OfferorsCopy.doc

Service RFP

AG-24H8-S-14-0064

ANF Timber Marking IDIQ

UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

FORMCHECKBOX

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

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

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

OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

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 Johnson

(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

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

BASE PERIOD Date of Award – 09/30/2015 &

OPTION YEAR 1 10/1/2015 –09/30/2016

Quantity Unit

Price Total

Amount

Final Removal Harvest

Blowdown – Light*

Blowdown – Moderate*

Blowdown – Heavy*

TOTAL

OPTION YEAR 2 10/1/2016 – 9/30/2017 Increase base year/oy1 prices by ______% OPTION YEAR 3 10/1/2017 – 9/30/2018 Increase OY 2 prices by ______% OPTION YEAR 4 9/1/2018 – 9/30/2019 Increase OY 3 prices by ______%

To calculate total amount, multiply maximum estimated quantity by your unit price (ie: Item 1 Total Amount = 800 acres x your unit price). Unit prices will remain the same for the first two years of the contract. Enter the % increase which shall include all expected increases in costs including wage rates for the last three years of the contract. Total price will be evaluated by adding Total Amounts for all years based on the Est Quantity in the base year/oy1 schedule.

Additional Contractor Notes:

1. Contractor must have an active registration in www.sam.gov prior to submitting an offer. Obtaining a DUNS number and registering in SAM is free.

2. Award of this contract will require registration in CPARS, a performance rating system. Details will be provided upon award.

3. Award will be made to one contractor. You must submit pricing for all items, including any option items and/or option years.

4. Trees to be designated by the Contractor in Final Removal Harvest units can vary greatly with fewer than 20 to more than 75 trees per acre.

5. Level of blowdown timber is defined as follows:

Light salvage:

Individual blown down or damaged standing trees scattered across the stand.

Moderate salvage:

Areas of complete or partial blowdown scattered across the stand, and up to half of the standing trees have received some damage to their crowns.

Heavy salvage:

The majority of the stand has been completely blown down, few undamaged trees remain standing.

6. The quantities shown are for evaluation purposes only. The actual quantities of work performed are expected to vary considerably from those stated and will vary from year to year. Some types of work may not occur at all in some years and there may be more or less of the various types of work in the schedule. Not all items shown in the schedule of items will be on individual task orders.

452.216-73 Minimum And Maximum Contract Amounts (FEB 1988)

During the period specified in FAR clause 52.216-18, ORDERING, the Government shall place orders totaling a minimum of $10,000 but not in excess of $250,000.

SECTION C--DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

AGAR 452.211-72 Statement Of Work/Specifications (FEB 1988) The Contractor shall furnish the necessary personnel, material, equipment, services and facilities (except as otherwise specified), to perform the Statement of Work/Specifications referenced in Section J.

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.

SAFETY AND HEALTH

SUBMITTALS

A. Safety and Health Programs: The Contractor shall submit, for approval, a safety plan, as applicable to the work scope prior to beginning work on the first task order.

DIVISION 100 – GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

110 - SCOPE OF CONTRACT

It is the intent of this contract to procure timber marking services to mark and cruise standing and/or down timber for harvest on the Allegheny National Forest, by contract, on an as needed basis. These services would supplement the types of services that are performed in house. These services may be implemented year round; Contractor should expect to work in various weather and ground conditions. The Contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, tools, materials, and incidentals thereto, except as otherwise noted. The Contractor should expect various sample tree measurement intensity’s for each Payment Unit. Sample tree measurement intensity’s may increase or decrease based upon the size of the Payment Unit and the type of marking prescription implemented.

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 1-4.

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. Task Orders will be issued by email.

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 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.

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, 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 of March 28, 1977. A copy is available on 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 – Forest Service Timber Sale cruising software. This item does not have to be returned to the Government.

162 - Timber Sale pre-sale folder including:

a) Timber Sale Cruise Plan (Exhibit C-1)

b) Timber Sale Marking and Implementation Guidelines (Exhibit C-2) including:

a. Applicable Allegheny National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan Standards and Guides

b. Silvicultural Prescriptions

c. Marking Crew Notes page (portions to be filled out by Contractor are noted in Exhibit in C-2)

d. Payment Unit Traverse Maps

c) Copies of Administrative Maps and pre-sale maps as needed.

*Presale folder shall be returned to the Government with all Contractor requirements completed prior to final payment.

163 - Timber Sale Dot Tally (Exhibit C-3) and Cruise Tally Cards (Exhibit C-4). All dot tally and cruise tally cards used to record tree counts and sample tree measurements and all unused dot tally and cruise cards shall be returned to the Government prior to final payment.

164 - A Guide to Hardwood Log Grading, USDA-FS General Technical Report NE-1, 1973, which includes Forest Service Standard Grades for hardwood factory lumber logs and does not have to be returned to the Government. (Attached) 165 - Timber Sale Cruising Handbook, FSH 2409.12, Chapter 10 and Chapter 70. This item does not have to be returned to the Government. (Attached) 166 - Allegheny National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan 2007 (cd set or paper copy). This item does not have to be returned to the Government

167 - All Forest Service tracer tree marking paint necessary to complete the contract. Color scheme will adhere to direction in Timber Sale Cruise Plan and chapter 70 of FSH 2409.12.

168 – Allegheny National Forest Timber Theft Prevention Plan, 2004.

170 – Tracer Tree Marking Paint

All unused tracer tree marking paint and empty paint cans shall be returned to the Government prior to final payment. Except for paint in use, Contractor shall keep all paint cans, including empty paint cans, locked in a vehicle or other secured container. Contractor's paint storage container(s) must be approved by the COR prior to its use.

171 - The Forest Service will issue tracer tree marking paint to the Contractor, and receive unused paint and empty paint cans from the Contractor at a specific times and locations agreed upon by the Contractor and the Forest Service. All paint exchanges will be recorded on the Tracer Tree Marking Paint Issue and Inventory Record (Exhibit C-5).

172 - There will be strict accountability for all paint cans regardless for the amount of content or lack thereof. The contractor shall keep the paint cans under lock and key, except for paint being used or carried into the field for use. A legible daily log (Exhibit C-5) 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, and number of cans used.

173 - 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 receive a disincentive (See Section E) of $200 for each quart that is not returned on a particular task order.

174 - Material Safety Data Sheets will be furnished with the tracer tree marking paint.

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.

190 - Payment Unit Boundaries

Boundary trees for all Payment Units have been designated by the Forest Service with orange painted two-stripes or three-stripes and an orange painted stump mark. Exterior boundary trees are designated with painted three-stripes, while adjacent, interior boundary trees are designated with painted two-stripes.

191 - Protected Area Boundaries

Boundary trees for all Protected Areas have been designated by the Forest Service with white painted three-stripes and a white painted stump mark. No trees shall be designated for harvest within the boundaries of Protected Areas.

192 - Leave Trees

Leave Trees in all final removal harvest units (if applicable) have been designated by the Forest Service with a single orange painted band around the entire circumference of the tree and an orange painted stump mark. Leave trees shall not be designated for harvest.

193 - Reserve Trees

Reserve Trees (if applicable) have been designated by the Forest Service with a single white painted band around the entire circumference of the tree and a white painted stump mark. Reserve trees shall not be designated for harvest.

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, marking paint security, GPS data management, checks to insure compliance with merchantability standards, and assurance that the silviculture prescription is met.

220 - Selecting Trees for Harvest

In each Payment Unit, trees shall be selected for harvest by the Contractor according to the Timber sale Marking and Implementation Guidelines (Silvicultural Prescriptions) provided in the Pre-sale folder.

230 - Designating Trees for Harvest

231 – Trees prohibited from Marking Designations – Under no circumstances shall designated leave or reserve trees, payment unit and protected area boundary trees, trees with in the protected area, trees containing raptor nests, 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.

232 - In each Payment Unit, trees shall be designated for harvest by the Contractor with Forest Service tracer tree marking paint. Trees shall be designated according to the color scheme and marking paint application guidelines established in the Timber Sale Cruise Plan provided in the Pre-sale folder.

233 – Two methods of tree designation, Leave Tree Marking and Cut Tree Marking, will be utilized in this contract.

a) Leave Tree Marking (LTM) – leave trees will be designated by Forest Service prior to the issuance of a notice to proceed on a particular task order. The Contractor will be responsible for counting and/or cruising the remaining trees meeting utilization standards within the payment unit, excluding boundary trees and trees located in protected areas. Trees will be designated for harvest with paint at DBH in accordance with the Timber Sale Cruise Plan. Stump spots are not required on trees designated for harvest.

b) Cut Tree Marking (CTM) – trees designated for harvest by Contractor shall be marked at DBH and stump in accordance with specifications established in the Timber Sale Cruise Plan provided in the Pre-sale folder.

240- 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.

241 – 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 244 still applies.

242 – 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 244 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.

243 – 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 in CTM designated units will cease, unless approved by written agreement, if snow levels average or exceed six inches. The contractor should plan on extended drying periods during cold weather especially freezing temperatures.

244 – 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.

250- Tree Designation Corrections Where it is necessary for the Contractor to make changes in trees originally designated for harvest, the Contractor shall obliterate any green, blue, or yellow markings with black Forest Service tracer tree marking paint. Forest Service timber cruising software cruise file tree counts and dot tally card tree counts shall be adjusted accordingly for any corrections. Location of designation corrections shall be noted on the Payment Unit traverse maps found in the Timber sale Marking and Implementation Guidelines provided in the Pre-sale folder.

260 - Tallying Timber for Harvest

261 – Field Data Recorders (FDR’s) using Forest Service timber cruising software shall be used as the primary means of recording tree counts and sample tree measurements. This data will be collected for each sample group within each Timber Sale Payment Unit. Forest Service timber cruising software and cruise files will be provided to the Contractor.

262 - Dot Tally Cards (Exhibit C-3) shall also be used for backup purposes to record hand-written tree counts for each sample group within each Payment Unit. Tree counts on the dot tally cards must match the corresponding tree counts in the Forest Service timber cruising software cruise file. Each Payment Unit will have a separate set of dot tally cards. Data entry instructions are included with Exhibit C-3.

263 - Cruise Tally Cards (Exhibit C-4) shall also be used to record hand-written sample tree measurements for each Payment Unit. Sample tree measurements on cruise tally cards must match the corresponding sample tree measurements in the Forest Service timber cruising software cruise file. Each Payment Unit will have a separate set of cruise tally cards. Data entry instructions are included with Exhibit C-4.

270 – Sample Tree Selection and Measurement

271 - Sample Tree Selection – The Forest Service employs a systematic, sample tree measurement cruising approach. The Contractor shall physically select, designate, and tally every tree to be harvested. Sample trees shall be selected at random using Forest Service cruising software. When a sample tree is randomly generated, the FDR will prompt the contractor to measure the tree.

272 - Sample Tree Measurements - Sample trees shall be measured to determine:

a) Species

b) Tree Diameter at Breast Height (DBH)

c) Merchantable sawtimber height and/or 4” topwood height. Heights shall be measured with a clinometer, Spiegel Relaskop, Laser, or other instrument with equivalent or better accuracy. Heights shall be measured in feet.

d) Percentage of visible sawtimber volume defect, and percentage of visible topwood volume defect. Volume defect percentages will be determined using Volume Distribution Table (Exhibit C-6).

Sample tree measurements will be implemented according to methods outlined in the Timber Sale Cruising Handbook 2409.12, Chapter 10.

273 - The Contractor shall edit all electronic Forest Service cruise files and data cards to ensure that all information is filled out properly before delivery to the Government. All incomplete and incorrect electronic cruise files and data cards will be returned to the Contractor for completion or correction. All data entries shall be complete and legible. All electronic cruise files and the associated printouts, dot tally cards, and cruise tally cards shall be turned in together for each Payment Unit after all contractual work in the unit has been completed.

280 – Documenting Locations of Points of Interest:

The contractor shall immediately notify the Forest Service if any additional unique features not already located within a protected area needing special measures or protection are found in a payment unit, such as but not limited to seeps, vernal pools, raptor nests, cultural resources, sensitive plants, rare tree species, and/or safety hazards. All unique points of interest shall be plainly identified on the ground with flagging and the location shall be recorded on the payment unit traverse map in the Pre-sale folder.

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)

PERFORMANCE-BASED SERVICE CONTRACT (PBSC) REQUIREMENTS

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 unit level and sale 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 selection and designation of harvest trees

5. Accurate tree species and product identification, and

6. Accurate tree counts and volume estimation

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 requiring a target residual basal area will be inspected by the Government.

· NA

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

· 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

· NA

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 97% of the time, cruisers can only miss identify 1 tree for every 30 trees checked

· Product must be called accurately a minimum of 93% of the time, cruisers can only incorrectly determine product for 2 trees out of every 30 checked

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

· NA

Tree Counts and Volume Estimation

· The number of trees designated for harvest must be recorded correctly and trees must be measured correctly to accurately estimate product volumes

· Tree counts must not differ from FS counts by more or less than 2% for each sawtimber sample groups, more or less than 5% for each pulpwood sample groups, and more or less than 2% for each payment unit

· DBH, Product Height, and Product Defect measurements for the sale must be within 80% for each variable and within 85% of the variables combined of FS measurements

· The sale sawtimber Ccf estimate must be within 10% of the FS estimate and the sale combined product Ccf estimate (overall) must also be within 10% of the FS estimate

· The COR or COR’s inspector(s) will conduct 100% tree counts in at least one (1) or more units per task order

· The COR or COR’s inspector(s) will select at random and measure (check cruise) at least 30 trees per sale

· Measurements of these trees will be compared against the contractors to determine whether or not they are in the specified requirements

· If contractor’s tree counts equal FS counts (100%) for each unit the FS checks on a task order, the contractor will receive an additional 5% of task order value

· If contractor’s sawtimber volume estimate is equal to or less than 5% of the FS check cruise estimate on each sale listed on a task order, contractor will receive an additional 5% of task order value

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

· Contractor will forfeit $200.00 of task order value for every tracer paint can that is not returned to the FS

Pre-Sale Folder

· Documentation

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 directed 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.

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)

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

The period of performance of this contract is from date of award through 09/30/2019.

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 six (6) inches at the base of the trees. The contractor should plan on extended drying periods during cold weather especially freezing temperatures.

TIME FOR COMPLETION

(a) Time allowed for completion of a task order under $18,000

30 calendar days

A task order $18,000 to $36,000

60 calendar days

A task order $36,000 to $54,000

90 calendar days

A task order greater than $54,000

As negotiated with

Contracting Officer

PERFORMANCE BASED INCENTIVES/DISINCENTIVES

This contract contains both incentives and disincentives as shown in Section E and in the table below. Incentives are based on tree count, species and product identification, and tree measurement accuracy. A positive incentive (bonus) will be given if the contractor exceeds the minimum standards specified in this contract. Disincentives will be applied for any tracer paint cans not returned and for work not completed on or prior to the delivery date specified in a task order.

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.

**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 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 held at TBD.

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.

See specification 160 in Section C.

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

452.224-70 Confidentiality Of Information (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 this clause, the Contractor shall obtain a written determination from the Contracting Officer prior to any release, disclosure, dissemination, or publication.

(h) The provisions of paragraph (e) of this clause shall not apply when the information is subject to conflicting or overlapping provisions in other Federal, State or local laws.

(i) Timber Sale Data

(1) The Contractor or subcontractor shall not divulge, and shall take all reasonable steps to insure that no member of its organization divulges, any information concerning this timber sale data to any person other than those duly authorized as representatives of the Contracting Officer.

(2) In addition, neither the Contractor or subcontractor nor any of their employees may be involved in bidding on any timber sale(s) resulting from this contract.

(j) Archaeological Sites and Rare Plants

(1) Any archeological or rare plant sites encountered are protected by law and shall not be disturbed. The Contractor is encouraged to be alert for potential archeological sites and report their location to the Contracting Officer. Disclosure of any archeological information to any persons, other than those duly authorized as representatives of the Contracting Officer, may be subject to legal penalties.

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 on any one timber sale all crew members, including approved substitutions, shall meet the following criteria unless waived by the Contracting Officer:

1. Attend a formal cruiser training held by FS personnel, which is typically three 8 hour days in length.

2. Score 80% or above on the Region 9 Qualified Cruiser written exam and measure fifty (50) trees on FS cruiser test plot. Test trees will be scored in same manner as described in the Section E, Performance Requirement Summary Table. Crew members not passing both the written and tree exams will not be permitted to mark timber until these tasks are successfully completed.

(c) Prior to the start of timber marking on any one timber sale the Quality Control Inspector must meet the following criteria unless waived by the Contracting Officer:

1. Meet the requirements for crew members as stated above.

2. Experienced at timber cruising.

Contractor’s Representative

If the Contractor will not be at the site during performance, of any task order the Contractor shall designate a Contractor's Representative in writing before work begins on that task order. The Contractor's Representative shall act for the Contractor in his absence, be knowledgeable of contract requirements, and meet the "Minimum Requirements of Contractor". The Contractor or Contractor's Representative shall be at the job site whenever work is in progress. In the absence of the Contractor, the Contractor's Representative may receive instructions from the Contracting Officer.

PART II--CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I--CONTRACT CLAUSES

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

52.201-1 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)

52.203-16 Preventing Personal Conflicts of Interest (DEC 2011)

52.203-17…