SolicitationPackage.doc

Service RFP

AG-24H8-S-13-0029

ANF CSE/Stocking Survey IDIQ

UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

FORMCHECKBOX

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

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

(no faxed or emailed offers)

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

SOLICITATION

(Hour)

(Date)

CAUTION - LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See Section L, Provision No. 52.214-7 or 52.215-1. All offers are subject to all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

x

OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

x

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

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

different period is inserted by the offeror) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item, delivered at the designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

(See Section I, Clause No. 52-232-8)

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amend-ments to the SOLICITATION for offerors and related documents numbered and dated):

15A.

NAME AND ADDRESS

OF OFFEROR

CODE

FACILITY

OFFER (Type or Print)

15B. TELEPHONE NO. (Include area code and extension)

18. OFFER DATE

IS DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE - ENTER

FORMCHECKBOX

SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

AWARD (To be completed by Government)

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

FORMCHECKBOX

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

FORMCHECKBOX

Melissa Conn

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

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

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

STANDARD FORM 33 (REV.9-97)

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

Blank Page

PART I—THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B--SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

Base Period 6/1/2013 – 5/31/2014

Quantity Unit

Price Total

Amount

Plots

Plots

Plots

Plots

*Actual Quantity

Estimated Quantity is set up in increments to allow for pricing adjustments for different sized orders.

Option Year 1 6/1/2014 – 5/31/2015

Item

Quantity Unit

Price

Plots

Plots

Plots

Plots

Option Year 2 6/1/2015 – 5/31/2016

Item

Quantity Unit

Price

Plots

Plots

Plots

Plots

Option Year 3 6/1/2016 – 5/31/2017

Item

Quantity Unit

Price

Plots

Plots

Plots

Plots

Option Year 4 6/1/2017 – 5/31/2018

Item

Quantity Unit

Price

Plots

Plots

Plots

Plots

Additional Contractor Notes:

Contractor must be registered in www.sam.gov. Obtaining a DUNS number and registering in SAM is free.

Contracts will require registration in CPARS, a performance rating system. Details will be provided after award.

Contractors may bid for Common Stand Exam inventory and/or Stocking Surveys but must bid all quantities and option years for that item. (ie: if you only want to offer on stocking surveys, you must offer a price for stocking surveys for items B6 & B7 in the base year and items B6 – B8 in all option years.)

Price will be evaluated by multiplying each sub-item unit price times the maximum estimated quantity and totaling all five years. Estimated quantities are for pricing and evaluation purposes only. Actual work to be completed will be identified on individual task orders.

More than one award may be made from this solicitation.

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, but not in excess of $500,000.

Note: There may be more than one contract issued from this solicitation. The minimum guarantee is over the five year life of the contract and applies to each contract awarded. The total task orders issued over the life of the contract will not exceed $500,000 regardless of the number of contracts awarded.

SECTION C--DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

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.

Scope of Contract It is the intent of this contract to procure common stand exams and/or stocking surveys on an as needed basis. The contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, tools, materials, and incidentals thereto, except as otherwise noted in the Appendices.

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.

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 warranted Contracting Officer

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

5. Firm fixed price of the project.

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.

Location of Project Areas

All professional services shall be performed within the general area of the Allegheny National Forest. Work will be performed at the project site, the Contractor’s Office and some work may be performed at a Forest Service Office.

In general, the project areas are accessible by Forest, Township 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 Allegheny National Forest Off-Road Vehicle Policy. A copy is available upon request.

Government Furnished Data/Property

Government furnished property will be listed in the Appendix 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.

C.1 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – Common Stand Exam Projects C.1.1. Background.

The Allegheny National Forest proposes to contract for technical forestry services to conduct the field phase of a Common Stand Exam (CSE) project. Its purpose is to obtain the site and setting characteristics required to identify stand conditions and capabilities in providing the Government with statistically sound information with which management determinations for natural resources will be made.

C.1.2. Scope of Contract .

Work shall consist of locating, establishing, measuring and recording data for overstory and understory sample plots. The Contractor shall furnish all personnel, materials, services, and facilities necessary for the project and performance of this contract. The work performed and the data collected shall be in compliance with the terms, specifications, conditions and provisions of this solicitation and the Allegheny Field Guide For Common Stand Exam, Version 2-7-2013.

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).

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 round wood 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 PLANT species on the 1/24th acre fixed radius subplot. The purpose of collecting this data is to describe the ground surface to assist in the determination of operational limitations.

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.

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.

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 gps receiver’s memory.

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 52.245-1).

Provided when the task order is issued.

3.4 Access behind locked gates

3.7 ExamsPC Software

ExamsCE Software

.cse files for each compartment

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.

Government Services:

(a) At the Contractors request, the Government shall provide one review of the inspection procedures. This review shall be performed on one plot.

(b) At the Contractors request, the Government shall accompany the Contractor on one plot to review data collection procedures.

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

C. 4. CONTRACTOR WORK REQUIREMENTS and STANDARDS.

C.4.1. General.

C.4.1.1. Number of plots per Stand

The number of plots per stand in which data will be collected will be issued with future Task Orders. Understory and overstory data shall be collected on these plots.

C.4.1.2. Site Index Trees

One site tree shall be taken per stand inventoried. Record the diameter, height, species, and age for each site tree. Select a site index tree of the proper species for the Forest Type and is one of the dominant or codominant trees within the stand. The age shall be determined by using an increment bore. Veneer Black Cherry will not be bored to determine age. If a veneer black cherry is the best site tree, it can be used to determine height and diameter but the age will be obtained from a neighboring non-veneer black cherry tree. Diameter of site trees shall be measured to a tenth of an inch. The increment bore should reach the pith of the tree and age shall be the total rings counted. If the site index tree is not measured on a inventory plot, then record azimuth, bearing, and distance to the site tree from the nearest plot. Increment cores shall be placed back in the hole made by the increment bore and the site tree flagged with two flags (other than the color orange) that go completely around the bole of the tree.

C.4.1.3. Contractor-Furnished Property

The Contractor shall use data recorders capable of using the ExamsPC software to collect stand exam data. The contractor shall also collect the inventoried plot locations using GPS that has the capability to locate the plot within + 3 meters of the actual plot location. The contractor shall provide the Government all inventory work and GPSed plot locations in an electronic format that is acceptable to the Government. If rework needs to be done within a stand the contractor will provide flagging (color has to be agreed upon by the COR).

C.4.1.4. Performance period Multiple task order award of items shall not change the required performance period for each item. If multiple items are awarded to one Offeror, the respective performance times shall run concurrently, not consecutively. Work may be performed on each item in succession, provided the required rate of progress is maintained. The Government shall issue a Notice to Proceed as soon as the weather and ground conditions are favorable for work. The count of contract time shall start on the date specified on the Notice to Proceed.

C.4.1.5. Rate of progress.

The Contractor shall maintain the rate of progress specified in the Contractor’s Resource Plan. The minimum acceptable rate of progress shall occur when the percent of work completed falls within 10 % of the time used.

C.4.1.6. 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.4.1.7. Locked gates

In cases where stands are behind locked gates, authorization for limited motorized use may be granted. All requests for motorized travel behind closed roads must be submitted in writing to the COR for specific roads and specific periods of time. If access is granted behind a gate, the Contractor will be responsible to ensure that gates remain closed and locked at all times and will be subject to all other restrictions of administrative use. The Contractor shall be permitted to drive from the locked gate to the stand with only the minimum number of vehicles necessary for efficient transport of the crew. No firearms are permitted behind locked gates. No access to contractors or employees will be allowed behind locked gates after periods of work. Motorized access will not be permitted behind locked gates during hunting season of turkey, deer, or bear. Contractor shall adjust work schedule to take the closure time into consideration. No Suspend Work Orders will be issued; contract time will run during this period. Any misuse of gates may constitute loss of privileges.

C.4.2. Plot Location and Establishment.

C.4.2.1. Plot Location.

The Contractor shall locate and evenly distribute the plots throughout the stand on a systematic, unbiased, square grid basis. The grid size for determining distance between plots shall vary between stands as necessary to systematically locate the specified number of plots. Plot intervals shall be referenced in chains (1 chain = 66 ft.).

No plot center shall be located closer than 1 chain from the stand boundary or another plot. Data collected on one plot shall not overlap with data collected on another plot. Data collected on a plot shall be completely within the stand being inventoried. Plots should be taken wherever they fall, not moved to other locations to avoid thick patches of beech brush, slash piles, or other unpleasant conditions. All plots should be kept at least 100 feet from open boundaries, such as roads and powerlines.

C.4.2.2. Plot Location Technique and Establishment.

The Contractor shall navigate to plot center using a GPS unit that maintains the accuracy standard stated for plot location. Starting points and plot centers for each plot will be identified on the ground as described below. Flagging at plot center will be labeled with compartment number, stand number, plot number, and date. The flagging will be placed directly over the plot center or starting point on a branch or other available vegetation as close as possible to plot center. A stick will be placed at plot center with a 4” piece of flagging tied to it. Plot center will be used when inspecting the contractor’s work. Flagging between plots should be hung so one flag can be seen from another flag, but at a minimum flags shall be hung at least 50’ apart to determine bearing to next plot. Once plot center is established, the contractor shall start at True North and rotate clockwise when tallying trees. The first tree on the plot will be True North from plot center or the first tree encountered rotating in a clockwise manner from True North. All plots shall be taken continually once a new stand has been started, until all plots needed in that stand have been taken before moving to the next stand to be inventoried.

The Contractor shall use orange and white stripped flagging to locate plot centers.

C.4.2.3. Plot Acquisition.

The Contractor shall acquire GPS coordinates for each overstory plot center.

C.4.3. Common Stand Exam.

C.4.3.1. The Contractor shall locate, establish, measure and record data using variable and fixed radius subplots that shall be taken at each designated sample point. CSE data shall be collected and recorded in accordance with the Allegheny Field Guide unless specifically modified by this contract. The Contractor shall collect data necessary to complete the following forms, as specified in, Section C.4.4. – Data Collection.

C.4.3.2. The Contractor shall code all vegetation species in accordance with the Allegheny Field Guide.

C.4.3.3. A 1/20-acre plot (26.3’ radius) shall be used to determine the Surface Cover and 1/20-acre and 1/385-acre plots shall be used to determine the Vegetation Composition.

C.4.3.4. The Contractor shall limit Insect and Disease identification to those agents, pests and diseases listed in the Allegheny Field Guide. Anything encountered that is not in the Allegheny Field Guide should be written in remarks.

C.4.4. Data Collection.

The following tables demonstrate the required fields for each form that is to be collected and recorded. All data shall be taken in accordance with the Allegheny Field Guide. An “X” in the Exam Level column indicates the required fields for this solicitation.

C.4.4.1. Setting Form.

The Setting Form shall be used to record stand measurements, stand comments, sample point locations.

Quick Plot Data Source

C.4.4.2. Sample design.

The Sample Design Form shall be used to record design parameters. The Government shall provide the Sample Design.

C.4.4.3. Plot Data Form.

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

Quick Plot Data Source

A differential GPS unit is required to obtain latitude & longitude (plot location) within + 3 meter accuracy.

C.4.4.4. Tree Data Form.

The Tree Data Form shall be used to record tree measurement information. The Contractor shall use the following criteria for selecting trees:

· The Contractor shall use a fixed radius subplot of 6’ in tallying trees ≤ 0.9” DBH. The Contractor tallies all live conifer and deciduous trees .01” DBH to ( 0.9" DBH; and all live conifer and deciduous trees 2” tall to < 4.5’ tall within the fixed radius subplot.

· The Contractor shall use a 10 Basal Area Factor (BAF) to tally trees ≥ 1.0” DBH for each stand.

· All items shall be collected in accordance with the Allegheny Field Guide.

Quick Plot Data Source

C.4.4.5. Total Vegetation Composition Form.

The Total Vegetation Composition Form shall be used to record information about total vegetative cover on the plot. The Total Vegetation Composition data shall be collected using a 26.3’ (1/20th acre) fixed radius subplot. The Contractor shall total the cover of all vegetation species on the plot in accordance with Allegheny Field Guide.

Quick Plot Data Source

C.4.4.6. Cover by Species and Layer The Cover by Species Form shall be used to record information about plant species and their coverage’s. This data shall be collected using a 26.3’ fixed radius subplot. The Contractor shall identify all vegetation species having ≥ 10% canopy cover in accordance with Allegheny Field Guide.

Quick Plot Data Source

C.4.4.7. Ground Surface Cover Form.

The Ground Surface Cover Form shall be used to record information describing the makeup of the ground surface. The Ground Surface Cover data shall be collected using a 26.3’ (1/20th acre) fixed radius subplot. The Contractor shall identify all ground surface cover having ≥ 10% ground cover in accordance with Allegheny Field Guide.

Quick Plot Data Source

C.4.5. Work Plan and schedule.

The Contractor shall prepare a work plan and schedule that demonstrates work will be completed within the performance period described in Section F.2. – Deliveries or as shown on individual task orders. The Contractor shall provide a general plan upon award of a task order. A supplementary plan and schedules will be provided at least 5 days before the start of work.

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 Work Plan.

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

C.6.1 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – Stocking Surveys C.6.1.1 Background.

The Allegheny National Forest proposes to contract for understory field data collection on the types (species), height, numbers of seedlings, saplings, and residual trees, as well as, information on other vegetation factors known to affect natural regeneration within the National Forest.

C.6.1.2. Scope of Contract .

The Contractor is responsible for furnishing all supervision, labor, equipment, tools, materials, and incidentals necessary to complete the work.

C.6.1.3. Location and Description.

This solicitation is for Stocking Surveys on the Allegheny National Forest. The base year vicinity maps are provided in Section J. Shape files and stand maps will be provided at the pre-work meeting.

All work will be performed in timber sale areas in which final harvests, sherlterwood harvests, individual or group selection cuts that have been completed. Work may also be performed in locations where herbicide or fence treatments have been done. Areas have logging slash scattered throughout except for herbicide only stands. Contractor should expect to encounter briers throughout many stands.

In general, the project areas are accessible by Forest, Township and or State roads. In some cases foot travel will be necessary. The contractor will need to coordinate with the COR or assigned inspector for gaining access behind locked gates. The use of any vehicle off road is prohibited.

Stand boundaries will be delineated on timber sale or GIS generated maps. Stands will generally be marked with some kind of painted and/or tagged boundaries in the field. Stands boundaries may be marked with 2 or 3 stripes. Herbicide stands which have no cutting activity associated with them generally will be marked by a painted 3 stripe or tagged.

C.6.1.4. Government Furnished Property

The Government will provide the following Government property at the time of the prework conference for each task order, unless otherwise stated:

Administrative Maps

Vincinity Map, showing approximate location of individual survey areas.

Timber Sale Maps (scale printed on each map).

Paper Stocking Survey forms

Flagging

Electronic shape files of stand boundaries (if requested by contractor to load into a contractor supplied PDR).

C.6.1.5. Field Data Collection Verification

The Governent may at its discretion determine it necessary to accompany the Contractor or their employees on the first plots completed in order to ensure proper data collection techniques and understanding of contract specifiations. The COR and/or Forest Service Inspector and the Contractor will meet at a mutually agreed on time and locatin if deemed necessary. A Contractor without previous experience with Government stocking surveys should expect to be accompanied by the Government on the first plots completed. Whether or not the Government accompanies the Contractor as described above does not release the contractor from meeting all quality standards of the contract.

C.6.1.6. Safety

It is the Contractor’s responsibility to ensure that the work environment is safe for themselves and their employees. If the Contractor feels that a requirement of this contract would place them or their employees in an unsafe environment, then work should stop on that area and the Contractor should contact the COR. Work should continue on another area of the contract that the Contractor views as safe.

C.6.1.7. Technical Specifications Data Collection

Remarks and all entries on the tally sheets are expected to be legible. Data may be collected by using either of the following methods:

Paper Forms ANF Forms titled “Setting Form, Tree Form, and Vegetation Composition Form” will be used for collecting data. The contractor will be provided with a list of information for each stand.

Electronic Data Collection

Data collected using Personal Data Recorder’s using the stocking survey template from the Common Stand Exams software. (See Section E, Quality Assurance – Performance Based Program, Incentives for additional information regarding this data collection method).

C.6.1.8. Technique Stocking surveys are used for collecting data needed to determine stocking, to evaluate regeneration potential and to support proposals for silvicultural treatment will be made as follows:

Distribution of Plots:

Plots will be located systematically to distribute them evenly throughout the stand. The sampling lines must be kept at least 75 feet from open boundaries, such as roads, oil & gas pads, and power lines. The number of sampling lines, the spacing between them and the spacing between plots on a line must be set so as to obtain enough samples scattered throughout the stand to provide accurate estimates for it. Plots should be taken wherever they fall, and not moved to other locations to avoid thick patches or beech brush, slash piles, or other unpleasant conditions, as this would bias the data. For the same reason, examiners should not move plots into or out of areas of good regeneration. For stands greater than 20 acres in size, the plots will be at least 3 chains apart.

Stands in which the plots are not distributed as stated above will be considered unacceptable and returned to the contractor to be redone.

The traverse lines (with azimuths noted), distance between plots, and location of the starting point(s) must be plotted or indicated by the Contractor on the maps provided, and every 5th plot numbered. The map scale is designated on each map. On the ground, the starting point and every plot will be flagged and labeled with indelible ink. This flagged location will represent plot center. The flagging should be visible from one flagged point to the other. It may be necessary to place an additional piece of flagging head high between plots to achieve this.

Plot Size:

Information on the understory will be collected using two sizes of fixed radius plots; 6’ and 26.3’.

6’ radius plot will be used to count or estimate the number of live seedlings of all woody species that are greater than 2” tall and less than 1” DBH, and which have at least two normal sized leaves. The 6’ radius plot will also be used to count the number of stems of blackberry and/or raspberry plants, and striped maple stems. The actual number of stems will be recorded by species code (see Field Guide Procedures for species code listing) for each species counted in each of the 4 height categories. Live seedlings in tree shelters should be counted if encountered in the 6’ plot.

Also the 6’ plot will be used to record any residual stems greater than 1” in final harvest cuts and stems 1” to 6” in shelterwood seed and individual tree selection cuts.

26.3” radius plot (1/20 acre) with the same plot center as the 6’ radius plot will be used to estimate the percent (%) of deer browing, fern, grass, bindweed, wetness, rockiness, and skidding damage.

Paper Forms:

Recording Data on ANF “Setting Form” (see the Field Guide Procedures attachment for detailed information).

Remarks and all entries on the tally sheet are expected to be legible.

The form is divided into two parts:

Heading Information

The contractor will be required to complete the following entries on this page: Project Name, Location, Stand No., County, Date, Acres, Examiner Name, Remarks, Damage Category, Damage Agent, Damage Severity, Species of Management Interest, and Number of Understory Plots.

Proclaimed Region, Proclaimed Forest, Ranger District, Owner, State, Admin Forest, Admin Region, Exam Level, and Exam Purpose will all be preprinted on the form.

Traverse Notes

The azimuth and distance between plots should be recorded here. A sketch of the stand boundary, plot locations plus other significant features can be made here (or on maps provided by the Forest Service).

Recording Data on ANF “Tree” Form (See the Field Guide Procedures attachment for detailed data collection instructions).

Location and Stand Number at top of page must be filled in. Plot #, Species, Tree Count, DBH (if required), Height, Damage Category, Damage Agent, Damage Part, and Damage Severity must be entered.

Number of Seedings:

The number of seedlings which are greater than 2” tall and less than 1” DBH will be counted (or estimated if large numbers are present) and recorded for all woody seedlings for each of the four height classes. See Field Guide Procedures attachment for a complete listing of species alpha codes. Count live seedlings inside tree shelters also.

To speed up collecting the data, estimating instead of counting may be done whenever the number of seedlings for a species exceeds the following minimum for a particular height class:

Height

Minimum Number of Seedlings

5’ or taller

3’ - 5’ tall

1’- 3’ tall

2” – 1’ tall

Record all seedling height groups on the plot, do not omit the 3-5’ and the under 3’ tall seedlings because the minimum number of 5’ tall seedlings are present.

Recording Data on ANF “Vegetation Composition” Form (See the Field Guide Procedures attachment for detailed data collection instructions).

Location and Stand number on the top of the form must be filled in.

Total Veg Cover must be filled in. Plot #, Life Form, Species, Canopy Cover and Interference (if present) must be entered.

SECTION D--PACKAGING AND MARKING

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

SECTION E--INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

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.2.1 CONTRACTOR QUALITY CONTROL PLAN

E.2.1.1 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 task order award 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.

E.3.1. Acceptance and Rework for Common Stand Exams E.3.1.1. 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.3.1.2. When the Contractor’s inspection results for common stand exams fall below the performance standard of > 5.0% for Form Score and > 10.0% for Total Score; based on the Government inspection, acceptance and payment will not be made until the deficiency(s) has been corrected.

E.3.1.3. Payment will be made only on completed stands unless otherwise agreed upon by the Contracting Officer.

E.3.1.4. The Government shall complete a pass-fail check of specified standards and procedures for each inspection block within 14 days after submission of work. Inspection blocks deficient in the following specifications are unacceptable on a "pass-fail" basis and the entire inspection block shall be returned to the Contractor for rework. The determination of noncompliance with these items may be made during the office edit or during field inspection

a. All completed forms and electronic data not submitted to the Forest Service in a timely manner.

b. Forms that are illegible or cannot be reproduced.

c. Stands submitted with incomplete and/or inaccurate information on any form, paper or electronic. (Paper is only acceptable for Stocking Surveys.)

d. Electronic data that cannot be read by Government computers.

e. Any error found in the Sample Design.

f. Any stand having less than the prescribed number of sample plots examined.

g. Any stand with plots not evenly distributed throughout the stand.

h. Any sample plot center < 1 chain from the stand boundary, any sample plot center falling outside the stand boundary, and/or overlapping data. ie: the same vegetation measured on more than one plot.

i. Any sample plot center which cannot be located because of improper labeling, improper reference point labeling, improper GPS referencing or for any other reason attributable to noncompliance with specifications.

j. Any tree with a discrepancy in tree status between live and dead.

k. Any tree with a missing or incorrect tree species on live trees ≥ 5.0” DBH.

l. Any stand without a measured site tree.

E.4.1 REWORK FOR COMMON STAND EXAMS.

E.4.1.1. Upon notification to the Contractor of a failed Form Score of ≥ 5.00%, the Contractor shall be required to rework all failed forms on every plot within the inspection block before beginning work on another inspection block.

E.4.1.2. Upon notification to the Contractor of a failed Total Score of > 10.00%, the Contractor shall be required to rework all plots within the entire inspection block before beginning work on another inspection block.

E.4.1.3. At the Governments option, during a rework the Contractor may be required to use a different colored ribbon at each plot center. The COR shall specify the color of the ribbon. If a different color of flagging is called for it shall be at the contractor’s expense.

E.4.1.4. 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 non-payment and/or contract default.

E.4.1.5. 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.4.1.6. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY.

The following describes the major items in this solicitation with the deductions for the work described.

Common Stand Exam Data Collection

· If Contractor achieves < 5.00% for Form Score and < 10.00% for Total Score, work is acceptable and the Contractor will receive full pay.

· If Contractor achieves > 5.00% on any Form Score entire inspection block for that form is unacceptable and shall be returned for rework.

· If Contractor achieves > 10.00% to ≤ 14.50% Total Score the contractor has the option to implement the reduced payment schedule or rework entire inspection block.

· If Contractor achieves > 14.50% Total Score, inspection block is unacceptable and returned for rework.

Work Plan and Schedule

· Work not completed on schedule is subject to Default and may result in assessment of actual costs.

E.4.1.7. CSE Work Completed after the performance period. Whenever the Contractor fails to complete work within the performance period, and is allowed to work beyond that period, the Contractor will be assessed actual damages and a 5% late fee for the inspection block turned after the completion date for common stand exam work. Items to be included in the actual damage includes but is not limited to: wages of the COR and Government inspector(s) for quality assurance after the performance period, costs of vehicles, meals, and lodging that are incurred while administering the contract after the performance period. The Forest Service retains all other rights available to it for late performance including termination for default E.5.1. Acceptance and Rework for STOCKING SURVEYS E.5.1.1 Quality Assurance – Performance Based Incentives and Disincentives for Stocking Surveys. Inspections will be completed by the COR and/or inspector through field checks of data submitted.

E.5.1.1.1. The following incentives will be applied for electronically collected data for the base year items.

If data for final harvest areas 3 years old or greater in age and if 100% of the work is completed on time and all form scores are < 10%, the contract price for those plots will be increased by a 15% premium. These stands are highlighted in gray on the list of stands to have stocking surveys completed in the base year in the attachment. (If not submitted electronically, E.5.1.1.2 applies to these items).

E.5.1.1.2. The following incentives will be applied for data collected on paper or electronically for all non-highlighted base year stands and for all option year items.

1. If data other than final harvest areas 3 years old or greater in age and if 100% of the work is completed on time and all form scores are <…