite representative shall be fully conversant and literate in the English language and shall be in the worksite whenever work is in progress.

C. 5. Standards

C. 5.1. (Non-mandatory use) Forest Service Handbook, R1 Supplement 2409.17-99-1 (effective 4/12/99), Chapter 6 – Timber Stand Improvement available at:

http://www.fs.fed.us/im/directives/field/r1/fsh/2409.17/2409.17_6-6.17.rtf http://www.fs.fed.us/im/directives/field/r1/fsh/2409.17/2409.17_6.2-6.4.rtf

This reference is not mandatory but provides additional information that may be useful to potential Offerors in preparation of his/her proposal.

C. 5.2. OSHA’s Field Sanitation Standard Fact Sheet No. OSHA 92-25 is available at:

http://www.osha-slc.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=FACT_SHEETS&p_id=137 http://www.fs.fed.us/im/directives/field/r1/fsh/2409.17/2409.17_6-6.17.rtf http://www.fs.fed.us/im/directives/field/r1/fsh/2409.17/2409.17_6.2-6.4.rtf http://www.osha-slc.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=FACT_SHEETS&p_id=137

C. 6. Performance Summary

The following describes the major items in the contract with the incentives and…