ServiceRFQ-Keep_for_your_records.doc

Service RFQ

AG-1681-S-15-0017

GMNF Common Stand Exam IDIQ

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

PAGE OF PAGES

UNDER BDSA REG. 2

AND/OR DMS REG. 1

FOB DESTINATION

FORMCHECKBOX

OTHER (See Schedule)

231 North Main Street

Rutland

July 08, 2015 @ 4:30 p.m. ET

Email to carolnorthrop@fs.fed.us or

Hardcopy mail to address in block 5a submission of this quotation or to contract for supplies or services. Supplies are of domestic origin unless otherwise indicated by quoter. Any representations and/or certifications attached to this Request for Quotations must be completed by the quoter.

11. SCHEDULE (Include applicable Federal, State and local taxes)

Green Mountain National Forest Common Stand Exam - IDIQ

Enter pricing on schedule of items in section B

www.sam.gov in order to submit an offer on this project.

ENTER DUNS Number ____________________

Email submissions will be accepted.

No faxes will be accepted.

12. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

are not attached.

c. COUNTY

AREA CODE

NSN 7540-01-152-8084

Previous edition not usable

Prescribed by GSA-FAR (48 CFR) 53.215-1(a)

Blank Page

PART I—THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B--SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

Base Period –Sample Project - Rochester District 6/1/2015 – 10/31/2015

Quantity Per Plot Unit

Price

Base Period 8/01/2015 – 8/31/2017

Quantity Unit

Price Total

Amount

Plots

Plots

Plots

Option Year 1 8/01/2015 – 7/31/2016

Quantity Unit

Price Total

Amount

Plots

Plots

Plots

Option Year 2 – 8/1/2016 – 8/31/2017

Quantity Unit

Price Total

Amount

Plots

Plots

Plots

Contractor Acceptance Statement: By signing the offer, the Contractor agrees to all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation and agrees to furnish any awarded items at the price set in the schedule unless otherwise excepted as follows: _______________________________________________________________.

Additional Contractor Notes:

1. You must submit pricing for all items, including any option items and/or option years to be considered. For the base year project areas (seed project) that are already identified – the prices entered on the schedule will be the price you paid for the work. The future task order prices will become your ceiling prices on work not yet identified. When competing for future task orders, lower prices may be offered but prices cannot exceed what is in the schedule.

2. Contractor must be registered in www.sam.gov in order to submit an offer on this project. Obtaining a duns number and registering in SAM is free.

3. Prices will be evaluated based upon the seed project prices submitted, however out year prices that are unreasonably high shall not be accepted.

4. More than one award will be made from this solicitation. The government reserves the right to decide the number of awards that are in the best interest of the government based on needs and offers received.

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 $5,000.00, but not in excess of $150,000.00.

SECTION C--DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

SCOPE OF CONTRACT

It is the intent of this contract to procure common stand exams on an as needed basis for the north half of the Green Mountain National Forest. The contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, tools, materials, and incidentals thereto, except as otherwise noted in this solicitation or individual task order.

LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

Various sites throughout the north half of the Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont. The Schedule of Items is broken out for the Rochester - Middlebury District See Green Mountain National Forest location map. Work will be performed at the project sites, the Contractor’s Office and possibly at a Forest Service Office.

AGAR 452.211-73 Attachments To Statement Of Work/Specifications (FEB 1988) The attachments to the Statement of Work/Specifications listed in Section J are hereby made part of this solicitation and any resultant contract.

Pricing of Task Orders All Task Orders shall be for a firm fixed price. Task Orders shall either be for a pre priced item as shown in the Schedule of Items or for a project not specifically listed in the Schedule.

For those items for which a price has not been determined, a firm fixed price will be negotiated prior to any task order being issued. A description of the project and other pertinent data will be sent to the contractor for proposed pricing. The contractor shall submit a breakdown of expected costs in relationship to the task required.

Negotiation between the contractor and Government may occur on what actually will be performed, the time of performance and other requirements.

Issuing Task Orders

All Task Orders issued are subject to the terms and conditions of this contract. In the event of conflict between task orders and this contract, the contract shall be the controlling factor. If mailed, a task order is considered issued when the government deposits the order in the mail.

Upon completion of negotiation, when required, the Government will issue a written firm fixed price task order. Any changes to the initial task order are only authorized after a written modification is issued. Each task order shall include:

1. The Contract Number

2. The Task Order Number.

3. Authorized signature of warranted Contracting Officer

4. Detailed description of the task or service to be performed.

5. Firm fixed price of the project and completion date.

6. Detailed description of required submittals, including due dates and any exhibits.

7. Map or other descriptions of the project location.

8. Designation of the Contracting Officer’s Representative.

9. Government furnished property, if provided.

Task Order Modifications

Any change to a task order shall be made in writing on Standard Form 30, Amendment of Solicitation/Modification of Contract. Task order modifications will be issued only by the Contracting Officer.

Accessibility of Project Areas

In general, the project areas are accessible by Forest, Town and/or State roads. In some cases, foot travel will be necessary. The Contractor will need to coordinate with the COR for gaining access behind locked gates. The use of any vehicles will be subject to conditions of the Green Mountain National Forest Off-Road Vehicle Policy. A copy is available upon request.

Government Furnished Data/Property

Government furnished property will be listed in this contract or as negotiated on task orders. The Forest Service will provide for the Contractor’s review and/or use such information, materials, or equipment in its possession, as it deems pertinent to the specific project(s) being performed by the Contractor. Forest Service personnel, including the Contracting Officer’s Representative will be available, within reasonable advance notice, and shall be consulted for technical information as needed for the timely and efficient performance of the services required. All government furnished data or property provided to the Contractor shall be signed for by the contractor and shall be promptly returned to the Government upon completion and/or termination of that task order.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – Common Stand Exam Projects

C.1.1. Background.

The Green Mountain National Forest proposes to contract for technical forestry services to conduct forest inventories using the Common Stand Exam (CSE) Quickplot protocol. Its purpose is to obtain the site, setting, and tree characteristics required to identify stand conditions and capabilities. Management decisions for natural resources will be made with the information provided to the Government.

Work includes collecting silvicultural and other pertinent data and may include examining aerial photographs to accurately delineate revised stand boundaries. This data is required so that future timber harvest areas can be identified.

Work shall consist of locating, establishing, measuring and recording data for sample plots. The work performed and the data collected shall be in compliance with the terms, specifications, conditions and provisions of this solicitation.

This contract is a Performance Based, firm-fixed price contract.

C.1.2. Specific Location and Description.

Examples of project work areas can be found on the attached sample project area map and sample stand listing, see Section J. These are included as a sample of the type of work to be done on this contract. The actual Task Orders themselves will include the project maps and list of stands for each particular order.

C. 2. DEFINITIONS.

The following are definitions that refer to data elements and attributes for collecting Common Stand Exam data.

2D. Receiving horizontal and vertical readings from the satellite(s).

3D. Receiving horizontal, vertical and elevation readings from the satellite(s).

Almanac Data. Satellite constellation information (including location and health of satellite) that is transmitted to your receiver from every GPS satellite. Almanac data must be acquired before GPS navigation can begin.

Acquire. Receiving satellite signals for a determined amount of time or an established amount of hits.

Coordinate system. Provides a reference of precise positioning for navigation and geographic information systems.

Datum. Geodetic datum’s defines the size and shape of the earth used in mapping the earth.

Differential GPS. DGPS is an extension of the GPS system that uses land-based radio beacons to transmit position corrections to GPS receivers.

Down Woody Material (DWM). DWM is dead tree parts or downed pieces of wood and brush that have fallen and lie on or above the ground. DWM includes downed, dead tree and shrub boles, limbs, and other woody pieces that are severed from their original source of growth or uprooted (no longer self-supported by their roots). It also includes other non-machine processed roundwood such as fence posts and cabin logs.

Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA). ETA is the time of day you arrive at a destination.

Estimated Time Enroute (ETE). ETE is the time between your last and final destination, at your present speed.

Ground Surface Cover Form. The Ground Surface Cover form is used to collect ground surface cover data that is not a specific PLANTS species on the 1/24th acre fixed radius subplot. The purpose of collecting this data is to describe the ground surface.

Inspection. Actions taken by the Government to determine if the contractor’s methods and data meet contract requirements. The methods for inspection and follow-up are described in the Section E, Inspection and Acceptance.

Inspection Block. The minimum area accepted for inspection will be one compartment.

Latitude. The north/south measurement of position that is perpendicular to the earth’s polar axis.

Longitude. An east/west measurement of position in relation to the Prime Meridian, an imaginary circle that passes through the north and south poles.

Map Projection. Map projections are attempts to portray the surface of the earth or a portion of the earth on a flat surface.

Microsites. Small areas atypical of the stand, such as wind-throw pockets, micro-drainage ways, seeps, well-rotted logs, or excessively rocky areas.

Navigation. Navigation is the process of traveling from one place to another and knowing where you are in relation to your desired course.

Plot Data Form. The Plot Data form is used to collect data at the plot level and is independent of the information collected at the setting level. This data is collected individually for all sample plots in the stand.

pdr (.cse) File. Personal Data Record is a file format containing filed data that has been created using ExamsPC software. The file extension is .cse.

Position. An exact, unique location based on a geographic coordinate system.

Position Dilution of Precision (PDOP). PDOP is the position error that degrades position accuracy when satellites are being tracked.

Present. “Present” as applied to trees or large shrubs requires at least 10 individuals per acre, well scattered through the stand, not restricted to microsites. “Present” as applied to low shrubs and herbaceous plants requires scattered individuals throughout the stand, usually 5 or more individuals or clumps per 1/10th acre, not occurring on microsites.

Quality Assurance. The actions taken by the Government to assess the results to determine that they meet contract requirements. The methods for quality assurance are described in Section E, Inspection and Acceptance.

Sample Design Form. The Sample Design form contains information about how the data was collected, which trees, shrubs and cover are measured, and how the measurements shall be converted to pre-acre values.

Selective Availability. Selective availability is a security technique that limits the accuracy of a receiver by broadcasting GPS information that contains built-in error.

Setting Data Form. The Setting Data form in used to collect data that uniquely identifies each stand.

Shape (.shp) File. Shape file is a format developed by ESRI and used in Arcinfo and other GIS packages. The file extension is .shp.

Stand. A stand is a community, particularly of trees, possessing sufficient uniformity as regards composition, age, spatial arrangement, or condition, to be distinguishable from adjacent communities, so forming a silvicultural or management entity.

Tree Data Form The Tree Data form is used to collect data on each tree in the sample plot.

Vegetation Composition Form. The Vegetation Composition form is used to collect ocular estimates of height layering and cover of trees, shrubs, forbs, and grasses within the 1/24th acre fixed plot. It provides a method to collect information on plant composition and structure.

Waypoint. A specific location saved in the receiver’s memory.

WPT (.wpt) File. WPT is a file format, developed by Oziexplorer, containing a list of waypoints that have been saved in the receiver’s memory. The file extension is .wpt.

=. Equal to.

<. Less than.

(. Less than equal to.

(. Greater than.

(. Greater than or equal to.

C. 3. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES.

The Government shall provide the Contractor the following listed materials, supplies, property or services, for use in the performance of this contract, hereinafter referred to as Government-Furnished Property. This property shall be used and maintained by the Contractor in accordance with the provisions of the “Government Property” FAR clause, (Reference Clause 52.245-4).

http://www.fs.fed.us/nrm/documents/fsveg/cse_user_guides/R9FG.pdf

*Exams Software and instructions

Data entry software.

Handheld Personal Data Recorder software.

Available from the following website:

http://www.fs.fed.us/nrm/fsveg/index.shtml

* User guides, field guides, appendices and software are free downloads available from the listed websites.

All Government-Furnished items shall be returned to the Government upon completion of the contract. Failure to do so may result in charges for damages or replacement.

C. 4. CONTRACTOR WORK REQUIREMENTS & STANDARDS

C.4.1. General.

At the Contractor’s request, the Government shall provide one review of the inspection procedures regarding quality assurance. This quality assurance assessment review shall be performed on one plot.

At the Contractor’s request, the Government shall accompany the Contractor on one plot to review data collection procedures.

At the Contractors request, the Government shall review the ExamsPC data entry software.

C.4.1.1. Work Plan and schedule.

Upon issuance of a task order the Contractor shall pr prepare a Plan of Operation including a schedule that demonstrates work will be completed within the performance period described in Section F.2. - Deliveries.

The Contractor shall advise the Contracting Officer or COR of any periods that the Contractor will not be working that is not specified in the accepted Plan of Operation.

The Contractor may update the work plan when work is in progress and the Contracting Officer may accept the updated work plan.

C.4.1.2. Performance period.

Multiple award of items shall not change the required performance period for each item. Work may be performed on each item in succession, provided the required rate of progress is maintained. The count of contract time shall start on the date specified on the Notice to Proceed.

C.4.1.3. Rate of progress.

The Contractor shall maintain the rate of progress of 112 plots per month and will be included in the Contractor’s Work Plan.

C.4.2. Access.

The project area shall be accessed by Forest roads during the normal operating season, May through October. The Forest Service assumes no obligation to plow snow or do special maintenance to keep roads open. Stands are accessible by some combination of 2 or 4-wheel drive vehicle and foot travel. The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining all necessary permission, through privately owned land, to gain access to stand locations.

C.4.2.1. Locked gates In cases where stands are behind locked gates, authorization for limited motorized use may be granted. All requests for motorized travel of closed roads must be submitted in writing to the COR for specific roads and specific periods of time.

C.4.3. Tasks and Critical Subtasks

C.4.3.1. Plan of Operation

Once a task order is awarded, within 10 days, the contractor shall submit a Plan of Operation for completing data collection.

C.4.3.2. Data and Reports

Contractor shall provide the following data and reports.

A. Contractor shall provide electronic field data in Exams PC (.cse) file format on a read-only CD, or other electronic medium agreed upon at the prework meeting. The contractor must use the most current version of exams PC based on the time of the submission of the data. The data must also work in Exams for FSVeg and FSVeg.

B. Contractor shall provide an electronic map showing the GPS “track” of the travel route taken through each stand to the plot locations. The raw data used to create that map will be provided as an ESRI shapefile.

C. Contractor shall provide legible updated/refined stand delineations on compartment maps (3.3 Compartment Maps) provided above. If no changes are made then contractor will indicate why no change was made.

D. Contractor shall provide a copy of the above compartment map identifying suggested stand prescriptions/treatments.

E. Contractor shall provide a table showing a crosswalk between GPS waypoints and plot numbers.

F. The contractor will provide either an ESRI shapefile or data the can be easily converted to a shapefile, Garmin waypoint data for instance, of all plot centers.

G. Contractor shall provide GPS data identifying features such as streams, trails, landings, cellar holes, stone walls, apple trees, and other stand features noted in stand remarks.

H. Prior to the omission of any table information the contractor must get approval from the COR. For instance, if the contractor does not have aerial photo information because they are using digital photography the contractor would not be required to populate the Photo ID column, but would rather be required to provide the Forest Service with a copy of the aerial imagery, gratis, that is utilized.

C.4.4. Plot Location and Establishment.

C.4.4.1. Locating Stands to be Examined A. The Government will furnish to the contractor a list of stands by compartment and stand number with compartment maps at a scale of the contractors choosing, showing the present boundaries of the stands to be examined and expected plot locations. The Government will also provide a list of plot locations as GPS waypoints and a map showing their locations in each stand.

B. During field examination, stand boundaries will be refined as needed based on differences in forest type, size, and density of forest vegetation, stand age, and other factors encountered which would affect management decisions.

C.4.4.2 Plot Location and Number.

Stands will be sampled by measurements conducted on individual plots (pre-designated) and dispersed throughout the stand. The number of sample plots is based on the acreage of the stand. The following guide will be used to determine the number of sample locations needed in each revised stand:

For example, a 33-acre stand will have 8 plots.

Based on stand variability the actual numbers of plots in each stand may be increased or decreased, but will be based initially on the guide.

Plot center locations shall be adjusted if necessary to avoid private land, non-forest features (e.g. improved roads) and special protection areas such as streamside zones, seeps, sinkhole ponds, etc.

C.4.4.3. Plot Center Establishment

The Contractor will use a GPS unit to navigate to the predetermined plot location. The GPS unit will have a “tracking feature” so the travel route for each stand can be recorded and shown on a map relative to the plot locations. When navigating to each plot, the Contractor will get to the approximate plot location using the GPS and then establish the plot center in an unbiased manner.

Sample plot centers will be identified on the ground using a wooden stake (could be a piece of lumber or a cut shrub or branch), unless otherwise agreed upon with the Contracting Officer’s Representative. Tie florescent pink flagging on the stake to mark it. Stakes constructed of non-biodegradable materials are not permitted; i.e.: (PVC, Rebar, Polyethylene, etc.). Write the compartment number, stand number, plot number, examiner initials, and date on this flagging using permanent ink or grease pencil. Tie an additional 18-24 inch length of florescent pink flagging to two trees or branches, opposite plot center, at eye level near the plot center. Materials the Contractor uses to locate and mark plots shall be durable, which will last through all environmental conditions until inspections are completed.

C.4.5. Common Stand Exam.

C.4.5.1. Collecting Data.

The Contractor shall locate, establish, measure and record data using fixed and variable plots that shall be taken at each designated sample point. Common Stand Exam data shall be collected and recorded in accordance with Quick Plot procedures as described in the most recent version of the Region 9 – Common Stand Exam User and Field Guides, and Appendices, unless specifically modified by this contract. The Contractor shall collect data necessary to complete the contract. All data shall be taken in accordance with specific procedures provided by the Region 9 – Common Stand Exam User and Field Guides or as superseded by a portion of this contract. Unless otherwise superseded by this contract, the Region 9 – Common Stand Exam Field Guide, User Guide, and Appendices shall be the guiding document for this contract. . The Contractor shall collect data necessary to complete the following forms: Setting Data Form, Plot Data Form and the Tree Data Form, as specified in, Section C.4.6. – Data Collection.

C.4.5.2. Codes.

The Contractor shall use appropriate codes on all forms. Codes are available in the following appendices for USFS Region 9: http://www.fs.fed.us/nrm/documents/fsveg/cse_user_guides/R9_appendix.pdf C.4.6. Data Collection.

All data shall be taken in accordance with specific procedures provided by the CSE User and Field Guides or as superseded by the Forest Service.

C.4.6.1. Setting Data Form.

The Setting Data Form shall be used to record stand measurements, stand comments, as well as design parameters and references.

(Quick Plot)

*List will be provided at pre-work meeting

Stand Remarks**. Remarks shall include recommended setting prescription, recommended season of harvest, presence of perennial streams or vernal pools if found, or other significant information.

C.4.6.2. Plot Data Form.

The Plot Data Form shall be used to record general plot information.

Level

Quick

Plot

Plot User Field (Prescription)

Remarks **

*List will be provided at prework meeting

Remarks**. Remarks shall include notes such as inoperable ground and why, recommended season of harvest, quality of timber, regeneration issues, or other significant information.

C.4.6.3 Tree Data Form

Tree Data Form

This form shall be created in the most recent version of the Exams software for FSVeg and used by the contractor and will include all of the information at the required accuracy located in the table below. The Contractor shall use a double plot system; a 1/100 acre fixed plot (11.8 feet radius) to sample small trees (seedlings and saplings less than 5” DBH) and a variable plot for larger trees (5” DBH and greater) using a Basal Area Factor of 10 (BAF 10). Tally all live conifer and deciduous trees for each plot. Tree height will be required for all small trees (<5” DBH), but not for large trees (> 5” DBH), except for site trees and broken top trees, which will require height measurements. Trees shall be sampled in a clockwise direction starting at true north.

Level

Quick

Plot

Site Trees*

Site Trees will be predetermined and pre-assigned to plots.

Tree Class**

The Contractor will give additional weight in determining the difference between “Unacceptable” and “Acceptable” in that the USFS will consider a tree “Acceptable” as minimal amounts of defect and/or damage AND respond to a crop tree release. An “Unacceptable” may have one or the other but not both.

The Contractor should consider the defining difference between “Unacceptable” and “Rough” is that the “Rough” Tree Class is pulp.

DBH***

The following size classes shall be used:

Small Trees <5” DBH (Fixed Plot) – Estimate to the nearest 1/10” DBH for trees taller than 4.5 feet up to 15 feet. DBH accuracy standard is +/- 0.5”. Trees taller than 15 feet, estimate to the nearest 1”. DBH accuracy standard is +/- 1.0”. Trees 0.1” – 1” should be treated as regeneration and the total number occurring in the fixed radius plot counted.

Large Trees > 5” DBH

The DBH accuracy standard is +/- 5 %. For example, if a tree actually measures 8.0 the acceptable range would be from 7.6 to 8.4. In this case, code 8.0 would be the correct entry.

Height**** The following size classes shall be used for small trees <5” DBH:

Trees shall be marked with flagging tied to the tree and labeled with the tag number, plot number, and “S” for site tree. A description of the location or GPS mark will be provided to the Forest Service.

DBH***. The following size classes shall be used.

The DBH accuracy standard is +/- 5 %. For example, if a tree actually measures 8.0 the acceptable range would be from 7.6 to 8.4. In this case, code 8.0 would be the correct entry.

Stand Summary Form The stand summary form shall be created by the contractor as a MS Word document (*.docx) and contain all of the information at the required information at the required accuracy located in the table below. This form will be transferred electronically to the USFS after all the Common Stand Exam plots within a stand are completed. The Contractor shall use the Stand Summary Form to ensure key features are checked for observation.

Level

Quick

Plot

Header Information

Tree Species

Trees

Plants

Wildlife

Logging

Cultural

Boundaries

Plot Data Form

The plot data for shall be created within the FSVeg environment, and contain all the information at the required accuracy located in the table below. The contractor shall use the Plot Data Form to ensure that key features are checked for occurrence and recorded.

Level

Quick

Plot

Header Information

Existing Vegetation Composition

C.4.7. Camping and Worksite Conditions.

If the Contractor requests camping, the Contractor shall prepare a Camping and/or Worksite Plan and operate in a manner that will protect the environmental resources and the public facilities. The Contractor shall be aware of and abide by the rules of the Green Mountain National Forest applicable to forest visitors. The contractor is responsible for campsite clean- up and employee conduct while camping on National Forest land. Requests for camping behind locked gates will require a two week notice and be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the COR. If approved, approval will be granted by the Government in writing. Contractor shall submit camping requests in writing, specifying exact time and dates of desired use behind locked gates.

Biobased & Recycled Content Products

The contractor must comply with Section 9002 of the Farm Security and Rural Investtment Act of 2002 (FSRIA), Executive Order (EO) 13423, “Strengthening Federal Enviromental, Energy, and Transportation Management”, and the Federal Acquisition Regulations to provide green products. All supplies and materials shall be of a type and quantity that conform to applicable Federal specifications and standards, and to the extent feasible and reasonable; include the exclusive use of biobased, recycled content, energy star, and environmentally preferable products.

For more information regarding the Department of Agriculture Biobased Affirmative Procurement Program go to http://www.biopreferred.gov/bioPreferredCatalog/faces/jsp/catalogLanding.jsp.

The following is a list of categories for EPA designated products (recycled content) that may be required for performance of custodial duties.

For more information regarding Environmental Protection Agency list of designate products to http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/tools/cpg/products/index.htm

The following is a list of EnergyStar products required on this contract:

For more information regarding Energy Star products go to http://www.energystar.gov/

SAFETY AND HEALTH

SUBMITTALS

A. Safety and Health Programs: The Contractor shall submit, for approval, a safety plan, as applicable to the work scope.

SECTION D--PACKAGING AND MARKING

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

SECTION E--INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

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

PERFORMANCE-BASED SERVICE CONTRACT (PBSC) REQUIREMENTS

E.1. Performance Based-Service Contract (PBSC) Requirements.

Standard

· Data will not exceed allowable tolerances and errors for Quick Plot data as outlined in the Region 9 – Common Stand Exam Field Guide. The contractor will also complete the minimum number of required plots per month.

Quality Assurance Methodolgy

· The COR or their representative will randomly select and inspect 5% of the plots completed by the contractor using the standards and tolerances outlined in the Region 9 – Common Stand Exam Field Guide.

· The first 10 plots completed must be submitted for inspection within 14 days of the issuance of the notice to proceed unless inclement weather delays the start date.

Calculation of Acceptable Scores. A point deduction is given for each deficient entry or procedure within an inspection block. Acceptable tolerance levels for individual measurements are shown on the Inspection Forms. Any item or measurement indicated by inspection to be outside these tolerance levels shall be assigned a point deduction. Point deductions shall be calculated for each form within the inspection block and then averaged for a Total Score. An inspection block may fail based on a Form Score or the Total Score.

Scores for each Inspection Form are determined by the following method. The total point value is calculated by multiplying the point value of a field times the number of lines of data in that field. The number of errors, corresponding to each field, found during the inspections of the inspection block are recorded in Column C-Number of Errors. The deduction is calculated by multiplying Column C-Number of Errors by Column A-Point Value. The Point Deductions are totaled and divided by the total point value to determine the Total Form Score.

Total Form Score = (Deduct Points ÷ Total Points) X 100 = percent error.

The Total Score is calculated by averaging all the Form Scores. Errors in any field that have a Point Value of "unacceptable" will fail and the entire inspection block shall be returned to Contractor for rework.

· All Form Scores < 20% and Total Score < 10% = acceptable. Incentive applies.

· Any Form Score > 20% = unacceptable, all forms from entire inspection block, shall be returned for rework. Disincentive applies.

· Total Score > 10% = unacceptable, all work from entire inspection block shall be returned for rework. Disincentive applies.

Incentives

· All data is collected within tolerances and acceptable error in both the Region 9 – Common Stand Exam Field Guide and this contract, all data requested is provided, production is met, remarks are thorough, and the data works in FS Veg – Full Payment of Contract.

· Contractor meets all of the requirements for full payment and completes the contract 4 weeks prior to the contract deadline – 2% bonus based on the sum total of the contract bid price

· Contractor meets all of the requirements for full payment and completes the contract 2 weeks prior to the contract deadline – 1% bonus based on the sum total of the contract bid price

Additional Requirement

· The Forest Service can direct the order in which work is accomplished on individual task orders.

Data that is submitted by the contractor in the form of an ESRI shapefile will be projected into the coordinate system determined at the pre-work meeting E.2. Acceptance and Rework E.2.1.1. Acceptance will be determined based on compliance with the contract specifications. Noncompliance will result in non-acceptance of the work. If the Contractor’s work is determined to be unacceptable, the Government may initiate any remedies described in FAR 52.246-4 Inspection of Services.

E.2.1.2. When the Contractor’s inspection results fall below the performance standards in section E 1. acceptance and payment will not be made until the deficiency(s) has been corrected.

E.2.1.3. Payment will be made only on completed stands unless otherwise agreed upon by the Contracting Officer.

E.2.2 Rework.

E.2.2.1. The Government is not required to provide more than 2 inspections on any single inspection block. Results of the last inspection will supercede any prior results for determining acceptability and payment. Failure to pass 2 inspections on a single inspection block may result in contract default.

E.2.2.2. The Government will assess the Contractor the actual costs of conducting any additional inspections. Items that may be included in the actual damages include but is not limited to: wages of the COR and Government inspector(s), costs of vehicles, meals and lodging.

E. 3 CONTRACTOR QUALITY CONTROL PLAN

E.3.1 Quality Control Plan

The Contractor shall provide a Quality Control Plan (QCP) with the technical proposal. The Contractor shall supplement the QCP within 10 days of the issuance of a task order based on items awarded to the Contractor and Government comments.

The general Quality Control Plan must demonstrate how the Contractor will assure quality meets the requirements and specifications of the contract. It shall specify how quality will be monitored to assure the performance standards are met; the supervision of crew and work; and the personnel that will be performing the quality control. Quality control includes the monitoring of quality while work is in progress.

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): http://farsite.hill.af.mil/

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

52.242-15 Stop Work Order (AUG 1989) AGAR 452.211-74 Period of Performance. (Feb 1988)

The period of performance of this contract is from _8/1/2015___ through _8/31/2017___.

The Contractor shall maintain progress at a rate which shall assure completion and acceptance of work within the specified contract time.

SECTION G--CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

AGAR 452.215-73 Post Award Conference (NOV 1996) A post award conference with the successful offeror is required. It will be scheduled within 10 days after the date of contract award. The conference will be determined at time of award.

DESIGNATION OF CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE

The Contracting Officer will designate a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) at the time of award.

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

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

GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY

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

1 Forest Service Gate Key

INVOICING

The "Submit Invoice-to" address for USDA orders is the Department of Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). All invoices are to be submitted online via the electronic Invoice Processing Platform. This is a mandatory requirement initiated by the U.S. Department of Treasury and you can find more information at this website https://www.ipp.gov/index.htm. Your company must register at https://www.ipp.gov/vendors/enrollment-vendors.htm to establish an account in order to submit an invoice on this project.

SECTION H--SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

452-237-74 Key Personnel (FEB 1988)

(a) The Contractor shall assign to this contract the following key personnel: Crew leader and quality control monitor as specified in your technical proposal.

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

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

PART II--CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I--CONTRACT CLAUSES

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

52.201-1 Definitions (NOV 2013)

52.203-3 Gratuities (APR 1984)

52.203-5 Covenant Against Contingent Fees (MAY 2014)

52.203-6 Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (SEP 2006)

52.203-7 Anti-Kickback Procedures (MAY 2014)

52.203-8 Cancellation, Rescission, and Recovery of Funds for Illegal or Improper Activity (MAY 2014)

52.203-10 Price or Fee Adjustment for Illegal or Improper Activity (MAY 2014)

52.203-12 Limitation on Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions (OCT 2010)

52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights & Requirements to Inform Employees of Whistleblower Rights (APR 2014)

52.204-4 Printed or Copied Double-Sided on Postconsumer Fiber Content Paper (MAY 2011)

52.204-7 System for Award Management (JUL 2013)

52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance (JUL 2013)

52.204-10 Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (JUL 2013)

52.204-14 Service Contract Reporting Requirements (JAN 2014)

52.204-15 Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite Delivery Contracts (JAN 2014)

52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance (NOV 2014)

52.204-19 Incorporation by Reference of Representations and Certifications (DEC 2014)

52.209-10 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (DEC 2014)

52.219-6 Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2011) 52.219-8 Utilization of Small Business Concerns (OCT 2014) Alternate II (Oct 2014) 52.219-14 Limitations on Subcontracting (NOV 2011)

52.219-28 Post-Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (JUL 2013)

52.222-17 Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers (MAY 2014)

52.222-25 Affirmative Action Compliance (APR 1984)

52.222-43 Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards – Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (MAY 2014)

52.222-44 Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards--Price Adjustment (MAY 2014)

52. 52.222-53 Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Act to Contracts for Certain Services – Requirements (MAY 2014)

52.223-6 Drug-Free Workplace (MAY 2001) 52.223-18 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (May 2011)

52.226-1 Utilization of Indian Organizations and Indian-Owned Economic Enterprises (June 2000) 52.227-1 Authorization and Consent (DEC 2007) 52.227-2 Notice and Assistance Regarding Patent and Copyright Infringement (DEC 2007)

52.227-14 Rights in Data – General (MAY 2014) 52.232-9 Limitation on Withholding of Payments (APR 1984)

52.232-17 Interest (MAY 2014)

52.232-18 Availability of Funds (APR 1984) 52.232-23 Assignment of Claims (MAY 2014)

52.232-32 Performance-Based Payments(APR 2012)

52.232-39 Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations (JUN 2013)

52.237-2 Protection of Government Buildings, Equipment, and Vegetation (APR 1984)

52.243-1 Changes--Fixed-Price (AUG 1987)--Alternate I (APR 1984)

52.245-1 Property Records - Alt 1 (APR 2012)

AGRICULTURE ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 4) CLAUSES

452.237-75 Restrictions Against Disclosure (FEB 1988)

52.213-4 Terms and Conditions—Simplified Acquisitions (Other Than Commercial Items) (MAR 2015)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses that are incorporated by reference:

(1) The clauses listed below implement provisions of law or Executive order:

(i) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (June 2003) (E.O. 11755).

(ii) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Feb 1999) (E.O. 11246).

(iii) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Mar 2007) (E.O. 11246).

(iv) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (June 2008) (E.O.s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury).

(v) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (Aug 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553).

(vi) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Oct 2004) (Pub. L. 108-77, 108-78 (19 U.S.C. 3805 note)).

(2) Listed below are additional clauses that apply:

(i) 52.232-1, Payments (Apr 1984).

(ii) 52.232-8, Discounts for Prompt Payment (Feb 2002).

(iii) 52.232-11, Extras (Apr 1984).

(iv) 52.232-25, Prompt Payment (Jul 2013).

(v) 52.232-39, Unenforceability of…