AG-0489-S-10-0469_ocean-thin.pdf

AG-0489-S-10-0469

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD

4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION2. CONTRACT NUMBER 3. SOLICITATION NUMBER

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

ORDER UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NUMBER

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

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

SEALED BID (IFB)

5. DATE ISSUED

1. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED RATING PAGE OF PAGES

1 7

C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

EXT.NUMBERAREA CODE

B. TELEPHONE (NO COLLECT CALLS)A. NAME

10. FOR

INFORMATION

CALL:

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.

(Date)(Hour) local timeuntildepository located in copies for furnishing the supplies or services in the Schedule will be received at the place specified in Item 8, or if hand carried, in the

SOLICITATION

9. Sealed offers in original and

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

INSTRS., CONDS., AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

CONTRACT CLAUSES

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACH.

I

J

K

L

M SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

PACKAGING AND MARKING

DESCRIPTION/SPECS./WORK STATEMENT

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSESPART I - THE SCHEDULE

H

G

F

E

D

C

B

A

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

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

18. OFFER DATE17. SIGNATURE

SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

IS DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE - ENTER

15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS

EXT.NUMBERAREA CODE

15B. TELEPHONE NUMBER

(Type or print)AND

ADDRESS

OF

OFFEROR

CODE FACILITY

16. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN OFFER15A. NAME

DATEAMENDMENT NO.DATEAMENDMENT NO.

and related documents numbered and dated):

amendments to the SOLICITATION for offerors

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of

14. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AMENDMENTS

CALENDAR DAYS (%)30 CALENDAR DAYS (%)20 CALENDAR DAYS (%)10 CALENDAR DAYS (%)

(See Section I, Clause No. 52.232.8)

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

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

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

NOTE: Item 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the provisions at 52.214-16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period.

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

IMPORTANT - Award will be made on this Form, or on Standard Form 26, or by other authorized official written notice.

28. AWARD DATE

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

CODE 24. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 7)

ITEM

(4 copies unless otherwise specified)

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN

41 U.S.C. 253 (c) ( 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c) (

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

21. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION20. AMOUNT19. ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS NUMBERED

AWARD (To be completed by government)

CODE

38961004/21/2010 X

US FOREST SERVICE

EROC NORTHWEST

16400 CHAMPION WAY

SANDY OR 97055

USDA FOREST SERVICE

EROC NORTHWEST

16400 CHAMPION WAY

SANDY, OR 97055

1400 PT 05/20/2010

TONYA R RYMER 503

trymer@fs.fed.us

668-1703

PAGE(S)

TONYA R. RYMER

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition is unusable

STANDARD FORM 33 (Rev. 9-97)

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

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

AG-0489-S-10-0469

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

TAS::12 1118::TAS RECOVERY Ocean Blvd Wildlife

Thinning

This solicitation is issued under the provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of

2009.

001 TAS::12 1102::TAS ARRA Project CIM-1005-2W Ocean

Blvd Wildlife Thinning

Product/Service Code: F014

Product/Service Description: TREE THINNING

SERVICES

OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

NSN 7540-01-152-8067

TABLE OF CONTENTS

OCEAN BOULEVARD WILDLIFE HABITAT IMPROVEMENT RECOVERY

PROJECT

PART I – CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONS

• SECTION A -SF-33

• SECTION B – Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs (Schedule of Items)

• SECTION C - Descriptions/Specifications/Statement of Work

• SECTION D- Packaging, Marking and Layout

• SECTION E - Inspection and Acceptance

• SECTION F - Deliveries and Performance

• SECTION G - Contract Administrative Data

• SECTION H - Special Contract Requirements

PART II – CONTRACT CLAUSES

• SECTION I - Clauses incorporated by reference

• AGAR/FSAR and SPECIAL CONTRACT CLAUSES

• ARRA Required Clauses (full text)

PART III – LIST OF DOCUMENTS,EXIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

• SECTION J – Exhibits, Attachments, and Appendices

PART IV – REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

• SECTION K – Representations, Certifications and Other Statements of Offerors or Respondents

• SECTION L – Instructions to Offeror / Notices

• SECTION M – Evaluation Factors for Award

PART I—THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B--SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

PROJECT: Ocean Boulevard Wildlife Habitat Improvement Project

TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST- Sitka Ranger District

Item No. Description Job

Code/IAS Item

Unit Quantity Unit Price Total

1 (includes sub items

1.1, 1.2, and 1.3

Layout stream protection and thin to 25x25 Spacing with removal and storage of material.

NFWF05 AC 91 $________ $__________

2 (includes sub items

2.1 and 2.2)

Layout and treat 15 percent of the area with gaps and removal and storage of material.

NFWF05 AC 130 $________ $__________

Layout and treat 15 percent of the area with gaps and removal and storage of material.

NFWF05 AC 48 $________ $__________

Layout and treat 15 percent of the area with gaps and removal and storage of material.

NFWF05 AC 17 $________ $__________

5 Layout and treat 15 percent of the area with gaps and treatment of slash.

NFWF05 AC 48 $________ $__________

6 Mobilization NFWF05 LS 1 $________ $__________

TOTAL

Prices Submitted By:

Vendor Name: Phone

Signature: Fax Address: Email City, State, Zip: TIN# Duns#

SECTION C--DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 Scope of Contract

The purpose and intent of this contract is to secure services for improving wildlife habitat on 334 acres of young growth approximately 38 to 43 years old. Specifically it requires the layout and implementation for the thinning of 91 acres of young growth and layout and implementation for cutting ¼ to ½ acre gaps totaling 15 percent of the area on 243 acres. In addition this contract will require the yarding and hauling of cut tree boles over 4” diameter on the small end from the 91 acres of thinning units and from 195 acres of the items specified for gap treatment. Material requiring removal from the unit will be stored in a specified area near the False Island LTF. The Contractor must furnish all labor, equipment, housing, subsistence, supervision, transportation, operating supplies, obtain necessary permits and incidentals except those items listed as Government-furnished property.

C.2 Project Location and Description

C.2.1 Location and General Accessiblity

This project is located on the Tongass National Forest’s Sitka Ranger District, on south Chicagof Island, approximately 35 miles northeast of the city of Sitka, Alaska.

Sitka, Alaska is accessed from Seattle, Washington via Alaska Airlines, the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry System (from Bellingham, Washington) and barge services from Seattle. Sitka is the administrative site of the Sitka Ranger District. The project site is accessible from Sitka by boat, or float plane.

C.2.2 Overall Physical Description of Ground Conditions

The project area contains old logging slash that may be heavy in areas. The surface of the ground is extremely broken with some slopes becoming abruptly steep or having rock outcrops and bluffs of various sizes. Wind throw does occur along some sections of the boundary. Brush can be extremely thick in many areas, especially in areas with lower tree stocking. Old logging cable and debris may be present.

Tree heights, diameters, and densities vary as site productivity conditions change over the project area and may also exhibit variable areas of muskeg and thick hemlock, alder and spruce competition.

Potential contractors are encouraged to examine the young growth stands on the ground before submitting an offer, in order to determine their expenses in doing the work. Logistics, access, weather, thickness of brush, steepness of slopes, presence of slash, and density of conifer regeneration are just some of the critical items that should be examined on the ground by each potential contractor.

C.2.3 Item(s) Accessibility

Items 1 (sub items 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3), 2 (sub items 2.1 and 2.2), and 4 can be accessed by the National Forest Road System. Item 3 and 5 can be accessed from the beach off Peril Strait and by ATV trail.

C.2.4 OTHER CONTRACTS

The Government may undertake or award other contracts for additional work at or near the site of the work under this contract. The Contractor shall fully cooperate with the other contractors and with Government employees authorized under this contract and shall carefully adapt scheduling and performing the work under this contract to accommodate the additional work, heeding any direction that may be provided by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The Contractor shall not commit or permit any act that will interfere with the performance of work by any other contractor or by Government employees.

There will be an ongoing road and log storage yard reconstruction contract in the project area during part of the 2010 operating season and the use of project area roads may be limited at times until that contract is completed or no later than the September 1, 2010 reconstruction contract completion date.

In addition the project log storage area will not be usable until that portion of the contract is complete.

If access to any of the contract items change due to weather, floods, slides, failure of man-made structures, or any natural phenomenon, the Government reserves the right to delete those contract items affected by the change in access. The Government may decide to substitute similar items, or may provide an alternate access route. The Government may also agree to the completion of the work on those items affected by a change in access with an adjustment in contract price, an extension in contract time, or both.

This project consists of 5 items; all located on Chicagof Island. See detailed item information and maps in Section J for more access information.

Chicagof Island has its own separate road system from the city of Sitka. All vehicles must be barged to Chicagof Island. There is a boat/float plane access location (LTF) on south Chicagof Island, in Peril Strait. See the All Items Map in Section J for the location of the LTF.

C.2.5 Local Services

The City of Sitka is the closest full-service community and it is approximately 55 miles by water to the project area.

C.3 Safety

C.3.1 Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA) and Safety Plan

Contractors are subject to all applicable State and Federal OSHA rules and regulations. Work sites are remote, and advance planning with regards to safety is crucial. Contractors must be prepared to discuss their safety plan and an emergency evacuation plan at the time of the pre-work meeting.

C.3.2 Communications

All work sites are remote, and telephone service is unavailable on or anywhere near work sites.

Having access to reliable communications is essential should an injury occur on the work site. Cell phone coverage in SE Alaska is not consistent. Contractors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with proper use of radios as well as emergency procedures.

At the time of the pre-work meeting, contractors must be prepared to discuss their communications plan. Contractors shall provide a functional two-way communication system and be familiar with its use. The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) or her/his inspectors may require a contractor, or their employees, to display on site that they have functional, adequate communications. Inadequate communications will be cause for the issuance of a written cure notice, or stop work order.

C.3.3 Travel

Logistics pose a special challenge on the Tongass National Forest. Gaining access into remote work areas requires planning and research into local conditions. Contractors are advised to learn about the transportation systems of Southeast Alaska. Of special concern are jobs that may require a contractor to use small boats to access a work area. Boating can be dangerous any time of year in Southeast Alaska, particularly in the fall, winter and early spring. Contractors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with emergency procedures.

C.3.4 Climate

Southeast Alaska has a cool and moist maritime climate. This maritime climate results in cool summers, moderate winters, considerable precipitation distributed throughout the year, and a high percentage of overcast days. Precipitation amounts vary widely throughout Southeast Alaska, and annual precipitation of over 100 inches is common. All field workers should be prepared for wet, cool conditions.

C.3.5 Bears

Brown Bears may range through the contract area. Brown bears (a large, coastal form of the Grizzly) are considered unpredictable and potentially dangerous in human/bear encounters. It is suggested that contractors carry a large caliber weapon as bear protection. Any bear shot in defense of life or property requires a written explanation and becomes property of the State of Alaska. The best protection is avoiding bear/human contacts. Campsites shall be kept clean and free of garbage. Failure to do so will result in the issuance of a cure notice or a stop work order. Waste disposal shall be in accordance with Federal EPA guidelines. Report any problems with bears to the COR as soon as possible. This may be done through the COR, or his/her inspectors. Especially important is the reporting of bears that appear to have become habituated to humans. Report habituated bears so that the Government can notify the public. (see section C.6.12 on bear protection timing)

C.4 Boundaries

C.4.1 Treatment Boundaries

Before the start of work the contractor will mark the gap boundaries and yarding corridors of each item or sub item with black and white candy stripe flagging. The Forest Service will mark exterior item and sub item boundaries, unless a distinct physical feature is available which would serve as a boundary. Distinct physical features can be roads, shore line, well defined slope breaks, limit of old growth timbered edges (stump line). The Forest Service will identify with flagging, streams requiring protection and the contractor will be responsible for flagging the no cut stream buffers with pink and yellow flagging tied together. The Contractor is responsible for treatments within the measured boundary and should direct any questions regarding boundary location to the Contracting Officer.

Boundaries as shown on the contract maps or aerial photo overlays represent approximations of the actual item boundaries. Boundaries to limit equipment use along Class I, Class II, and Aluvial Fan streams and to separate material removed from TTRA buffers from material removed from non-TTRA areas will be flagged in contrasting colors as agreed upon with the COR. No treatments can be started until the COR agrees with the contractors boundary flagging.

Unit Layout Table

Item # Sub Item # Treatment

Type Type of Boundary

Actual Treatment Acres

Total Item Acres

1 1.1 25’x25’ Thinning none 15 15

1 1.2 25’x25’ Thinning

Stream protection buffers

43 43

1 1.3 25’x25’ Thinning

Stream protection buffers

38 33

2 2.1 ¼ to ½ acre gaps & 30’ corridors

13 to 27 gaps* 5.5 to 6.8 acres*

2 2.2 ¼ to ½ acre gaps & 30’ corridors

24 to 58 gaps* 12 to 14.6 acres*

3 NA ¼ to ½ acre gaps & 30’ corridors

13 to 32 gaps* 6.5 to 7.9 acres*

4 NA ¼ to ½ acre gaps & 20’ corridors

5 to 12 gaps* 2.3 to 2.9 acres*

5 NA ¼ to ½ acre gaps

13 to 32 gaps* 6.5 to 7.9 acres*

*Gap size and number can vary between set limits but total acreage must be between the acreage limits for these items. Yarding corridors will not be considered in the actual treatment acre calculation.

C.4.2 Corridors and Gap Locations

Gaps are being implemented to increase habitat diversity and improve the growth of blueberry, deer fern, and bunchberry which are important wildlife browse species. Gaps and corridors will be located by the contractor in areas of heavy conifer concentration and will be approved by the COR prior to any felling or yarding. Where practical, corridors will be aligned diagonally from existing roads and beaches instead of perpendicular to reduce their visual impacts. Gaps will be separated by a minimum of 200 feet. Gaps will be irregularly shaped and spaced. (see gap and corridor examples)

C.4.3 Gap Traversing

The contractor will be required to traverse the gaps and calculate acreages to verify gap size and overall treatment acreage for each unit. Unit traverses will be processed using a boundary traverse software and an error of closure of 1 foot of error or less in 25 feet will be required. All gaps will have the approximate center located with a Global Position System (GPS) point and this point will be recorded and turned into the COR.

C.4.4 Yarding Corridor Layout

Contractor will be responsible for laying out yarding corridors in locations to facilitate yarding felled material from gaps and achieving partial suspension of yarded material. Where practical the yarding corridors will be no wider than the width specified in the Unit Layout Table. Where profiles indicate that slopes to be yarded across exceed 72% a soil scientist will be required to do a slope stability investigation to determine if mitigation measures are necessary to yard on that portion of the corridor.

The Forest Service will provide the soil scientist and their associated expenses. All corridors will be approved by the COR before they are used for yarding.

C.4.5 Land Survey Corner Monuments and Markers

The Contractor is responsible for the preservation of all corner monuments, stakes, and permanent plot markers. Corner monuments and plot markers may be of various materials including iron re-bar, wood post, marked tree and PVC pipe. When damaged by the Contractor's operations, the cost of replacing them will be charged to the Contractor.

C.5 Weed Free Equipment

The Contractor shall ensure that, prior to moving on to the project area, all off-road equipment is free of soil, seeds, vegetative matter, or other debris that could contain or hold seeds. The Contractor shall certify in writing that off-road equipment is free of noxious weeds prior to each start-up of service contract operations and for subsequent moves of equipment to the project area. Measures taken to ensure that off-road equipment is free of noxious weeds will be identified. Off-road equipment includes all logging and construction machinery, except for log trucks, chip vans, service vehicles, water trucks, pickup trucks, cars, and similar vehicles. A current list of noxious weeds of concern to the Forest Service is available at the Forest Supervisor’s Office.

The Contractor shall employ whatever cleaning methods are necessary to ensure that off-road equipment is free of noxious weeds. Equipment shall be considered free of soil, seeds, and other such debris when a visual inspection does not disclose such material. Disassembly of equipment components or specialized inspection tools is not required.

The Contractor shall notify the Forest Service at least 5 working days prior to moving each piece of off-road equipment on to the project area, unless otherwise agreed. Notification will include identifying the location of the equipment's most recent operations. If the prior location of the off-road equipment cannot be identified, the Forest Service may assume that it was infested with noxious weed seeds. Upon request of the Forest Service, the Contractor must arrange for the Forest Service to inspect each piece of off-road equipment prior to it being placed in service.

If the Contractor desires to clean off-road equipment on National Forest land the Forest Service shall agree on methods of cleaning, locations for the cleaning, and control of off-site impacts, if any.

C.6 Thinning Specifications

C.6.1 Cut and Leave Tree Limits

All conifer species:

Item 1

Tree Size Treatment <2 feet high Leave and ignore for spacing.

>2 feet high & <20 inches dbh Cut trees to reach the desired spacing.

>20 inches dbh Shall not be treated.

All trees qualifying for treatment within their own height of the road prism on a designated road (Section H.6, Definitions), shall not be girdled, but cut and felled according to specifications found in Section C.6.5, Felling. This is required to prevent slash from entering roads or road drainage structures.

C.6.2 Spacing of Leave Trees (Per Tree Spacing Option)

The Contractor shall thin all eligible conifers greater than 2 feet in height to the following spacing specifications:

Item No. Spacing (feet)

- 50% Variance minimum feet apart

+ 50% Variance maximum feet apart

All 25x25 12.5 37.2

Conifer tree spacing may be varied up to +/- 50 percent on an individual tree basis, in order to select the most desirable leave trees. Leave trees shall be no closer and no farther apart than the minimum and maximum variance for any given spacing as listed in the above table. The intent of the 50% variance is to give the Contractor the greatest opportunity for selecting the most desirable leave trees.

However, overall average spacing using the original spacing guides shall be maintained wherever possible.

All spacing distance between trees shall be adjusted to horizontal distance and measured from the face of the tree boles at breast height (4-1/2 feet above ground level). Though most stands contain openings not occupied by trees, overly dense thickets shall not be left in one spot to offset the lack of trees in another.

C.6.3 Trees to Favor for Leave Trees

Within the spacing requirements the Contractor shall select as leave trees, the largest conifer tree. It shall be dominant or co-dominant. The Contractor shall not select trees that are growing on logs or stumps as leave trees, unless no other crop tree is available. If a double-trunked tree is selected, both stems shall be left.

Except where necessary to aid access, Alaska yellow-cedar or deciduous trees (Red Alder) shall not be cut and will not count as leave trees. The contractor should contact the COR should there be any question as to tree species identification.

C.6.4 Stump Height – Removal of Live Limbs

All trees to be cut shall be cut below the lowest live limb, except when prevented by natural obstacles.

Natural obstacles are objects that could damage a saw blade if nicked, such as rock, cable or mineral soil. They do not include logs or stumps. Any live limbs left on stumps because of natural obstacles shall be trimmed to within 4 inches of the obstacle. Stump height shall not exceed 12 inches above ground level or 4 inches above natural obstacles.

Pruning branches of leave trees is allowed only when required to access and sever excess trees growing within the leave tree crown. Pruned branch stubs should not exceed 4 inches in length. Care should be taken not to damage the leave tree bole. Damaged leave tree boles or long-branch stubs in excess of 4 inches shall count as a damaged tree for inspection purposes.

C.6.5 Felling

Cut trees shall be felled away from item boundaries, roads including associated ditches and road banks, established game and recreation trails, ponds and streams. Any trees falling in such areas shall be removed and pulled back into the cutting area. Felled trees shall not be left leaning on, entangled in the branches of or covering any crop tree. Reasonable efforts must be made to ensure that all cut trees are completely felled. At no time will cutting be allowed outside designated item boundaries without written authorization from the Contracting Officer.

C.6.6 Bucking Specifications

In units where removal is required and where possible trees will limbed and bucked at 4 inches diameter on the small end and yarded and hauled to the storage area with no further bucking. Where yarding, forwarding or hauling limitations warrant and with the approval of the COR the butt log may be bucked to the following preferred lengths:

Hemlock – 26’ shortest length – 12” and up tops 39’ shortest length – 8” tops

Spruce – 26’ shortest length – 12” and up tops

Alder – 20” shortest length – 8” and up tops - needs to average 12”

To allow flexibility for yarding systems the following lengths can be used as a second choice where needed:

Hemlock – 12” top lengths 17, 26, 39 plus trim between 9 and 11” 8” top lengths 13, 26, 39 plus trim between 9 and 11”

Spruce – 12” top lengths 16, 20, 28, 32, 36, 40 plus trim between 9 and 11”

C.6.7 Basic Thinning Slash Treatment

All slash treatment, including pull back or any required lopping and scattering shall be performed concurrently with thinning operations.

Slash shall be pulled clear of roadways and associated ditches and road banks, and back into the general cutting area on all roads (including closed roads) bordering or within the cutting unit or deposited in a storage area designated by the COR.

C.6.8 Roads

Roads are considered and shall be treated as part of the treatment unit when found inside established boundaries. Where boundaries are un-flagged and fall along roads, the boundary of the treatment area shall be the centerline of the road surface. Felling of trees on and along all roads shall be performed in accordance with C.6.5 Felling and C.6.7 Basic Thinning Slash Treatment.

Some roads accessing or contained within units may be physically closed to vehicle traffic by water bars, removed culverts, alder re-growth or other physical barriers. To improve access, the Contractor may alter or remove physical barriers such as water bars and alder re-growth with prior written approval of the COR. Contractor altered physical barriers, with the exception of alder/conifer clearing, must be restored to their previous condition prior to final payment for the item in which they occur.

Red Alder may be cut on the closed roads to aid access and are subject to the specifications found in Section C.6.5 Felling and C.6.7 Basic Thinning Slash Treatment.

C.6.9 Streams Cut trees shall be felled away from all streams within the Item and Sub Item boundaries. Any trees falling into streams shall be removed and pulled back into the cutting area.

a. Trees within 20 feet of a Class I stream will not be cut and trees between 20 and 50 feet from the stream will be cut by hand with no ground based equipment allowed. Any tree boles cut in the TTRA buffer (zone between 20 and 100 feet from stream bank) over 4 inches diameter on the small end will be yarded and stored separately from the rest of the yarded material. Material removed from a TTRA buffer can only be used for habitat restoration purposes and cannot be sold or traded for other purposes.

b. Trees within 10 feet of a class II stream will not be cut and trees between 10 and 50 feet from the stream will be cut by hand with no ground based equipment allowed. Any tree boles cut in the TTRA buffer (zone between 20 and 100 feet from stream bank) over 4 inches diameter on the small end will be yarded and stored separately from the rest of the yarded material. Material removed from a TTRA buffer can only be used for habitat restoration purposes and cannot be sold or traded for other purposes.

c. Trees within 20 feet of Alluvial Fan (AF) streams will not be cut and trees between 20 and 100 feet of AF streams will be cut by hand with no ground based equipment allowed. Any tree boles cut in the AF Riparian Management Area (RMA) (area between 20 and 140 feet from stream bank) over 4 inches diameter on the small end will be yarded and stored separately from the rest of the yarded material. Material removed from a AF RMAs can only be used for habitat restoration purposes and cannot be sold or traded for other purposes.

See contract maps for stream and stream buffer locations.

C.6.10 Nest Trees

Trees to be cut, which have active songbird nests in them shall be girdled instead of severed. A tree with an active or inactive eagle, other raptor or heron nest shall not be girdled or cut. Notify the COR promptly should an eagle, other raptor or heron nest be found in or adjacent to a thinning item as special provisions must be applied and a substantial buffer of uncut vegetation may be required.

C.6.11 Bear Dens

Any bear dens encountered during thinning operations shall be reported to the COR and, if possible, a screen of trees, 10 feet minimum and 25 feet maximum in width shall be left to hide the den opening.

Dens can sometimes be located by observing cedar and hemlock trees, which have been stripped of branches to a height of seven feet (branches are used for bedding). A den opening may be visible beneath a stump. The Contractor should consult with the Contracting Officer if there are any questions.

C.6.12 Wildlife Timing

To ensure impacts to bear will be minimized in Sub Item 1.2, there will be a timing restriction of no activities within 500 feet of False Island Creek (not including activity on the road) from April 30 to May 20 to allow bears access to vegetation in the estuary. Timing restriction also from July 15 to September 15 during pink salmon spawning period to provide access for brown bear foraging unless a change is pre-approved by Forest Service (after consulting with ADF&G) due to actual run time.

C.6.13 Wildlife Buffer

With the exception of openings to allow access for logging equipment there will be a “no cut” buffer of 50 feet on the east side of Forest Road 7540 in Sub Item 1 to provide visual cover for bears. Timing restrictions will be in place to limit the activities during the time period bear are most active in the riparian area.

C.7 Canopy Gap Specifications

C.7.1 Gaps with removal of tree boles over 4 inches diameter on the small end.

All trees taller than 2 feet shall be felled. Where practicable trees cut shall be felled away from gap and corridor boundaries, roads including associated ditches and road banks, ponds and streams. Any trees falling in such areas shall be removed and pulled back into the cutting area. Felled trees shall not be left leaning on, entangled in the branches of or covering any crop tree. Reasonable efforts must be made to ensure that all cut trees are completely felled. At no time will cutting be allowed outside designated item boundaries without written authorization from the Contracting Officer.

C.7.2 Gaps with no removal of tree boles

All trees taller than 2 feet and smaller than 8 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) shall be felled.

Cut trees shall be felled away from gap and corridor boundaries, roads including associated ditches and road banks, ponds and streams. Any trees falling in such areas shall be removed and pulled back into the cutting area. Felled trees shall not be left leaning on, entangled in the branches of or covering any crop tree. Reasonable efforts must be made to ensure that all cut trees are completely felled.

Boles of felled trees will be severed into lengths of not more than 15 feet and can exceed the specified lengths only when the bole end diameter at the large end is less than 4 inches. All green limbs on the cut boles longer than 2 feet shall be cut within 4 inches of the bole.

Trees 8 inches DBH and larger will be girdled. At no time will cutting be allowed outside designated item boundaries without written authorization from the Contracting Officer.

C.7.3 Girdling

Use a chainsaw or other acceptable tool. Make two continuous and parallel cuts around the tree bole and into the sapwood of the tree.

C.7.4 Streams

Canopy gaps and yarding corridors will be located outside of TTRA buffers for Class I, II, and AF streams.

C.8 Yarding Specifications C.8.1

Special Yarding Objectives Cutting Unit Cut tree boles over 4 inches diameter on the small end will be removed from the units and stored in the designated storage area. If yarding is done with ground based equipment then slash puncheon will be used on skid trails to minimize soil compaction and rutting. Slash puncheon over 1 foot thick will be fluffed up at the completion of yarding activities. If yarding is done with cable equipment then partial suspension will be required when removing trees from units.

Sub Items: 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3

Cut tree boles over 4 inches diameter on the small end will be removed from the units through 30 foot wide yarding corridors and stored in the designated storage area. Partial suspension will be required when removing trees from the units. No ground based yarding equipment will be allowed in these units without COR approval.

Sub Items: 2.1 and 2.2

Cut tree boles over 4 inches diameter on the small end will be removed from the units through 30 foot wide yarding corridors and stored in the designated storage area. Partial suspension will be required when removing trees from the units. No ground based yarding equipment will be allowed in these units without COR approval.

Item: 3

Cut tree boles over 4 inches diameter on the small end will be removed from the units through 20 foot wide yarding corridors and stored in the designated storage area. Partial suspension will be required when removing trees from the units. No ground based yarding equipment will be allowed in these units without COR approval.

Item: 4

No material will be yarded from item 5. Item: 5

See Item Maps for approximate boundary locations

C.9 Hauling Specifications

C.9.1 Material to be hauled to designated storage area.

In all items designated for removal of tree boles over 4 inches diameter on the small end, removed material will be hauled to the designated storage area next to the False Island LTF. Material will sorted into 4 sorts, hardwoods, softwoods over 18 inches and larger diameter on the large end, softwoods under 18 inches diameter on the large end, and anything cut in a TTRA buffer area.

Contractor will get approval from the COR for designation of storage sorts inside the log storage area.

C.10 Mobilization

C.10.1 Service Required

Contractor is responsible for the mobilization of personnel, and equipment to and from the project site.

The cost of mobilization shall not exceed 10 percent of the total contract value.

SECTION D--PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 PROJECT LABELING FOR OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE

The Government singularly identifies each project with a contract number at time of Award. The contract number is a unique identifier to purposely and permanently represent an awarded project.

The Government issued contract number is to be referenced on all official communication starting upon notice of award.

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

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

E.2 Thinning Inspection

(a) Frequency of Inspections. The Government will conduct inspections during the contract performance period at such times and places as the Contracting Officer deems sufficient to ensure satisfactory contract performance.

(b) Contractor Responsibilities. Prior to payment inspections, the Contractor shall submit a written request for inspection. Prior to Government inspection, the Contractor shall provide written self-inspection results indicating the acreage completed and certifying that the work has been inspected by the Contractor or contractor's authorized representative and that it meets contract requirements.

The Contractor shall provide on-the-ground evidence of self-inspection. Self-inspection plots shall be flagged and numbered on the ground and the plot number recorded on the inspection form. A map showing plot locations shall be submitted to the Government along with the request for inspection.

The self-inspection plots will be randomly checked by the Government.

Inspection/Request/Certification forms will be provided at the pre-work meeting for the Contractor's use. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that work to be inspected for payment purposes, and requests for payment inspections, are in compliance with the contract requirements. If the Contractor fails to provide the self-inspection results, when they are requested, or comply with the contract requirements regarding inspection or prosecution of the work, the Government may cancel the inspection at the Contractor's expense.

(c) Area(s) for Inspection. Cut areas for inspection must be contiguous and within a single contract item, unless the Contracting Officer has approved cutting in separate contract items, and/or separate areas within a contract item, in accordance with F.3.2 Prosecution of Work. Each contract item, as designated on the contract maps and in the Schedule of Items, will be separately inspected and the quality will not be averaged with any other contract item. Government estimates of work completed shall not be subject to dispute. Each contract item inspection and/or re-inspection will stand on its own (i.e., it will not be averaged with other inspections to come up with an overall thinning quality for the contract item).

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E.2.1 Method of Inspection (Per Tree Spacing Option)

The quality of performance will be determined from the results of a series of scattered check plots of pre-determined radius and area. Sufficient plots will be taken to total at least one-half of one percent (0.5%) of the area being inspected. Plots will be flagged and numbered on the ground and the plot number recorded on the inspection form. Additionally, if observations made while inspecting the thinned areas show gross contract noncompliance such as missed clumps of trees, failure to thin to item boundary, unsatisfactory road and stream treatments, excessive numbers of high stumps, excessive numbers of live limbs, leaners or hang-ups (felled trees leaning on, entangled in the branches of, or covering any leave tree), the inspection may be terminated and the Contractor required to rework the thinned area.

(1) Plot Size: The table below indicates the inspection plot size in fraction of an acre and actual plot radius for spacing encountered. The No. of Trees Targeted represents the number of well spaced crop trees that should be present per plot given fully stocked ground conditions.

Spacing

Plot Size (fraction) Plot Radius No. of Trees

Targeted Minimum

Check Intensity 25x25 1/10 acre 37.3 feet 7 One plot per 8 acres inspected

(2) The inspection procedure will take into account the fact that the number of leave trees per plot may vary within each spacing regime due to poor initial stocking levels or the spacing variance allowed (see Section C.5.2, Spacing of Leave Trees Per Tree Spacing Option) to select the best crop tree. However, average spacing within each inspection block must be maintained. In most cases, inspection plots should show the normal number of well-spaced trees indicated above. However, because of the variance in spacing allowed, it is possible that an inspection plot could reflect the spacing variance, but this would be the exception rather than the rule. The Contractor is cautioned that inspection plots revealing other than the average number of trees per plot will be cause for a written work order to improve the quality of thinning. Repeated failure to comply with written work order(s) is grounds for termination of the Contractor's right to proceed. For individual plots, the minimum/maximum acceptable number of trees per plot is indicated in the following table:

Spacing

Minimum No. of Trees

Maximum No. of Trees

25x25 5 9

(3) For calculation purposes, the number of crop trees found on the plot, if within the acceptable range as shown above, will be listed in Column 2, No. of Trees to Be Left on the inspection form, providing they meet spacing requirements. If there are deficient trees on the plot, the minimum acceptable number of trees will be used in Column 2. If there are excess trees on the plot, the maximum acceptable number of trees will be used in Column 2. When considering less than fully stocked conditions, a growing site, which would normally be occupied by a tree on spacing, that is un-stocked or non-stockable, shall be considered an acceptable tree for purposes of calculating inspection results.

Credit will be given for up to 7 un-stocked growing sites. The actual number of eligible conifers found on the plot will be listed in column 3 (including any trees missed due to heavy brush, neglect, or other reasons).

(4) Corresponding Slash Treatment and Inspection: Because the thinning and slash treatment are to be accomplished concurrently, inspection for payment will not be performed until both the thinning and any required slash treatment are completed.

E.2.2 Thinning Inspection Report (Per Tree Spacing Option) At each inspection plot the inspector will examine the thinning plot area and record the findings on the thinning inspection report (EXHIBIT 1 in Section J) as follows:

The number of trees to be left, in Column 2 (adjusted for actual stocking and spacing variance as indicated in Section E.2.1, Method of Inspection).

The number of actual trees left, in Column 3.

The number of unsatisfactory trees left, in Column 4.

The number of deficient trees, in Column 5.

The number of excess trees, in Column 6.

No tree will be counted twice against the Contractor. Example: If an excess tree remains on the plot, and it is also unsatisfactory, it will be recorded as either excess or unsatisfactory, but not both.

Inspection report categories (shown on the report form as Columns) are outlined below.

Inspection Report Information:

(1) PLOT NUMBER

(2) NUMBER OF TREES TO BE LEFT: The target number of crop trees on a 100 percent stocked plot is 7 trees. The number of trees to be left will be adjusted according to the stocking of the plot, and according to the 25 percent spacing variance allowed between individual trees.

(3) NUMBER OF TREES LEFT: the actual number of uncut eligible conifers on the plot.

(4) NUMBER OF UNSATISFACTORY TREES: the number of trees that do not meet contract specifications, such as, but not limited to:

Trees growing on stumps or logs, [counts as ONE TREE]

Leaner (an uncut tree leaning due to cut tree leaning on it; a cut tree covering a crop tree; a cut tree hung in the branches of a crop tree, which could be reasonably removed; or bole to bole contact of a cut tree and crop tree for whatever reason); [counts as ONE TREE].

Tree not completely severed from the stump; [counts as ONE HALF TREE].

Live limb left on the stump; [counts as ONE HALF TREE].

High stump; [counts as ONE QUARTER TREE].

(5) NUMBER OF TREES DEFICIENT: The number of trees less than number 2 above; [counts as

ONE TREE].

(6) NUMBER OF TREES EXCESS: The number of trees greater than number 2 above; [counts as

ONE TREE].

E.2.3 Calculation of Thinning Quality

The quality of thinning will be calculated as follows:

1 - (# unsatisfactory + # deficient + # excess) x 100 = thinning quality % (# leave trees to be left)

(a) Inspections which achieve an 90% (minimum acceptable level) or higher thinning quality, using the formula in (a) above, will be considered satisfactory and qualify for full payment, providing no gross noncompliance exists.

(b) Where thinning quality is unsatisfactory (below 90 %), and it is likely that the quality could be improved or raised to satisfactory by rework, for example if too many trees are left, the Contractor will be required to rework the thinning.

(c) For inspections that achieve a thinning quality of 85% to 89%, providing no gross noncompliance exists and it is unlikely that the quality could be improved or raised to satisfactory by rework; payment may be made at a reduced rate for the affected payment item. The payment reduction shall be at the rate of one (1) percent less, for each percent that the thinning quality falls below 90 percent

(d) For inspections that achieve a thinning quality of 80% to 84%, providing no gross noncompliance exists and it is unlikely that the quality could be improved or raised to satisfactory by rework; payment may be made at a reduced rate for the affected payment item. The payment reduction shall be at the rate of two (2) percent less, for each percent that the thinning quality falls below 90 percent

(e) For inspections that achieve a thinning quality of 70% to 79%, providing no gross noncompliance exists and it is unlikely that the quality could be improved or raised to satisfactory by rework; payment may be made at a reduced rate for the affected payment item. The payment reduction shall be at the rate of three (3) percent less, for each percent that the thinning quality falls below 90 percent

(f) Where thinning quality is unsatisfactory and is below 70%, and it is unlikely that the quality could be improved or raised to satisfactory by rework, reduced payment may be made at the discretion of the Contracting Officer.

Example 1

There are 56 acres ready for inspection in an item with 16' X 16' spacing. A ‘one plot per 8 acre’ sample would be (56 acres) / (8 acres represented per plot) = minimum of 7 plots of 24' radius each.

With a 25% tree spacing variance the minimum trees per plot is 5 and the maximum is 9. Assume that field inspection data is as follows:

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)

Plot No. # Trees to be Left

#Trees Left

# Unsatisfactory Trees

# Trees Deficient

# Trees Excess Remarks

1 6 6 0 0 0 OK

2 9 10 0 0 1 1 excess

3 5 4 0 1 0 1 deficient 4 8 8 1 0 0 1 poor selection

5 7 7 0 0 0 OK

6 9 9 1 0 0 1 leaner

7 5 5 0 0 0 OK

Totals 49 - 2 1 1 -

Applying the formula: 1- (2+1+1) 49 49 x 100 = 1 – 4 x 100 = 0.92 x 100 = 92%

In this case the work is satisfactory and the full progress amount was earned since inspection results were equal to, or greater than 90%:

Amount earned = 56 acres X Item bid price per acre.

Example 2

If: (1) the inspection results are below 90% but above 69%; (2) the quality cannot be improved or raised to a satisfactory level by rework; (3) the amount earned will be calculated per payment calculation level as in B.8.3 (c), (d), or (e) which ever the thinning quality falls within.

The inspection results in a thinning quality equal to 78%, which falls within payment calculation level (e).

(.78) x 100 = 78% thinning quality, 90% - 78% = 12% X 3 = 36% payment reduction.

Amount earned = (.64) X Item bid price per acre X number of acres

E.2.4 Unsatisfactory Work or Re-work and Re-Inspection

(a) Unsatisfactory Thinning

If inspection results from plot data are marginally below minimum acceptable levels, the Government may, at the inspector's discretion, increase the sampling intensity, up to double the sampling intensity (double the number of plots) and average all plots to obtain an estimate of thinning quality. If the thinning quality falls below the minimum acceptable level of 90%, the Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor in writing and order him/her to improve the quality of thinning. If the quality of subsequent thinning is not raised to an acceptable level by the time of the next Government inspection, the Contractor's right to proceed may be terminated and the contract terminated for default. Failure to consistently perform work at or above the minimum acceptable level will result in default termination.

(b) Excess Trees

When walk through examination reveals gross noncompliance or when inspection results fall below the minimum acceptable level of 90% and excess trees, leaners, high stumps, live limbs or specified treatments not applied are the main cause of the deficiency, the Contractor may be required to rework the affected area(s). Inspections after rework will be made in the same manner as the first inspection, but different plots will be established. The Contractor shall pay the actual costs of re-inspections necessitated by rework. No re-inspection on reworked areas will be made until the rework is completed and the Contractor furnishes written self-inspection results. Reworks must be satisfactorily completed before any new thinning will be inspected.

(c) Deficient and Unsatisfactory Trees

When thinning quality falls below the minimum acceptable level of 90% and the poor quality is due primarily to over-thinning (deficient number of leave trees) or poor leave tree selection (unsatisfactory trees), rework is generally not feasible. In such situations the Contracting Officer will determine whether rejection, rework, or reduced payment is appropriate.

(d) Re-inspection of Thinning Upon Contractor Request

If initial inspection results from plot data are below minimum acceptable levels and the Contractor disagrees with the results of the inspection, the Contractor may request a re-inspection. The Contracting Officer will determine if a re-inspection is warranted, and if warranted, the same inspection procedure will be used. However, new plots will be established. The results of the re-inspection will govern. If the re-inspection results are also below the minimum acceptable level, the Contractor will be charged for the cost of the re-inspection. In any case where the results of the re-inspection are acceptable (90% or above), the Government will bear the cost of the re-inspection.

Requests for re-inspection must be submitted in writing at the time of notification of original inspection results.