S150018_VegMatCollection_FINAL.pdf

OFFEROR'S COPY

NOTE: Attached forms must be completed and submitted intact.

Solicitation No. RFP AG-03R6-S-15-0018 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. Note: Prospective offerors should read the following provisions:

L- 3 – Inquiries

L- 12 – Standards of Conduct

3. See Paragraph L-11 for Pre-Proposal Conference information.

4. See Paragraph L- 4 – Inquiries Due Date

FS-6300-45 (11/79)

Issuing Office:

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

Offers Are Solicited For:

Vegetation Materials Collection IDIQ

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

UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700) 1 64 PAGES

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

AG-03R6-S-15-0018

SEALED BID (IFB)

14 April 2015

NUMBER

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

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

USDA – Forest Service Western Montana Acquisition Zone 24 Fort Missoula Road 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 24 Fort Missoula Road, Missoula, MT 59804 until 14:00 local time 14 May 2015 (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

EMAIL: Greg Treible Email DO NOT call gtreible@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 17

X B SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES 3 PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACH.

X C DESCRIPTION/SPECS./WORK STATEMENT 8 X J LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 1

X D PACKAGING AND MARKING 1 PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

X E INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 2 X

K REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND 5

7 X F DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE 1 OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

X G CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA 3 X L INSTRS., CONDS., AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

X H SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS 13 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

Task Orders Will Obligate Funds

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

All invoices will be processed using the Department of Treasury’s

Invoice Processing Platform (IPP), visit http://www.ipp.gov to learn more. Contractors must follow the instructions on how to register and submit invoices via IPP.

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

GREGORY L. TREIBLE

(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) http://www.ipp.gov/

SERVICE RFP thru FAC 2005-80 – 2 March 2015 AG-03R6-S-15-0018

Vegetation Materials Collection IDIQ

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES

Vegetation Materials IDIQ

Bitterroot, Flathead and Lolo National Forests

B- 1 Schedule of Items

Schedule A

Item

No. Description

Est.

Quantity

Over 3

Year

Period Unit

Unit

Price

2016 Unit

Price

Unit

Prices

BL-1 WBP Scion Collection, Lolo NF 11 Tree $ $

BL-2 WP Scion Collection, Lolo NF 1 Tree $ $

BL-3a

WBP Cone Caging (≤5 trees/area), Lolo NF 13 Tree $ $

BL-3b

WBP Cone Collection (≤5 trees/area), Lolo NF 13 Tree $ $

BL-4a

WBP Cone Caging (>5 trees/area), Lolo NF 60 Tree $ $

BL-4b

WBP Cone Collection (>5 trees/area), Lolo NF 60 Tree $ $

BL-5 WBP Pollen Collection, Lolo NF 25 Tree $ $

BL-6

WL Operational Cone Collection

(trees to be felled by Forest Service), Lolo NF 1 Bushel $ $

BL-7

WL Operational Cone Collection

(trees to be felled by Contractor), Lolo NF 1 Bushel $ $

BL-8

PP Operational Climbing and Cone

Collection, Lolo NF 70 Bushel $ $

BL-9 WP Pollen Collection, Lolo NF 3 Tree $ $

BL-10

Specialized Hourly Services at Plains

TIA, Lolo NF 240 Hour $ $

BL-11 WBP Scion Collection, Bitterroot NF 14 Tree $ $

BL-12a

WBP Cone Caging (≤5 trees/area), Bitterroot NF 26 Tree $ $

BL-12b

WBP Cone Collection (≤5 trees/area), Bitterroot NF 26 Tree $ $

Vegetation Materials Collection

BL-13a trees/area), Bitterroot NF 1 Tree $ $

BL-13b trees/area), Bitterroot NF 1 Tree $ $

BL-14

WBP Pollen Collection, Bitterroot

NF 18 Tree $ $

BL-15

PP Tree Improvement Cone

Collection, Bitterroot NF 2 Tree $ $

BL-16

PP Tree Improvement Pollen

Collection, Bitterroot NF 1 Tree $ $

BL-17

PP Tree Improvement Scion

Collection, Bitterroot NF 1 Tree $ $

BL-18

Specialized Hourly Services, Bitterroot NF 60 Hour $ $

TOTALS $ $

Schedule B

Item

No. Description

Est.

Quantity

Over 3

Year

Period Unit

Unit

Price

F1 PP Pollen Collection 1 Tree $ $

F2 WP Pollen Collection 6 Tree $ $

F3 WBP Pollen Collection 8-24 Tree $ $

F4

WP Tree Improvement Cone

Collection 1 Tree $ $

F5a WBP Cone Caging (≤5 trees/area) 15-75 Tree $ $

F5b

WBP Cone Collection (≤5 trees/area) 15-75 Tree $ $

F6a WBP Cone Caging (>5 trees/area) 30-105 Tree $ $

F6b trees/area) 30-105 Tree $ $

F7

PP Operational Climbing and

Cone Collection 88 Bushel $ $

F8

DF Operational Climbing and

Cone Collection 16 Bushel $ $

F9

ES Operational Cone Collection

(trees to be felled by Forest

Service) 10 Bushel $ $

F10

WL Operational Cone Collection

(Trees to be felled by Forest

Service) 10 Bushel $ $

F11 Specialized Hourly Services 650 Hour $ $

F12

Self-Propelled Lift Platform

Rental

>34’ Telescopic Boom) 150 Hour $ $

TOTALS $ $ $

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

Under Clause 52.236-7, Permits and Responsibilities, Contractors shall be responsible for complying with any Federal, State, and municipal laws, codes and regulations applicable to the performance of the work.

Questions regarding assessment of Idaho Use Tax on Government Furnished Property should be directed to the Idaho State Tax Commission at (208) 799-3491.

B- 2 Basis of Award

More than one contract may be awarded as a result of this solicitation. Offerors must submit prices for all items and sub-items on both schedules (A and B). See Section L for instructions on proposal preparation and Section M on information about how proposals will be evaluated.

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

C- 1 Scope of Contract

This Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract includes services for tree climbing, caging, and collecting cones, pollen and scion from individual white pine (WP), whitebark pine (WBP), western larch (WL), Douglas-fir (DF), Engelmann spruce (ES) and ponderosa pine (PP) trees in accordance with all safety requirements for such work, and specialized tree improvement and non-conifer material collections as directed by the Government. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, supplies, and incidentals to perform the work (except those items designated as

Government-furnished property).

This work is being solicited as a performance based service contract. Performance based means the

Contractor is responsible for an end product. If an end product is not provided in compliance with the contract specifications, an adjustment to the payment will be made.

C- 2 Location and Description

Trees to survey or collect vegetative materials from are located in different areas of each of the three

Forests (Bitterroot, Flathead and Lolo). Specific trees will be identified by the Government in a Task

Order. In general, trees are located near roads; the exception is whitebark pine (WBP) which may be up to 2-3 miles from a drivable road.

(a) Scion Collection. (Refer to attached appendices regarding scion collection guidelines) Scion will be collected during late dormancy and will usually occur in late February. Dates of operation will be specified in the Task Order, and will ensure that the Government can deliver the scion to the Coeur d’Alene Nursery by close of business on March 15. The exception to this timing is for WBP which will likely be collected from late October into November. Number of pieces to be collected will generally range from 3 to 30, and will be specified in the Task Order. Scion is to be collected from the upper third of the tree crown only, collecting from wood that grew the previous summer. Scion should measure 6 to

8 inches in length, and be roughly the size of a No. 2 pencil in diameter. Diameter needs will be specified in the Task Order. Needles are not to be trimmed on the scion.

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

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

(b) Pollen Collection. (Refer to attached appendices regarding pollen collection guidelines) Pollen shall be collected during spring, and shall require effective and efficient communication with rapid response from the Contractor. Pollen from different species ripens at different times throughout the spring. The Government generally issues Task Orders for pollen collection between March 15 and July

15 and will monitor trees for signs of ripening. The Government will give the Contractor additional oral notice of ripeness; the Contractor shall be required to collect pollen within 24 hours of the oral notice.

Contractor shall place collected catkins in paper bags (provided by the Government). Fill the bags 1/3 to

1/2 full with catkins only, no needles or other debris. Double-fold the top of the bag shut and secure it with three staples evenly spaced. Do not fold the bag so far down that the catkins are packed together with no circulation room. Seal the stapled-fold with strapping tape or Scotch-type tape to avoid contamination between pollen collections. Pre-printed labels will be provided by the Government and

Contractor shall place one label on inside and apply one label on outside of bag as part of collection operations. Care shall be taken to ensure the label applied concurs with the tree pollen was collected from.

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

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

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

[2] climbers onsite (within shouting distance) while work is being performed. All cones collected under this contract are and shall remain the property of the Government. The delivery point is the administering

District Ranger Station, and will be specified on each Task Order.

(1) Seed Cone Source

(i) Cones shall be harvested only from Government-designated trees. The Contractor is expected to climb all trees designated for picking under the Task Order. If directed by the COR, the

Contractor may be required to climb trees and collect cones for sampling seed count. If no further cone collections are made from that tree, the Contractor will be paid the rate quoted for climbing that tree.

(ii) Any designated tree the Contractor declares unsafe to climb shall be reported to the

COR, specifying the reason the tree is not safe to climb, including the nature and location of the hazard.

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

Task Order.

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

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

(2) Seed Cone Standards

(i) All cones harvested shall be from the current calendar year seed cone crop. It is the

Government’s responsibility to determine the quality of the cones prior to collection. The COR may require the Contractor to pick sample cones from designated trees.

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

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

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

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

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

(3) Tree Climbing Standards

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

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

(4) Cone Collection Standards

(i) The Contractor shall harvest cones only from the top half of trees identified by the

Government for collection. Cones shall be from the current calendar year and meet the Seed Cone

Standards stated above. The Contractor shall collect mature, sound seed in the quantity specified in the

Task Order.

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

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

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

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

Officer or his/her representative.

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

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

(vii) Contractor is responsible for bagging cones from each tree separately. Bags will be furnished by the Government. Contractor will ensure that bags shall be free of debris (such as twigs, needles, cone stems, cones of other tree source). The bag shall be tied securely shut approximately 3 inches from the top of the bag.

(viii) For each tree, the Contractor shall prepare two Tree Improvement (TI) Cone Tags

(R1-2470-11), using the information from the actual collection site and information provided in the

Information Chart in the Task Order. Information must be legible through both layers of the cone tag, and be in permanent ink, and in English. One tag shall be placed inside the bag at the top, and the other securely fastened on the outside of the closed bag. In addition, the TI number shall be clearly marked on a separate tag or flagging attached to the bag, and shall be consistent with the number on the cone tag, the sign on the tree, and on the Task Order.

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

(5) Crew Safety

(i) The Contractor shall comply with the safety requirements of the Forest Service Safety and Health Program Handbook (FSH 6709.12), the National Tree Climbing Guide and, FSH 6709.11, Health and Safety Code Handbook, section 22.49. At the request of the Contractor, alternate procedures may be approved by the Contracting Officer that meet the intent of Forest Service safety requirements, but differ in actual practice; but the Contractor must submit such a request in writing to the Contracting

Officer. The Forest Service National Tree Climbing Guide (Technical Report 0567-2819-MTDC, March, 2005, may be found at: http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfpubs/pdf05672819/pdf05672819dpi300.pdf).

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

(iii) A Safety Plan is required as part of the technical proposal. See L- 5 for instructions.

(6) WBP Cone Caging. This description will be associated with the WBP Cone Collection sub items. Caging will be required between mid-June to mid-July.

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

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

(ii) The Contractor shall climb the identified trees that have been flagged and GPS by the

Government and cage all cones that can be safely caged. If at the time of caging it is deemed that a caging and collection cannot be accomplished on a previously selected tree, a replacement tree > 10 cones may be selected only with approval from Government personnel on site.

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

(iv) The wire cages shall be installed on branches bearing second-year conelets. Wire cages should be placed by mid-June to mid-July at the latest to protect the conelets from bird predation.

Caging may be delayed in some areas due to access being limited by snowmelt. Adjust wire cage dimensions to fit branch size. Be sure to allow enough room for cones to grow and ripen and be out of reach by birds. If necessary, secure the wire cage to the branch by either folding/bending the edges or with fasteners to ensure that it doesn't slip off or blow off in the wind.

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

For this contract, trees will be considered to be in the same ‘area’ if a reasonably fit person can traverse between trees at the furthest extents in less than 1 hour (for example, Mt. Morrell on the Lolo National

Forest, where all trees are within 300’ of a road, over a 5-mile length of drivable road, would be considered one area).

(7) Operational Cone Collection For safety reasons, Contractor shall have a minimum of two (2) climbers onsite (within shouting distance) while work is being performed. All cones collected under this contract are and shall remain the property of the Government. The delivery point is the administering

District Ranger Station, and will be specified on each Task Order.

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

(ii) Tree Selection – Operational Cone Collection Areas Only

(A) The Contractor shall survey and select trees from each area specified for collection, unless trees are previously selected by the Government. Collection within a cone collection area shall meet the following criteria:

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

.2 At least 20 trees shall be selected. In some cases, the Contracting Officer or Contracting Officer Representative may authorize fewer trees when cone crops are small. More than

20 trees may be selected to assure there are sufficient cones for the estimated collection. Cones from a single tree shall not constitute more than 20% of the cone lot.

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

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

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

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

d. At least 30% live crown ration.

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

f. Conical crown indicating good tree growth and vigor.

g. Free from insect and disease damage.

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

i. History of past cone crops is desirable.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(iv) If directed by the COR or the Inspector, the Contractor may be required to climb trees and collect cones for sampling seed count. If no further cone collections are made from that tree, the

Contractor will be paid one-half of the unit bid rate for Operational Climbing and Cone Collection for that species.

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

(vi) Collecting cones from felled trees may be preferable to climbing in some areas. For the Bitterroot and Lolo items, trees may be felled by the Government or by the Contractor and will be specified in the Task Order. For the Flathead items, trees will be felled by the Government. The

Government will designate the trees to be felled; if to be felled by the Government, falling arrangements will be made prior to collection. The Contractor shall be responsible for collecting, bagging and tagging cones free of debris from the trees felled by the Government.

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

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

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

Aeciospore collection – Contractor shall collect blister rust spores from white pine or whitebark pine as directed by the Government. Collections shall be secured in zip-lock bags provided by the

Government and labeled with collection date and location. Collections shall be returned to the

Government as directed. Work may occur May through July of 2015, May through July of 2016 and May through July of 2017, if the option years are exercised.

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

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

Crew size is likely to be 6-12 workers. Cones shall be picked from orchard ladders or motorized lift platforms (provided by the Contractor, at the hourly rate quoted in Subitem F 12), from the ground, or from standing on the Contractor’s vehicle(s). Work shall be closely directed by a

Government representative, who will also dictate whether cones are bagged and handled for delivery to the Nursery or transported to a nearby burn pile.

Vegetative Collections for Non-Coniferous Species – Tasks may include surveying populations for seed production and ripeness, collecting seeds, collecting cuttings etc. Point of hire will be mutually agreed upon by the contractor and the government.

Lift Platform Rental – Only to be used for Flathead subitem (F 12 ) When the use of a lift platform is necessary the contractor will coordinate with the Flathead Forest on the use of the lift platform.

The contractor shall comply with all safety requirements of the lift platform including wearing of all personal protective equipment and the use of a safety harness at all times. The contractor shall follow all safety protocols and assume all responsibility for safe operations. If contractor determines that the work required to operate the lift platform is unsafe (i.e slopes, road stability, wind, precipitation etc.) than the contractor can decline work for that specific area or time period.

The hours worked is determined by actual hours in use, excluding down time, safety inspections and lunch breaks. Hourly rental rate includes an equipment operator, a second person in the lift would be paid under item F11 (Specialized Hourly Services) rate.

C- 3 Technical Specifications

See Section J for attachments

C- 4 Government-Furnished Property

The Government will provide the following item(s) of Government property to the Contractor for use in the performance of this contract. This property shall be used and maintained by the Contractor in accordance with the provisions of the “Government Property” FAR clause contained elsewhere in the contract.

Item Description Where, When, How

Project Maps Maps of areas to collect from with access roads identified.

Provided with Task Orders.

Cone

Collection

Tags

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

Other ID Tags as required for specialized work.

Provided on first day of work and upon Contractor request.

Caging for

WBP

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

Bagging

Materials

Pre-labeled zip-lock bags for scion collection.

Pre-labeled paper bags for pollen collection.

Burlap bags for operational cone collection.

Burlap or mesh bags for TI cone collection.

Twine for securing cone bags.

Provided on first day of work and upon Contractor request.

Orchard

Ladders

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

National Tree Climbing Guide).

Provided as needed for

Specialized Hourly Services performed at either Plains

Tree Improvement Area

(TIA) or Bigfork TIA.

Contractor shall be required to move ladders between individual trees.

Swedish sectional tree climbing ladders

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

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

Climbing Guide).

Provided for climbing WP

Tree Improvement Plus

Trees upon arrival on the

Lolo or Flathead National

Forest and Contractor request.

Access to

Work Areas

A National Forest map will be provided to the

Contractor. If any of the access roads become blocked or otherwise unusable due to closure orders, the Government may under the Changes

Clause: (1) provide an alternate route; (2) delete the inaccessible area(s) or tree(s); or (3) substitute similar area(s) or tree(s).

Provided with Task Orders.

SECTION D – PACKAGING AND MARKING

D- 1 Packaging and Marking

Refer to Paragraph C- 2 for Packaging and Marking requirements for the various deliverables under this

IDIQ.

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E- 1 FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)

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

Regulations - http://www.acquisition.gov/far and the Agriculture Acquisition Regulations – http://www.usda.gov/procurement/policy/agar.html.

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

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

E- 2 Government Quality Assurance

Quality assurance will be performed by the Government during the contract at regular intervals. Methods may include visual survey and review of Contractor quality control documents. Deduction for work may include rework at no cost to the Government or Government acceptance with price reduction.

E- 3 Quality Assurance Inspections

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

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

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

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

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

E- 4 Contractor Quality Control

The Contractor, not the Government, is responsible for management and quality control actions to meet the terms of this contract. The role of the Government is quality assurance to ensure contract standards are met.

Records of quality inspections shall be kept and made available to the Government throughout the performance period and for the period after contract completion until final settlement of any claims under this contract.

http://www.acquisition.gov/far http://www.usda.gov/procurement/policy/agar.html

A description of the site specific quality control inspection plan shall be provided within thirty (30) days of contract award. The plan shall include; (1) control procedures for security of Government-provided items such as keys, and lock combinations; (2) location of the inspection documents; (3) corrective or preventive actions that will be taken to meet quality standards; and (4) a customer comments feedback system.

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F- 1 FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)

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

52.242-14 Suspension of Work (APR 1984)

52.242-15 Stop Work Order (AUG 1989)

F- 2 Contract Period

The contract period of this contract is from the date of contract award through last option period exercised by the Government. Task Orders may be issued at any time during the contract period. Contract time for individual Task Orders will be negotiated and identified in each Task Order. Contract time for individual

Task Orders may extend past the last day of the total contract period.

Contract Year Start of Contract / Option Date Last Date a Task Order may be Issued

Year One

(Base Year)

Award Date of Contract 31 April 2016

Year Two

(Option Year)

1 May 2016 31 April 2017

Year Three

(Option Year)

1 May 2017 31 April 2018

F- 3 Performance Period

Task orders will be issued within the Effective Period of the Contract pursuant to paragraph F- 5 AGAR

452.211-75. Each Task Order will define it’s own Period of Performance.

F- 4 Contract Time and Required Rate of Progress

The start work date and the contract time for each Task Order will be negotiated prior to issuance of each

Task Order. The Contractor shall maintain progress at a rate that will assure completion of work within the contract time specified in the Task Order. Contract time on Task Orders issued by the Government may overlap and/or run concurrently.

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G- 1 Contract Authorities

G- 1.1 Contracting Officer

(a) Procuring (Parent IDIQ) Contracting Officer. The Procuring (Parent IDIQ) Contracting

Officer for this contract is:

Gregory L. Treible

Contracting Officer

USDA Forest Service

Region 1 Acquisition Management

24 Fort Missoula Rd.

Missoula, MT 59804

Email: gtreible@fs.fed.us

Phone: 406/329.3889

FAX: 406/329.3876

(b) Task Order Contracting Officer: Contracting Officer – Ordering Authorization. Any

USDA Forest Service Contracting Officer with warrant authority up to the dollar limit of their respective warrant is hereby authorized to issue Task Orders under this contract in accordance with this contract. See Paragraph C- 2, Location and Description, for authorized project locations.

G- 1.2 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

(a) Contract COR. The COR for this (parent) contract is:

To be determined after contract award(s).

(b) Task Order COR’s. The Contracting Officer who issues the Task Order will designate

COR’s for each Task Order at the time the Task Order is issued. All COR’s designated on

Task Orders issued under this task order shall provide the Parent Contract Contracting

Officer’s Representative with a written monthly status report containing any information required by the Parent Contract COR.

mailto:gtreible@fs.fed.us

G- 2 Ordering Procedures

(a) New Project Identification and Approval. Projects will be identified on an as-needed basis.

Projects may be inititated by the Bitterroot, Lolo and Flathead National Forests (See Paragraph C-

2). The aforementioned USDA Forest Service units will obtain approval of all proposed projects from the Contract Contracting Officer’s Representative (See Paragraph G- 1.2(a)) prior to submitting the proposed project to their unit’s servicing Contracting Officer for processing.

(b) Initiation of Task Orders. Once project approval is obtained from the Contract COR, Task

Orders shall be intitiated by submitting the following to the unit’s servicing Contracting Office:

IAS Requisition

Evidence of the project’s approval by the Contract COR

Task Order Form

i. Statement of Work (Specifications, Plans, Drawings, etc.)

ii. Period of Performance

(c) Task Order Preparation and Negotiation. The unit issuing Contracting Officer will prepare a

Task Order using rates on the schedule of items competed under the parent contract and determined to be fair and reasonable; and based on location.

(d) Task Order Issuance. The unit issuing Contracting Officer will award the Task Order and provide a copy to the Parent Contract Contracting Officer for maintenance of the contract and monitoring contract totals. Order may be issued by email, hard copy, facsimile or by other electronic means.

(e) Evaluation of Task Order Effort Completed by Contractor. The Task Order COR, with input from the inspectors, shall complete an evaluation of the Contractor’s performance on an interim basis (ie: one per year). The Contract Contracting Officer shall include CPARS reports in the parent IDIQ.

G- 3 Measurement and Payment

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

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

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

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

General Collection - price per cone lot

Example: 10 bushels x $50/bushel = $500.

Tree Improvement Collection – price for all trees climbed

Example: 5 trees x $30/tree = $150

G- 4 Invoice Processing Platform (IPP)

The Forest Service is utilizing the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) for the electronic submission and tracking of contracts/purchase orders, invoices, and payment information. IPP is a secure Government-wide, Web-based invoice processing service. Visit http://www.ipp.gov to learn more.

Upon award of a contract, Contractors must enroll at https://www.ipp.gov/vendors/enrollment-vendors.htm. Contractors shall submit all invoices electronically via IPP. Paper copies of invoices will no longer be accepted.

http://www.ipp.gov/ https://www.ipp.gov/vendors/enrollment-vendors.htm https://www.ipp.gov/vendors/enrollment-vendors.htm

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H- 1 FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)

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

AGRICULTURE ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 4) CLAUSES

452.236-72 Use of Premises (NOV 1996)

H- 2 Key Personnel

The key personnel specified in the Offeror's Technical Proposal are considered to be essential to the work being performed hereunder. Prior to diverting any of the specified individuals to other programs, the

Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer reasonably in advance and shall submit justification

(including proposed substitutions) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on the contract.

No diversion shall be made by the Contractor without the written consent of the Contracting Officer:

Provided that the Contracting Officer may ratify in writing such diversion and such ratification shall constitute the consent of the Contracting Officer required by this clause. The contract may be amended from time to time during the course of the contract to either add or delete personnel, as appropriate.

H- 3 Fire Control

(a) Contractor's Responsibility for Contractor-Caused Fires. The Contractor, whether or not directed by the Forest Service, shall immediately extinguish, without expense to the Government, all fires on or in the vicinity of the project which are caused by Contractor's employees, whether set directly or indirectly as a result of Contractor operations. The Contractor may be held liable for all damages and costs of additional labor, subsistence, equipment, supplies, and transportation resulting from fires set or caused by the

Contractor's employees or resulting from contract operations.

(b) Other Fires. For the purpose of fighting forest fires on or in the vicinity of the project which are not caused by the Contractor or the Contractor’s employees, the Contractor when requested by the Contracting

Officer shall place the employees and equipment temporarily at the disposal of the Forest Service. Payment for such services will be made by the Government at not less than the current rate for fire-fighting services established by the Forest Service in the area concerned.

Any employees and equipment furnished will be relieved from fire fighting as soon as the Forest Service finds that it is practicable to employ other labor and equipment adequate for the protection of the area.

An equitable adjustment in contract time may be made for this period.

(c) Fire Protection Requirements - Fire Plan. At all times during closed fire season period, as specified by

State law, the Contractor shall comply with each of the following provisions to the extent applicable to the

Contractor’s operation under the contract.

(1) Fire Tools. The Contractor will provide for each employee in the contract area at least one approved handtool of a type appropriate in the contract area, such as shovel, pulaski, or ax. Tools required and furnished under (2) and (4) below, shall count toward fulfillment of the above requirement. Where additional tools, beyond those required under (2) and (4) below, are to be provided, the Contractor shall seal such tools in one or more boxes painted red and marked "Tools for Fire Only." All tools required herein shall be kept sharp and in good serviceable condition and maintained at locations to be designated by the Forest Service.

(2) Fire Extinguishers and Tools on Mobile or Stationary Equipment. Each unit of powered equipment used in connection with this contract, including automobiles, trucks, tractors, etc., shall be equipped with serviceable tools and fire extinguishers as follows:

One - fire extinguisher, dry chemical type of not less than 2-1/2 pound capacity with 4 BC or higher rating.

One - shovel, round point #0 lady or equal.

One - ax, 2 pounds or over, 26-inch minimum length, or one pulaski.

One - water container (at least 1-gallon capacity), not required with stationary equipment.

(3) Spark Arresters. Each internal combustion engine shall be provided with a spark arrester or spark arresting device approved by the Forest Service. Exceptions where the Forest Service may approve mufflers, or other equipment in lieu of spark arresters qualified and rated under Forest Service Standard

5100-1a are: (a) small multiposition engines, such as chain saws, shall meet Society of Automotive

Engineers J335b standards; (b) passenger-carrying vehicles and light trucks may have baffle-type mufflers with tail pipe; (c) heavy-duty trucks may have a vertical stack exhaust system and muffler, provided the exhaust stack extends above the cab of the vehicle. An exhaust-driven turbocharger is considered to be a satisfactory spark arrester. Internal combustion engine exhaust systems, arresters, and other devices must be properly installed and maintained.

(4) Powersaws. For each powersaw used in connection with this contract, the following will be provided:

One - shovel, round point #0 lady or equal. Shovel must be immediately available for use.

One - Fire extinguisher, containing not less than 8 ounces of extinguisher fluid, or a dry chemical powder-type of not less than 1-pound capacity. The extinguisher must be immediately accessible to the saw operator at all times.

Any fueling or refueling of a powersaw shall only be done in an area which has first been cleared or is free of all material capable of carrying fire; powersaw shall be moved at least 10 feet from place of fueling before starting.

(5) Blasting. Fuse or prima cord shall not be used unless authorized in writing by the COR with special precautions stated.

(6) Smoking. Smoking shall not be permitted within the contract area except on surfaced or dirt roads, at landings, within closed vehicles, in camps, or at other posted places, and shall never be allowed while working or traveling on foot.

(7) Storage of Petroleum and Other Highly Flammable Products.