AG-3604-S-13-0006_North_Dakota_Plots_Solicitation_Package.pdf

2: PM

SOL NO: AG-3604-S-13-0006

UNIT: FIA

PROJ NAME: North Dakota Data Collection Services

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGES

SECTION DESCRIPTION

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

A SF-18, Request for Quotation/Table of Contents 1-2

B Schedule of Items 3-4

C Description/Specifications/SOW 5-25

D Packaging and Marking 26

E Inspection and Acceptance 27-28

F Deliveries or Performance 29-31

G Contract Administration Data 32-35

H Special Contract Requirements 36-40

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

I Contract Clauses 41-53

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, & OTHER ATTACHMENTS

J List of Drawings and Attachments 54

Attachment A, Schedule of Items 84-88 Attachment B, SAM & Banking Information 89 Attachment C, Experience Questionnaire 90-91

Attachment D, SCA Wage Determination No. 91-0354, Rev.28 92-94 Attachment E, Provisions of Food Security Act of 1985 95-98 Attachment F, Sample Proper Invoice 99-100

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

K Representations, Certifications, and Other 55-77 Statement of Offerors L Instructions, Conditions, & Notices to Offerors 78-80 M Basis for Award 81-83

PROJ NAME: North Dakota Data Collection Services

PART I—THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B--SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

B.1 DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENT

The contractor shall provide appropriate and FIA-certified and approved contract employees (no more than four (4)) for contracting the annual statewide forest inventory data collection effort in North Dakota as described in Section C. The contractor shall provide all necessary management, supervision, manpower, labor, material, supplies, equipment (except Government Furnished Property), and transportation; and, shall plan, schedule, coordinate, and assure effective performance of all services described in Section C.

The term of this contract will be approximately an eleven (11) month base period, with four (4) one year (12 month) option periods, if exercised. The base period of this contract shall commence in approximately April 2013.

B.2 OFFER FOR DATA COLLECTION – (Please complete Attachment A – Schedule of Services)

- See Attachment A

B.3 OFFERORS PLEASE NOTE:

A. For all travel costs, the contractor is to follow the Federal Travel Regulations.

Certification/Training for the Base Period is tentatively scheduled to be held the week of April 15, 2013 in Grand Forks, ND; or the week of April 22, 2013 in Rapid City, SD.

B. Before preparing your offer, carefully review Sections K, L, and M. All questions must be e-mailed to the Contracting Officer, Maria Evans, at mtevans@fs.fed.us or Charlie Cernat at ccernat@fs.fed.us No bound/spiral proposals will be accepted by mail; and no fax submission proposals will be accepted. If mailing a proposal, please attach together using a binder clip.

C. One contract will be awarded in accordance with the evaluation factors in Section L and M.

D. All prospective offerors are encouraged to inspect the site prior to submitting an offer to assess the condition of the site and the scope of work proposed. Failure to do so does not relieve the offeror from accurately determining the scope of work required. A Conference Call Pre-Proposal Meeting is scheduled for Monday February 04, 2013 at 10:00 AM Eastern Time. You must confirm your attendance by contacting Mr. Mark Majewsky by e-mail at mmajewsky@fs.fed.us

a. RSVP Deadline for the Pre-Proposal Meeting is January 31, 2013.

CONFERENCE CALL NUMBER: 1-888-858-2144

ACCESS CODE: 4164292

mailto:mtevans@fs.fed.us mailto:ccernat@fs.fed.us mailto:mmajewsky@fs.fed.us

E. A post award pre-work meeting will be scheduled with the successful offeror/contractor.

This meeting must take place within ten (10) days of contract award.

F. This requirement is a total small business set aside. The NAICS Code for this acquisition is 115310, with a small business size standard of $7.0 Million.

G. Contractors are required to be registered in the System For Award Management (SAM)

[Previously Central Contractor Registration (CCR)] per FAR 52.204-7, Central Contractor Registration – See Attachment B.

B.4 PERIOD OF THE CONTRACT

This contract is for approximately an eleven (11) month Base Period beginning in approximately April 2013 plus four (4) twelve (12) month option periods, if exercised. This is a unilateral right of the Government to extend. Each time an option to extend is exercised; it will be for a period of one additional period. Contractor will be notified in accordance with appropriate clause contained in Section I.

B.5 TYPE OF CONTRACT

The Government contemplates award of a Firm-Fixed Price Incentive, multiple year contract resulting from this solicitation.

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATION/WORK STATEMENT

Statement of Work (SOW) for Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Data Collection Contract in North Dakota

A. General Information

A-1. Introduction

This Statement of Work (SOW) outlines requirements for contracting the annual statewide forest inventory data collection effort in North Dakota. The awarded contractor will provide inventory data to the USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station’s FIA (Forest Inventory and Analysis) Unit. This data will be collected from predetermined forest inventory plots randomly located across North Dakota. The protocols for this effort, including the inventory plot design, are outlined and described in the “Forest Inventory and Analysis National Core Field Guide; Volume 1: Field Data Collection Procedures for Phase 2 Plots, Version 6.0” (commonly referred to as the “NRS FIA P2 Field Guide”). The current version of the “NRS FIA P2 Field Guide” serves as a reference document or instruction manual for the life of the contract and is subject to change in option years 1 through 4.

A-2. Background and Scope

The U.S Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Program is a national program responsible for collecting, analyzing, reporting, and distributing information and data about the extent, content, and condition of the Nation’s forests as well as how much forest land exists and who owns it. There are four FIA Units nationally with the Northern Research Station’s FIA unit having the responsibility for the comprehensive forest inventory for 24 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. This contract is specific to the data collection on FIA plots in North Dakota. National, state, and local policymakers, universities, businesses, Tribal governments, National Forest managers, other natural resource agencies, and various interest groups depend on FIA for timely, scientifically credible information about our forests.

FIA’s Three-Phase Sample and FIA plot types:

Phase 1 (P1):

The FIA sample design consists of a three phase systematic sample of sites located across all forested lands in the United States. In Phase 1 (P1), approximately 108,514 points are evaluated by aerial photography and other imagery to determine the location of forested lands. In order to meet national precision standards, these data are then stratified into Plot and Condition status classifications using satellite imagery and other remotely sensed data. Phase 1 evaluations are completed in the office as well as a subset in the field with on the ground verifications or QA of the office classifications (phase 1 verification plots). Office classifications are not part of this contract.

Phase 1 (P1) verification plots and Phase 1 QAQC Special verification plots (option years only):

Phase 1 verification plots are not included in the initial year of the contract, but can be added to option years.

These plot types are a 4% QA sample (NTE 25 plots per year in any NRS state including ND) of the classifications completed in the office using imagery. Phase 1 QAQC Special verification plots are very similar in nature to P1 verification plots and normally range in numbers between 0-6 per year in ND.

See more detailed descriptions under B1 – Technical Requirements

Phase 2 (P2):

Phase 2 is the on the ground plot data collection effort for plot locations identified in phase 1 as having the possibility of accessible forestland. These are commonly known as “FIA field plots”.

Phase 2 plots:

Contractors will visit plot locations identified as potentially having accessible forest land in Phase 1 and collect data on land ownership, forest type, tree species, tree size, tree condition, and site attributes (e.g., slope, aspect, disturbance, land use). A complete list of data items collected and the protocols for collection can be found at http://nrs.fs.fed.us/fia/data-collection/. Plot intensity for P2 measurements are approximately 1 plot for every 6,000 acres of forested land (Approximately 125,000 plots nationally).

See more detailed descriptions under B1 – Technical Requirements

Phase 3 and Phase 2+:

A subsample of all P2 plots within a state that is completed during leaf on conditions in the general period May 1 through September 30. These plots have additional data items and protocols that are best collected during leaf on conditions.

Phase 2+ plots (P2+):

During the leaf on months in North Dakota, a subsample of P2 plots will be identified to collect additional attributes. The P2+ subsample size can vary from 12.5% to 25% of the P2 plot sample depending on current and future fiscal year funding levels/budgets. P2+ plots have the following additional protocols:

1. Two additional tree crown measurements of each tally tree on plot

2. Estimates of down woody material on the forest floor

3. Assessment of vegetation structure by growth habitat

4. Assessment of invasive species on plot

5. An Advanced Tree Seedling Regeneration Assessment

6. Total lengths on sapling sized trees on the microplot

Phase 3 plots (P3):

Plots part of the phase 2+ sub sample that accounts for approximately 6.25% all FIA plots in North Dakota. P3 plots collect all protocols in the P2+ sample with one additional protocol added. :

1. Soil measurements and sampling

This contract will be for the data collection across the entire State of North Dakota.

More information about the FIA program can be accessed through:

National FIA web page:

http://fia.fs.fed.us/ Northern FIA web page:

http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/fia/ http://nrs.fs.fed.us/fia/data-collection/ http://fia.fs.fed.us/ http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/fia/

PROJ NAME: North Dakota Data Collection Services

FIA inventory plots are randomly located throughout North Dakota with the vast majority of the plots occurring on private ownership. Determining ownership of plot locations and gaining permission from landowners to complete the inventory is critical to the success of the project. Communication skills and the ability to work independently at locations across the state of North Dakota are essential requirements of the work.

Use of aerial photography, other imagery, maps, and previous FIA plot records will be necessary to accurately locate FIA plot locations and collect forest inventory resource data. Contractors collect a broad range of inventory data, including: plot classification data, condition classification data, subplot condition class data, boundary references between condition classes, tree/sapling/seeding data (species, diameter, height, crown assessment, damage assessment, etc.), and site index data.

In option years after successful completion of the first year of the contract, there may be up to 4% P1 plot status verification plots added not to exceed 25 verification plots per year to the contract. These P1 verification plots will assess whether there is any accessible forest land on a sub sample of P1 plots that were evaluated in the office.

P1 verification plots will require a significantly reduced data collection effort than P2, P2+ or P3 plots, and are essentially a verification of the plot status assigned during the phase 1 image interpretation. In addition there may be between 0-6 PI QAQC Special plots each year, these plots are very similar in nature to the P1 verification plots.

Plots in the P2+ and P3 subsample may be added to the contract. If the prospective contractor has previous NRS FIA P2+ certification (2012), they will provide bid prices for P2+ and P3 plots for all years in the contract (initial plus option years). Prospective contractors who do not have previous NRS FIA P2+ certification will only provide bid prices for option years 1 through 4 and the P2+ and P3 plots will not be available for completion in the initial year of the contract. In both cases, where the prospective contractor has previous NRS P2+ certification and does not, the decision to add P2+ plots contract will be a NRS FIA decision. Adding these two plot types to the contract will increase the total number of plots to approximately 12.5% to 25% depending future FIA funding levels. As previously stated P2 + and P3 plots are conducted on a sub sample of the total annual P2 plots and must be completed from approximately May 1st to September 30th. Because each P3 and P2 + plot is also a Phase 2 plot, all forest mensuration and ownership measurements are collected in concert with P2+ and P3 data.

For fiscal year (FY) 2013, the table below shows the plots types and numbers that are to be measured this year.. For FY 2014 through 2017, the exact number of P1, P2, P3, and P2 + plot sub samples won’t be known until after the phase 1 is conducted and funding levels are known for that fiscal year. Past numbers of plots by previous FY plot counts for the State are as follows and can be used as a very rough estimate of the number of plots to be expected in future years.

FY # of P2 Plots # of P2 + Plots # of P3 Plots ( w/ soils) # of P1 and P1 Special Plots 2013 43 4 1 26 2012 46 2 3 25 2011 54 Not collected 0 27 2010 42 Not collected 1 31 2009 44 Not collected 0 25

Since the number of plots in option years beyond FY 2013 are unknown and dependent on the annual results of FIA’s P1 sample and FIA funding levels, prospective contractors should submit bids on a per plot pricing basis using the following range of potential plot numbers in any given FY:

The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion in the form of travel on foot over rough, uneven, and steep terrain. The work requires several hours of driving, several days each week with work locations changing frequently, often on a daily basis. At times backpacking, camping, extended hiking, canoe, or boating maybe required in order to complete plot work.

Overnight travel to access and complete many of the inventory plots in this contract will be a necessity due to the difficult terrain in North Dakota and the fact that the inventory plots are located across a large portion of the state.

P2+ and P3 plots are spatially distributed across the state which potentially will increase the travel costs to

PROJ NAME: North Dakota Data Collection Services complete these plots. North Dakota is currently experiencing an “energy boom”, especially in the Western third of the state. This, at times, may make finding lodging on short notice more difficult than in other locations around the state.

Initial year and all option years:

P2 Range of Plots Numbers Bid basis

1 – 40 plots price per plot – N / A in FY 2013 41 – 80 plots price per plot 81 – 120 plots price per plot 121 – 160 plots price per plot 161 – 200 plots price per plot 201 – 240+ plots price per plot

For initial year if contractor has previous NRS FIA P2+ certification and in option years for new contractors without previous P2+ certification:

P2 + Range of Plots Numbers Bid basis

1 – 20 plots price per plot 21– 40 plots price per plot 41 – 60 plots price per plot

P3 Range of Plots Numbers Bid basis 1 – 10 plots price per plot 11– 20 plots price per plot 21 – 30 plots price per plot

Option years only:

P1 Verification & P1 QAQC Special Verification range of Plots Numbers Bid basis 1 – 35 plots price per plot

Contractors will be required to attend annual certification session(s).

See section: C-5 Qualifications and Limitations to Key Personnel for more information on FIA certification

A-3 Applicable Documents

Specifics on the data collected as outlined above for P2 can be obtained in the “Forest Inventory and Analysis National Core Field Guide; Volume 1: Field Data Collection Procedures for Phase 2 Plots, Version 6.0” (commonly referred to as the “NRS FIA P2 Field Guide”) as well as the “VOLUME 1 SUPPLEMENT: FIELD DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURES FOR PHASE 2+ PLOTS” at:

http://nrs.fs.fed.us/fia/data-collection/

• The Field Guide is only available online. Field Guides are not available in bound copy nor sold by the Forest Service.

PROJ NAME: North Dakota Data Collection Services

In addition, the Microsoft Excel QA scoring program, NQCNRS(dated version).xlt is used to determine passing and failing QA plot inspections and can be accessed at the same site as above by clicking on the prompt title “QA Scoring Program”:

B. Work Requirements:

B-1 Technical Requirements

P2 Plots:

The technical requirements for this data collection contract are described in detail in the “Forest Inventory and Analysis National Core Field Guide; Volume 1: Field Data Collection Procedures for Phase 2 Plots, Version 6.0” ( NRS FIA P2 Field Guide). As mentioned, this reference document will serve as the instruction manual for this contract and the work requirements.

NRS FIA P2 Field Guide layout

Each section of the field guide corresponds to one of the following sections which generally are ordered sequentially from Plot variables to Site Tree data items.

0 General Descriptions 1 Plot 2 Condition 3 Subplot 4 Boundary 5 Tree Measurements 6 Seedling 7 Site Tree 9 Invasive Plants + National Appendices 1 – 9 + Regional Appendices A – J

Each section begins with a general overview of the data elements collected. Descriptions of data elements follow in this format:

DATA ELEMENT NAME [PDR prompt]

<Brief variable description>

When collected: <when data element is recorded>

Field width: <X digits> Tolerance: <range of measurement that is acceptable> MQO: <measurement quality objective> Values: <legal values for coded variables>

Data elements, descriptions of when to collect the data elements, field width, tolerances, MQO’s, and values, apply to Phase 2 plots unless specifically noted. Field width designates the number of columns (or spaces) needed to properly record the data element.

Tolerances may be stated in +/- terms or number of classes for ordered categorical data elements (e.g., +/- 2 classes); in absolute terms for some continuous variables (e.g., +/- 0.2 inches); or in terms of percent of the value of the data element (e.g., +/- 10 percent of the value). For some data elements, no errors are tolerated (e.g., PLOT NUMBER).

MQO’s state the percentage of time that the collected data are required to be within tolerance.

Percentage of time within tolerance is generally expressed as "at least X percent of the time”.

PLOT NOTES will be available on the PDR (personal data recorder) screen for ease in recording notes.

Units of measure

The field guide will use ENGLISH units as the measurement system.

Plot Dimensions:

Subplot:

Radius = 24.0 feet Area = 1,809.56 square feet or approximately 0.04 acre or approximately 1/24 acre

Microplot:

Radius = 6.8 feet Area = 145.27 square feet or approximately 0.003 acre or approximately 1/300 acre

The distance between subplot centers is 120.0 feet horizontal.

The minimum area needed to qualify as accessible forest land is 1.0 acre.

The minimum width to qualify as accessible forest land is 120.0 ft

Tree Limiting Dimensions:

Breast height 4.5 ft Stump height 1.0 ft merchantable top 4.0 in DOB merchantable top for woodland 1.5 in DOB minimum conifer seedling length 0.5 ft minimum hardwood seedling length 1.0 ft seedling/sapling DBH/DRC break 1.0 in DOB sapling/tree DBH/DRC break 5.0 in DOB

General description

The CORE field plot consists of four subplots approximately 1/24 acre in size with a radius of 24.0 feet. The center subplot is subplot 1. Subplots 2, 3, and 4 are located 120.0 feet horizontal (+/- 7 feet) at azimuths of 360, 120, and 240 degrees from the center of subplot 1, respectively (see Figure 1, FIA Plot Design below).

Throughout the field guide, the use of the word ‘plot’ refers to the entire set of four subplots. ‘Plot Center’ is defined as the center of subplot 1.

Each subplot contains a microplot of approximately 1/300 acre in size with a radius of 6.8 feet. The center of the microplot is offset 90 degrees and 12.0 feet horizontal (+/- 1 foot) from each subplot center. Microplots are numbered in the same way as subplots. Microplots are used to select and collect data on saplings (DBH/DRC of

1.0 inch through 4.9 inches) and seedlings (DBH/DRC less than 1.0 inch in diameter and >/= 0.5 foot in length [conifers] or >/= 1.0 foot in length [hardwoods]).

Data are collected on field plots at the following levels and generally following this sequential order:

Plot: Data that describe the entire cluster of four subplots.

Condition Class: A discrete combination of landscape attributes that describe the environment on all or part of the plot. These attributes include CONDITION CLASS STATUS, RESERVED

STATUS, OWNER GROUP, FOREST TYPE, STAND SIZE CLASS,

REGENERATION STATUS, and TREE DENSITY.

Subplot: Data that describe a single subplot of a cluster.

Boundary: An approximate description of the demarcation line between two condition classes that occur on a single subplot, microplot. There is no boundary recorded when the demarcation occurs beyond the fixed-radius plots.

Tree: Data describing saplings with a diameter 1.0 inch through 4.9 inches, and trees with diameter greater than or equal to 5.0 inches.

Seedling: Data describing trees with a diameter less than 1.0 inch and greater than or equal to

0.5 foot in length (conifers) or greater than or equal to 1.0 foot in length (hardwoods).

Site Tree: Data describing site index trees.

FIA PLOT DESIGN

Figure 1. FIA Phase 2 plot diagram.

Macroplots as described in figure 1 above are not established in the Northern Research Station’s FIA Unit including North Dakota.

The data collection of an FIA plot follows specific sequential steps outlined below with corresponding references to chapters and appendices in the “NRS FIA P2 Field Guide”:

Step 1: Obtain ownership records for each field plot and acquire landowner permission to access and complete each plot. If plot falls on multiple owners’ property you will need to acquire permission for each land owner. No plot can be completed without a landowner’s permission:

• Appendix 13+N – Ownership Data Collection procedures.

Step 2: Physically locate the plot. Establish the plot if new and relocate for remeasurment previously established plots. This will include monumentalizing plot locations and collection of GPS coordinates.

• Section 0.0 – General Description

• Appendix A – Plot Establishment and/or Relocation Procedures

• Section 1.0 – Plot Level Data / GPS o Appendix G – GPS User’s Guide

Step 3: Collect data items relative to Plot Level Data, Condition Class, Subplot Information, and Boundaries between Condition Classes if present. All plot data will be collected on government provided PDR with data collection software written and provided by FIA.

• Section 1.0 – Plot Level Data o Appendix 1+N – State, Unit, County, Parish or Borough FIPS Codes

• Section 2.0 – Condition Class o Appendix 2+N – Forest Type codes o Appendix 5 – Determination of Stocking Values for Land Use Classification o Appendix E – Tables and Charts

• Section 3.0 – Subplot Information

• Section 4.0 – Boundary References

Step 4: Collect Tree Data on forested subplots and Sapling and Seedling data on forested microplots.

• Section 5.0 – Tree and Sapling Data o Appendix 3N – Tree Species Codes o Appendix 8+N – Tree Coding Guide o Appendix F – Tree Class Illustrations

• Section 6.0 – Seedling Data o Appendix 3 – Tree Species Codes

Step 5: Collect new or verify validity of previously collected site index data.

• Section 7.0 – Site Index Information o Appendix 4 – Site Tree Selection Criteria and Species Lists

Step 6: P2 + and P3 data items will be collected on a predetermined sub sample of plots during leaf on season from approximately May 1 through September 30.

The data collection of an FIA plot follows specific sequential steps outlined below with corresponding references to chapters and appendices in the “VOLUME 1 SUPPLEMENT: FIELD DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURES

FOR PHASE 2+ PLOTS”:

Section 5.0 – Tree and Sapling Data Tree Length variables for saplings (collected on both P2+ and P3 plots)

TOTAL LENGTH

Measured same as on p-2 plots but in addition to collecting on trees > 5 in will be collected for all live tally trees > 1.0 in DBH/DRC on p-2+ and p-3 plots.

ACTUAL LENGTH

Measured same as on p-2 plots but in addition to collecting on trees > 5 in will be collected for all live tally trees > 1.0 in DBH/DRC on p-2+ and p-3 plots.

Section 6.0 – Advance Tree Seedling Regeneration (collected on both P2+ and P3 plots)

NRS regional Advance Tree Seedling Regeneration data supplement the Seedling Data (field guide Section 6.0) and are collected during leaf-on conditions.

A visual BROWSE IMPACT estimate is recorded at the plot level and estimates the amount of browsing pressure that deer, elk, and moose are exerting on regeneration within the accessible forest land portion of the four subplots.

Site limitations are assessed at the subplot and microplot levels, by condition class. A SUBPLOT SITE LIMITATION is recorded if the limitation occurs on at least 30 percent of an accessible forest land condition area within the subplot; a MICROPLOT SITE LIMITATION is recorded if the limitation occurs on at least 30 percent of an accessible forest land condition area within the microplot.

Seedling counts are assessed at the micro plot level, by condition class. The number of established live tally tree seedlings is recorded by SPECIES, CONDITION CLASS NUMBER, SEEDLING SOURCE, and LENGTH CLASS.

Up to 5 individuals by species are counted in each of the six length classes and same seedling source; the total count may be estimated if there are more than 5 individuals of any given species in any given length class and same seedling source. Established hardwood and conifer seedlings must be at least 2.0 inches in length (with at least two normal-sized leaves that do not still bear cotyledons) and less than 1.0 inch at DBH/DRC in order to qualify for counting. Seedlings are recorded by three SEEDLING SOURCE codes: stump sprouts, other seedlings, and in competitive oak, hickory, walnut, and butternut seedlings. [To be classified as competitive, oak hickory, walnut, and butternut stems must have a root-collar diameter (RCD) > 0.75 inches.] Seedlings are recorded by six LENGTH CLASS categories: 2-<6 inches, 6-<12 inches, 12 inches-<3 feet, 3 feet-<5 feet, 5 feet- <10 feet, greater than or =10 feet.

Section 8.0 – Vegetative Profile (collected on both P2+ and P3 plots)

NRS collects P2 Vegetation Profile (field guide section 8.0) structure data on accessible forest land conditions within the four subplots (P2 VEGETATION SAMPLING STATUS=1; LEVEL OF DETAIL=1) during leaf-on conditions.

Ocular estimates of canopy cover are assessed at the subplot level, by condition class. Canopy cover is recorded by condition class, structure growth habit, and canopy layer and aerial view. The six structure growth habits include five national structure growth habits (Tally Tree Species, Non-tally Tree Species, Shrubs/Woody Vines, PROJ NAME: North Dakota Data Collection Services and Forbs) and one NRS regional growth habit (Fern). The four canopy layers are: 0-2.0 feet, 2.1-6.0 feet, 6.1-

16.0 feet, and greater than 16.0 feet.

Section 9.0 – Invasive Plants Data (collected on both P2+ and P3 plots)

NRS collects Invasive Plants (field guide section 9.0) data on accessible forest land conditions within the four subplots (INVASIVE PLANT SAMPLING STATUS=1) during leaf-on conditions.

Ocular estimates of total aerial canopy cover are assessed at the subplot level, by condition class. Canopy cover is recorded by SPECIES CODE and CONDITION CLASS NUMBER. NRS collects Invasive Plants data for 43 species (field guide Appendix 9). Plant specimen collection is required (INVASIVE PLANT SPECIMEN COLLECTION RULE=1) if the species cannot be quickly and confidently identified in the field or if the species has not been previously found in the State the plot is located (field guide Appendix 10).

Detailed descriptions of Advance Tree Seedling Regeneration, P2 Vegetation Profile, and Invasive Plants protocols are posted at:

http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/fia/data-collection.

o Appendix 9+N – Invasive Plants List o Appendix 10 – Unknown Plant Specimen Collection

Section 10.0 – Down Woody Materials (collected on both P2 + and P3 plots)

Down Woody Materials (DWM) data is collected on all subplots where there is accessible forest land. DWM is dead materials on the ground in various stages of decay. The down wood components are course woody debris (CWD), fine woody debris (FWD), residue piles, and duff and litter depth.

Transects lines are used to determine location of measurements and which down woody pieces are sampled for data collection. There are two transect per subplot. The transect start at the subplot center and extend out 24 feet horizontal distance (the radius of the subplot). The azimuths of the transect lines are different for each subplot.

The location of condition class boundaries are recorded along the transect line, starting at the subplot center and working towards the fixed radius plot boundary.

CWD

Coarse Woody Debris – CWD includes downed, dead tree and shrub boles, large limbs, and other woody pieces that are ≥3 inches in diameter and severed from their original source of growth. The piece must be three inches in diameter at the point of intersection with the transect line and a minimum length of 6 inches to be counted as part of the inventory data.

Data collect for each CDW piece includes: Subplot number, Transect azimuth, distance to piece from subplot center, condition class, decay class, species, diameter at point of intersection with the transect line, diameter of hollow at point of intersection, and if length of the piece is great or equal to three feet.

FWD

Fine Woody Debris – FWD includes downed, dead branches, twigs, and small tree or shrub boles <3 inches in diameter that are not attached to a living or standing dead source. Fine woody debris is broken down into three size classes: Small FWD (0in to 0.24 in), Medium FWD (0.25 to 0.9 in) and Large FWD (1.0 to2.9) inches. FWD is counted on only one of the two transect lines. In addition, the count starts at the 14 foot horizontal distance from subplot center and continue to the 24 foot mark for the large FWD. For the small and medium size classes the count starts at 14 feet and is finished at 20 feet. Total counts for each size class is recorded for all pieces intersecting the transect line. Subplot number, transect azimuth, and reason for high count are also recorded.

Residue Piles If it is impossible to measure each piece CWD piece individually because it is in a pile then the pile is measured and described. The pile must be on the transect line. Where the pile starts and ends along the transect line is recoded. A compacted height for the pile, a decay class for the pile, and the main species in the pile is determined and recorded. Subplot number, transect azimuth and condition class data is collected.

Litter layer and Duff Layer http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/fia/data-collection

PROJ NAME: North Dakota Data Collection Services

The depth of the litter layer and duff layer are measured at the end of each 24 foot horizontal distance transect.

Also recorded are transect azimuth, condition class number, duff/litter sample status, reason not collected, and method of measurement.

Section 22.0 – Soil Measurements and Sampling Soils (only collected on P3 plots)

Erosion and compaction data are collected on all four subplots. For erosion a visual estimate of percent bare soil is recorded for each subplot. For compaction, the crew looks for evidence of compaction on each subplot and then determines the percent of the forested portion that is compacted. The type of compaction is also recorded. Compaction types are: rutted trail, compacted trail, compacted area, and other.

Soil Sampling is collected just off of subplots 2, 3, and 4.

A forest floor sample is taken on subplots 2, 3, and 4. This is done by placing a 12 inch diameter sampling frame down on the ground. The frame defines the sample area. Forest floor and litter layer thickness are recorded at 4 points (North, South, East, and West edges of the sampling frame.) The forest floor depth is the litter layer plus the organic layer on top of mineral soil. The forest floor sample inside the frame is then collected and labeled to be shipped to the soil lab for analysis.

In addition, a depth to restrictive layer is recorded. A tile probe is used to determine the depth by inserting it into the ground at the compass points (North, South, East, and West) and at the center of the frame.

The median depth for the five measurements is recorded. Max depth recorded in 20 inches.

At subplot 2 only, an 8 inch core sample is taken of the mineral soil. This is done with an impact driven soil corer. The soil corer uses two 4 inch liners, so you will end up with two separate soil samples that will be sent to the soils lab. The soil must be removed from the liners and placed in sample bags, labeled correctly for shipping, and then sent to the soil lab for analysis. The texture of each 4 inch layer is estimated in the field and characterized as organic, loamy, clayey, sandy or sandy loam.

Soil samples collected must be shipped on a weekly basis to the soil lab designated. The most economical rate for shipping may be used. There is no need to ship soil samples using expensive overnight deliver rates. There is a shipping form that must be completed and sent with the soil samples.

The form is an inventory of what is being sent to the soil lab. A copy of this form is also emailed to the Contacting Officer’s Representative (COR), and to the soil lab for a quality control check.

Section 23.0 – Crown Measurements (collected on both P2 + and P3 plots)

UNCOMPACTED LIVE CROWN RATIO

UNCOMPACTED LIVE CROWN RATIO is a percentage determined by dividing the live crown length by the ACTUAL LENGTH. The UNCOMPACTED LIVE CROWN RATIO will be recorded to the nearest 1%.

When collected: All live trees > 1.0 in DBH/DRC on the p-2+ and p-3 plots.

CROWN DIEBACK

CROWN DIEBACK estimates reflect the severity of recent stresses on a tree. Estimate CROWN DIEBACK as a percentage of the live crown area, including the dieback area. The crown base should be the same as that used for the UNCOMPACTED LIVE CROWN RATIO estimate. Assume the perimeter of the crown is a two-dimensional outline from branch tip to branch tip, excluding snag branches and large holes or gaps in the crown.

When collected: All live trees > 5.0 in DBH/DRC

Step 7: After collecting complete set of plot data on government provided PDR with associated software, Contractor will transfer edited plot data files from the provided PDR to an email attachment and forward to Contractor Officer Representative (COR).

• See B-2 Deliverables section of contract below.

Appendices in Field Guide 6.0 that can be referenced for more than one of the Steps above and are not referenced above include:

• Appendix 6+N – Glossary

• Appendix 7 – Tolerance/Measurement Quality Objectives (MQO)/Value and units for each data item.

• Appendix C – Additional Northern Data Collection Procedures

• Appendix D – NOT APPLICABLE TO North Dakota

• Appendix H – Tally Item Guides. To be used only if PDR quits functioning partially through a plot and the contractor has to collect the remaining data on paper.

• Appendix J – PDR Prompt index for field Guide and Listing of PDR “hot” or function keys.

P1 Verification Plots & P1 QAQC Special Verification Plots (option years)

The technical requirements for this data collection contract are described in detail in the “Forest Inventory and Analysis National Core Field Guide; Volume 1: Field Data Collection Procedures for Phase 2 Plots, Version 6.0” (NRS FIA P2 Field Guide). As mentioned, this reference document will serve as the instruction manual for this contract and the work requirements.

The P2 Field Guide layout, units of measure, and general description including the plot design is identical to those used in P2 plots. However the steps involved and amount of data collected on these plots is greatly reduced from the standard P2 plots with no individual tree, seedling, sapling or invasive plants data collected. In brief, contractors will verify the on the ground plot and condition status following these 4 steps:

Step 1: Step 1: Obtain ownership records for each field plot and acquire landowner permission to access and complete each plot. If plot falls on multiple owners’ property you will need to acquire permission for each land owner. No plot can be occupied without a landowner’s permission.

• Appendix 13+N – Ownership Data Collection procedures.

Step 2: Physically locate the plot and establish the plot. This will include monumentalizing plot locations (SP and PC) and collection of GPS coordinates.

• Section 0.0 – General Description

• Appendix A – Plot Establishment and/or Relocation Procedures

• Section 1.0 – Plot Level Data / GPS o Appendix G – GPS User’s Guide

Step 3: Collect data items relative to Plot Level Data, Condition Class, Subplot Information, and Boundaries between Condition Classes if present. All plot data will be collected on government provided PDR with data collection software written and provided by FIA.

• Section 1.0 – Plot Level Data o Appendix 1+N – State, Unit, County, Parish or Borough FIPS Codes o Appendix C –Section 8, QAQC Plot Designations

• Section 2.0 – Condition Class o Appendix 2+N – Forest Type codes o Appendix 5 – Determination of Stocking Values for Land Use Classification

• Section 3.0 – Subplot Information

• Section 4.0 – Boundary References

Step 4: After collecting complete set of data on government provided PDR with associated software, contractor will transfer edited plot data files from the provided PDR to an email attachment and forward to the Contractor Officer Representative (COR) within oneweek of completion.

• See B-2 Deliverables section of contract below.

FIA anticipates that the vast majority of the P1 Verification & P 1 QAQC Special Plots will be located in areas with a Plot Status of 2 – no accessible forest land present on plot. For these plots, the only data necessary are completing the Condition Class Status (2 – nonforest land, 3 – non census water, and/or 4 Census water), the Subplot Information, and acquiring GPS coordinates at SP. P1 Verification / QAQC Special Plots are basically used to check or verify the P1 accuracy in identifying plot’s with accessible forest land from imagery used in the P1 portion of FIA three phase sampling.

Ownership, Permission and Access

PRIVATE LANDS: It is the responsibility of the Contractor to obtain current ownership information on FIA plots that are located on private land. Under no circumstances will a Contractor enter private lands without verbal or written permission from the landowner or landowner agents. Any plot completed without landowner permission, will be evaluated as a failed plot. Additionally, it is strictly forbidden for any contractor to solicit work of any kind from landowner contacts made during FIA data collection work. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in revocation of the contract. SEE C-1 Security below. The following information will be required on each privately owned plot to document that permission was provided by the private landowner:

• If the contractor received verbal permission either on site or by phone conversation, the following should be written on the current plot sheet:

o Name of individual, phone number used in the contact, date, time permission was granted, and address of land owner. If on site, no phone number is required.

• If the contractor was given permission in writing through mail correspondence, a copy of the letter or response form used should be included with the current plot sheet.

These requirements are stated in similar terms under deliverables relative to plots where access was denied.

STATE AND FEDERAL LANDS: The public agency managing these lands may require permission to access these lands or sections of these lands restricted by regulation or policy. Additionally, FIA crews should inform land managers of these agencies that they are conducting the inventory as a professional courtesy.

DENIED ACCESS OR HAZARDOUS PLOTS: Any denied access plots will be required to have the landowner’s complete mailing address and telephone number included on the plot sheet. DENIED ACCESS will be written in large block letters in the notes section of the plot sheet. Denied access plots will be identified by writing “denied access” next to plot number on invoice along with a note stating the name of the individual who denied access. If you send out letters/post cards with a YES/NO request for permission, this document will be attached to the plot sheets. All letters/postcards used for requesting permission must first be approved by the Contractor Officer Representative (COR). This method should be used as a last resort. We are now required to make a follow-up contact on all denied access plots. For more details on documentation requirements for denied access plots see “B2 Deliverables – Invoice blocks”

PROJ NAME: North Dakota Data Collection Services

Similarly, for any plot where the entire plot area is inaccessible due to permanent hazardous conditions, “HAZARDOUS PLOT” will be written in large block letters in the notes section of the plot sheet as well as descriptive details explaining why the plot is classified as “HAZARDOUS”. Conditions that are temporarily hazardous due to high water, wildlife, poor road conditions, etc. should be re-visited at a later date when the temporary hazard is no longer a factor. The electronic plot file should be completed as described in the NRS FIA P2 Field Guide. For plots where only a portion(s) of a plot is classified as a hazardous condition, complete as described in the NRS FIA P2 Field Guide.

Inspection and Acceptance

P2, P2 +, P3, and P1 verification plots:

Contract compliance to quality data objectives will be determined by the plot scoring program, Microsoft Excel QA scoring program, NQCNRS(date).xlt to be administered by FIA QA inspectors. Acceptable quality level will be defined by plot scores for FIA data collection using the QA Scoring program as 90 and above. Forest Service FIA employees who conduct QA/QC checks on FIA data collection will inspect contractor’s data collection using this program. The Scoring program mirrors the Field Guide layout section to section from Section 0, referred to as chapters in the Excel QA Scoring program, through Section 7, plus the P2 + and P3 sections. Each section and variable is assigned a weighted point assessment. This program is designed to give a comprehensive check of data items on each plot visited for inspection. Plots in this contract will be inspected using this scoring program and the inspections will be conducted proportionally as contractor delivers plot data files described under deliverables. Additionally, Forest Service reserves the right to inspect any completed plot at their discretion. Plots inspected to verify payment and any additional inspections require access to the plot sheets as well as the plot data; therefore, contractors must have the ability to deliver plot sheets via overnight mail or facsimile within two business days of an inspector’s request. This requirement is in addition to the specifications described under B-2 Deliverables as it relates to invoice blocks.

The QA scoring program is subject to change throughout the contract period including option years. If NRS adjusts the weighted scoring system used in the QA scoring program, the minimum passing score, currently defined as 90, may change as well.

Plot work is expected to be performed with due diligence to prevent rushed mistakes which may cause the plot to fail on the QA scoring program. It is also required to run a PDR edit check of the plot before leaving the plot to address PDR warnings and correct any PDR errors.

B-2 Deliverables

P2, P2 +, P3,P1 Verification, and P1 QAQC Special Plots:

To assure that the contractor is making progress toward the completion of the current year’s contract plots, the contractor will meet completion benchmarks through the field season. These benchmarks are in addition to requirements outlined in providing invoice blocks for payment of services rendered.

Specifically, the contractor will deliver the first third of the total number of plots 60 days after the contract award and certification. The second third of the total number of plots will be delivered in 120 days, and the remaining plots will be delivered in 180 days. Completed plots are defined as being field visited, electronically collected and entered into a provided PDR with all previous records reconciled and all plot data complete. Additionally to be defined as complete, plot data must be successfully loaded to the FIA database free of PDR edit errors. If a plot file contains PDR errors, these errors must be resolved/corrected prior to being loaded to the FIA database. If a plot file contains PDR warnings, each must be resolved/corrected prior to being loaded to the FIA database (each warning requires a note in the data file stating that it has been addressed). Plots with partial data or plots with PDR errors are not defined as being complete.

For this contract, data collection work will begin spring 2013 after contractor certification, and ALL plots will be completed and successfully loaded to the FIA database no later than 180 days after contract award and certification. The delivery schedule is as follows:

No fewer than 34% of the total number of plots completed and delivered to the Contractor Officer Representative (COR) via email by the first 60 days after contract award and certification.

No fewer than 67% of the total number of plots completed and delivered to the COR via email by 120 days. All P2 + and P3 plots must be submitted by September 1of each contract year.

No fewer than 100% of the total number of plots completed and delivered to the COR via email by 180 days.

Completed plots include the delivery of completed plot sheets. All plot sheets will be made available to the contract inspector or COR within 2 business days of a request to assure that QA inspections are completed in a timely manner. All remaining invoice blocks should be received by this date as well.

Shipments of completed plots should: (1) include electronic information via email, (2) include all plot sheets and supporting documents, and (3) be shipped by a method that has a shipment tracking feature to: Contractor Officer Representative (COR).

Plots can be completed prior to these specified due dates on an accelerated schedule if the contractor chooses to do so. Due to the extreme winter weather our goal is the have this contract completed in 180 days.

Sample units will be inspected using Microsoft Excel QA scoring program developed and maintained by NRS FIA. Currently this is version is posted on the web and will likely have updates and adjustments throughout the contract. As mentioned, a copy of this program can be accessed at:

http://nrs.fs.fed.us/fia/data-collection/

Prompt title: “QA Scoring Program”

Invoice Blocks:

In addition to delivering plot files to Contractor Officer Representative (COR) at the specified dates outlined above, contractors will be delivering invoice blocks for payment of services rendered. Invoices for payment should be submitted in blocks with a minimum of 10 plots and no plot within the invoice should have a field completion date that exceeds 28 days from the date of the invoice submission. This will allow for plots to be inspected prior to significant biological change (growth, removals/harvests, and mortality) since the time of original data collection.

Invoice blocks will be defined as being complete when each of the plots in the block are successfully loaded to the FIA data base free of PDR errors, all warnings addressed in data notes and all plot sheets for each plot in the invoice are received by the specified COR. Additionally, the contractor may be given one week to address any questions that arise from the initial office edit / inspection of the plot records and data. Providing the contractor an opportunity to specifically address FIA NRS questions on plot edits will help ensure that potential problems/errors with plot data are addressed PRIOR to plot field inspection and invoice payment determinations. Once an invoice block meets each requirement, data being free of errors, all warnings addressed in data notes, COR receipt of plot sheets, and an opportunity for contractor to address inspector’s edits, it will be defined as being complete and the final inspection process to determine payment will begin.

Invoice blocks that exceed 10 plots may be broken up into more than one inspection block per invoice at NRS FIA’s discretion with a goal to inspect approximately 10% or more per invoice. For example, if an invoice block is submitted with 18 completed plots, the COR may break the invoice block into two 9 plot inspection blocks with each inspection block receiving one plot inspection. If the inspection verifies that the plot meets the prescribed accuracy standards, the inspection block will be accepted, and the contractor will be paid for the entire inspected block of plots. If an inspection block fails the first inspection, the individual failed inspected plot will never be paid to the contractor.