AG04KKS170003_UpdatedSolicitation.docx

AG-04KK-S-17-0003 Malheur National Forest Fuels Reduction and Slash Treatment IDIQ Solicitation Page 21 of 61

SECTION B - Services and Schedule of Items

TOTAL

TOTAL

TOTAL

TOTAL

TOTAL

TOTAL

TOTAL

TOTAL

TOTAL

TOTAL

TOTAL

TOTAL

TOTAL

TOTAL

TOTAL

TOTAL ALL ITEMS

The above pricing will be used for evaluation and for award of initial task orders (see note below regarding item 8, 9, 12, 14, and 15). Contractors are not required to provide pricing on all Items; however, for those Items that a Contractor intends to provide pricing for, the Contractor shall provide pricing for all of that Item’s sub-items. For example, if a Contractor provides pricing on Item 10, the Contractor shall provide pricing for all sub-items (10.a, 10.1b, 10.2a, 10.2b, 10.3a, 10.3b, 10.4a, and 10.4b). The Government intends to make multiple awards as a result of this solicitation. Items may be split up for purposes of initial task order awards.

**The following applies to Items 8, 9, 12, 14, and 15. “Notice to Offeror(s)/Supplier(s): Funds are not presently available for Items 9, 9, 12, 14, and 15. No award will be made under this solicitation for these five items until funds are available. The Government reserves the right to cancel these items, either before or after the solicitation’s closing date. In the event the Government cancels these items under this solicitation, the Government has no obligation to reimburse an offeror for any costs incurred.”

AGAR 452.216-73 Minimum and Maximum Contract Amounts (FEB 1988) During the period specified in FAR clause 52.216-18, ORDERING, the Government shall place orders totaling a minimum of $10,000, but not in excess of $9,999,999.99.

NOTE: The total aggregate maximum amount for the entire solicitation, regardless of how many awards are made shall not exceed $9,999,999.99.

Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity The Government intends to award a number of contracts as a result of this solicitation. The actual number of awards will be dependent on offers received and the best value analysis process, but the intent is to have a sufficient number of awardees to provide a pool for competition of task orders.

A task order will be placed with each Contractor at time of award. Initial individual task orders could be in any amount up to the maximum ordering limitation, but in any case, will meet or exceed the minimum guarantee.

After initial award, task orders will be competed among the awarded contractors, throughout the life of the contract, in accordance with the “Task Order Issuance and Fair Opportunity” clause in the contract. Contractors are not bound to compete for these task orders.

If Contractor is awarded multiple task orders, work shall be completed concurrently unless otherwise specified in a task order or otherwise mutually agreed upon.

SECTION C - Description/Specifications/Statement of Work

C-1 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

General Scope of Contract The purpose of this solicitation is to secure a complete set of services to accomplish fuels reduction or forest health improvement work to be performed within the boundaries of the Malheur National Forest. This solicitation will result in multiple-award indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity contracts with minimum guarantees.

Typical Activities The work is general in nature and associated with, but not limited to, plantation thinning, pullback, pre-commercial thinning to a variable density, hand piling, grapple piling, burning of slash piles, mechanical thinning with mastication/slashbusting, and other activities that coincide with this type of work. Deviations and additional specifications will be identified in individual Task Orders. All future task orders placed under a resultant contract will include Detailed Unit Information Sheets (DUIS) and any other documentation necessary to understand the desired outcome. The DUIS can be more restrictive than the terms of this contract and when this is the case, the DUIS will take precedence.

The Contractor shall furnish all labor, supervision, equipment, materials, transportation, supplies, (unless specified elsewhere as Government-furnished), and incidentals needed to complete specified work. The Contractor shall develop a plan of operation to accomplish the objectives, including a written quality control plan and a safety plan that are in compliance with the terms and specifications of the contract.

C-2 PROJECT LOCATION

The project work area(s) are located within the boundaries of the Malheur National Forest. Attached maps show initial project location and access, and other information regarding specific units is provided in the attached DUIS or other supporting documents. All future task orders placed under a resultant contract will include maps, DUIS, and any other documentation specific to that task order.

Item 1—These units are on the Emigrant Creek Ranger District. See the corresponding Detail Unit Information Sheet (DUIS) and maps for more information.

Item 2—These units are on the Emigrant Creek Ranger District. See the corresponding Detail Unit Information Sheet (DUIS) and maps for more information.

Item 3—These units are on the Emigrant Creek Ranger District. See the corresponding Detail Unit Information Sheet (DUIS) and maps for more information.

Item 4—These units are on the Emigrant Creek Ranger District. See the corresponding Detail Unit Information Sheet (DUIS) and maps for more information.

Item 5—These units are on the Emigrant Creek Ranger District. See the corresponding Detail Unit Information Sheet (DUIS) and maps for more information.

Item 6—These units are on the Emigrant Creek Ranger District. See the corresponding Detail Unit Information Sheet (DUIS) and maps for more information.

Item 7— These units are on the Emigrant Creek Ranger District. See the corresponding Detail Unit Information Sheet (DUIS) and maps for more information.

Item 8— These units are on the Emigrant Creek Ranger District, but again these units may not be awarded at this time since there is currently no funding available for them. See the corresponding Detail Unit Information Sheet (DUIS) and maps for more information.

Item 9—These units are on the Emigrant Creek Ranger District, but again these units may not be awarded at this time since there is currently no funding available for them. See the corresponding Detail Unit Information Sheet (DUIS) and maps for more information.

Item 10—These units are on the Blue Mountain Ranger District. See the corresponding Detail Unit Information Sheet (DUIS) and maps for more information.

Item 11—These units are on the Blue Mountain Ranger District. See the corresponding Detail Unit Information Sheet (DUIS) and maps for more information.

Item 12— These units are on the Blue Mountain Ranger District, but again these units may not be awarded at this time since there is currently no funding available for them. See the corresponding Detail Unit Information Sheet (DUIS) and maps for more information.

Item 13— These units are on the Prairie City Ranger District. See the corresponding Detail Unit Information Sheet (DUIS) and maps for more information.

Item 14— These units are on the Prairie City Ranger District, but again these units may not be awarded at this time since there is currently no funding available for them. See the corresponding Detail Unit Information Sheet (DUIS) and maps for more information.

Item 15— These units are on the Prairie City Ranger District, but again these units may not be awarded at this time since there is currently no funding available for them. See the corresponding Detail Unit Information Sheet (DUIS) and maps for more information.

Accessibility Most work areas may be reached by a standard two-wheel or four-wheel drive pickup during normal operating seasons. Some units however may require alternate off-road capable vehicles such as ATVs, UTVs or foot travel. Units that are known at the time of task order solicitation to require more than a four-wheel drive pickup for access will be noted in the DUIS or other supporting document.

No vehicles shall be permitted to operate off roads or cross-country without approval of the Contracting Officer or designated representative.

Inaccessibility due to snow, fallen trees, road conditions, slides or washouts on roads may or may not be corrected at the option of the Government. If road is not accessible, the Government may, under the Changes Clause (1) provide an alternate access route; (2) delete the inaccessible unit(s) or; (3) substitute similar unit(s) or (4) negotiate a cost adjustment for change in access.

Where roads are recently thawed, very wet or saturated due to runoff or unseasonable weather conditions, road conditions may dictate the need to delay use of some road segments in order to ensure no damage to the road, drainage structures or the adjacent environment.

The Contractor(s) may prepare applications for entry on cooperative road closures, (green dot), or other road closures that are available through the appropriate Ranger District office, prior to entry to closed roads. Approval for use of closed roads in the project(s) area will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the District Ranger.

Boundaries Boundaries will be marked with plastic flagging and/or boundary signs. Leave areas are indicated on the Detail Unit Information Sheet(s) (see attached documents). Sensitive area-boundaries will be identified by yellow markers or other methods identified in the DUIS or other supporting documents. These areas shall be avoided by the Contractor unless directed otherwise by an authorized representative.

C-3 NOXIOUS WEED CONTROL

In order to prevent the potential spread of noxious weeds onto National Forest lands, the Contractor shall furnish the Forest Service with proof of weed-free equipment.

All equipment and vehicles to be used at the job site shall be cleaned and certified free of noxious weeds and their seeds prior to entrance onto the National Forest. The restriction shall include equipment and vehicles intended for off-road use as well as on road use, whether they are owned, leased, or borrowed by the contractor or subcontractor.

Cleaning shall consist of the removal of all dirt, grease, debris, and materials that may harbor noxious weeds and their seeds. This may require the use of a pressure hose. Cleaning shall occur off Federal lands.

Equipment, materials, and vehicles shall be visually inspected by a designated Forest Service Officer, and certified in writing to be reasonably clean and weed free. Inspections will take place at a location designated by the Forest Officer in advance of equipment and material arrival. Equipment and vehicles shall proceed directly to the job site following the inspection. Materials to be used on the project shall be delivered to the project after inspection and approval.

Certification shall remain valid for each identified piece of equipment or vehicle only for the duration of the specified project and only as long as the vehicle or equipment remains at the job site. Equipment and vehicles (except passenger vehicles) that leave the job site shall be re-certified as weed free before they are allowed to return to the job site or re-enter the National Forest.

C-4 DEFINITIONS

(A) Average Tree Spacing – The distance in feet between leave trees as defined in the Detailed Unit Information Sheet and/or specifications provided with the issued task order.

(B) Bole Spacing – Spacing is measured between the boles of the trees. Detailed Unit Information sheet list the acceptable bole spacing.

(C) Bucking – The cutting of down trees or logs to a designated length.

(D) Burning Permit – A document that sets forth the conditions under which the Contractor may be allowed to burn.

(E) Burning Plan – A document that identifies the procedures and details that must be followed in order to accomplish pile burning. The burn plan consists of objectives, responsibilities, prescriptions, descriptions, maps, and sub-plans for firing, holding, mop-up, organization, communication, safety, public information, smoke management, contingency, and methods to minimize damage to residual trees.

(F) Category1, 2, and 3 Streams - Those perennial and intermittent streams which support anadromous fish and/or resident fish.

(G) Category 4 Streams - Those ephemeral streams with a definite channel which serve as a cold water source for Category 1, 2, and 3 streams.

(H) Co-dominant Trees – Trees with crowns forming the general level of the crown canopy and receiving full light from above, but comparatively little from the sides, usually with medium-sized crown more or less crowded on the sides.

(I) Compact – Fines evenly distributed in a dense or tightly-packed manner; fuels that are close together.

(J) Contracting Officer – The person executing this contract on behalf of the Government, including any duly appointed successor and authorized representative of the Contracting Officer acting within the limits of his authority.

(K) Contracting Officer’s Representative - The COR is the on-site Contract Administrator for the Contracting Officer. The duties and responsibilities of a COR are defined in the letter of designation issued by the Contracting Officer.

(L) Crown Spacing – Spacing is measured between the outer edges of the tree crowns. Detailed Unit Information Sheet lists the MINIMUM acceptable crown spacing.

(M) Cull Trees -- :

(a) Any conifer up to 12" DBH having visible conks

(b) Western Juniper up to 20.9" dbh except those that are growing in scabby habitat or large trees that exhibit old growth characteristics such as broad, non-symmetric tops/spike tops, deeply furrowed bark, covered by a light green lichen, hollow, large, or twisted trunks, large, and/or twisted or dead lower branches.

(c) Grand fir up to 12"DBH unless needed in spacing requirements.

(c) Diseased trees: Western Gall Rust-branch cankers. Trees up to 12 DBH with one or more visible bole infections.

(d) Mistletoe infected trees up to 12" DBH with a mistletoe rating greater than 3 for Ponderosa and 2 for Douglas-fir and 1 for Lodgepole (figure attached separately- from Hawksworth 1977).

(e) Forked or defective top: Any tree that forks within 9ft from the ground up to 12" DBH shall be cut.

(f) Trees up to 12"dbh with crook, sweep or snowbend in the main bole which is less then 16ft from the ground and offsets the bole more then 6" from the longitudinal axis.

(g) Trees that are less than 12" dbh that have pitch tubes from bark beetles on more than 1/3 of the bole to a height of 12 feet from the ground.

(h) Fir trees that are less than 12" dbh that are severely defoliated by spruce bud worm or have dead tops from fir engraver beetles.

NOTE: If there are a significant number of trees in the stand that are affected by the above characteristics then choose the tree with the least amount of these characteristics as the leave tree. Since we are looking for a patchy, clumpy, variable density stand it may be okay to create small openings to remove groups of trees that show cull characteristics up to a maximum opening of 1/4 acre.

(N) Cut Trees – Trees within the minimum-maximum cut range as defined in the Detailed Unit Information Sheet that are not selected as a leave tree.

(O) DBH (Diameter Breast Height) – Outside diameter of the tree stem at a point 4-1/2 feet above uphill side of the tree.

(P) Deficient Trees – Those trees cut, which should have been left to maintain average spacing requirements as, determined by inspection.

(Q) Dominant Trees – Trees with crowns extending above the general level of the crown canopy and receiving full light from above and partially from the side. They are larger than the average trees in the stand and have dense crowns, which are comparatively wide and long.

(R) Elk Calving Season – Period of time from May 1 to June 30.

(S) Excess Trees – Any remaining tree that should have been cut as determined by inspection.

(T) Fines – Material less than ¼” diameter including needles.

(U) Hang-up Trees – Any cut tree suspended more than 3 feet off the ground.

(V) Healthy Tree – A healthy tree is one that is undamaged due to defects or deformity resulting from agents such as wind, snow, animals, insects, diseases, or equipment.

(W) Genetic Tree – Phenotypically selected trees, which shall be protected from damage or destruction.

(X) Leave Tree – Those trees left uncut to meet the average spacing requirements and trees over the maximum cut size specified in the Detailed Unit Information Sheet.

(Y) Limbing – The cutting of branches from the bole of a log or cut tree.

(Z) Mastication - The thinning, chipping, shredding, and/or mulching of designated woody material to a desired piece size.

(AA) Noxious Weeds – Any exotic plant species established or that may be introduced in the State which may render the land unfit for agriculture, forestry, livestock, wildlife, or other beneficial uses and which is designated by the Oregon Department of Agriculture or the appropriate County Weed Board or by other appropriate agencies having jurisdiction.

(AB) Pile Perimeter—compact portion of a pile.

(AC) Pullback – Removal of surface fuels from the base of standing trees and snags for a designated distance and removal of ladder fuels by pruning for a designated height.

(AD) RHCA - Riparian Habitat Conservation Area (AE) Residual Slash – All remaining slash after Contractor-created slash has been removed or treated.

(AF) Riparian Zone – The zone that extends from the normal stream bank to the toe or break of the slope. The zone can be further identified by the presence of vegetation that requires free or unbound water to conditions that are more moist than normal in many stream valleys.

(AG) Road Prisms - Any road surface including, but not limited to: drainages, pullouts, fill slopes, and cut banks.

(AH) Slash – The term “slash” means all vegetative material, including cull logs, tops, damaged or destroyed reproduction, saplings, or poles which were created or disturbed by any type of vegetative cutting, clearing construction, or cultural treatment. Any portions of trees or snags that were previously felled are considered to be part of the slash; also woody material on the ground killed by insects, disease, or natural causes.

NOTE: Cull logs approximately 12 inches or greater in diameter at the small end and approximately 8 feet or longer in length shall not be treated as slash. It is intended that this size material be left untreated to meet wildlife objectives.

(AI) Stem Spacing – Average spacing is measured between the stems of the leave tree.

(AJ) Stocking Level Control – The cutting of trees in excess of those to be left for future management.

(AK) Stream – Shall include year long and intermittent streams that ordinarily go dry at one or more times during the year.

(AL) Suppressed Trees – Crowns are entirely below the general level of dominant and codominant trees and are physically restricted from immediately above.

(AM) Surface Fuels - All down woody debris and activity- generated slash lying on the ground suface. This does not include stumps or live vegetation.

(AN) Thinning Slash – The term “thinning slash” means all vegetative material including stems, limbs, branches, damaged brush, damaged or destroyed reproduction, saplings, or poles, which were created or disturbed by the Contractors thinning.

(AO) Wildlife Clumps – Areas designated in DUIS to be left untreated. These areas shall not be within 200 feet of open roads unless otherwise directed by the Contracting Officer or designated representative.

(AP) Wildlife Trees – Wildlife trees are marked with an orange band or orange ‘W’ and/or may be tagged with a wildlife tree tag.

(AQ) Wildlife Log – A log with minimum measurements of 12 inches diameter and 8 feet long.

(AR) Wildfire – Any unplanned fire usually requiring suppression action, or a free burning fire unaffected by control measures.

C-5 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Thinning Performance Standards The desired outcome is to attain the leave tree standards for each unit specified in the Detailed Unit Information Sheet at a 90 percent or higher quality. The level will be based on sampling of cut and leave tree selection. Spacing of leave trees may be varied up to 25 percent, unless otherwise specified in a DUIS, to leave the most desirable tree as long as the average post-thinning trees per acre given on the Detailed Unit Information Sheet is maintained.

The intent is to select the most vigorous, well-formed trees of the most desirable species. The highest priority species shall be chosen unless it has major damage or disease infection. In this case, a lower priority species without major damage or disease infection shall be selected. Trees with the best crown rations (>40%) shall be selected.

Trees with mistletoe shall generally be discriminated against. If it is not possible to select trees without mistletoe infection, then the most mistletoe-free dominant and co-dominant trees shall be selected for leave trees. Trees with infections in the lower third of the crown are considered to be healthier than those with equal infestations in the upper third. Dwarf mistletoe-infected Douglas Fir shall not be selected for leave trees unless no other tree species is available. Douglas Fir without visible dwarf mistletoe infection will be assumed infected if they are within 30 feet of an infected taller Douglas Fir.

Contractor shall double the specified drip line around Ponderosa Pine and Western Larch that are greater than 21” DBH. Contractor shall leave all shrubs, broadleaf trees, Pacific Yew, and mountain mahogany. All live trees, including mahogany, shall be counted as crop trees for spacing requirements. Contractor shall leave all trees to which a fence is attached. Western Juniper shall be cut in accordance to applicable DUIS. Generally the Contractor shall leave all single snags greater than 12” diameter or small clumps of smaller snags. If there is a ½ acre or greater patch of smaller diameter dead trees less than 12” DBH, they shall not be cut.

All trees other than leave trees shall be cut below the lowest live limb, except when prevented by natural obstacles. Requirements to cut cull trees will be specified in the DUIS or other supporting document. All live limbs below the cutting point shall be removed. Trees shall be completely severed from the stump. Stump height shall not exceed six inches above ground level or four inches above natural obstacles. All thinning slash shall be placed on or near the ground surface so that it will not lean against or be suspended by an uncut tree.

In units that are to be mechanically treated, Contractors shall identify wildlife clumps prior to thinning, giving priority to steep or rocky areas where machines are unable to operate.

Leave Tree Standards

(A) Leave trees will generally be those of tallest height, largest crown, straightest stems and largest boles that are free of damage due to insects, disease, physical, or mechanical causes.

Species – Unless otherwise specified in the DUIS or other supporting document, give leave tree preference in the following order:

i. Western White Pine

ii. Western Larch

iii. Ponderosa Pine

iv. Douglas-fir

v. Engleman Spruce

vi. Lodgepole Pine

vii. White Fir/Grand Fir/Subalpine Fir

(B) Species preference compensates somewhat for minor differences in size or quality. For example, a smaller, but otherwise equal quality Ponderosa Pine which is 2/3 the height of a Douglas-fir should be left rather than the Douglas-fir. A Western Larch with minor bole damage would be preferred over an undamaged Grand Fir.

(C) Leave Trees shall be selected by the Contractor as per Detailed Unit Information Sheet(s), and supplemental information provided from the District on such things as cull trees and disease tree prioritization; however, the Government may mark individual leave trees or groups of leave trees prior to thinning.

(D) All trees regardless of diameter shall be considered in spacing.

(E) Contractor shall leave all shrubs, broad-leafed trees, wildlife trees and genetic trees.

(F) Contractor shall leave all dead trees of any size or species, unless otherwise specified in the Detailed Unit Information Sheet(s).

(G) Contractor shall leave all trees within 100 feet of springs, bogs, seeps, or elk wallows unless otherwise specified in the Detail Unit Information Sheet(s). These areas will be counted as leave areas where designated according to the DUIS or other supporting document.

(H) Contractor shall leave all trees exhibiting visible wildlife or nesting use and all trees that are signed/marked as Wildlife Trees or Habitat.

Felling Standards

(A) Felling shall be done primarily by manual methods (chainsaw) unless otherwise approved by the Contracting Officer.

(B) All dead and live trees up to the maximum DBH prescribed for that unit, regardless of species, shall be cut and removed from the road prism.

(C) Cut trees shall be felled away from boundaries, roads, road cut banks, telephone lines, established trails, stock driveways, fence lines, fire lines, mining ditch lines, abandoned historic railroad beds, established land corners, troughs, and other improvements. The Contractor shall pull any trees falling on such areas back.

(D) Trees shall be completely severed from the stump.

(E) Stump height shall not exceed 6 inches above ground level or 4 inches above natural obstacles.

(F) No thinning slash shall be left outside the contract boundary, unless otherwise approved by the CO.

(G) Contractor shall remove and pull back all thinning slash from the following areas/items, but not limited to: within five feet of leave tree boles, stream courses, historic mining ditch lines, roads and fences, stock ponds, stock troughs, stock driveways and trails to keep them usable and passable at all times. All required slash pull back shall be kept current with operations.

(H) All thinning slash shall be placed on or near the ground surface so that it will not lean against or be suspended by an uncut tree.

(I) Bucking or bucking with limbing shall be concurrent with the felling operation. Trees 16 feet and longer shall be bucked in half or as many times as needed so that pieces are not longer than 16 feet unless otherwise stated on the DUIS or other supporting document.

(J) The Ips Beetle timing restriction may be waived on selected units, providing that the Contractor ensures that created slash shall be treated to required fuel standards within a 30 day window of initial thinning activity.

Mastication Standards The desired outcome of mastication thinning is to mechanically alter fuel loadings from: 1) pre-commercially thinned units, 2) natural build up of woody debris on the forest floor, and 3) hazardous live fuels (ladder fuels). The end result of activities performed under this contract would produce areas where a wildfire (should it occur) may be contained quickly, provide greater safety for firefighters, and produce less damage to natural resources.

Desired outcome varies by unit. Specific information on requirements will be provided within Detailed Unit Information Sheets. The following information will be considered base level treatment by unit. If different specifications are not given for a unit in the Detailed Unit Information Sheet, the specifications given below shall govern.

All trees not left for leave trees shall be masticated from the top down to specified stump height and to piece sizes less than two feet in length. Contractor shall leave all Conifers that are larger than the maximum cut DBH of 9.1” or as specified on the Detailed Unit Information Sheets, and shall include these trees for spacing purposes. Contractor shall retain (do not masticate), if available on site, eight wildlife logs per acre (whole tree boles), generally distributed throughout the area. Wildlife logs are defined as any down log greater than 12 inches in diameter or the small end and at least eight feet in length. All residual slash shall be masticated so that it does not exceed 12” in height. Open roads shall be kept free of mastication debris. This includes road surfaces, cut banks, roadside ditches, and culverts.

Hand Piling and Slash Treatment Performance Standards All cut trees shall be moved so no part is within five (5) feet of any part of a live leave tree and lopped to a depth of 18 inches or less. If piling is needed, piles shall be no closer than 5 feet from any part of a live tree.

All surface fuels that are one to nine inches (1-9”) in diameter shall be evenly distributed across the units to a maximum of 12 tons per acre unless specified in the DUIS or other supporting document. Piles shall be constructed in such a manner as to easily ignite, combust completely, contain fire within the pile perimeter, and do minimal damage to residual trees. Contractor shall pile all material to the DBH specified in the DUIS or other supporting document.

Restrictions:

a) Plastic products (polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride) and/or Kraft paper shall be used and placed in the upper 1/3 of the pile to maintain 2/3 of the pile as a dry core comprised with kindling-sized material.

b) Piles shall not be placed on large or tall stumps, down logs greater than 12” small-end diameter, or large rocks.

c) Piles shall not be constructed in road prisms, ditches, meadows, grass “scablands”, or channel bottoms.

d) Large live shrubs or broad-leafed trees shall not be cut to facilitate pile location(s).

e) To account for pile compaction, minimum pile size shall be 5 feet high and 6 feet wide by 6 feet in length. No hand piles that exceed 12 feet in length or width will be accepted. Width will be measured three feet off of the ground.

f) No material shall extend more than 18 inches beyond the perimeter of the pile. Material cut off to meet standard shall be added to pile.

Grapple Piling Standards Units shall be piled so that residual fuel loading (after pile(s) are burned) is a maximum of 12 tons per acre in material 1 to 9 inches in diameter unless otherwise specified in the DUIS or other supporting document. Piles shall not be constructed in roads, ditches, meadows, grass “scablands”, or channel bottoms. Piles shall not be placed on large or tall stumps, down logs greater than 12 inches small-end diameter, or large rocks. Piles shall have fines distributed evenly throughout the pile and be constructed in such a manner as to combust completely, contain fire within the pile perimeter, and do minimal damage to residual trees. Areas with a slope of greater than 35% shall be hand piled to 12 tons per acre in material one to nine inches (1-9”) in diameter unless otherwise stated in the DUIS or other supporting documentation.

Non-Specific Requirements for All Services

1) Contractor shall exercise extreme care to prevent damage to leave-trees and shall protect residual trees from damage and scarring as a result of contract operations.

2) Machine operations shall be conducted in such a manner as to minimize additional soil disturbance or compaction. Generally, no more than 10% of the soil within the project area may be disturbed. Detailled Unit Information Sheets may alter this percentage depending upon unit requirements.

3) Contractor shall suspend work if soil moisture levels, due to adverse or unusual weather conditions, are causing excess resource damage or ruts greater than 6” deep.

4) Contractor shall exercise extreme care to prevent damage to all physical improvements (fences, telephone lines, established land corners, buildings, ditches, etc.) within the contract area. Contractor shall be liable for damage to physical improvements and shall make immediate repairs to damaged physical improvements at no additional cost to the Government.

5) Contractor shall always leave the following trees and disregard them for spacing purposes:

a. Leave all trees exhibiting visible wildlife denning or nesting use. Should an active hawk, eagle, or pileated woodpecker nest be located, work shall be discontinued within 500 feet of the nest-tree until the CO has been notified and has authorized resumption of work.

b. Leave all dead trees unless these trees pose a safety hazard to workers in the area (Those do not count as leave trees).

c. Leave all trees with fencing attached.

d. Leave all trees that are signed/marked as Wildlife Trees or Habitat.

Equipment Standards

a) Equipment shall not operate on slopes greater than 35%.

b) Equipment shall not operate on wet soils or very rocky ground.

c) Equipment shall operate on existing skid trails to the extent practicable.

d) Equipment shall not cross or operate in meadows, stream channels, riparian habitat conservation areas (RHCA’s), or other non-work areas without approval of the COR.

e) Equipment shall not operate on road surfaces, cut banks, or fill slopes.

f) Refueling, maintenance, and repair shall be done at landings or forest roads where practicable.

g) Excavators shall not exceed 8.5 pounds per square inch ground pressure. Excavators shall have a minimum effective horizontal arm reach of 20-25 feet and vertical reach of 15 feet (as applicable) plus be fitted with a brush head (for grapple piling) unless otherwise agreed to by the Contracting Officer.

Mechanical equipment shall not operate within 50 feet of Category 4 Streams, 300 feet of Category 1, 150 feet of Category 2, or Category 3 Streams unless otherwise specified in the Detailed Unit Information Sheets.

h) Ability to masticate fuels to desired specifications and ability to masticate a standing tree from the top down.

i) Operator cab, engine and arm shall be able to rotate 360 degrees for mastication operations.

Pile Burning Performance Standards The objective is that burning is accomplished in such a manner that piles are completely consumed while not damaging leave trees. Low intensity, cool, smoldering ground fire is acceptable within the unit boundary unless otherwise specified in the DUIS or other supporting document.

Restrictions:

a) Burning operations shall be restricted to conditions acceptable to the Government. The Government will provide a prescribed burn plan for pile burning operations when conditions are suitable.

b) The Contractor shall notify the Government of burning operations 72 hours prior to commencement of the burning operations.

c) Machine piles shall be burnt between October 15th and December 31st.

If any burning activities escape outside of the unit, the Contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer and start suppression efforts at no additional cost to the Government. The Contractor shall be responsible for this project area from ignition through December 31st of the year that ignition occurred or until the CO or designated representative determines in writing that weather precludes spread and no immediate future drying period is predicted, whichever is later.

SECTION D - Packaging and Marking

This page has intentionally been left blank.

SECTION E - Inspection and Acceptance

E-1 CONTRACTOR QUALITY CONTROL FOR OPERATIONS

The successful Contractor(s) shall provide a Quality Control Plan satisfactory to the Government describing how the Contractor will monitor and document work quality for all phases of the operations to ensure that contract specifications will be achieved. At no time shall the Contractor rely upon Government inspections to provide notification of unsatisfactory performance. This plan shall be provided to the Government at or before the post-award conference for award of the parent contract. Subsequent task orders may require job-specific Quality Control Plans as well.

By notifying a designated representative that a unit is ready for Government inspection, the Contractor is considered to be certifying that the unit has been satisfactorily completed in accordance with the contract provisions stated elsewhere in the contract.

E-2 ACCEPTABLE QUALITY LEVELS

Thinning and Mastication—A quality level of 90 percent or higher across the entire unit based on sampling of cut and leave tree selection is acceptable for full payment.

Hand Piling, Grapple Piling, and Pull Back—A quality level of 90 percent or higher across the entire unit based on residual fuel loading and pile characteristics is acceptable for full payment.

Pile Burning—A quality level of 90 percent or higher across the entire unit of all piled material consumed with minimal residual tree damage is acceptable for full payment.

E-3 GOVERNMENT MONITORING METHODS

Thinning and Mastication—The Government will inspect thinning to determine compliance with performance standards. Visual determination will be made if thinning objectives are being met. Plots will be sampled in areas where it is felt objectives and/or stocking levels are not being met. If the Contractor does not agree with the results of this inspection, a full inspection may be requested. Inspections may include observations of operations, quality control procedures, and examination of individual cut and leave trees on sample inspection plots. Individual units will be inspected separately and inspection results on one unit will not be averaged with those of any other unit. The Contractor is encouraged, but not required, to observe verification inspections and will receive inspection summaries upon request.

Hand and Grapple Piling—The Government may make periodic inspections while work is in progress. After completion of a unit, the Government may also inspect to determine compliance with contract standards for 1) residual fuel loadings and 2) pile characteristics.

1) Residual Fuel Loading The remaining non-piled slash will be compared to the photos in the document titled “Comparison Photos” provided as an attachment.

2) Pile Characteristics A sampling of piles will be individually inspected for the following:

Pull Back—For those units where pull back is required the Government may make periodic inspections while work is in progress. After completion of a unit, the Government may also inspect to determine compliance with contract standards.

Pile Burning—The Government may make periodic inspections while work is in progress. After completion of a unit, the Government may also inspect to determine compliance with contract standards for 1) consumption; 2) fire containment within the fire perimeter; and 3) leave tree damage.

E-4 INSPECTIONS

Unsatisfactory Work If Government full sample inspections (see below) determine that thinning has a quality percentage below 90 percent and includes excess tree deficiencies; the Contractor shall rework the deficient units at no additional cost to the Government. Re-inspections after rework will be made in the same manner as the first inspection but on different plot lines. The Contractor shall pay for all Government re-inspection costs. Contractor work will be deemed unsatisfactory if entire unit has not been treated per specifications identified with the exception of designated wildlife patches, scabs, or other areas set forth in the specifications.

The Contracting Officer will immediately notify the Contractor in writing and order improvement in the quality of work if the percentage of satisfactory quality of thinning falls below 90 percent.

Government Plot Inspection Procedures

(A) A series of circular plots distributed over the entire unit shall be installed sufficient to yield an adequate sample of each unit. The minimum number of plots to install shall be one plot per 5 acres with at least five plots per units.

(1) Plot sizes will be determined by the tree spacing requirements as shown in the Detailed Thinning Unit Information Sheet(s).

(2) Flagged markers will be used to locate the plot centers and identify them by consecutive number. Flags will also indicate the date of inspection and Inspectors initials.

(3) Inspection within each plot – each plot will be completed as follows:

(B) Determine from Table 1 the average spacing requirements and plot radius;

TABLE 1

Each plot will be examined to record findings on the number of trees that were left.

The quality of thinning will be calculated as follows:

| Average Trees/Acre That Were Left | 1.0- | # of trees that should have been left | X 100= Quality %

SECTION F - Deliveries or Performance 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.acquisition.gov FAR 52.242-15 Stop-Work Order. (AUG 1989)

FAR 52.211-10 Commencement, Prosecution, and Completion of Work. (APR 1984) The Contractor shall be required to (a) commence work under this contract within ** 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 time stated for completion shall include final cleanup of the premises.

**Calendar days and/or dates will be indicated on each individual task order.

AGAR 452.211-75 Effective Period of the Contract. (FEB 1988) The effective period of this contract is from date of award through May 31, 2022

F-1 CONTRACT TIME REQUIRED RATE OF PROGRESS

Work shall begin no later than 10 calendar days after the effective date of the Notice to Proceed for each individual task order unless otherwise stated in the DUIS or other supporting documentation. Estimated adverse weather and/or road conditions that may prevent access to the work sites or performance to specifications will be indicated on each individual task order.

Estimated start work date and contract time is as follows:

13.3a and 13.3b=365 Calendar Days

For future task orders, contract time will be disclosed in the task order information.

In the event a Contractor is awarded more than one item, contract time will run concurrently. Contract time will be determined for each subsequent task order issued on an individual basis. Individual task orders will indicate actual contract time allowed for the completion of the corresponding work.

F-2 MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT

Acreage as shown in the Detailed Unit Information Sheets has been determined using GPS (Global Positioning System). Note: Acreage listed in the detailed information sheets are Net Contract Acres and in some identified instances may exclude non-work areas left within the units for wildlife habitat.

Acceptance will be based on 100% visual inspection of units. Payment will be made on a unit-by-unit basis and unit results will not be averaged with other units for payment. If visual inspection finds that occasional work elements are poor, but are not representative of overall work quality, the work will be accepted on a unit-by-unit basis for 100% payment.

Thinning and Mastication—If non-conforming work is indicative of an overall problem, plots will be installed to determine work quality as described elsewhere herein. If the work quality is found to be 90% or higher, payment will be made at 100% of the unit price.