S130044ConformedCompleteSolicitation.pdf

Conformed Solicitation Containing Amendment No. 1, dated 8/6/2013

OFFEROR'S COPY

NOTE: Attached forms must be completed and submitted intact.

Solicitation No. RFP AG-03R6-S-13-0044 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, Stand Improvement, and Fuels Treatment Services Flathead National Forest Montana

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

UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700) 1 76 PAGES

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

AG-03R6-S-13-0044 SEALED BID (IFB) 09 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 (See L. 5) 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 15 AUG 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 4 X

K REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND

7 X F DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE 3 OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

X G CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA 3 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-13-0044

Thinning, Stand Improvement & Fuels Treatment/Flathead NF Amendment No. 01, dated 8/6/2013 Page 2 of 76

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B – SERVICES AND PRICES

TREE THINNING, STAND IMPROVEMENT & FUELS TREATMENT SERVICES

B. 1 Schedule of Items

Work Item Subitem / Description

Unit of Measure

YEAR

ONE

(Base)

Unit Price

YEAR

TWO

(Option)

YEAR

THREE

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 Per 1000 ft./per Acre

$_______ $_______ $_______ 1500 ft /5000 ft

C. 4.2 Tree Thinning

C. 4.2

A. Light Thinning Consists of approximately 500-1500 tree stems/acre to be cut, on a 10’x 10’ or greater spacing.

(Refer to Best Tree Selection Criteria C. 4.2.1.1)

Acre $_______ $_______ $_______ 75/75

C. 4.2

B. Medium Thinning Consists of approximately 1501- 3500 tree stems/acre thinning on a 10’x 10’ or greater spacing.

(Refer to Best Tree Selection Criteria C. 4.2.1.1)

Acre $_______ $_______ $_______ 500/500

C. 4.2

C. Moderately Heavy Thinning Consists of approximately 3501-5500 tree stems/acre thinning on a 10’x 10’ or greater spacing.

(Refer to Best Tree Selection Criteria C. 4.2.1.1)

Acre $_______ $_______ $_______ 150/150

C. 4.2

D. Heavy Thinning Consists of approximately 5501 – 7,500 tree stems/acre thinning on a 10’x 10’ or greater spacing.

(Refer to Best Tree Selection Criteria C. 4.2.1.1)

Acre $_______ $_______ $_______ 50/50

C. 4.2

E. Very Heavy Thinning Consists of approximately 7501 – 10,000 tree stems/acre thinning on a 10’x 10’ or greater in spacing.

(Refer to Best Tree Selection Criteria C. 4.2.1.1)

Acre $_______ $_______ $_______ 25/25

C. 4.2 F. Tree Improvement Test Plantation Thinning Acre $_______ $_______ $_______ 5/5

Amendment No. 01, dated 8/6/2013 Page 3 of 76

Work Item

Subitem/Description

Unit of Measure

YEAR

YEAR

YEAR

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

See Note 2 Below 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 $______ $_______ $_______ xxxxx

C. 4.3 B. Light Girdling Consists of < 15 trees/acre Acre $______ $_______ $_______ 60/0

C. 4.3 C. Moderate Girdling Consists of 15 – 30 trees/acre Acre $______ $_______ $_______ 35/0

C. 4.3 D. Heavy Girdling Consists of > 30 trees/acre Acre $______ $_______ $_______ 5/0

C. 4.4 Pruning/Daylight Thinning

C. 4.4 A. Only Pruning 25-100 TPA Acre $_______ $________ $________ 30/30

C. 4.4 B. Pruning 25-100 TPA and Daylight Thinning maximum 43 TPA Acre $_______ $_______ $_______ 20/20

C. 4.4 C. Only Pruning 101-150 TPA Acre $_______ $_______ $_______ 40/40

C. 4.4 D. Pruning 101-150 TPA and Daylight Thinning maximum 43 TPA Acre $_______ $_______ $_______ 50/50

C. 4.4 E. Only Pruning 151-200 TPA Acre $_______ $_______ $_______ 30/30

C. 4.4 F. Pruning 151-200 TPA and Daylight Thinning maximum 43 TPA Acre $_______ $_______ $_______ 30/30

C. 4.5 Browse Release Acre $_______ $_______ $_______ 30/30

C. 4.6 Slashing and other Fuels Treatments

C. 4.6.1 Standard Brush Slash Treatment Acre $_______ $________ $________ 120/120

C. 4.6.2 A. Tree Slashing (Light) (less than 1500 stems/acre cut) Acre $_______ $________ $________ 20/30

C. 4.6.2 B. Tree Slashing (Medium) (1501-3500 stems/acre cut) Acre $_______ $________ $________ 60/60

C. 4.6.2 C. Tree Slashing (Mod. Heavy) (3501-5000 stems/acre cut) Acre $_______ $________ $________ 30/20

C. 4.6.2 D. Tree Slashing (Heavy) (5001-6000 stems/acre cut) Acre $_______ $________ $________ 20/30

C. 4.6.2 E. Tree Slashing (Very Heavy) (6001-6500 stems/acre cut) Acre $_______ $________ $________ 10/40

C. 4.6.3 Fuel Break Construction Acre $_______ $________ $________ 260/160

C. 4.6.4 Fireline Construction Feet $_______ $________ $________ 150/100

C. 4.6.5 Fuels Reduction Pruning Acre $_______ $________ $________ 20/50

Amendment No. 01, dated 8/6/2013 Page 4 of 76

Measure

YEAR

YEAR

YEAR

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

See Note 2 Below C. 4.6.6 Hand Piling

C. 4.6.6 A. Hand piling (Very Light) Approximately <20 piles/acre Acres $_______ $_______ $_______ 20/20

C. 4.6.6 B. Hand piling (Light) Approximately 21-40 piles/acre Acres $_______ $_______ $_______ 30/30

C. 4.6.6 C. Hand piling (Medium) Approximately 41-60 piles/acre Acres $_______ $_______ $_______ 50/50

C. 4.6.6 D. Hand piling (Heavy) Approximately 61-80 piles/acre Acres $_______ $_______ $_______ 20/20

C. 4.6.6 E. Hand piling (Very Heavy) Approximately 81-100 piles/acre Acres $_______ $_______ $_______ 10/9

C. 4.6.7

Pile Covering (This price per acre is paid in addition to any price paid for piling under C. 4.6.6)

Acres $_______ $_______ $_______ 110/110

C. 4.7 Resource Protection Acre NSP NSP NSP

C. 4.10 Plot Tree Data NSP NSP NSP

C. 4.11 Contractor Inspection System Acre NSP NSP NSP

C. 4.11 Quality Control Each NSP NSP NSP

C. 4.12 Work Plan and Schedule Each NSP NSP NSP

C. 4.13 Camping/Worksite plan Each 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, and that number considers the Government’s needs for the base and option year periods. 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.

Amendment No. 01, dated 8/6/2013 Page 5 of 76

B. 2 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 to be cut. This is an average stems per acre to be cut. Portions of the units may have significantly higher stems per acre to be cut than the average for the unit. The Silvicultural Summary Prescription will identify the appropriate post-treatment stocking levels.

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. 3 AGAR 452.216-73 Minimum and Maximum Contract Amounts (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 $1,000,000.00. (Also see I. 7. Order Limitations for limitations on individual Task Orders.)

B. 4 Authorized Ordering Activities

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

Amendment No. 01, dated 8/6/2013 Page 6 of 76

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.

Item Subitem / Description

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 N/A N/A N/A

C. 4.2 Tree Thinning

C. 4.2

A. Light Thinning Consists of approximately 500-1500 tree stems/acre to be cut, on a 10’x 10’ or greater spacing.

(Refer to Best Tree Selection Criteria C. 4.2.1.1)

Acre _________ Acres Per Crew/Calendar Day 75/75

C. 4.2

B. Medium Thinning Consists of approximately 1501- 3500 tree stems/acre thinning on a 10’x 10’ or greater spacing.

(Refer to Best Tree Selection Criteria C. 4.2.1.1)

Acre _________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 500/500

C. 4.2

C. Moderately Heavy Thinning Consists of approximately 3501-5500 tree stems/acre thinning on a 10’x 10’ or greater spacing.

(Refer to Best Tree Selection Criteria C. 4.2.1.1)

Acre _________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 150/150

C. 4.2

D. Heavy Thinning Consists of approximately 5501 – 7,500 tree stems/acre thinning on a 10’x 10’ or greater spacing.

(Refer to Best Tree Selection Criteria C. 4.2.1.1)

Acre _________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 50/50

C. 4.2

E. Very Heavy Thinning Consists of approximately 7501 – 10,000 tree stems/acre thinning on a 10’x 10’ or greater in spacing.

(Refer to Best Tree Selection Criteria C. 4.2.1.1)

Acre _________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 25/25

C. 4.2 F. Tree Improvement Test Plantation Thinning

Acre _________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 5/5

Amendment No. 01, dated 8/6/2013 Page 7 of 76 measure in the calculation of contract time for Task Orders.

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. 4.3 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

C. 4.3 B. Light Girdling Consists of < 15 trees/acre Acre _________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 60/0

C. 4.3 C. Moderate Girdling Consists of 15 – 30 trees/acre Acre _________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 35/0

C. 4.3 D. Heavy Girdling Consists of > 30 trees/acre Acre _________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 5/0

C.4.4 Pruning/Daylight Thinning

C.4.4 A. Only Pruning 25-100 TPA Acre _________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 30/30

C.4.4 B. Pruning 25-100 TPA and Daylight Thinning maximum 43 TPA Acre _________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 20/20

C.4.4 C. Only Pruning 101-150 TPA Acre _________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 40/40

C.4.4 D. Pruning 101-150 TPA and Daylight Thinning maximum 43 TPA Acre _________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 50/50

C.4.4 E. Only Pruning 151-200 TPA Acre _________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 30/30

C.4.4 F. Pruning 151-200 TPA and Daylight Thinning maximum 43 TPA Acre _________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 30/30

C.4.5 Browse Release Acre _________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 30/30

C.4.6 Slashing and other Fuels Treatments

C.4.6.1 Standard Brush Slash Treatment Acre _________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 120/120

C.4.6.2 A. Tree Slashing (Light) (less than 1500 stems/acre cut) Acre _________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 20/30

C.4.6.2 B. Tree Slashing (Medium) (1501-3500 stems/acre cut) Acre _________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 60/60

C.4.6.2 C. Tree Slashing (Mod. Heavy) (3501-5000 stems/acre cut) Acre _________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 30/20

C.4.6.2 D. Tree Slashing (Heavy) (5001-6000 stems/acre cut) Acre _________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 20/30

C.4.6.2 E. Tree Slashing (Very Heavy) (6001-6500 stems/acre cut) Acre _________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 10/40

C.4.6.3 Fuel Break Construction Acre _________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 260/160

C.4.6.4 Fireline Construction Feet _________ Feet Per Crew /Calendar Day 150/100

C.4.6.5 Fuels Reduction Pruning Acre _________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 20/50

Amendment No. 01, dated 8/6/2013 Page 8 of 76 measure in the calculation of contract time for

Task Orders.

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. 4.6.6 Hand Piling

C. 4.6.6 A. Hand piling (Very Light) Approximately <20 piles/acre Acres _________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 20/20

C. 4.6.6 B. Hand piling (Light) Approximately 21-40 piles/acre Acres _________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 30/30

C. 4.6.6 C. Hand piling (Medium) Approximately 41-60 piles/acre Acres _________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 50/50

C. 4.6.6 D. Hand piling (Heavy) Approximately 61-80 piles/acre Acres _________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 20/20

C. 4.6.6 E. Hand piling (Very Heavy) Approximately 81-100 piles/acre Acres _________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 10/9

C. 4.6.7

Pile Covering (This time per acre will be calculated in addition to time calculated under C. 4.6.6)

Acres _________ Acres Per Crew /Calendar Day 110/110

C. 4.7 Resource Protection Acre NSP NSP NSP

C. 4.10 Plot Tree Data NSP NSP NSP

C. 4.11 Contractor Inspection System Acre NSP NSP NSP

C. 4.11 Quality Control Each NSP NSP NSP

C. 4.12 Work Plan & Schedule Each NSP NSP NSP

C. 4.13 Camping/Worksite plan Each 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. 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.

Amendment No. 01, dated 8/6/2013 Page 9 of 76

B. 6. Capacity and Workforce: Crew Size, Number of Crews. These numbers are inserted into Paragraph F. 3.2.3 of the contract as appropriate.

Activity Minimum Number of Crews available for work at any one time on this contract.

Minimum Crew Size

Amendment No. 01, dated 8/6/2013 Page 10 of 76

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

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. Hand piling and preparation work for burning and other fuels treatment is also included in this contract.

C. 1.2 Scope of Contract.

The solicitation is for tree thinning, pruning/daylight thinning, stand improvement, slash treatment, hand piling, browse release, fuels slashing, fuel break and fireline construction, and related activities on the Flathead National Forest, and other National Forests as authorized herein. 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. 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 Bitterroot 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, unit data, and a Silvicultural Summary Prescription of each subitem will be provided with each Task Order issued under the contract.

C. 1.3 Location and Description.

The worksites, access to the areas, method of work, size of units and other information pertinent to each thinning unit will be listed on the Performance Requirements Summary/Silviculture Prescriptions, and Project Maps when the Task Order is issued.

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.

Amendment No. 01, dated 8/6/2013 Page 11 of 76

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 (Section J, Exhibit 2).

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.

Crop Tree. A tree that will be a component of a future commercial harvest or managed into the future. In this contract, it is interpreted as the trees specified in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription that are of preferred species, free of insect or disease infection, or if it is present does not threaten the tree survival or growth, exhibits leader dominance and growth, exhibits little or no damage that affects tree survival or growth, and has crown ratio of greater than 40% (ratio of crown to overall length).

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

Decision Area. An area that is evaluated to determine the appropriate number of leave trees. The Decision Area is 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, Exhibits 3 and 4).

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

These are non-correctable errors.

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

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

Desirable Leave Tree Characteristics. Trees that are desirable to be leave trees have the following characteristics:

• Straight stem

• Small branch diameter

Amendment No. 01, dated 8/6/2013 Page 12 of 76

• 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 (d.b.h.). 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 8 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.

Hard Snag: Sound standing dead tree with less than 10 percent cull in any diameter and species.

Amendment No. 01, dated 8/6/2013 Page 13 of 76

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. Tree that is selected to be left on the unit that meets contract specifications.

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

Slash. Trunks of cut trees, and/or limbs created by the Contractor’s operations.

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.

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

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

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

Stream Course. The area along a stream with riparian vegetation and other riparian characteristics.

Stream courses are noted on the project maps. They typically require special treatment, which may include alteration to the tree cutting, slash treatment, vehicle travel or fueling of saws. Special treatments will be specified in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription.

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

Thinning Slash. Debris created from work under this contract, including all cut trees and shrubs including the tops, trunks, and branches.

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

(1) Cutting the wrong tree, 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 gated). 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 require the Contractor to walk; access is to the access point noted on project map.

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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 identified by the Government as “walk-in” units are closed to motorized vehicles and may not be accessed by motorized vehicle (including ATVs) unless specifically authorized by the CO in writing, in advance. Contractor requests to access walk-in units by motorized vehicle shall

(a) be submitted in advance and in writing, and (b) shall specifically describe the access desired. The Contractor is not authorized to access any walk-in units by motorized vehicle unless the Contractor has received specific written authorization from the Contracting Officer.

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

C. 4.2.1 Selection of Satisfactory Leave Trees. Satisfactory leave trees contribute to the acceptable density computation. All Satisfactory Leave Trees are larger than the “small trees” described in the prescription; if there are no small trees specified, then they are taller than the specified minimum cut tree height.

The Contractor shall utilize the Silvicultural Summary Prescription, (also referred to as the prescription) sent with issuance of Task Order, 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 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 Best Tree in Competitive Area Leave Tree Selection. Leave trees shall be selected from trees that have potential for being a crop tree. The trees having the potential for crop trees are rated in relation to the optimal tree of the same species and age in the Competitive Area. The selected leave trees shall be those that have the highest rating in the decision area. The number of leave trees to be left in the decision area will depend on the acceptable stocking density. (Example: 1/50 of the acre decision area will have a range of 7 to 9 trees when the acceptable stocking density is 350-450 trees per acre.)

When there is more than one tree rated the highest for its species for species in the decision area, the selection shall be based on the species preference list. Selected leave trees shall have the best form and vigor, be of a species listed in the species preference in the prescription, and be within the acceptable stocking density. The characteristics of desirable leave trees shall determine trees to be cut, but defects are acceptable for a particular leave tree if it is the best selection within a decision area.

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The minimum distance allowed between leave trees will be 3 feet, allowable only if tree exhibits open crown on three sides.

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.

All aspen shall be left standing.

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 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 Tree Improvement Test Plantation Thinning. Test plantation thinning estimated trees to be cut, approximately 500-3000 tpa. All non-leave trees will be painted and tagged or leave trees will be specified as species designation. Cut all trees including hardwoods that are greater than 1 foot in height to a stump height of 6 inches. Leave trees are genetically superior trees and are of high value.

Therefore, for any leave tree cut or severely damaged by thinning operations, Contractor will be assessed a damage fee of $250.00 per tree.

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 two band(s), deep enough and wide enough to ensure death of the tree.

C. 4.4 Pruning. Pruning of western white pine is conducted to reduce the spread of blister rust from the branch to the bole of the tree and to reduce the infection to the tree from alternate hosts shrubs.

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

C. 4.4.2 Prune all western white pine 10 feet and greater in height unless a different height is specified in the Silvicultural Prescription) that are free of blister rust infection or that have no bole cankers or branch cankers that are less than 6 inches from the bole. Contractor must ensure that all branches within the lower ½ of the bole are pruned up to a maximum height of 8 feet, leaving ½ of the crown of the tree and at least four whorls. All limbs pruned shall be cut to within ¼ inch of the limb collar and needles removed at the bole. A diagram is included in Section J, Exhibit 12. Pruned limbs shall be completely

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

Chainsaws are not deemed acceptable for pruning.

C. 4.4.4 When daylight thinning is required, all trees (exception white pine and white bark pine) over 2 feet in height within 8 feet of a selected white pine will be cut to a stump height of 6 inches. Any tree in the daylight thinning area not cut that is over 2 feet in height or a stump with a stump height over 6 inches or a tree not completely severed from the stump will be considered a category C tree. The allowable number of Category C trees per acre will be specified in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription.

A minimum of 35 white pine per acre will be daylight thinned (unless specified differently in Silvicultural Summary Prescription) and a maximum of 43 white pine per acre will be daylight thinned. The Silvicultural Prescription will state specifications for selection of trees to daylight thin.

The attached White Pine Blister Rust Pruning Inspection Form (see Section J attachments, Exhibit 11) will be used for Contractor self inspection and the Government Quality assurance inspection.

C. 4.5 Release of Browse Species. This activity cuts the following browse species: maple, serviceberry, willow, dogwood and ceanothus to 1 foot in height that is accessible to browse animals.

C. 4.5.1 If specified in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription, the Contractor shall cut the specified browse species that are over 5 feet in length/height (species and percentage specified in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription) down to a height of 1 foot.

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

C. 4.6.1 Standard Slash Treatment.

C. 4.6.1.1 All thinning slash shall be less than 2 feet high, placing it on or near the ground surface. Cut material shall not lean against an uncut tree, stump, log or any obstacle. It shall be secure and not able to roll down the hill. In Items that include portions of unit to be handpiled as stated in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription, felled trees may be required to be bucked into pieces 8 feet or less in length in areas of unit not handpiled.

C. 4.6.1.2 Slash treatment shall be concurrent and progressive with the thinning. The Contractor shall not move onto a new unit without completion of slash treatment.

C. 4.6.1.3 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. 4.6.1.4 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 2 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.

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(2) Culverts for a distance of 5 feet.

(3) Improvements such as unit boundaries, roads, telephone lines, established trails, stock driveways, fence lines, established land corners.

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

C. 4.6.2 Slashing.

(1) No whitebark pine, white pine, aspen, or ponderosa pine shall be cut.

(2) For all conifers and hardwoods the maximum d.b.h cut limit is 4-6 inches, depending on summary silvicultural prescription. Leave all trees which exceed the specified maximum d.b.h. limit.

Trees less than 3 feet in height need not be cut.

(3) Brush (including yew and hardwood species) longer/taller than 3 feet in height/length shall be cut down to a height of 1’.

(4) Buck all felled trees and brush to 10’ lengths.

(5) The objective for all slashing is to create concentrations (groups of stems, 3 or more) of vegetative material that, when cured, will serve as ignition points during prescribed fire implementation.

(6) Slash depth shall not exceed 24” in depth and stump height shall not exceed 6” in height.

(7) Snags shall not be cut unless otherwise specified; however, you may elect to fall any snag for safety.

(8) Perimeter is marked with blue flagging, unless otherwise specified in Silvicultural

Summary Prescription.

(9) All work will generally be completed in one season, unless shutdown due to unforeseen circumstances, or unless approved by the CO.

(10) When slashing is required in addition to the thinning requirements, refer to the silvicultural summary prescription for complete details. Silvicultural summary prescription specifications will supersede slashing requirements in the contract general slashing specifications.

C. 4.6.3 Fuel Break Construction Specifications.

(1) Fuelbreaks shall be hand cut and cleared of designated material for a width of 20 feet from the flagged boundary as written in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription. The Contracting Officer may approve the use of mechanical equipment at the CO’s discretion.

(2) For all conifer and hardwood tree species, the maximum DBH cut limit is 6 inches, leave all trees which exceed specified maximum DBH cut limit.

(3) Slash all brush greater than 2 feet in height.

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(4) Snags. Hard snags will not be cut unless otherwise specified. Snags that are greater than 50 percent cull in any diameter or species shall be felled, bucked, and removed from the fuel break zone.

However, any snag can be removed for safety.

(5) Limb all conifers within the 20-foot corridor to a height of 8 feet, and to within 1 inch of the bole of the tree. Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations (pruning saws/loppers).

(6) All material greater than 24 inches in length and 1 inch in diameter shall be bucked and moved a minimum of 20 feet away from the designated perimeter and moved to the project side of the fuel break. This material shall be piled, scattered or windrowed as written in the Silvicultural Summary Prescription.

(7) Stump heights shall not exceed 6 inches.

C. 4.6.4 Fireline Construction Specifications. Fireline will be located to the outside edge of the fuel break, nearest the unit boundary.

(1) Unless a lesser width is specified by the Contracting Officer in writing for a specific task order or portion thereof, all fireline shall be 18 inches in width, dug to mineral soil and all roots and vegetative material will be severed and removed.

C. 4.6.5 Fuels Reduction Pruning Specifications.

(1) Prune all limbs from ground level to 8 feet, but never more than ½ of the live crown, and no more than 1 inch from the bole of the tree.

C. 4.6.6 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 attached to each Task Order, piles shall be constructed as follows: Piles shall be a 6-10 feet in diameter, a minimum of 6 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. Material shall be piled in a parallel configuration, similar to pencils in a box. Material used to build pile shall not exceed 8 feet in length. 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. 4.6.7 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.

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

C. 4.7.2 Stream Courses. The Contractor shall minimize damage to stream courses. All scoured 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.

Any other potential stream course that does not have a scoured channel, shall be cleared of slash created by Contractor for a distance of 5 feet from each side of the stream channel. All stream course slash clearing shall be done by hand.

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 are no salvage rights associated with this contract.

C. 4.9 Reserved. Not Applicable.

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

C. 4.11 Quality Control. The Contractor shall prepare a Quality Control Plan as described in Section E. The Contractor shall inspect the work in accordance with the accepted Quality Control Plan.

C. 4.12 Work Plan and Schedule (Also see F. 3.4).