2013_FIA_Solicitation.pdf

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

UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700) 1 54 PAGES

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

AG-046W-S-13-0005

SEALED BID (IFB) 2/22/13 NUMBER

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

7. ISSUED BY CODE 8. ADDRESS OFFER TO (If other than Item 7) USDA Forest Service Northwest Contracting Area (NWCA) Gifford Pinchot National Forest 10600 NE 51st Circle Vancouver, WA 98682

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 See Block 7 until 3:00 p.m. local time 3/25/13 (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: Jeanne Williams 360-891-5018 jmwilliams@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 21-27

X B SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS 2-3 PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACH.

X C DESCRIPTION/SPECS./WORK STATEMENT 4-6 X J LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 28-40

X D PACKAGING AND MARKING 7 PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

X E INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 8-11 X K REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND

41-47 X F DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE 12-13 OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

X G CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA 14-17 X L INSTRS., CONDS., AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS 48-52

X H SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS 18-20 X M EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD 53-54

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) XXXXX % % % %

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

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) 7

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

USDA Rural Development Centralized Servicing Center 4300 Goodfellow Blvd. (FC-233), Bldg. 105E St. Louis, MO 63120-1703

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

JEANNE M. WILLIAMS (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)

Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) RFP AG-046W-S-13-0005 Region 6 & Region 5 Page 2

SECTION B--SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA)

Region 6 (Oregon & Washington) and Region 5 (California*)

B-1 - SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

The items contained in the following table is for evaluation and award purposes only. Specific individual BPA calls will be solicited separately and will be on a per plot basis.

ITEM

NO. DESCRIPTION UNIT UNIT

PRICE

001 Crew Chief Hour $______________

002 Crew Member Hour $______________

*See Section C-2 – Project Location which defines Region 5 (California).

AREAS:

The offeror shall indicate in the following table which areas they are interested in working. This information will assist in determining competition for each individual BPA Call. Check all that apply:

Areas Yes I’m interested in this area

Area 1: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie, Olympic, and Gifford Pinchot National Forests, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Area 3: Mt. Hood, Willamette, and Siuslaw National Forests; Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Area 4: Umpqua, Siskiyou and Rogue River National Forests

Area 5: Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests Area 6: Winema and Fremont National Forests Area 7: Wallowa-Whitman, Umatilla, and Malheur National Forests

Area 8: Okanogan, Wenatchee, and Colville National Forests

Region 5 (California*)

Region 6 & Region 5 Page 3

NOTE: This solicitation will result in the award of multiple Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs). The dollar limitation for individual calls against the BPA shall not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 2.101. Since the needs of the Government and availability of Contractor's resources cannot be determined in advance, it is mutually agreed that upon request of the Government, the Contractor shall furnish the resources listed herein to the extent the Contractor is willing and able at the time the BPA call is solicited. Due to the sporadic occurrence of activity, the placement of any calls IS NOT

GUARANTEED.

The terms and conditions of the awarded BPAs shall be incorporated in any resulting BPA Call. Orders under the awarded BPAs shall be fixed price.

The BPA period is from the date of award until cancelled, however, annual reviews will be conducted on each awarded BPA.

Region 6 & Region 5 Page 4

SECTION C--DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

C-1 - SCOPE OF CONTRACT

The general scope of this solicitation requires locating and remeasuring Forest Inventory plots on National Forest and other lands, providing digital delivery of data, and related work in compliance with its terms, specifications, and provisions. This includes furnishing labor, equipment (including all computer hardware and software deemed necessary to perform the requirements of the contract), supervision, transportation, operating supplies (except those designated as Government-furnished), and incidentals. Work shall be done in accordance with the procedures detailed in “Field Instructions for the Annual Inventory of California, Oregon, Washington, 2013” hereafter referred to as “Field Instructions”. (The field Instructions will be updated annually.)

C-2 - PROJECT LOCATION

Projects will be located on National Forests located predominantly within the states of Oregon and Washington in Region 6 and within the State of California in Region 5. Work located in Region 5 is limited to only those plots within the jurisdiction and responsibility of the Pacific Northwest Research Station (PNW). Vicinity maps showing project locations and access will be available upon issuance of each individual BPA Call.

Road access to each plot is not guaranteed. Access to the plots may require short or very long walk-ins. The cost to access these plots shall be determined by the offeror and be reflected in the offeror’s pricing. The Government will provide road and trail maps upon issuance of each BPA Call. Some roads or trails may have been closed after the maps were published.

The Contractor shall coordinate access information for locked gates owned and operated by the National Forests. Permission to access privately owned land is the responsibility of the Contractor.

C-3 - WORK STANDARDS

The following standards are required:

A. Contractor’s Quality of Work

1. If an individual or crew repeatedly makes inaccurate measurements or observations (e.g., missed heights, diameters, etc.), over two or more plots, the Government may notify the Contractor and require the Contractor to replace the individual or entire crew.

2. If three consecutive plots fail to pass field inspection in one packet or if an individual or crew fails to pass two field inspections in any two consecutive plot packets, the Government may notify the Contractor and cause the Contractor to immediately replace one or more employee(s).

B. General Information

1. Work shall be performed in accordance with the Technical Specifications outlined in the “Field

Instructions”.

2. Plot location maps will be issued with each individual BPA Call ans will show approximate plot locations. These maps are only intended to show access to the area covered by the aerial photography.

Region 6 & Region 5 Page 5

3. Some plot locations may have local and/or seasonal access restrictions including, but not limited to, proximity to Port Orford Cedar Root Disease (POC), Sudden Oak Death Disease high risk areas (SOD), designated wildlife areas, hunting season and emergency fire restrictions, snow, unstable terrain, etc. These restrictions may include road closures. Exact timing of closures will vary depending on season, weather conditions, or other constraints. The Contractor shall coordinate with local Ranger District administration to identify specific plots with restrictions, insure work completion within access restricted areas and compliance with any use requirements.

Those plots associated with POC, SOD, high elevation, and wilderness sites will be shown in the Plot List exhibit and noted as “Critical Plots” to be completed by a specific date. This exhibit will be available upon issuance of each individual BPA Call.

Prior to commencing work within invasive species locations (i.e., POD, SOD), a meeting will be held with the Contractor and appropriate local Ranger District personnel to determine appropriate operational restrictions (e.g., access, waste disposal, camping, quarantine restrictions).

4. All Contractors/subcontractors/employees shall sign a confidentiality agreement (Exhibit D) before starting work.

5. Prior to collecting field data, the Contractor will be required to use Government-supplied software from which plot information must be loaded onto their Personal Data Recorder (PDR) and all field collected data entered using these respective files. The Contractor shall also install MIDAS (Mobile Integrated Data Acquisition System) application updates for their PDR and computers as supplied by the Government, through access to the National MIDAS internet site.

C-4 - CONTRACTOR’S OBLIGATIONS

The Contractor shall furnish the following in performance of the contract:

A. Measurement Crew - The Contractor shall furnish crews whose responsibility shall be to locate, measure and maintain plots in accordance with Field Procedures.

B. Each crew shall have a crew chief present while performing all field work. The crew chief shall meet the appropriate minimum education and experience level stated in Section L, Education and Experience Requirements.

C. Number of Crews - A sufficient number of crews to maintain the production schedule.

D. Mandatory Crew Orientation – All Contractor crew members assigned to work on this contract shall be required to attend a one-day orientation session to be held at the PNW-FIA Headquarters in Portland, Oregon at a time to be scheduled prior to starting work. Crews shall bring their PDRs and computers that will be used in conjunction with the contract field data collection. The purpose of this meeting will include loading required Government software onto PDRs and computers, review of Field Instructions and Contractor data input, editing and uploading procedures, as well as a question and answer session.

E. Government Meetings - The Contractor shall be available to meet with Government personnel as necessary for the execution of this contract (pricing should reflect this commitment). The Government will not be liable for costs incurred because of lost production due to the Contractor attending these meetings.

Region 6 & Region 5 Page 6

F. Hardware, Software, and Data Handling Procedures - The Contractor shall provide the hardware and software contained in Exhibit G – Hardware, Software, and Data Processing Procedures. The Contractor shall also have high-speed internet connections available to their crews for periodic download of required Government-supplied software updates. The contractor shall also utilize high-speed internet connections to upload their completed, full edited plots to the national MIDAS website server prior to submitting plots for inspection. Dial-up internet connections are not acceptable.

G. Forested on-grid plot locations (plots with FIA_Hex_ID numbered under 60000 and specified as

Forested): Data shall be collected on subplots or any portion of a subplot that falls on land ownership outside of the National Forest. Verify with COR. NOTE: If any forested on-grid plots exist within the contracted plot lists, they will be specifically identified in the plot lists for the individual project BPA calls.

Off-grid plot locations (plots with FIA_Hex_ID numbered 60000 and higher) and any Nonforested on-grid plot locations: Data shall not be collected on subplots or any portion of a subplot that falls on land ownership outside of the National Forest. Such portions of the plot shall be identified by Condition Status: Non-sampled with a Condition Non-sample Reason of: Denied Access Area.

Region 6 & Region 5 Page 7

SECTION D--PACKAGING AND MARKING

{For this Solicitation, there are NO clauses in this Section}

Region 6 & Region 5 Page 8

SECTION E--INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E-1 - FAR 52.252-2 - CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

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

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

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

E-2 – CONTRACTOR’S PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

Exhibits are located in Section J-3 - Attachments.

TASKS

QUALITY/

PERFORMANCE

STANDARDS

ACCEPTABLE

QUALITY LEVEL

MEANS OF

MEASUREMENT PAYMENT FOR WORK

5.1 Vegetation Data Collection

Compliance with Exhibit C, " Field Instructions for the Annual Inventory of California, Oregon, Washington, 2013”, and Government Quality Assurance Plan.

Within tolerances shown in Exhibit B and Exhibit C.

A minimum of 1 plot in two packets to be field inspected.

Payment based on the percentage of acceptable work (see Inspected Quality Form ) in Exhibit A and

MEASUREMENT AND

BASIS FOR PAYMENT

(G-2).

5.2 Identification of Plots

Compliance with Exhibit C, " Field Instructions for the Annual Inventory of California, Oregon, Washington, 2013”,, and Government Quality Assurance Plan.

Within tolerances shown in Exhibit B.

A minimum of 1 plot in two packets to be field inspected.

Payment based on the percentage of acceptable work (see Inspection Quality Form ) in Exhibit A and MEASUREMENT

AND BASIS FOR

PAYMENT (G-2).

5.3 Stake Position General description of plot

Compliance with Exhibit C, " Field Instructions for the Annual Inventory of California, Oregon, Washington, 2013”, and Government Quality Assurance Plan.

Within tolerances shown in Exhibit B.

A minimum of 1 plot in two packets to be field inspected.

Payment based on the percentage of acceptable work (see Inspection Quality Form ) in Exhibit A and MEASUREMENT

AND BASIS FOR

PAYMENT (G-2).

5.4 Digital Data Delivery

Compliance with Exhibit C, " Field Instructions for the Annual Inventory of California, Oregon, Washington, 2013”,, and Government Quality Assurance Plan.

100% Compliance with Exhibit C & Government Quality Assurance Plan.

Passed MIDASMobile application Edits and the FDM Edit protocol.

Rework until successful editing in MIDAS Mobile, and all warnings explained in FDM.

5.5 Submission of Plots

Compliance with Government Quality Assurance Plan.

100% Compliance with Government Quality Assurance Plan.

Plots may undergo office edit.

Quality less than 85% will be rejected and rework required. Option given to rework if pay quality is 85 – 95%.

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

Region 6 & Region 5 Page 9

E-3 - GOVERNMENT’S QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN

A. Plot Location

The plot shall be measured in the location of previously installed Forest Inventory and Analysis plots regardless of proximity to aerial photo pinprick. In the event the plot cannot be relocated using the instructions prescribed in the Field Instructions, the plot shall be returned to the Government. If the plot did not previously have a Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) plot installed, the plot shall be located and installed as described in the ”Field Instructions”.

B. Submission of Plots

1. Prior to submission to the Government, plot(s) or plot packets shall meet the following criteria:

(i) Plot data shall be collected and edited at the plot location on an appropriate PDR using the most recent updated program (reference Exhibit G), and in accordance with “Field Instructions for the Annual Inventory of Washington, Oregon, and California 2013” (reference Exhibit C).

(ii) Plot Post Field Processing electronic files shall be included in the Edit subfolder of each electronic plot folder.

(a) Plot Editing Tools/Field Data Manager (FDM) - The contractor shall use the latest MidasMobile software to edit each plot. Contractors must either; update the data where possible using the FDM program to resolve the errors and warnings, or, enter a detailed explanation for each critical warning in the provided excel form of the FDM application. The Contractor shall resolve all errors and explain all critical warnings prior to submitting the plot for payment. Once all of the errors have been resolved and all critical warnings have a sufficiently logical written explanation, the Contractor shall provide a Midas check explanation report electronic file with each plot.

(Paragraphs (b) and (c) below shall be submitted within specified folder)

(b) Image Data – Updated Plot image file as <PlotNr>jpg format stored in Image folder with plot center, RP location and any required POD location shown.

(c) Header Card Data – Updated Header Card sheet as <PlotNr>.docx stored in Header folder.

(Paragraphs (d) through (h) below shall be submitted within the Edit folder)

(d) Plot Data – Using the utilities provided, a .pdf formatted electronic file of the successfully uploaded plot data shall be submitted with each plot.

(e) Plot Edit Sheet: Electronic Plot Edit sheet as a Word.doc shall be filled out and submitted with each plot.

Region 6 & Region 5 Page 10

(f) Boundary Data – A MIDAS Boundary Viewer electronic file (.jpg) of the condition class boundaries entered into the Boundary Mapping shall be submitted with each plot.

(g) Tally Tree-Height/DBH Graph – A formatted electronic file of the plot tally tree dbh/height diagram shall be submitted with each plot.

(h) Error and Explanation files: both the initial FDM .ERR file and the corrected .EXP Access file shall be submitted with each plot.

(iii) Use of Non Government-furnished Property - Plots installed using other than the

Government-furnished property specified in Section G are unacceptable. The Contractor shall rework that plot and the remaining uninspected plots in the packet, and remove all materials incorrectly installed.

(iv) Plot data files within the PDR shall be downloaded daily or at the completion of a single plot.

Only after all plot data has been successfully edited and errors corrected in the latest version of the MIDAS program, and all errors and warnings are resolved with detailed logical explanations in the Field Data Manager (FDM), the Contractor shall access the National MIDAS website and follow outlined Government procedures to upload the electronic data files. To successfully upload plot files, the Contractor must use the most updated version of MIDAS software and resolve any additional errors identified when uploading data files to MIDAS. After successfully uploading the plot data files to MIDAS, the Contractor shall submit plot packets in the form of digital data files on CD to the Government. The respective electronic Plot Folders supplied by the government shall be copied onto the CD with the same filing format beginning with the Forest folder, Panel folder, and individual plot folders. All required electronic files will be placed in specified subfolders outlined in Exhibit J.

(a) Each submitted CD shall have each plot number contained within, written legibly on the CD with an ‘ultra fine’ Sharpie brand pen. In addition, a written list identifying each plot number contained on the CD shall accompany each CD. CDs shall be placed in a protective sleeve made to contain CDs prior to submitting to the Government.

(b) Upon receiving a CD and plot list from the Contractor, the Government will ensure that the data files are present within the Government specified plot folders and subfolders and complete. Any data files that are missing, or otherwise not complete, shall be immediately replaced by the Contractor. Prior to inspection, the Government will also confirm that all plots on the CD have been successfully uploaded to the National MIDAS Website.

(c) Upon acceptable completion of all work in each Area BPA Call, the Contractor shall return to the Government all updated electronic plot folders on the Government supplied Plot Folder flash drive including all required edit files, header cards and image files for each completed plot. This must be accomplished before final payment will be released.

(v) The Contractor shall follow the procedures outlined in Exhibit G: HARDWARE, SOFTWARE AND DATA PROCESSING PROCEDURES 2013.

Region 6 & Region 5 Page 11

2. Submission for Certification

Each plot completed for certification shall be submitted individually upon completion.

3. Submission following Certification

Plots shall be submitted in the following manner after successful certification:

(i) Packets shall contain ten plots. Any variance must be pre-approved by the COR in writing.

(ii) Each packet shall contain the plots completed by one certified crew. Any variance must be pre-approved by the COR in writing.

(iii) Unless otherwise pre-approved by the COR, plots within a packet shall be completed within 30 calendar days.

(iv) Plot packets shall be submitted within ten calendar days after completion of the last plot in the packet.

E-4 - REINSPECTION UPON CONTRACTOR REQUEST

If the Government's original inspection results are unacceptable to the Contractor, the Contractor has the option to request, in writing, a reinspection. Requests for reinspection shall be made within five days after receipt of initial inspection results. A complete reinspection of the plot will be made. If the reinspection results differ by 2.00 percent or more from the Government's original inspection results (Pay %), the reinspection results will be used for payment.

E-5 - REWORK AND REINSPECTION AFTER REWORK

All reworked plots that are returned may be office edited and will be field inspected.

Region 6 & Region 5 Page 12

SECTION F--DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F-1 - FAR 52.252-2 - CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

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

52.242-15 Stop Work Order (AUG 1989)

F-2 - PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The anticipated annual period of performance is as follows for each Area:

Area 1 5/1 – 9/30 Area 3 5/1 – 9/30 Area 4 5/1 – 10/15 Area 5 5/1 – 10/15 Area 6 5/1 – 10/15 Area 7 5/1 – 10/15 Area 8 5/1 – 10/15 California 5/1 – 10/15

The above dates are estimates only. Each BPA Call will specify the actual Period of Performance.

The Contractor shall be required to (a) commence work under the contract within ten calendar days after the date the Contractor receives the Notice to Proceed, (b) prosecute the work diligently, and (c) complete the entire work ready for use not later than the dates shown in the above paragraph. The time stated for completion shall include final edits.

F-3 - PROSECUTION OF WORK

Work shall begin on contract certification plots that may be pre-selected by the Government. As crews become certified, they shall work on a ten (10) plot packet basis. Work on plot packets (non-certification plots) shall not proceed until Certification plots have been completed and accepted by the Government. Once certified, work shall progress sequentially with all accessible plots being completed in a single area before moving on to another area.

Specific work areas will be established by agreement between the Government and Contractor by using a Progress Work Schedule (PWS). At the post award conference, the Contractor shall submit for the approval of the Government, a PWS specifying the resources (including people, equipment, and other factors) the Contractor shall use as well as the rate of progress the Contractor proposes to achieve. To be acceptable, the PWS shall include a breakdown of planned progress in terms of plots completed by individual crew for each month of work. The PWS shall meet or exceed the rate of production needed to complete the project by the last date in the period of performance schedule for each item.

Region 6 & Region 5 Page 13

Any modification of the plan will be subject to approval by the Government. A revised PWS may be requested by the Government if actual progress falls behind the current approved Progress Work Schedule.

Upon delivery of the individual area BPA Call, a Critical Plots listing will be provided to the Contractor, which are plots that have been predetermined to have a limited opportunity for access based solely on plot elevation or proximity to Port Orford Cedar and Sudden Oak Death risk areas. These plots are designated in the Critical Plot column of the Exhibit and so noted by the terms “Elevation”, “POC” and/or “Wilderness”.

The Contractor shall complete all critical plots within each contract Area prior to the dates specified. Note:

The listing of critical plots should not be considered a comprehensive list of all plots that may have limited access issues. Many other access restrictions do occur such as wildlife seasonal closures, road maintenance, hunting season closures, etc. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to contact local Ranger District authorities and determine all potential access restrictions, and utilize this information in their project planning and prosecution of work.

When temporary hazards such as high water, bees, or bears hinder completing a plot, the Contractor shall contact the COR to develop a timeframe in order to return to finish the plot at a later time.

When the work performance of a Contractor crew is deficient, the Contractor shall correct the deficiencies in the work performance before the crew can proceed with any additional work.

Region 6 & Region 5 Page 14

SECTION G--CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G-1 - AGAR 452.215-73 – POST AWARD CONFERENCE (NOV 1996)

A post award conference with the successful offeror is required. It will be scheduled within 30 days after the date of contract award. The conference will be held at (time and place to be agreed upon and announced after award).

G-2 – MEASUREMENT AND BASIS FOR PAYMENT

The Government will determine plot quality by inspection of completed packets. In addition to Government inspection of all certification plots, a minimum of one plot per every two packets submitted by a given crew will be inspected. A plot or plot packet is considered complete when all work has been inspected and accepted for payment. An inspection will consist of:

1. Plot Location – Referenced in Section B of each BPA call. Plot will be determined to be in correct location.

2. Office Edit - At the discretion of the Government, each plot will undergo an office edit based on procedural errors and omissions. Using the "Inspected Quality Form", Plots whose office edit quality is less than 85.00 percent will be rejected and returned to the Contractor for rework. The Contractor will be given the option of reworking plots whose total pay percent quality is from 85 to 95 percent. Reference Exhibit A.

3. Field Inspection - The field inspection will check the selected plot for accuracy, correctness, and completeness of submitted data. Each measurement, observation or other work as specified by the "Field Instructions" shall be verified and the correct value recorded. Plots will be evaluated by use of the tolerances specified in Exhibit B, instructions contained in Exhibit C.

The following shall be checked on each inspection:

A. Verify documented measured distances and written directions from main road to locate plot;

B. RP/POR data; when possible, and always when it is critical to locating the plot;

C. Aerial photos; for PC and RP pinprick locations, and labeled correctly;

D. GPS data; where the field crew collected it;

E. Plot Level and Condition Class Attributes;

F. Site Tree measurements, tree selection, and the site method used;

G. Plant Association assigned to the plot;

H. Subplot 1 measured in its entirety;

I. FDM warning and explanation printouts;

J. Review for completeness and legibility the following:

Plot Card Front side: Header, RP Data, plot narrative, plot diagram, access diagram, footer notes, Plot Card back side: State and hex#, mapping boundaries including; condition, root disease, non forest inclusion, Plot Edit Sheet, Landowner Contact Sheet (where appropriate);

Region 6 & Region 5 Page 15

A minimum of 20 trees are measured unless the plot has low tally, is non-forest or it is a stocking check. If there are not enough trees available on the two fully inspected subplots, additional subplots are fully inspected to meet the 20 tree minimum.

On all four subplots, the following will be checked:

A. Plot layout; including both subplot and microplot center locations;

B. Condition Class presence/absence;

C. Subplot Attributes;

D. Micro plot seedling count;

E. Boundary mapping;

F. Missed/added Tree Tally (including saplings on the microplot and hectare trees), also checking for trees in or out near the different plot radius boundaries.

Inspectors will record all measurements as they are at the time of inspection. The items listed below will present unique challenges when scoring the plot because the natural environment may have changed significantly over a short period of time due to seasonality, fast decadence rates or susceptibility to ground disturbance. Additional notes will be necessary for the QA inspector to know when there were real errors or just on-the-ground changes:

A. Vegetation Profile – species, heights and cover;

B. Ground Cover – type and cover.

C. DWM- Transects are lined up with the production crew’s as best as possible to check all measurements. Use of the flagging left at 24 ft. denoting end of CWD transect, CWD slope distances and the Fuelbed pit. If the production crew did not leave flagging and there is no evidence of a Fuelbed pit, the transect will be placed at the QA inspector’s azimuth (although effort is made to line up CWD pieces if possible).

A. Plot Re-measure/Installation Payment

1. The unit of measure and payment will be the plot as described herein. The plots completed satisfactorily will be processed for payment in accordance with the payment rate provisions herein based on the unit price and will constitute full compensation for furnishing all equipment, labor, supervision, supplies, transportation, and incidentals.

a. At the discretion of the Government: 1) Plot(s) selected for field inspection will be office edited to ensure procedural correctness using the "Inspected Quality Form" to record credits and errors, or; 2) all plots will be office edited and payment based on the combination of these results and the field inspection described herein. Should the Government elect not to conduct an office edit, payment will be based on the results of the field inspection only.

b. On Government inspected plots, a minimum of two subplots from each Plot in will be selected for field inspection to determine the accuracy of measurements.

c. The percentage of error (i.e., the difference between 100 percent and the inspection results percentage) found during the field inspection will be added to any percentage of error determined in office edits (errors are only assessed once). Each plot will be accepted for payment, returned for rework or rejected based on the results of the office edit of that plot and the field inspection of the selected plot in the packet.

Region 6 & Region 5 Page 16

d. “Pay %” will be determined by the overall percent pay quality as calculated in Exhibit A. If the quality percentage is 95% or greater the payment will be at full bid price. Overall percent pay quality of 85% to 94% will be paid at the corresponding percentage. Less than 85% is a failed plot inspection and considered unacceptable performance. The individual failed plot will be paid at the calculated percent quality level.

Deficiencies – When the quality of a field inspected plot does not exceed 84.99 percent (See Exhibit A), the Contractor will be limited to reworking the remaining plots in the packet(s). The Contractor will not be allowed to rework a field inspected plot receiving a quality of below 85.00 percent within the meaning of paragraph (e) of FAR 52.246-4, Inspection of Services – Fixed Price, contained in Section E.

Plots returned for rework shall be completed and returned within 20 calendar days.

G-3 – 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 in Section I of the contract.

1. Field Instruction Manuals - One copy per certified contract crew member up to a maximum of 10 manuals per Area.

2. Flash Drive containing all the Electronic Plot Folders (EPF) for Contractor’s work Area(s). The EPF contains any historical information for the plot including the original primary aerial photo, plot header card(s), CVS tree data records, and transect photos, as well as a current image file and general location topographic map and current FIA editable header card and edit sheet. Plot jacket including aerial photography (color laser copies or originals) stereo pair for each plot with plot locations pinpricked on one photo, plot header card, and plot edit sheet.

3. Numbered blue aluminum round tree tags.

4. Square aluminum reference tags.

5. Orange plastic flasher tags.

6. Aluminum nails.

7. Yellow/white round aluminum reference tags.

8. Cedar stakes.

9. Steel plot pins.

10. Maps - One set of plot location maps per field crew, to a maximum of two.

11. Keys and descriptions of plant associations, one copy per certified crew.

12. Juniper Systems Allegro CE/CX/MX software for collecting field data and files for all plots.

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13. Computer software to print out plot data, receive software updates, send files to and from the Allegro data recorder, and edit data.

All Government-furnished manuals, keys, and plant indicator books shall be returned together with any unused nails, tags, stakes, etc., at the completion of the contract.

G-4 - DESIGNATION OF CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE

The Contracting Officer designates the Contracting Officer's Representative(s) (COR). The COR is responsible for administering the performance of work under this contract. In no event, however, will any understanding, agreement, modification, change order, or other matter deviating from the terms of this contract be effective or binding upon the Government unless formalized by proper contractual documents executed by the Contracting Officer prior to completion of the contract.

The Contracting Officer should be informed as soon as possible of any actions or inactions by the Contractor or the Government which will change the required delivery or completion times stated in the contract, and the contract will be modified accordingly.

On all matters that pertain to the contract terms, the Contractor must communicate with the Contracting Officer. Whenever, in the opinion of the Contractor, the COR requests effort outside the scope of the contract, the Contractor should so advise the COR. If the COR persists and there still exists a disagreement as to proper contractual coverage, the Contracting Officer should be notified immediately, preferably in writing if time permits. Proceeding with work without proper contractual coverage could result in nonpayment or necessitate submittal of a contract claim.

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SECTION H--SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H-1 - AGAR 452.237-74 – KEY PERSONNEL (FEB 1988)

(a) The Contractor shall assign to this contract the following key personnel: Crew Chief(s)

(b) During the first ninety (90) days of performance, the Contractor shall make no substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death, or termination of employment. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer within 15 calendar days after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information required by paragraph (c) below. After the initial 90-day period, the Contractor shall submit the information required by paragraph (c) to the Contracting Officer at least 15 days prior to making any permanent substitutions.

(c) The Contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the Contracting Officer. Proposed substitutes should have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced. The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor within 15 calendar days after receipt of all required information of the decision on substitutions. The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel.

H-2 - CERTIFICATION OF CREWS

All work shall be performed by personnel who have demonstrated the ability to read, interpret, and apply information contained in Field Instructions. The process is not intended to train crews, but only to evaluate their competency for use on this contract. The Contractor will be paid for certification plots under the same inspection and payment provisions that apply to the rest of the contract work.

1. Certification by the Forest Service - The Government will furnish a crew certification process as follows:

a. All Contractor's personnel shall demonstrate the ability to read, interpret, and apply information contained in the Field Instructions by recording, estimating, and editing plot data during the measurement of a minimum of two acceptable certification plots.

b. The Government will provide certification of contract crews. For certification purposes, the maximum number of 4 crews per contract item for a total of 8 certification plots will be provided by the Government.

If the Contractor desires more than the specified number of crews per contract item to be certified, the Government may approve the request. Requests for additional certification shall be submitted to the Government in writing and must state the number of additional certifications requested and the dates. If request(s) are approved, the Government will select the plots to be used for additional certification within five (5) Government working days from the date the certification request is received.

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c. The Contractor shall begin work on certification plots in accordance with the Period of Performance specified in each individual BPA Call. Contractor crews listed in approved Resource Plan shall be certified within 30 calendar days of the effective start work date, or the Government may take action in accordance with the Termination for Default clause. The initial certification will consist of the first two (2) field plots satisfactorily completed. In the event a crew fails one of these plots (e.g., achieves less than 85 percent quality), a third certification plot shall be included as part of that crew's initial certification. For a certification plot to be acceptable, the inspected Plot quality shall be 85 percent or higher. Less than 85 percent quality in the inspection results will not be acceptable. When a crew has been successfully certified through a previous year’s BPA Call within the same geographic project area, the Government may choose to require only one successful certification plot to update that crew’s certification.

d. The Contractor's Representative shall complete certification as either: 1) the second or third person of an established crew, or 2) as an additional crew. The plots required to certify the Contractor's Representative shall be included as part of the initial certification.

e. During the initial certification of crews, sessions may be held each work day at times and locations designated by the Government. The Government may use these sessions to return plot inspection results, address specific contract questions, or accept certification plots for field inspection. Failure of two certification plots will be cause to notify the Contractor and request that one or both crew members be replaced.

H-3 - CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE

The contractor shall certify compliance with specific fire precautionary measures included in the attached Fire Protection and Suppression Forms (see J-1, pages 29-34). The certification shall be made prior to commencement of work and shall be updated if at any time during performance the conditions change.

The Government may conduct verification inspections to ensure Contractor's compliance.

H-4 - LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

The Contractor shall give attention to the effect of contract operation upon the landscape, shall take care to maintain natural surroundings undamaged, and shall conduct the work at all times in compliance with the following requirements.

a. Prevention of the Landscape Defacement. The Contractor shall not remove, deface, injure, or destroy trees, shrubs, lawns, or other natural features or any other improvements in the work area unless specifically authorized by the Government. Unless otherwise provided herein, the Contractor shall confine contract operations to within the areas designated in contract documents.

b. Protection of Streams, Lakes, and Reservoirs. The Contractor shall take sufficient precautions to prevent pollution of streams, lakes, small ponds, and reservoirs with fuels, oils, bitumens, calcium chloride, silt, or other harmful materials. Mechanical equipment shall not be operated in live streams without written approval of the Government.

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H-5 - MOTORIZED EQUIPMENT

Use of motorized equipment other than hand-held equipment such as powersaws and brush cutters will not be permitted off designated roads in the project area without approval of the Government or as provided elsewhere herein.

H-6 - SAFETY

Contractor shall provide a written, job specific safety plan. The plan shall be presented at the prework meeting.

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SECTION I--CONTRACT CLAUSES

I-1 – FAR 52.252-2 – CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

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

www.arnet.gov/far/ www.usda.gov/procurement/policy/agar.html

52.202-1 Definitions (JAN 2012) 52.203-3 Gratuities (APR 1984) 52.203-5 Covenant against Contingent Fees (APR 1984) 52.203-6 Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (SEP 2006) 52.203-7 Anti-Kickback Procedures (OCT 2010) 52.203-8 Cancellation, Rescission, and Recovery of Funds for Illegal or Improper Activity (JAN 1997) 52.203-10 Price or Fee Adjustment for Illegal or Improper Activity (JAN 1997) 52.203-12 Limitation on Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions (OCT 2010) 52.204-4 Printed or Copied Double-Sided on Postconsumer Fiber Content Paper (MAY 2011) 52.204-9 Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel (JAN 2011) 52.204-10 Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (AUG 2012) 52.209-6 Protecting the Government's Interest when Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (DEC 2010) 52.215-2 Audit and Records -- Negotiation (OCT 2010) 52.215-8 Order of Precedence--Uniform Contract Format (OCT 1997) 52.219-6 Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2011) 52.219-8 Utilization of Small Business Concerns (JAN 2011) 52.219-14 Limitations on Subcontracting (NOV 2011) 52.222-3 Convict Labor (JUN 2003) 52.222-4 Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act -- Overtime Compensation (JUL 2005) 52.222-21 Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (FEB 1999) 52.222-26 Equal Opportunity (MAR 2007) 52.222-35 Equal Opportunity for Veterans (SEP 2010) 52.222-36 Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities (OCT 2010) 52.222-37 Employment Reports Veterans (SEP 2010) 52.222-41 Service Contract Act of 1965, as Amended (NOV 2007) 52.222-44 Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Act--Price Adjustment (SEP 2009) 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons (FEB 2009) 52.222-54 Employment Eligibility Verification (JUL 2012) 52.223-5 Pollution Prevention and Right-to-Know Information (MAY 2011) 52.223-6 Drug-Free Workplace (MAY 2001) 52.223-18 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (AUG 2011) 52.225-13 Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (JUN 2008) 52.227-1 Authorization and Consent (DEC 2007) 52.227-2 Notice and Assistance Regarding Patent and Copyright Infringement (DEC 2007) 52.229-3 Federal, State, and Local Taxes (APR 2003) 52.232-1 Payments (APR 1984) 52.232-8 Discounts for Prompt Payment (FEB 2002) 52.232-9 Limitation on Withholding of Payments (APR 1984) http://www.usda.gov/procurement/policy/agar.html

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52.232-11 Extras (APR 1984) 52.232-17 Interest (OCT 2010) 52.232-23 Assignment of Claims (JAN 1986) 52.232-25 Prompt Payment (OCT 2008) 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer – Central Contractor Registration (OCT 2003) 52.233-1 Disputes (JUL 2002) 52.233-3 Protest after Award (AUG 1996) 52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (OCT 2004) 52.236-3 Site Investigation and conditions Affecting the work (APR 1984) 52.236-6 Superintendence by Contractor (APR 1984) 52.236-13 Accident Prevention (NOV 1991) 52.237-2 Protection of Government Buildings, Equipment, and Vegetation (APR 1984) 52.242-13 Bankruptcy (JUL 1995) 52.243-1 Changes--Fixed-Price (AUG 1987)--Alternate I (APR 1984) 52.244-6 Subcontracts for Commercial Items (DEC 2010) 52.245-1 Government Property (APR 2012) 52.245-9 Use and Charges (APR 2012) 52.246-25 Limitation of Liability—Services (FEB 1997) 52.248-1 Value Engineering (OCT 2010) 52.249-2 Termination for Convenience of the Government (Fixed-Price) (APR 2012) 52.249-8 Default (Fixed-Price Supply and Service) (APR 1984) 52.253-1 Computer Generated Forms (JAN 1991)

AGRICULTURE ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 4) CLAUSES

452.236-77 Emergency Response (NOV 1996) 452.237-70 Loss, Damage, Destruction or Repair (FEB 1988) 452.237-75 Restrictions Against Disclosure (FEB 1988)

I-2 – BPA CALL ISSUANCE

Warranted Contracting Officers within Region 6 are authorized to place BPA Calls against this contract within their delegated warrant authority.

(a) The Contracting Officer’s (CO) decision to issue a BPA Call to a particular awardee will be based on the criteria stated below. The CO shall give each BPA awardee a “fair opportunity” to be considered for each order in excess of $2,500.

(b) Selection Criteria for Awarding Task Order. The Government will evaluate the quotes against stated selection criteria, of which price will always be a factor. Additional information such as technical approach, quality control plan, and a safety plan not previously submitted may be requested and evaluated prior to awarding BPA Calls. Single or multiple awards may be made for individual BPA Calls, as specified on the quotation.

(c) Process

1. A warranted Contracting Officer must issue all BPA Calls. When services are required, a Request for Quotation (RFQ) will be sent to each qualified Contractor from the list of BPA awardees resulting from this solicitation. Each quotation request will include the required due date, specific instructions for the submission for quotes, the selection criteria factors, and other information deemed appropriate.

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2. Awardees resulting from this solicitation will generally be allowed a minimum of 5 working days to prepare and submit quotes, however, more or less time may be necessary based on the requirements.

If an awardee is unable to perform a requirement, the awardee may submit “NO QUOTE” to the quotation request. While no mandatory requirement exists for the submission of a quote, continual failure to respond may be considered during the annual BPA review process.

3. BPA Calls: All BPA Calls will be issued on a firm fixed-price basis. BPA Calls may be issued verbally, by facsimile, or by electronic commerce methods. Verbal BPA Calls will be backed up by a written order.

I-3 – FAR 52.204-7 - CENTRAL CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION (DEC…