AG-3604-S-17-0012_Black_Hills_National_Forest_SD_Solicitation_Package.pdf

Do Not Enter Pricing Here.

Please Use Attachment A.

SOL NO: AG-3604-S-17-0012

UNIT: FIA

PROJ NAME: Black Hills National Forest SD Data Collection Services

Contents

PART I—THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B--SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATION/WORK STATEMENT

A. General Information

B. Work Requirements:

C. Supporting Information

SECTION D--PACKAGING AND MARKING

SECTION E--INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 FAR 52.246-1 Contractor Inspection Requirements (APR 1984)

E.2 FAR 52.246-4 Inspection of Services - Fixed-Price (AUG 1996)

E.3 AGAR 452.246-70 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE (FEB 1988)

SECTION F--DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)

F. 2 AGAR 452.211-74 Period of Performance (FEB 1988)

F.3 Deliverables

SECTION G--CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G. 1 AGAR 452.215-73 Post Award Conference (NOV 1996)

G. 2 DESIGNATION OF CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE

G. 3 PROJECT MANAGER

G. 4 INVOICE REQUIREMENTS

G.5 GUIDANCE FOR SUBMITTING A PROPER INVOICE FOR PAYMENT

G.6 FAR 52.232-25 -- Prompt Payment (Jan 2017)

G.7 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

G.8 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED PROPERTY

SECTION H--SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 AGAR 452.224-70 CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION (FEB 1988)

H.2 AGAR 452.228-71 INSURANCE COVERAGE (NOV 1996)

H.3 AGAR 452.237-74 KEY PERSONNEL (FEB 1988)

H.4 SAFETY

H.5 SUBMITTAL OF A SAFETY PLAN

PROJ NAME: Black Hills National Forest SD Data Collection Services

H.6 SUSTAINABLE ACQUISITION

PART II--CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I--CONTRACT CLAUSES

FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)

CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY FULL TEXT

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

SECTION J--LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

PART IV--REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION K--REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF

OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS

SECTION L--INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR

RESPONDENTS

FAR 52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)

PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY FULL TEXT

SECTION M--EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

ATTACHMENT A – SCHEDULE OF SERVICES (BASE PERIOD)

ATTACHMENT A – SCHEDULE OF SERVICES (OPTION PERIOD 1)

ATTACHMENT B – SAM Information

ATTACHMENT C – EXPERIENCE QUESTIONNAIRE – Page 1

ATTACHMENT C – EXPERIENCE QUESTIONNAIRE – Page 2

ATTACHMENT C – EXPERIENCE QUESTIONNAIRE – Page 3

ATTACHMENT C – EXPERIENCE QUESTIONNAIRE – Page 4

ATTACHMENT C – EXPERIENCE QUESTIONNAIRE – Page 5

ATTACHMENT D - SERVICE CONTRACT ACT WAGE DETERMINATION

ATTACHMENT E - PROVISIONS OF FOOD SECURITY ACT OF 1985

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 two (2)) for data collection of intensified and accelerated plots on the Black Hills National Forest 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 a six-month Base Period (from May 1, 2017 to October 31, 2017); and one (1) six-month Option Period from May 1, 2018 to October 31, 2018, if exercised.

The base period of this contract shall commence in approximately May 2017.

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 shall be held the week of May 1, 2017 in Rapid City, SD.

B. QUOTES DUE: Thursday, 30 March 2017 @ 11:00 AM Eastern Time

C. 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

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

E. A Pre-Proposal Meeting shall be held via teleconference on Thursday, 2 March 2017 at

10:00 AM Eastern Time (09:00 AM Central Time). You must confirm your attendance by contacting Ms. Glenda Hefty by e-mail at ghefty@fs.fed.us

a. Contractor’s may call in to the meeting by dialing the following:

CONFERENCE CALL NUMBER: 1-888-844-9904

ACCESS CODE: 7260702

F. 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.

mailto:mtevans@fs.fed.us mailto:ghefty@fs.fed.us

G. This requirement is a total small business set aside. The NAICS Code for this acquisition is 115310, with a small business size standard of $7.5 Million.

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

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

B.4 PERIOD OF THE CONTRACT

The term of this contract will be approximately a six-month Base Period (from May 1, 2017 to October 31, 2017); and one (1) six-month Option Period from May 1, 2018 to October 31, 2018, 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 for the Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota

A. General Information

A-1. Introduction

This Statement of Work (SOW) outlines requirements for contracting intensified and accelerated plots on the Black Hills National Forest in South 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 on the Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota.

This contract will not include plots on the Black Hills National Forest in Wyoming. The protocols for this effort, including the inventory plot design, are outlined and described in the following Field Guide:

• NRS Regional P2 Field Guide Version 7.1, which can be downloaded HERE.

This Field Guide will serve as a reference document or instruction manual for the life of the contract and will be referred to throughout this statement of work as the Field Guide. The version number of the Field Guide is subject to change in option year 1. This contract will be for 2 years only – base and first option year.

Additional NRS FIA program information can be found at:

• http://fia.fs.fed.us/

• http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/fia/.

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

Throughout this statement of work the following terms are defined as follows:

• Contracting Officer (CO): Administers all aspects of the contract. All contract related questions are handled by the CO and the CO is the only person that can make a constructive change to this contract.

• Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): Conducts certification sessions, conducts Hot Checks, inspects Crew Leader’s work, and provides technical assistance to the Contractor, Crew Leader(s), Inspector, and Contracting Officer.

• Inspector: Assists with certification sessions, performs Hot Checks, and inspects Crew Leader’s work.

• Contractor: The owner or proprietor of the company bidding on the contract. In some cases the contractor may also serve as the Project Leader, Crew Leader, and or an Assistant. In this document all references to the Contractor also apply to all of the Contractor’s agents as well.

• Project Leader: Serves as the Contractor’s primary contact for interactions with the Forest Service.

There should only be one Project Leader assigned to this contract. If the Project Leader will also serve as a Crew Leader they must meet all the requirements of a Crew Leader and should be designated as such on the Experience Questionnaire form, Attachment C.

• Assistants: Serves as an assistant to a Crew Leader on a plot. Assistants do not have any experience or education requirements and do not need to be certified in data collection procedures. They are considered the secondary data collector on the plot.

• Crew Leader: Serves as a primary data collector for the contract. At least one Crew Leader must be present on each plot. The number of Crew Leaders the Forest Service will certify and allow on a contract will depend on the size of the contract. For this contract the Forest Service will certify up to two Crew http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/fia/data-collection/field-guides/ver7.1/FG%20NRS%207.1-Complete-Document.pdf http://fia.fs.fed.us/ http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/fia/ http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/fia/data-collection/

Leaders. A Crew Leader must successfully pass the certification process as well as meet the contract’s experience / education requirements.

A-2. Background and Scope

A-2.1 Background:

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 rural and urban forests as well as how much forest land exists and who owns it. The program also includes urban forest resources inventory and monitoring. There are four FIA Units nationally with the Northern Research Station’s FIA unit having the responsibility for the comprehensive forest and urban 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 the areas listed in A-1. 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 inventory plots are randomly located throughout The Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota. Use of aerial photography, other imagery, maps, and previous FIA plot records will be necessary to accurately locate FIA plots 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. For complete information regarding data collected on each plot see the field guides associated with the contract.

This work requires regular and recurring physical exertion in the form of travel on foot over rough, uneven, and steep terrain. This work requires several hours of driving, several days each week with work locations changing frequently, often on a daily basis. Work areas will be across the Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota.

FIA’s Phase 1 and Phase 2:

Phase 1 (P1):

The FIA sample design consists of a phased systematic sample of sites located across all 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 rural and urban forested / vegetated and non-vegetated 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. Phase 1 office classifications are not part of this contract.

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.

Phase 2 plots:

Crew Leader(s) must 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 in the field guides. Plots in this contract will double the intensity of plots on the Black Hills National Forest and will be initial plot establishment, SAMPLE KIND 1. In addition, all intensified plots on the Black Hills National Forest will be completed on an accelerated 2 year cycle or completion schedule. Plot locations will be established for the first time and will need to be monumented for possible re-measurement beginning in 2024. Each tally tree will require a distance and azimuth measurement. Though not required, plot establishment is easier with two persons/plot when measuring horizontal distances from the plot center to individual trees and from one sub plot to another. See field guide for more details.

A.2.2 Scope:

Base Year and first option year:

All plots in this contract will be SAMPLE KIND 1 plots that will double the intensity of FIA plots on the Black Hills National Forest. Additionally, we will accelerate completion of the intensified plots over the two year period of this contract. In the base year, this will be approximately 94 P2 plots and in option year 1 we expect P2 plot numbers to range from 90-120 plots. Exact numbers won’t be known until after phase 1 is completed in the office later this year and next.

This effort to double the plot intensity and accelerate the completion of intensified plots over two years will also include data items collected on the Wyoming (Rocky Mountain FIA unit) side of the Black Hills National Forest so that the dataset for the entire National Forest is consistent. These RMRS FIA data items can be found in:

Regional Appendix D. State / Species Specific Data Collection Variables and Procedures of the NRS Regional P2 Field Guide Version 7.1

This contract will be for two years only – base year and one option year.

Bid considerations for Base year and option year 1:

All Crew Leader(s) are required to attend the required certification with a working knowledge of the associated field guides and training tools (PowerPoints). These materials are available at:

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

Over the course of this 2 year contract, it is possible that the NRS FIA Field Guide’s version will change. The contractor will be made aware of a change in Field Guide version prior to exercising the first option year.

Base year and option year 1:

Prospective contractors should submit bids on a per plot pricing basis using the following range of potential plot numbers.

P2 Range of Plots Numbers Bid basis

001-120 plots price per plot

A-3 Applicable Documents

Specifics on the data collected as outlined above for all plot types and associated certification tools can be found at the following websites:

• P2, Field Guide V 7.1 http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/fia/data-collection/

Specifics regarding scanning and loading plots sheets can be found at:

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

Specifics on the Microsoft Excel QA Score programs, NQCNRS dated version).xlt, This program is used to determine passing or failing QA plot inspections and can be found at the following website:

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

B. Work Requirements:

B-1 Technical Requirements

For technical requirements for all plot types refer to the Field Guides and Quality Assurance Score Programs listed in section A-3 Applicable Documents.

Ownership, Permission and Access

NATIONAL FOREST LANDS: The Black Hills National Forest may require permission to access lands restricted by regulation or policy. FIA contractors will have the same privileges and restrictions to access and operations on the Black Hills National Forest as those placed on National Forest staff for the execution of official duties. If plots are located within wilderness areas, contractors must follow the guidelines outlined in the Field Guide under 0.4N Wilderness Areas. Contractors should inform District Rangers that they are conducting the inventory as a professional courtesy.

DENIED ACCESS OR HAZARDOUS PLOTS: Given that this contract is for plots on National Forest lands, the chances of getting a denied access plot is highly unlikely. 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 and phone number of the individual who denied access. If you send out letters/post cards with a YES/NO request for permission, this document will be included and scanned with 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”

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”. Hazardous plots will be identified by writing “Hazardous” next to plot number on invoice along with a note stating why it was hazardous during the entire contract period. Conditions that are temporarily hazardous due to high water, wildlife, poor road conditions, etc. shall be re-visited at a later date when the temporary hazard is no longer a factor. It is critical to anticipate, to the best of your ability, such challenges at the start of the contract; and plan accordingly in http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/fia/data-collection/ order to complete the contract on schedule. The electronic plot file should be completed as described in the Field Guide. For plots where only a portion(s) of a plot is classified as a hazardous condition, complete the plot file as described in the Field Guide.

Inspection and Acceptance

P2 plots:

Contract compliance to quality data objectives will be determined by the plot scoring program. FIA contract inspectors will use the Microsoft Excel QA scoring programs described in section A-3 to inspect and score plots. Acceptable plots will be defined by plot scores greater or equal to 90%. The Scoring program mirrors the Field Guide layout section to section and 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.

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 scan and upload plot sheets into the FIA database as outlined in B-2 Deliverables.

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.

It is required to run a PDR edit check of the plot to address all PDR warnings and correct any PDR errors before leaving the plot in the field.

B-2 Deliverables

P2 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 follow this delivery schedule for P2 Plots:

• The first third of the total number of plots will be delivered to the COR by one third of the period from certification to the end delivery date.

• The second third of the total number of plots will be delivered to the COR by two thirds of the period from certification to the end delivery date,

• No fewer than 100% of the total number of plots will be delivered to the COR by the end delivery date.

Plots can be completed prior to these specified due dates on an accelerated schedule if the contractor chooses to do so. Our goal is to have the contract completed in by the end date. The end date for the base year is Oct 31, 2017 but this date is determined by the FS on an annual basis for all option years.

Invoice Blocks:

Blocks of complete plots should: (1) have data files, scanned plots sheets, and any scanned landowner replies (up to 4 pages) uploaded in to the FIA database. (2) Plot sheets should be shipped by a method that has a shipment tracking feature to the Contractor Officer Representative.

In addition to uploading plot files to the FIA database, 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 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 24 completed plots, the COR may break the invoice block into three 8 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 actual plot that failed inspection will never be paid to the contractor. NRS FIA may give the contractor one week to revisit and/or correct any of the other plots in the inspection block that failed initial inspection. A second plot will be inspected. If the second plot passes inspection, the remainder of the plots in the inspection block will be accepted and the contractor will be paid for all but the initial failed inspection plot. If the second inspection plot fails, the entire inspection block is not paid. NRS FIA retains ownership of all data submitted by the contractor and has the option to correct, revisit, or keep data as is in the NRS FIA database without compensation to the contractor.

Breaking an invoice into smaller inspection blocks protects the contractor from not being compensated for larger invoice blocks and helps NRS FIA manage and correct poor quality plot files. Payment will be based on individual inspection blocks opposed to an entire invoice. NRS FIA may designate which plots from an invoice or inspection block are checked and reserves the right to require the order in which plots are completed.

Failed inspection blocks may be cause for termination of the entire contract at the discretion of NRS FIA, and the Contractor may not be awarded future FIA contracts for a specified number of years.

Request for payment will require a four-step process as follows:

1. The contractor shall upload the edited digital plot files and plot sheets and send a list of the plots completed (via email) to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

2. The contractor shall mail the corresponding plot sheets to the COR.

3. The COR shall notify the contractor regarding the QA results of the plots submitted for the inspection.

4. The contractor shall input their electronic invoice into the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) system.

In addition, contractors shall attach an invoice listing the plot type, plot number, date completed, and price for each plot submitted. This attachment shall also include non-sampled plots and the stated reason they are not sampled along with the contact information for any DA plots. The (IPP) website is:

https://www.ipp.fms.treas.gov/login/IPPLogon_Index.htm

Invoices shall not be entered into IPP when the plot files and plot sheets are sent to the COR or loaded directly through MIDAS. Invoices are only entered into IPP AFTER the final inspection score is sent to the contractor from the COR.

When plots are classified as entirely denied access or hazardous, contractors will be compensated $50.00 per plot. All denied access and hazardous plots will be listed on each invoice block of plots submitted for payment as encountered (not all at once at end of contract). They must also meet the submission requirement of 28 days since the plot was completed in the field. Inspection of denied access plots will be completed by follow up attempts to gain access by NRS FIA personnel or inspectors. Plots or parts of plots defined as denied access or hazardous by the contractor that are found to be accessible by NRS FIA personnel or inspectors may be defined as failed plot inspections. The contractor will not be paid for these plots as denied access and may be required to revisit and establish plot. If access to the plot is gained by NRS personnel and the plot is returned to the contractor for completion, the contractor will complete the plots and submit it for payment in the next invoice block.

For each plot that is determined to be a denied access plot, the following documentation is required:

• If the contractor was denied access verbally either on site or over the phone, the following should be written on the current plot sheet:

o Name of individual who denied access, phone number used in the contact, date, and time of the denial. If the denial occurs on site, attempt to get the phone number of the individual denying access.

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

• Denied access plots will be identified by writing “denied access” next to plot number on the invoice along with a note stating the name of the individual who denied access.

Quality Bonus incentive for P2 plots.

At the completion of each year’s contract, if the following quality objectives and delivery schedule are met, the contractor will be paid a quality bonus. Plots with a PLOT NONSAMPLED REASON of 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, or 11 (including denied access and hazardous plots). Certification costs are also not included in the bonus determination. To qualify for bonus all plot completion benchmarks must have been met and there must be no more than 1 failed Check Cruise for period being considered for the bonus.

Average check plot score of passing plots Bonus added to per plot price 97.00-97.99 5% 98.00+ 10%

C. Supporting Information

C-1 Security

The contractor and their employees will abide by the confidentially clause of this contract as well as the restrictions outlined in the FY2000 Consolidated Appropriations Bill (PL 106-113), Congress included language which modified the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 2276(d)) to add FIA data collection to a list of items requiring confidential treatment. Among other things, the law prevents FIA from disclosing sample locations in such a way that individual ownership can be determined, and it provides for criminal penalties for violations.

Specifically, awarded contractor and their employees agree to:

1. Sign the USDA Foresst Service NRS FIA confidentiality agreement form

2. Not disclose the plot locations or any of the plot data to any other party, not bound to the Forest Service by the terms of this contract;

3. Not use the plot locations or collected plot data for purposes other than those indicated in this contract;

4. Not visit the actual sites of the plot locations, other than for collecting data for this contract;

5. Not conduct destructive or intrusive sampling within the bounds of the Forest Service plot;

6. Not alter what would be normal business operations/forest management activities on the sites of the plot locations;

7. Not disclose the forest inventory data for an individual private or corporate landowner;

8. Store confidential data, including sample site locations, detailed ownerships, and any derived layers from which confidential data could be recovered, on a computer with security restrictions on file access which include password protection and the absence of a connection to wide area networks;

9. Delete, purge, or otherwise destroy all hardcopy and electronic files containing the plot locations, and to return all plot navigational aids (plot sheets, photos, etc) to the Forest Service at the termination/completion of work as outlined in B2-Deliverables.

C-2 Place of Performance

Locations are throughout the Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota. Locations are random and are likely to have accessible forestland on at least a portion of the inventory plot.

The Forest Service, at their own discretion, may add or subtract plots in option years.

C-3 Period of Performance

Initial contract duration for six months with an option to exercise option year one. Actual data collection work will occur after certification.

C-4 Government Furnished Property and Contractor Furnished Property:

The following materials will be furnished by the US Forest Service, FIA:

o An aerial photo, digital orthophoto-quad, or respective imagery of each plot location o One photo scale – To match provided imagery scale(s) o Plot sheets – Originally in hardcopy then in digital format as indicated by terms in option years o Printed Field Guides for field reference.

o GPS receiver which when provided must be the devise used to collect GPS coordinates o One data recorder o Data collection software o Computer communication cables o Communication software o FIA Data Base communication software

If there are problems with the government provided GPS or data recorder’s hardware, data collection software or communications software that transfers data from PDR (personal data recorder) to either the hard drive of a PC or compact data disk, contractor will notify COR (or his substitute in case of absence) and cease work until a replacement arrives or the problem is resolved within 10 days of this notification.

All Government furnished equipment and materials shall be returned together with any unused data sheets 15 days of contract completion each year.

CONTRACTOR FURNISHED PROPERTY: The Contractor agrees to furnish the following:

• A computer capable of downloading data from an Allegro Data Recorder (communicating with Allegro via 9 pin connection or USB port).

• Email capability to communicate with the COR and receive data collection and contract information.

• Internet access to interact with the FIA database to download historical data, receive PDR updates, and transfer completed data to the database

• A scanner capable of scanning paper plot sheets for electronic transfer of plot materials with the electronic plot files. Scanned plot sheets must be legible in digital format.

• A safety plan and adequate safety equipment required by OSHA and in accordance with industry standards.

• The Forest Service receives safety plans to ensure safe operation is being considered and is a priority for contractors. The Forest Service does not endorse the safety plan, as contractors are required to meet all Federal, State, and Local Safety requirements

• The Contractor shall, without additional expense to the Government, be responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses and permits, and for complying with any Federal, State, and municipal laws, codes, and regulations applicable to the performance of the work.

• Reference books on South Dakota tree and invasive species identification.

• Maps or gazetteer of Black Hills National Forest for accessing plot locations.

• One increment borer with an minimum borer length of 12 inches

• One clinometer - % and topographic scales

• One Sunto compass – Azimuth (0° - 360°)

• One diameter tape (must be graduated in tenths of an inch)

• One 75' Spencer Loggers Tape (must be graduated in tenths of a foot)

• Laser for measuring distances(optional)

• Chaining pin

• Batteries for Data Recorder and other equipment

• Postage and shipping costs to deliver FIA plot data, return government provide equipment; obtain landowner permissions, and other correspondence with US Forest Service and the general public.

• Ability to transmit and receive facsimiles.

• A large diameter, 10X hand lens for close examination of plant leaves.

• A forester-grade PLANT PRESS with cardboard inserts to store leaf vouchers collected in the field.

• Envelopes ready for mailing leaf vouchers and other items.

• Stiff paper or cardboard for protecting the leaf vouchers in the mailing envelopes.

• Flagging: for temporary marking of sites or sample plants.

• Aluminum nails and markers for marking trees on all plots on the Black Hills National Forest.

• Subplot and microplot center stakes, spikes, and or pins.

o Specifications for 12" landscape spikes:

https://www.menards.com/main/tools-hardware/fasteners-fastener-accessories/nails/common-nails/grip-fast-12-common-spike-nail-50-lb-box/p-1444441530800.htm

•Actual length of 12" •Gauge 3/8" •Head diameter of 3/4" •Approximately 2 per pound o Specifications for Wire pins:

0.148" dia. Galvanized Steel Wire Cut to 11.00" o Specifications for wooden stakes:

https://www.menards.com/main/tools-hardware/fasteners-fastener-accessories/nails/common-nails/grip-fast-12-common-spike-nail-50-lb-box/p-1444441530800.htm https://www.menards.com/main/tools-hardware/fasteners-fastener-accessories/nails/common-nails/grip-fast-12-common-spike-nail-50-lb-box/p-1444441530800.htm https://www.menards.com/main/tools-hardware/fasteners-fastener-accessories/nails/common-nails/grip-fast-12-common-spike-nail-50-lb-box/p-1444441530800.htm

Rot resistant species of Cedar, Locust, Oak, Ash, Hickory 1in x 1in x 1ft stakes w/pointed end in 10in x 10in banded bundles.

C-5 Qualifications and Limitations to Key Personnel:

• Contractor: The owner or proprietor of the company bidding on the contract. In some cases the contractor may also serve as the Project Leader, Crew Leader, and or an Assistant. In this document all references to the Contractor also apply to all of the Contractor’s agents as well.

• Project Leader: Serves as the Contractor’s primary contact for interactions with the Forest Service. There should only be one Project Leader assigned to this contract. If the Project Leader will also serve as a Crew Leader they must meet all the requirements of a Crew Leader and should be designated as such on the Experience Questionnaire form, Attachment C.

• Assistants: Serves as an assistant to a Crew Leader on a plot. Assistants do not have any experience or education requirements and do not need to be certified in data collection procedures. They are considered the secondary data collector on the plot.

• Crew Leader: Serves as a primary data collector for the contract. At least one Crew Leader must be present on each plot. The number of Crew Leaders the Forest Service will certify and allow on a contract will depend on the size of the contract. For this contract the Forest Service will certify up to two Crew Leaders. A Crew Leader must successfully pass the certification process as well as met the contract’s experience / education requirements listed below:

o Associate’s or higher Degree in Forestry or a related environmental field from an accredited

College or University and a minimum of three months of documented experience completing forest or urban forest (if contract contains Urban plots)inventory data collection work.

OR

o Three years documented experience conducting forest inventory or urban forest inventory work (if contract contains urban work).

In addition, he/she must possess demonstrable knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas and pass the following certifications:

• Aerial photo interpretation

• Orienteering – ability to locate ground locations using GPS, compass, 100’ tape for traversing, photos or imagery of FIA plot locations.

• Field botany including South Dakota tree and invasive species identification

• Tree grading

• Forest measurement/mensuration techniques

• South Dakota forest insect and disease agents

• Basic computer skills

• Must pass written test certifications. One may be prior to award and one or more during annual certification process.

• Must pass field data collection certification test(s) upon completion of annual certification process to demonstrate ability to collect accurate and complete FIA data

• Must attend required annual certification session(s)

In the contract bid process, each person that will be certified as a Crew Leader for this work should be identified by name with documentation on each individual’s specified education and experience. If plots are to be completed by more than one Crew Leader, each Crew Leader must meet Qualifications and Limitations to Key Personnel outlined above. When submitting such information ensure that the person that will be serving in a Crew Leader role are clearly noted. All such information must be included in the Experience Questionnaire –

Attachment C. If more than one Crew Leader is identified for this contract each one will be evaluated and the Contractor will receive their average evaluation score in the bid evaluation process.

CERTIFICATION:

FIA inventory plots will only be completed by Crew Leader(s) certified in the Field Guides and versions associated with the contract. Additionally, FIA plots cannot be completed by subcontracting this work to potential Crew Leaders who are not certified.

Contractors will be required to attend certification sessions, and will be required to have a comprehensive understanding of all the current Field Guides used in FIA data collection for the plot types associated with this contract. Prior to a certification session contractors will have reviewed all current Field Guides associated with the contact in their entirety as well as reviewed all training tools and exercises provided them prior to certification.

Contractors will be required to pass certification tests during or after each certification session, and all travel costs to and from certification sessions as well as any pre-work described here should be included in contract bid pricing. Tardiness to certification is not tolerated and will result in up to 100% of bid price to attend certification not being paid to contractor.

Important NOTICE: Nothing discussed by either the Inspector or COR during a certification or Hot Check should be considered a constructive change to the contract. Only the CO can approve a constructive change.

Base Year of Contract:

Once awarded the contract, anyone completing data collection as a Crew Leader must be certified (annually) in the FIA data collection procedures defined in the current NRS Regional Field Guides associated with the plot types included within the contract during the specific contract period. The first certification session is estimated to occur somewhere on or near the Black Hills National Forest. The type and length of certification will be based on the Crew Leader(s) experience, field guide changes, and the type of plot the Crew Leader(s) will be completing.

The following are rough guidelines for various certification requirements:

P2 Plots:

• Crew Leader(s) not currently certified in NRS Regional or National Field Guide version 6.0 or greater:

o Five 10 hour days, Monday through Friday excluding travel time.

o May include classroom, field, and associated field and written tests.

• Crew Leader(s) currently certified in NRS Regional or National Field Guide version 6.0 or greater:

o One to three 10 hour days excluding travel time.

o May include classroom, field, and associated field and written tests.

The Forest Service may not hold more than one annual certification session for a given plot type for this contract.

The certification sessions will be for uncertified potential Crew Leaders and for certified Crew Leaders that were certified in National FIA Field Guide Version 6.0 or greater. If a Contractor has more than one Crew Leader identified in his or her bid, each must be certified to collect data on FIA plots. If the individual(s) need to obtain certification, this should be included in the bid price under B.2 OFFER FOR DATA COLLECTION. The cost for each contract employee that needs certification should be included in this section.

Option Year Certification:

For the option year, annual certification will require reviewing the current Field Guides associated with the plot types in the contract. . All costs associated with attending certification sessions will be at the Contractor’s expense (lodging, meals, mileage, etc.), and bidders should assume that certification may occur outside the state of South Dakota but within a location within 500 miles of the South Dakota state border.

Length of certification sessions in option year 1 will vary depending on the needs of the Forest Service.

Contractors will be expected to attend certification annually as the Forest Service dictates. These costs should be included in the contractors bid pricing as described below under “Certification bid price under B.2 OFFER FOR

DATA COLLECTION.”

Hot Checks:

Uncertified FIA contractors in the current Field Guides associated with the plot types in the contract will also be required to have from 1 to 12 plots completed as Hot Checks at the start of plot work. The exact number is at the discretion of the Forest Service. A Hot Check is where a NRS quality control crew will be on plot with the contractor to inspect work as it is completed, help make any corrections needed and answer any questions contractor has.

If the awarded contractor is currently certified in the current Field Guides associated with the plot types in the contract they may have a reduced certification session lasting 1-5 days. Certified contractors may require 1 to 6 plots completed as Hot Checks at the start of plot work at the discretion of the Forest Service.

Failure to pass certification requirements at certification session(s)

If a potential Crew Leader is unable to pass certification, NRS FIA may provide one week of one-on-one data collection review with a FIA QA inspector who will perform Hot Checks with the Crew Leader as soon as the Forest Service can provide this additional certification effort. A recertification, including a field and written certification test will then be administered, after which the COR will determine whether the contractor meets certification standards and is able to continue with the contract. If the Crew Leader does not meet certification, the contract may be canceled and the only payment to the contractor will be the plots completed during the week of one-on-one Hot Checks with the Inspector. Recertification field tests may be conducted at a location or state other than where the initial certification was originally held at the Forest Service’s discretion.

The Forest Service will NOT assume any contractor costs associated with recertification, it is up to the contractor to cover the cost of their Crew Leader’s recertification.

Certification bid price under B.2 OFFER FOR DATA COLLECTION:

• One ten hour day (10 hours at certification excluding travel to and from session)

• Two ten hour days (20 hours at certification excluding travel to and from session)

• Three ten hour days (30 hours at certification excluding travel to and from session)

• Four ten hour days (40 hours at certification excluding travel to and from session)

• Five ten hour days (50 hours at certification excluding travel to and from session)

SECTION D--PACKAGING AND MARKING

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

SECTION E--INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 FAR 52.246-1 Contractor Inspection Requirements (APR 1984)

The Contractor is responsible for performing or having performed all inspections and tests necessary to substantiate that the supplies or services furnished under this contract conform to contract requirements, including any applicable technical requirements for specified manufacturers’ parts. This clause takes precedence over any Government inspection and testing required in the contract’s specifications, except for specialized inspections or tests specified to be performed solely by the Government.

(End of Clause)

E.2 FAR 52.246-4 Inspection of Services - Fixed-Price (AUG 1996)

(a) Definition: "Services," as used in this clause, includes services performed, workmanship, and material furnished or utilized in the performance of services.

(b) The Contractor shall provide and maintain an inspection system acceptable to the Government covering the services under this contract. Complete records of all inspection work performed by the Contractor shall be maintained and made available to the Government during contract performance and for as long afterwards as the contract requires.

(c) The Government has the right to inspect and test all services called for by the contract, to the extent practicable at all times and places during the term of the contract. The Government shall perform inspections and tests in a manner that will not unduly delay the work.

(d) If the Government performs inspections or tests on the premises of the Contractor or a subcontractor, the Contractor shall furnish, and shall require subcontractors to furnish, at no increase in contract price, all reasonable facilities and assistance for the safe and convenient performance of these duties.

(e) If any of the services do not conform with contract requirements, the Government may require the Contractor to perform the services again in conformity with contract requirements, at no increase in contract amount. When the defects in services cannot be corrected by reperformance, the Government may -

(1) Require the Contractor to take necessary action to ensure that future performance conforms to contract requirements; and

(2) Reduce the contract price to reflect the reduced value of the services performed.

(f) If the Contractor fails to promptly perform the services again or to take the necessary action to ensure future performance in conformity with contract requirements, the Government may -

(1) By contract or otherwise, perform the services and charge to the Contractor any cost incurred by the Government that is directly related to the performance of such service; or

(2) Terminate the contract for default.

(End of clause)

E.3 AGAR 452.246-70 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE (FEB 1988)

(a) The Contracting Officer or the Contracting Officer's duly authorized representative will inspect and accept the supplies and/or services to be provided under this contract.

(b) Inspection and acceptance will be performed randomly by the USDA Forest Service.

(End of clause)

Inspection and Acceptance

P2 plots:

Contract compliance to quality data objectives will be determined by the plot scoring program. FIA contract inspectors will use the Microsoft Excel QA scoring programs described in section A-3 to inspect and score plots. Acceptable plots will be defined by plot scores greater or equal to 90%. The Scoring program mirrors the Field Guide layout section to section and 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.

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 scan and upload plot sheets into the FIA database as outlined in B-2 Deliverables.

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.

It is required to run a PDR edit check of the plot to address all PDR warnings and correct any PDR errors before leaving the plot in the field.

SECTION F--DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 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 addresses:

www.arnet.gov/far/ www.usda.gov/procurement/policy/agar.html

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)

F. 2 AGAR 452.211-74 Period of Performance (FEB 1988)

The period of performance of this contract is from approximately May 1, 2017 to October 31, 2017 for the Base Period; and one (1) six-month Option Period from May 1, 2018 to October 31, 2017.

BASE PERIOD: May 1, 2017 to October 31, 2017 OPTION PERIOD 1: May 1, 2018 to October 31, 2018

F.3 Deliverables

P2 Plots:

To assure that the contractor is making progress toward the completion of the current year’s contract plots, the contractor will meet…