OfferorsCopy.doc

Service RFQ

AG-24H8-S-13-0049

WMNF Timber Marking IDIQ

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

PAGE OF PAGES

UNDER BDSA REG. 2

AND/OR DMS REG. 1

FOB DESTINATION

FORMCHECKBOX

OTHER (See Schedule)

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

White Mountain National Forest Timber Marking IDIQ

Base Year plus 2 option years

Enter pricing on schedule of items in section B

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)

PART I—THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B--SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

BASE PERIOD: 08/01/2013-07/31/2014 &

OPTION YEAR 1: 08/01/2014-07/31/2015

Price

Clear Cut & Overstory Removal

Individual Tree (CTM)

Group Selection Method 1 (CTM)

Group Selection Method 2 (CTM)

Clear Cut & Overstory Removal

Individual Tree (CTM)

Group Selection Method 1 (CTM)

Group Selection Method 2 (CTM)

OPTION YEAR 2: 08/1/2015-07/31/2016

Price

Clear Cut & Overstory Removal

Individual Tree (CTM)

Group Selection Method 1 (CTM)

Group Selection Method 2 (CTM)

Clear Cut & Overstory Removal

Individual Tree (CTM)

Group Selection Method 1 (CTM)

Group Selection Method 2 (CTM)

BIDDERS NOTES

1. Group Selection Method 1 bid item consist of locating and marking trees in groups (0.1 to 2 acres in size) that total 13% - 20 % of the total unit acreage. Price bid will be based on the total unit acreage.

2. Group Selection Method 2 bid item consist of marking trees in groups (0.1 to 2 acres in size) that total 15% - 20 % of the total unit acreage. The Forest Service will locate groups. Price bid will be based on the acreage of the groups only.

3. Two contract awards will be made for this solicitation, one for the West Side and one for the East Side. Award will not be made to the same bidder for both contracts. Pricing must be provided for each entire item. For example, if you’re only interested in being awarded the work on the West Side, you must provide pricing for items 1-A through 1-D for all years. You would write “no bid” in the total blocks for the East Side items (2-A through 2-D). If you wish, you can submit bids for both Items (sides) but you can only be awarded one of them.

4. A technical evaluation package is required with your offer. See Section L for preparation instructions. Quotes will be evaluated as described in Section M.

5. This will be an indefinite quantity/ indefinite delivery (IDIQ) contract. Actual work will be issued through the use of task orders during the life of the contract. Task orders aren’t expected to exceed 1000 acres of work per contract year unless agreed to by the contractor. Pricing will be evaluated by taking unit price times the maximum estimated quantity for all years.

6. In order to receive award, contractor shall be registered in www.sam.gov. This is a free registration.

7. We expect the first task order to be issued in August 2013 and the approximate acres will be 500 acres on the West Side and 600 acres on the East Side. (If funding is available) 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 $5,000, but not in excess of $150,000.

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.

Biobased & Recycled Content Products

All supplies and materials used in the performance of this project 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 and recycled products.

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

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

SAFETY AND HEALTH

SUBMITTALS

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

DIVISION 100 – GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

110 - SCOPE OF CONTRACT

This contract is for timber marking as directed by USFS Silvicultural prescription (provided), tallying, locating and documenting sample trees on the White Mountain National Forest. GPS data will be collected as needed. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, supplies, equipment (including marking guns), tools, instruments, transportation and professional services, except that listed as Government Furnished Property (GFP).

120 - PRICING OF TASK ORDERS

121 - All Task Order shall be for a firm fixed price. Task Orders shall be for a pre priced item as shown in the Schedule of Items, numbers 1A-2D.

130 - ISSUING TASK ORDERS.

131 – Timber marking services shall be procured under the contract through the issuance of task orders. All task orders are subject to the terms and conditions of this contract. In the event of conflict between the task order and this contract, the contract shall control. If mailed, a task order is considered "issued" when the government deposits the order in the mail.

132 - The Government will issue written task orders. Task orders for a project will contain a firm fixed amount that will be the total compensation for that project. This amount shall not be changed unless the requirements of the project are changed, and then only if the Contracting Officer signs prior written modification. Each task order shall include, at a minimum, all of the following information:

1. The contract number.

2. Task order number.

3. Authorized signature of a warranted Contracting Officer

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

5. Firm fixed price for the project.

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

7. Map or other adequate description of the project location.

8. Designation of Government’s Representative Contracting Officers Representative (COR).

9. Government-furnished property provided (if applicable).

140 - TASK ORDER AMENDMENTS

Any change to a task order will be made in writing on form SF 30, Amendment of Solicitation/Modification of Contract. Task order amendments will be issued only by the Contracting Officer and shall be identified as an amendment of a specific task order.

150 - LOCATION OF PROJECT AREAS

151 - All timber marking services provided shall be performed within the general area of the White Mountain National Forest and/or the Massabesic Experimental Forest. Work will be performed at the project site, the Contractor's office and some work may be performed at a Forest Service Office.

152 - With agreement of both parties, other National Forests in the Northeastern United States may utilize this contract.

153 - 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 Contracting Officer’s Representative for gaining access behind locked gates. If use of Off-Road Vehicle becomes necessary for reasons agreed upon by both parties, requests must be made in writing to and approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative. The use of any vehicles will be subject to conditions of the White Mountain National Forest Off-Road Vehicle Policy. A copy is available upon request.

160 - GOVERNMENT FURNISHED DATA/PROPERTY

The Government shall furnish to the Contractor the following listed materials, supplies, property, or services. All items listed below will be available at the time and place of the pre-work conference.

161 - Timber Sale product specifications. This item does not have to be returned to the Government.

162 - Timber Sale Tally Sheets for species and product groups (Exhibit C-1). Note: Timber sale volumes by product and species or species group will be determined from sample trees by the Forest Service.

163 – Written marking and silvicultural prescription list by harvest unit and acres (Exhibit C-4).

164 - Timber Sale Cruising Handbook, FSH 2409.12, Chapter 10 and Chapter 70. Qualified Cruiser Reference Guide dated 2/29/2009. Sweep Chart. These items do not have to be returned to the Government.

165 – White Mountain National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan 2005 (cd set or other electronic form). This item does not have to be returned to the Government.

166 - Copies of Administrative Maps and vicinity maps as needed. These items do not have to be returned to the Government.

167 - Copies of orthophotos, as needed. These items do not have to be returned to the Government.

168 - All marking paint necessary to complete the contract. Color Scheme will adhere to direction in Timber Sale Cruise Plan and the WMNF Timber Theft Prevention Plan, 2009.

a. BLUE or YELLOW paint for designating trees for harvest and recording cruise information on sample trees.

b. ORANGE or PINK paint for reserve tree designation or boundaries.

c. BLACK paint for making corrections.

169 - WMNF Timber Theft Prevention Plan, 2009.

170 – Marking Paint

All unused paint, empty paint cans and cleaning fluids not used up in the field shall be returned to the Government at regularly scheduled times on a weekly basis unless otherwise approved by the Government. Except for paint in use, Contractor shall keep all paint cans, including empties, locked in their vehicle or other secured container. Contractor's paint storage container(s) must be approved by the COR prior to its use.

171 - The Government will sign out the paint to the Contractor using a “Paint Sign-Out Form” that will be reviewed at the Pre-Work meeting (Exhibit C-3). The quantity signed out will be the estimated amount for a one week time period.

172 - Material Safety Data Sheets will be furnished with the Tree Marking Paint. The time and location for pick-up and return of paint cans (full and empty) will be at a time and location agreed to between the Contractor and the Government. The contractor or designated contract representative will be required to verify and initial all pick-up and returns on the “Paint Sign-Out Form”.

173 - There will be strict accountability for all paint cans, regardless of amount of content or lack thereof. The Contractor shall keep the paint cans under LOCK & KEY, except for the paint being used or carried into the field to be used. A legible daily log shall be maintained by the Contractor to show paint usage and shall be provided to the Government upon request. The daily log will further include each batch number, color, payment unit used (contract item number outlined under section B) and daily volume used.

174 - In the event any marking paint is lost the contractor will be required to notify the Government within 24 hours once aware of the loss and be required to spend additional time, at no cost to the government, securing the missing paint. For EACH paint can that is not returned, the contractor shall submit a written report describing in detail the circumstance which caused the misplacement of the paint can(s), along with security measures implemented in order to prevent further losses. This report must be turned in within a week of the loss occurring. In addition, the Contractor shall pay the Government price of a full can of paint, and the regular administrative costs, and a fine of $200 for each quart that is not returned.

180 - Contractor-Furnished Property

The Contractor shall furnish all labor, supervision, equipment, transportation and supplies, except those designated as Government-furnished, to complete the contract.

181 - A Garmin model 60 CSx Global Positioning System (GPS) or another model approved by the Forest Service will be used to locate points of interest (POI), all sample trees, and group boundaries (Group Selection method 1) “ All electronic data will be turned in as shapefile format and in the NAD_1983_StatePlane_New_Hampshire_FIPS2800_(Feet).prj coordinate system. Data shall be turned in as each unit is completed.

190 - Harvest unit and Reserve Area Boundaries/Trees 191 – Harvest unit Boundaries. The Forest Service has marked with orange or pink paint all unit boundaries. Harvest unit boundaries are marked with two (2) or three (3) painted stripes. Exterior boundaries are marked with three (3) painted stripes, while adjacent, interior boundaries are painted with two (2) stripes. Striped boundary trees have also been stump marked with orange or pink paint.

192 – Reserve Areas and Reserve Area Boundaries. Boundary trees along the perimeter of reserve areas have been marked by the Forest Service. These boundaries are identified by an orange or pink two stripe and an “X” at dbh and an orange or pink stump mark. Reserve area boundary trees have also been stump marked with orange or pink paint. Neither boundary trees nor trees within the reserve area shall be designated for cutting.

193 – Reserve Trees. Reserve trees are identified with an orange band near DBH and a stump mark. Reserve trees shall not be designated for cutting.

DIVISION 200 – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

210 – Quality Control Plan. The contractor shall prepare a quality control plan for this solicitation (See Section L for instructions) which outlines the planned steps for insuring compliance with this contract. At the pre-work meeting for each task order, a Plan of Work shall be submitted that addresses the schedule of work, the plan for residual basal area checks in Cut Tree Mark units, checks to insure compliance with merchantability standards, and assurance that the silviculture prescription is met.

220 - Selecting Trees for Harvest

The Contractor shall select and mark trees for harvesting according to the prescriptions (Exhibit C-4) and marking guides supplied for each harvest unit when delivery orders are issued. In order for a tree to be designated for harvest, it must meet minimum tree specifications including one minimum product. In addition to designating timber for harvest the contractor will randomly select & identify sample trees from the designated timber to be used towards creating an overall sale volume. See 271 “Selecting Sample Trees Specification” that outlines this process. Trees selected for harvest must be capable of being economically and safely felled. See “Minimum Product Specifications” (Exhibit C-5).

221 –Table of Minimum Product Specifications. For a tree to be designated for harvest it must meet minimum tree specifications and include one minimum piece and be a Commercial Tree Species; Commercial tree species are shown in (Exhibit C-2). If minimum product specifications change the contractor will use the most current specifications. However, each timber sale will be marked with only one set of specifications.

230 - Designating Trees for Harvest

231 – All timber designated for harvest will be marked with blue or yellow paint (issued by the Forest Service).

232 – Trees Prohibited from Marking Designation – Under no circumstances shall dead trees, designated painted reserve trees, reserve areas, survey corner monuments (Bearing Trees) or Superior Trees (designated as a white ring around the tree bole generally at breast height) be designated for harvest.

233 - Cut Tree Mark (CTM) Harvest units include, but are not limited to, thinning, intermediate shelterwood harvest, individual tree selection, group selection, individual and group selection and improvement cut treatments. In CTM harvest units, trees to be harvested will be designated by the Contractor. A liberal amount of paint shall be used to mark all trees as to ensure good paint visibility. Typically, this would mean two – three full sprays of paint on each side of designated tree & stump from a properly working marking gun. Those trees meeting minimum tree and piece specifications for sawtimber shall be designated with one slash (at least five inches in length) of paint above DBH (five to six feet) on the uphill side and another slash on the opposite side and a stump mark on the low side of the tree extending up the bole to stump height. Place stump marks inside butt flanges whenever possible to protect from damage during felling and skidding. No paint shall be placed on moss. Moss and debris may be moved without damaging the tree. A liberal amount of paint shall be used on stump marks since these are very important and must be durable. Mark pulpwood trees with one paint dot above DBH (five to six feet) on the uphill side of the tree and one paint dot on the opposite side. All stump markings must be executed in the same fashion as described for sawtimber.

234 – Adherence to the Residual Basal Area Objective. The contractor shall use a 10 BAF (basal area factor) wedge prism, relaskop, or other equivalent optical instrument to insure residual basal area meets silviculture prescription objectives. Basal area checks shall be performed during the marking of harvest units.

235 - Cull trees that need to be felled to harvest merchantable trees shall be designated with an "X" painted at diameter at breast height on opposite sides of the tree and with a stump spot at least three inches in diameter placed inside the fluted portions of the butt as close to the ground as possible.

236 – Clearcut and Overstory Removal Units. All trees within the clear-cut boundary meeting minimum utilization standards will be designated for cutting except for painted reserve trees, reserve areas, survey corner monuments (Bearing Trees) or Superior Trees (designated as a white ring around the tree bole generally at breast height). Trees should be marked at breast height or above to keep track of trees tallied. No stumps marks are necessary, except within twenty-five feet along boundaries and designated reserve areas. This may be adjusted on a case by case basis with written permission from the Forest Service.

237 - The government reserves the right to reject/refuse contractor‘s equipment; if the equipment is in poor/moderate working order. In the event any equipment is rejected the contractor would replace or repair the equipment at no cost to the Government, which includes lost time as well.

240 – Documenting Locations of Points of Interest All sample trees, reserve trees and group boundaries (Group Selection method 1) shall be recorded with a WAAS-enabled GPS. Points of unique features in the stand such as seeps, ledges and vernal pools shall be collected and noted using the same protocol.

250 - Tallying Timber for Harvest/Marking Records

All marked tree tallies by harvest unit must be delivered to the Forest Service on approved forms (provided be the Forest Service), and recorded information on the forms must be legible.

251 – Timber Tally Sheet Header Data Instructions - Proper entries to be made in filling out the tally sheet as follows:

a) Forest: Enter 22.

b) District: 02 - Androscoggin, 04 - Pemigewasset and 05- Saco

c) Sale Name: Enter name of sale.

d) Unit #.: Enter Harvest unit Number as shown on maps.

e) Date(s): Enter the date(s) the unit was marked and cruised.

g) Marker’s Name: Enter initials of marker(s)

h) Paint Color: Enter color of paint used to mark the harvest unit.

i) Batch #.: Record Batch Number of paint used.

l) Card #: Enter tally sheet number for each respective harvest unit, i.e. 1 of 3, 2 of 3, etc. in the upper right hand corner of the Timber Tally Sheet 252 – Tally Sheet Data Entry. Timber Tally Sheets provided by the Forest Service (Exhibit C-1) will be used to record tree count in each unit by sample group. Use the dot-and-dash notation to record tree tallies. This notation applies to counts in units of 10 in the form of a box. Note that the placement of dots and dashes proceeds in a clockwise direction with the dots at each corner for the first four and lines connecting the dots at the sides of the box for the next four and, finally two diagonals across the box for the final two marks making up the ten. Start a new box with a new dot for the next set of ten. Upon completion of marking within each unit the total number of trees marked for each sample group and the total of all trees must be clearly noted on each tally card. All tally cards must be legible. Marks deliberately made with a pencil or pen by the contractor must clearly be distinguished from paint or other marks.

253 - Below is a portion of a Timber Tally Sheet used to track the total number of trees by sample group & strata. For example, the first sample group is SM 1:30, which represents sugar maple and requires that one tree out of every thirty trees will be a sample tree. Below in Strata 2 is MH – Mixed Hrd 1:300, which represent all hardwood non saw-timber, commonly called hardwood pulp, requiring that one tree out of every three hundred trees will be a sample tree.

Strata # 1

SM 1: 30

YB 1: 30

RM 1:30

Beech 1: 30

Aspen 1: 30

Strata # 2

MH- Mixed Hrd 1: 300

254 – Marking Progress. On one copy of the timber sale work map, weekly marking progress shall be indicated. This record shall be made available to the Government at every paint exchange or when requested. At the completion of each unit, the Contractor shall furnish a second copy of the work map indicating locations of sample trees, reserve trees, group boundaries, unusual circumstances or other points of interest locations. This second copy shall not include daily marking progress.

255 – Tally Form and Marking Record Submittal. All completed tally forms and marking records shall be turned into the Forest Service at least once per week. This generally occurs at the time of a paint exchange. .

260 – Corrections.

Where it is necessary for the Contractor to make changes in trees originally marked, the Contractor shall obliterate any blue, yellow, orange or pink markings with black paint. Use of black paint needs to be documented and turned in to the Government. Electronic files and or dot tally counts shall be adjusted accordingly for any corrections.

270 - Timber Cruising

271 - Sample Tree Selection – The timber cruising method used within this marking contract is called “Sample-Tree”; where one tree will represent “X” many other trees of the same species or grouping. Your task while marking each unit is to select sample-trees that represent the particular predetermined sample group for each timber sale. All sample trees will be chosen without bias using pre-determined sample ratios provided by the Government on Timber Tally Forms and within the cruise design. In some cases not all sample groups are present within each unit; some lines may be left blank. It is important that all tally trees within each unit have a sample representing each sample group, if present. It is also important that all sample trees be selected without bias. The standard “Timber Tally Sheet” (Exhibit C-1) will outline the sampling groups & ratios that you will need to follow.

a) In each harvest unit, the first sample tree for each sample group shall be taken at the midpoint of the sample interval and then at the regular sample interval. For example, if the sample interval for a sample group is 1 in 20, the first sample tree would be the tenth tree tallied in that sample group, the next sample tree would be the twenty-first tree tallied, and so on.

b) If the total tree tally for a sample group in a harvest unit is less than the midpoint of the sample interval but at least one tree, go back to the last tree in that sample group and cruise it for that sample group (See Exhibits C-1, C-2).

272 - Sample Tree Marking - The contractor will identify each sample tree by painting an “S” on the up and down hill sides at DBH and hang 2 pieces of fluorescent pink ribbon on opposite sides of the sample tree to aid in finding the tree. Sample trees will be documented on a sample tree form, see exhibit C – 8.

273 - The Contractor shall review all data sheets to insure that all information is filled out properly before delivery to the Government. All incomplete sheets will be returned to the Contractor for completion or correction. All data entries shall be complete and legible. All dot tally sheets and accompanying forms for a completed unit shall be turned in on a weekly basis.

274 - Contractor is responsible for keeping a progress report current (Exhibit C-6) and available for review by the Forest Service upon request.

280 – Marking Under Varying Weather Conditions

The Contractor shall plan on rainy/wet days when trees cannot be marked. The tree marking paint provided for this contract is water soluble and needs some drying time prior to exposure to heavy rainfall or wash-off problems can occur. Additionally trees must be adequately dry following rain/snow before applying paint to trees.

281 – Temperature and Humidity. Periods of high temperature (80o F) with high relative humidity, or subfreezing temperatures, preceding forecast of rain or frozen precipitation should also be avoided. Potential for wash off problems in the leaf-on period is most critical in closed canopy hardwoods where dry time is extended by higher relative humidity, less air movement and less exposure of bark to direct sunlight than in open stands of most conifer types. Potential for wash off problems in the leaf-off period is most critical in hardwoods and some softwoods as rain water will travel down the stem or make direct contact, and wash the paint. Marking as these conditions approach may be extended if rain resistant paint is being used, however the section 294 still applies.

282 – Rainy Periods. The Contractor shall exercise prudent judgment as to when to start marking during rainy periods and when to stop once precipitation is anticipated. Marking as these conditions approach may be extended if rain resistant paint is being used, however the section 294 still applies. Resumption of marking following rainfall is at the Contractor's option. The Government reserves the right to stop the Contractor's marking if it is determined that weather is unsuitable and normal paint retention quality cannot be assured.

283 – Marking in Snow Conditions/Freezing Temperatures. During times when the tree stem is becoming frozen or is frozen, the tree stem may develop a thin layer of frost as a result of high relative humidity or frozen precipitation and will block the paint from properly adhering to the tree. All marking will cease, unless approved by written agreement, if snow levels average or exceed three inches. The contractor should plan on extended drying periods during cold weather especially freezing temperatures.

284 – Contractor Responsibility. The Government holds the contractor responsible for repainting any tree(s) or area(s), at no cost to the government, that are found to be faded, washed or visibly affected as described above.

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

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

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

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

Inspection Procedures

The Contractor is responsible for quality control checks as specified in the Quality Control Plan. Within fifteen (15) business days of receipt of the tally sheets and the quality check tally sheets the Forest Service will verify that the work complies with the contract. Once the work is verified by the Forest Service the contractor may submit an invoice for payment.

As the basis for payment, contract compliance will be based on plot level and unit level assessments of:

1. Adherence to marking prescriptions, and

2. Correct stump and bole designation of trees for harvest, and

3. Acceptable quantity of paint and quality of paint marks, and

4. Correct designation, selection and count of reserve trees, and

5. Accurate tree species and product identification, and

6. Correct frequency, designation and GPS waypoint collection and documentation of sample trees, reserve trees and group areas, and

7. Marking paint security. Failure to meet marking paint security as indicated in this contract will be considered a breach of contract.

QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN (QAP)

Introduction: The purpose of this Quality Assurance Plan or QAP for Timber Sale Marking is to layout in advance what this agency will do to assure that the Contractor’s performance meets the baseline established by the contract in terms of technical requirements, schedule, quality and cost. This Plan provides the basis for the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) to evaluate the Contractor's performance. The oversight provided for in the QAP and in the contract will help to ensure that the performance levels mandated by the Specifications are attained throughout the contract term and/or by its end. Further, this Plan provides the COR with a proactive way to avoid unacceptable or deficient performance, and provides verifiable input for the required annual performance evaluations.

Functions of the QAP: The QAP is composed to convey the following:

A. The roles and responsibilities of Government officials B. The evaluation methods that will be employed by the Government in assessing the Contractor’s performance and C. The monitoring forms used to evaluate and document the Contractor’s performance.

Government Roles and Responsibilities:

The COR has technical responsibility for overall performance management of the contract. He or she has the lead in monitoring, assessing, recording and reporting the technical performance of the Contractor. The COR will be the main interface with the Contractor about performance and work closely with the Contractor’s Project Manager and the Government’s Contracting Officer (CO).

Performance Evaluation Methods:

A. COR primary functions include: inspection, acceptance and addressing nonconformance. These functions will be done to the tasking and deliverable facets of the effort. Specifically, such duties will entail the following:

1. Conduct periodic inspections

2. Random inspections will be completed on an as needed basis by the COR or inspectors.

3. Report findings obtained from the periodic inspections to the CO.

4. Document any contract discrepancies. This information will be provided to the contractor to: 1) communicate discrepancies discovered during the periodic inspections, 2) note the impacts of what was not completed, and any recommendation for rework or re-performance, and 3) follow up to ensure non-conformances are corrected.

5. Provide timely feedback on submitted deliverables. Get feedback to the contractor in time to incorporate comments for re-submittal.

6. Perform annual and final Performance Evaluations.

B. When an observation indicates defective performance, the COR will require the contract manager or representative (contractor) to initial the observation made. The initialing of the observation does not necessarily constitute concurrence with the observation, only acknowledgment that he or she has been made aware of the defective performance.

C. The Contractor shall perform or re-perform any work, which was not performed in a satisfactory manner, at the Contractors expense, accordance with Inspection Clause (FAR 52.246-4) Performance Requirement Summaries:

In general, the Tasks completed by the Contractor will be evaluated in terms of how well the requirements of the contract are satisfied. The COR will periodically perform Inspection on the Tasking and Deliverables to ensure there is a match between actual and expected performance. If there are discrepancies, these will be communicated to the Contractor, and follow through to ensure performance gaps are closed. The information obtained from these surveillance activities will form the basis for the COR completing the contractors performance evaluation.

The actual Inspection that is done by the COR includes using Performance Requirement Summaries (PRSs).

A. Requirement Element: This is a Task or an aspect of Task that will be evaluated by the COR. The PRS table is developed to include Tasks.

B. Acceptable Quality Level (AQL): The Specifications and PRS delineate the levels of performance expected from the Contractor. During the actual Contractor performance, the COR will evaluate the current level of performance, by using one or more AQL’s given in the PRS. In many instances, these AQL’s come from internal or external standards.

C. Monitoring Method & Measurement: This is the means by which the COR will verify that the AQL’s are providing effective performance feedback information and the standards against which the contractors performance is to be measured.

Performance Requirement Summary Table

Marking to Prescription

· Preparing unit to guidelines as outlined in the prescription.

· All members of the marking crew must be familiar with prescription and marking guidelines

· Residual basal area is within 20% of prescription target on each variable radius inspection plot and average residual basal area within 10% of prescription target on a stand level basis

· Residual basal area is composed of the health, form and quality as specified in the prescription

· A minimum of 5 variable radius plots will be placed in each unit inspected by COR or COR’s inspector

· Residual basal area will be measured using a 10 BAF wedge prism, relaskop, or other equivalent optical instrument

· Ocular health, form and quality will be assessed and checked against prescription

· Each unit will be inspected by the Government.

Tree Designation

· Correct marking procedures used to designate timber for harvest

· 100% of trees must have correct stump marks (placement, height and suitable bark surface)

· Adequate bole marks for pulp, sawlog and sample trees

· 100% of designated trees must be recorded on Timber Sale Tally Sheets.

· Dead trees shall not be marked.

· COR or COR’s inspector will check stump marks throughout each unit to assure 100% of designated trees have correct stump and bole marks

· Stump marks will be checked for adequate paint quantity and quality

· Timber Tally Sheets must be filled out in legible fashion

Tree Species and Product Identification

· Tree species identification must be correct to accurately estimate volumes by species/species group and product

· Tree species must be called accurately a minimum of 98% of the time

· Product must be called accurately a minimum of 98% of the time

· The COR or COR’s inspector will monitor species and product calls during variable radius plot assessments and/or sample tree data collection

Sample Tree Location and Frequency

· Sample trees must be tallied at the correct sampling interval as defined by the cruise design

· 100% of sample trees must be identified by an “S” on uphill and opposite side at breast height of the sample tree and two pieces of pink fluorescent flagging on opposite sides of the sample tree (see technical specifications “272”).

· One sample tree must be located at specified sampling interval in an unbiased fashion

· GPS data must be collected for each sample tree; this data must be 95% accurate (GPS points are recorded accurately - see technical specification “240”)

· A cross walk table will be filled in identifying GPS point and sample tree information

· GPS data must be collected for each sample tree; this data must be 95% accurate (GPS points are recorded accurately - see technical specification “240”)

· Number of sample trees will be evaluated against the Timber Tally Sheet and collected GPS data

· GPS data will be checked for proper format and usability

Group Location

· Each group will have a track file of its perimeter collected with a GPS unit to identify size and location if laid out by the contractor

· GPS data must be collected for each group and documented, see Exhibit C-9; this data must be 95% accurate (GPS tracks are recorded accurately - see technical specification “240”)

· GPS data will be checked for proper format and usability

Marking Paint Security

· Marking Paint Security is imperative.

· 100% of paint shall be kept in a locked box while in the field, be accompanied by the marking crew or secured at a location approved by the Forest Service

· Paint shall be checked in/out with the Forest Service at least once per week.

· Contractor must keep daily log of use indicating location paint was applied, amount used and batch number.

· Immediately notify the Forest Service if any paint is misplaced/lost.

· Contractor shall be subject to random audits to assure compliance with Acceptable Quality Levels

· If Acceptable Quality Levels are not followed, Contractor shall be found in breach of contract.

· Forest Service shall give contractor notice of such breach

· Forest Service may give reasonable time to remedy such breach; however reserves the right to terminate the contract.

Map Products

· Work progress and final maps of units

In carrying out performance monitoring, the following is to be noted:

A. Inspection can be done at all times and places so long as not to disrupt the Contractor’s effort.

B. If the COR discovers performance deficiencies, the Contractor is given the first right to make the corrections.

C. If the Contractor is not able to make corrections, either:

1. The Government or a third party can do so at the Contractor’s expense, or

2. The Government can accept the performance and seek an equitable adjustment.

D. Acceptance acknowledges that the performance conforms to the requirements.

Re-inspection upon Contractor's Request

If the original inspection results are contested by the Contractor on a completed Bid Item, one re-inspection may be requested in writing. The same inspection procedures will be used; however different plots will be used. The results of the re-inspection will be used in determining payment. If the re-inspection results fall below the Acceptable Quality Level, the Contractor shall pay the costs incurred by the Government for the re-inspection.

PERFORMANCE BASED INCENTIVES

This contract contains both positive and negative incentives as shown in the table below. Incentives are based on the value of the contract. A positive incentive (bonus) will be given if the contractor finishes all work ahead of the due date. A penalty will apply to all units that are completed after the due date.

The Contractor shall perform work in accordance with the specifications contained in this contract, and their technical proposal that is incorporated by reference, including their quality control system.

These performance based incentives apply only to initial submissions with acceptable work , those items that are rejected or have previously been rejected and corrected do not fall into this population.

Completion Time Table

* - days are number of days work is completed before due date.

* + days are number of days work is completed after due date.

The Forest Service retains all other rights available to it for late performance including termination for default. The contractor is considered to be in default once the original due date for the work has passed. Allowing the contractor to work past this date at the disincentives indicated will be at the government’s discretion.

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) 52.242-17 Government Delay of Work (APR 1984)

TIME OF YEAR RESTRICTIONS (see Section 293) (a.) During times when the tree stem is becoming frozen or is frozen, the tree stem may develop a thin layer of frost as a result of high relative humidity or frozen precipitation and will block the paint from properly adhering to the tree.

(b.) All Cut Tree Mark harvest units will cease, unless approved by written agreement, if snow levels average or exceed three inches at the base of the trees. The contractor should plan on extended drying periods during cold weather especially freezing temperatures.

TIME FOR COMPLETION

The contractor shall complete all work within the contract time stated on each task order. Contract time will be computed based on acreage of the task order. One (1) day for every four (4) acres.

AGAR 452.211-74 Period of Performance. (Feb 1988)

The period of performance of this contract is from 8/1/13-7/31/14 with two option years.

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 20 days after the date of contract award. The conference will be held a place agreeable to the government and the contractor.

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.

SECTION H--SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

AGAR 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 their 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.

Special Qualification Requirements

(a) Crew members must be proficient in the following areas:

1. Tree measurement (diameters)

2. Species identification.

3. Defect recognition and determination.

4. Quality determination.

5. Use of timber cruising tools.

6. Map reading and compass use.

7. Elementary use of aerial photography.

8. Use of global positioning systems (GPS) hardware and software.

(b) Prior to the start of timber marking the Quality Control Inspector for timber sales must meet the following criteria unless waived by the contracting officer:

1. Meet the requirements to be a proficient crew member.

2. Experience as a timber cruiser.

Confidentiality Of Information 452.224-70 (Feb 1988)

(a) Confidential information, as used in this clause, means--

(1) information or data of a personal nature, proprietary about an individual, or

(2) information or data submitted by or pertaining to an organization.

(b) In addition to the types of confidential information described in (a)(1) and (2) above, information which might require special consideration with regard to the timing of its disclosure may derive from studies or research, during which public disclosure of primarily invalidated findings could create an erroneous conclusion which might threaten public health or safety if acted upon.

(c) The Contracting Officer and the Contractor may, by mutual consent, identify elsewhere in this contract specific information and/or categories of information which the Government will furnish to the Contractor or that the Contractor is expected to generate which is confidential. Similarly, the Contracting Officer and the Contractor may, by mutual consent, identify such confidential information from time to time during the performance of the contract. Failure to agree will be settled pursuant to the "Disputes" clause.

(d) If it is established that information to be utilized under this contract is subject to the Privacy Act, the Contractor will follow the rules and procedures of disclosure set forth in the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. 552a, and implementing regulations and policies, with respect to systems of records determined to be subject to the Privacy Act.

(e) Confidential information, as defined in (a)(1) and (2) above, shall not be disclosed without the prior written consent of the individual, institution or organization.

(f) Written advance notice of at least 45 days will be provided to the Contracting Officer of the Contractor's intent to release findings of studies or research, which have the possibility of adverse effects on the public or the Federal agency, as described in (b) above. If the Contracting Officer does not pose any objections in writing within the 45 day period, the Contractor may proceed with disclosure. Disagreements not resolved by the Contractor and Contracting Officer will be settled pursuant to the "Disputes" clause.

(g) Whenever the Contractor is uncertain with regard to the proper handling of material under the contract, or if the material in question is subject to the Privacy Act or is confidential information subject to the provisions of…