MATOC Timber Sale Prep and FPS Solicitation.pdf

MATOC for Timber Sale Prep and Professional Forestry Services Solicitation No. AG-447U-S-12-0042 National Forests in Mississippi page 1

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION STANDARD FORM 1449 (Rev. 3/2005)

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

1. REQUISITION NO.

PAGE

2. CONTRACT NO.

3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE

4. ORDER NUMBER

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

AG-447U-S-12-0042

6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

6/29/2012

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL

a. NAME Andrew J. Thompson, Contracting Specialist

b. TELEPHONE NO. (No collect calls)

601-965-1620

8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIME

7/29/2012/4:00 LT

. ISSUED BY CODE

10. THIS ACQUISITION IS 11. DELIVERY FOR FOB 12. DISCOUNT TERMS

USDA Forest Service Acquisition Zone West - AQM National Forests in Mississippi 100 West Capitol Street, Suite 1141 Jackson, MS 39269

UNRESTRICTED

SET ASIDE: 100 % FOR

SMALL BUSINESS

DESTINATION UNLESS

BLOCK IS MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED ORDER

UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

8(A) 13b. RATING

SIC: 115310

SIZE STANDARD:

$6.5 Million

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ IFB RFP

15. DELIVER TO CODE

16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

See Individual Task Orders Same as Block 9 17a. CONTRACTOR/ CODE

OFFEROR FACILITY

CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

TELEPHONE NO

National Finance Center P. O. Box 60075

New Orleans, LA 70160 17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT

SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS

BLOCK BELOW IS CHECKED SEE ADDENDUM

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

MATOC for Timber Sale Prep and

Professional Forestry Services National Forests in Mississippi

Note: Contractors MUST submit a technical proposal

SEE

SCHEDULE

OF ITEMS

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

See Individual Task Orders

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED.

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED.

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

one COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH

AND DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED

ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS

AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED HEREIN.

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REFERENCE _______________

OFFER DATED _________________. YOUR OFFER ON

SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY

ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT)

30c. DATE SIGNED

31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT)

31c. DATE SIGNED

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE

33. SHIP NUMBER

34. VOUCHER NUMBER

35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

RECEIVED INSPECTED CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED PARTIAL

36. PAYMENT 37. CHECK NUMBER

32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVT REPRESENTATIVE 32c. DATE COMPLETE PARTIAL FINAL

38. S/R ACCOUNT NO.

39. S/R VOUCHER NO.

40. PAID BY

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER 41c. DATE 42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42c. DATE REC’D (YY/MM/DD) 42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS

National Forests in Mississippi page 2

GENERAL

SCOPE

OFFERORS SHALL BE REGISTERED IN THE CENTRAL CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION (CCR)

(www.ccr.gov) AND ONLINE REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (ORCA) (https://orca.bpn.gov/) DATABASES TO RECEIVE AN AWARD.

OFFERS THAT DO NOT INCLUDE A TECHNICAL AND BUSINESS PROPOSAL WILL NOT BE

CONSIDERED FOR AWARD. Refer to AGAR 452.215-71 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF TECHNICAL AND BUSINESSPROPOSALS (SEP 1999), Page 66.

The purpose of this contract is to secure professional forestry services for timber sale preparation on the National Forests in Mississippi. This is a multiple – award indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) Task Order Contract. Task Orders shall be issued for projects listed in the attached schedule of items, within the specified time frames. Each Task order will state a specified delivery date.

The contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, supplies, permits, licenses and incidentals. This contract task and subtask includes sale unit layout, Boundary Flagging, GPS Acreage Determination, Timber Cruising and Timber Marking. All Aspects of the work program shall be performed by the Contractor in an organized systematic manner to assure services are uniformly executed over the entire project area.

PREPROPOSAL CONFERENCE

A Preproposal Conference is scheduled for Monday, July 16, 2012, at 10:00 a.m., during which potential offerors may obtain a better understanding of the work required. The conference will be held at the DeSoto Ranger District Office, 654 West Frontage Drive, Wiggins, Mississippi, phone: (601) 528-6165.

AGAR 452.211-74 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (FEB 88)

This contract is a fixed price contract for a basic period of performance from date of award through September 30, 2013, plus four one-year option periods.

Submission of an offer for the basic contract period constitutes an offer to perform in the Option Period(s), if exercised.

Base Period - Date of Award through September 30, 2013 Option Period I - October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2014 Option Period II - October 1, 2014 through September 30, 2015 Option Period III - October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2016 Option Period IV - October 1, 2016 through September 30, 2017

National Forests in Mississippi page 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1

SF-1449, Solicitation /Contract/Order for Commercial Items 1 Page

Bid Schedule 4

Specifications 6

SECTION II

CONTRACT CLAUSES 36

Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive 42 Orders Commercial Items

Clauses Incorporated by Reference 60

SECTION 3

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA 60

Task Order Award 60

SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS 62

Contractor Inspection Requirements 62

Inspection of Services 62

SECTION 4

Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Items 65

Evaluation - Commercial Items 66

Instructions for the Preparation of Technical and Business Proposals 67

Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items 71

Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference 87

LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS 88

Wage Determination 89

Contractor Financial Information 93

National Forests in Mississippi page 4

MATOC FOR TIMBER SALE PREP AND PROFESSIONAL FORESTRY SERVICES

Task/Sub-task

Estimated Quantity* Unit

Base Option Option Option Option Total base and all options

Year Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4

FY

FY

FY

FY

FY

NOTE: Unit prices for Section 5.3 will be used for evaluation purposes only. This will determine a pool of potential Contractors used to compete on future individual task orders. No awards will be made at this time for these line items.

5.3 MATOC FOR TIMBER SALE PREPARATION AND

PROFESSIONAL FORESTRY SERVICES

5.3.1 SALE UNIT LAYOUT

5.3.1.1 BOUNDARY FLAGGING 1 Acre $ $ $ $ $ $ -

5.3.1.2 ACREAGE DETERMINATION (GPS) 1 Acre $ $ $ $ $ $

5.3.1.3 BOUNDARY DESIGNATION (PAINT) 1 Acre $ $ $ $ $ $

5.3.2 TIMBER CRUISING

5.3.2.1 VARIABLE PLOT CRUISE 1 Acre $ $ $ $ $ $

5.3.2.2 FIXED PLOT CRUISE 1 Acre $ $ $ $ $ $

5.3.3 TIMBER MARKING

5.3.3.1 Cut Tree Marking – SAWTIMBER

THINNING, CLEARCUT, CLEARCUT WITH RESERVES 1 Acre $ $ $ $ $ $

5.3.3.2 Cut Tree Marking - FIRST THINNINGS 1 Acre $ $ $ $ $ $

5.3.3.3 Leave Tree Marking - THINNING or

CLEARCUT WITH RESERVES 1 Acre $ $ $ $ $ $

5.3.3.4 PAINT REFRESH MARKING 1 Acre $ $ $ $ $ $

NOTE: Awards WILL be made for Line Items 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d and 1e below

Offerors may bid on one, all or a combination of items 1a. Compartment 3 – Layout, mark and GPS an estimated 798 acres for this sale. Leave tree mark 211 acres of clear cut with reserve trees (retain all healthy and vigorous Longleaf Pine and Mast Producing Oaks). Leave tree mark 134 acres of first thinning, leaving approximately 50-60 basal area with a minimum of 15 feet between trees for equipment operability. Cut tree mark 448 acres of

Lump Sum

National Forests in Mississippi page 5 mature pine, leaving approximately 50-60 basal area.

1b. Compartment 4 - Layout, mark and GPS an estimated 904 acres for this sale. Leave tree mark 322 acres of clear cut with reserve trees (retain all healthy and vigorous Longleaf Pine and Mast Producing Oaks). Leave tree mark 32 acres of first thinning, leaving approximately 50-60 basal area with a minimum of 15 feet between trees for equipment operability. Cut tree mark 550 acres of mature pine, leaving approximately 50-60 basal

1c. Camp Shelby Stewardship, Sale 2 - Layout, mark and GPS an estimated 707 acres for this sale. Leave tree mark 559 acres of clear cut with reserve trees (retain relic Longleaf Pine and Mast Producing Oaks 15inch DBH and up). Leave tree mark 148 acres of thinning, leaving spacing a minimum of 30 feet x 30 feet for equipment operability.

1d. Camp Shelby Stewardship, Sale 3 - Layout, mark and GPS an estimated 350 acres for this sale.

Leave tree mark 160 acres of clear cut with reserve trees (retain relic Longleaf Pine and Mast Producing Oaks 15 inch DBH and up). Leave tree mark 190 acres of thinning, leaving spacing a minimum of 30 feet x 30 feet for equipment operability.

1e. Airey Tower - Layout, mark and GPS an estimated 831 acres for this sale. Leave tree mark 449 acres of clear cut with reserve trees (retain all healthy and vigorous Longleaf Pine and Mast Producing Oaks). Leave tree mark 342 acres of first thinning, leaving approximately 50-60 basal area with a minimum of 15 feet between trees for equipment operability. Cut tree mark 40 acres of mature pine, leaving approximately 50-60 basal

National Forests in Mississippi page 6

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATION/STATEMENT OF WORK

I. GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY/SERVICES/DATA ETC.

Govt. Furnished Property/Services/

Data etc.

Quantity Where, When How to be Furnished to Contractor

Aerial Photos As Required District Office or Work Center, 0700- 1600 Except on Holidays by COR or Inspector.

Detailed, Site-Specific Prescriptions As Required

District Office or Work Center, 0700- 1600 except on Holidays by COR or Inspector.

Forest Service Tree Marking/Tracer Paint As Required

District Office or Work Center, 0700- 1600 except on Holidays by COR or Inspector.

GPS Unit No more than one (1) per District

District Office or Work Center, 0700- 1600 except on Holidays by COR or Inspector.

Maps As Required District Office or Work Center, 0700- 1600 except on Holidays by COR or Inspector.

Tally Sheets As Required District Office or Work Center, 0700- 1600 except on Holidays by COR or Inspector.

Data Recorders No more than one (1) per District

District Office or Work Center, 0700- 1600 except on Holidays by COR or Inspector.

Any Government-furnished property used by the contractor will be inspected prior to release to the contractor. Reference FAR 52.245-1 Alt. 1 (AUG 2010).

II. TASK/SUBTASK STANDARDS

452.211-73 ATTACHMENTS TO STATEMENT OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS (FEB 1988)

The attachments to the Statement of Work/Specifications listed in Section J are hereby made part of this solicitation and any resultant contract.

National Forests in Mississippi page 7

SECTION II – PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT TASKS AND CRITICAL SUBTASKS

TIMBER SALE PREP AND PROFESSIONAL FORESTRY SERVICES

The contractor shall perform the following tasks and subtasks to the quality performance standards addressed in section VII or as indicated below each task/subtask.

5.3.1 SALE UNIT LAYOUT

.1.1 BOUNDARY FLAGGING

.1.2 ACREAGE DETERMINATION

1.3 BOUNDARY DESIGNATION (GPS) (PAINT)

The contractor shall provide the following documentation:

WORK PLAN AND SCHEDULE

QUALITY CONTROL PLAN

SAFETY PLAN

REPORTS

5.3.2 TIMBER CRUISING

2.1 VARIABLE PLOT CRUISE

2.2 FIX PLOT CRUISE

2.3 DOCUMENTATION

The contractor shall provide the following documentation:

WORK PLAN AND SCHEDULE

QUALITY CONTROL PLAN

SAFETY PLAN

REPORTS

5.3.3 TIMBER MARKING

3.1 CUT TREE MARKING – SAWTIMBER THINNING, CLEARCUT, CLEARCUT

WITH RESERVES

3.2 CUT TREE MARKING – SAWTIMBER THINNING, CLEARCUT, CLEARCUT

WITH RESERVES

3.3 LEAVE TREE MARKING – THINNING OR CLEAR CUT WITH RESERVES

3.4 PAINT REFRESH MARKING

3.5 DOCUMENTATION

The contractor shall provide the following documentation:

PAINT COUNT

WORK PLAN AND SCHEDULE

QUALITY CONTROL PLAN

SAFETY PLAN

National Forests in Mississippi page 8

REPORTS

5.3 TIMBER SALE PREPARATION

Timber to be sold must be designated and scaled prior to awarding a timber sale contract on the National Forests in Mississippi (NF in MS). Timber Sale Preparation involves layout of operating units based on stands or other criteria, area determination of units, designation of boundary lines, and designation of timber to be removed or left, depending on the type of cut.

Timber may be designated by marking and scaling or by cruising timber for volume estimation purposes.

For this task, the contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, tools, transportation, supervision, supplies, incidentals and expertise necessary, except as otherwise provided under Government- Furnished Property, to ensure timber sale preparation items are completed as specified in the performance work statement and any resultant task orders.

GENERAL

DEFINITIONS

TERMS MEANING

100% Tally A method of measuring tree volume by measuring and recording every tree marked.

Basal Area (BA) The cross-sectional area of a tree at DBH, used to determine stocking

Basal Area Factor (BAF) The critical angle used to determine BA with a prism Butt Mark Paint applied to the base of the tree within 6” of the groundline, and to the adjacent soil so that the tree can be identified after it is cut.

Cut Trees Trees which will be cut during harvest due to location within in the stand or deformities.

Cut Tree Marking (CTM) A method of identifying the trees intended for removal in a stand during harvesting. The trees are designated with paint at eye level and on the butt of the tree with at least one spot of paint.

Diameter Breast Height

(DBH)

Diameter of the trunk of a tree measured 4.5 feet above the ground level on the uphill side of the tree.

TERMS MEANING

First Thinning The first time to harvest selected trees within an even-aged pine pulpwood stand

Fixed Plot Cruise Estimating number of trees per acre using a specified radius from the imaginary center of the plot.

GPS Geospatial Positioning System, commonly used to determine locations on the ground

Inclusion An area greater than one acre in size that is significantly different from the surrounding stand, either by product, species, or density

National Forests in Mississippi page 9

Layout The process of determining where one harvest unit ends and another begins

Leave Trees Trees which will not be cut during harvest due to size or spacing

Leave Tree Marking

(LTM)

A method of identifying the trees intended to be left in a stand during harvesting. The trees are designated with a painted band or stripes on all sides at eye level and a spot of paint on the butt of the tree.

Payment Unit Division of similar trees/marking within a Timber Sale Contract

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

(RCW)

An endangered species of bird which nests in live pine trees, which can be identified by a small hole (< 2” diameter) at approximately 30’ high on the tree. There is usually sap running down the tree originating from points clustered around the hole.

Sample Group Groupings within a Strata of similar trees for sampling purposes

Sample Interval How often to measure a tree in each Sample Group/Strata combination

Sample Tree (STR) A method of measuring tree volume by taking a specific sample of the marked trees for measurement and recording.

Stand An area containing trees of similar species, size, and density Strata A subdivision of a population of trees which improves sampling error.

Timber Cruising The method by which volume estimations for timber are made based on tree count and measurement.

Traverse Determining acreage of an area by walking around it with a measuring device such as a GPS unit Variable Plot Cruise Estimating number of trees per acre using a prism

Silvicultural Prescription and Marking Guides:

The Silvicultural Prescription files for each Timber Sale will be provided to the Contractor and contains the following: individual stand description and prescription narratives and maps. These documents should be referred to prior to beginning any sale preparation work on any task order.

An individual Cruise Plan with specific Marking/Cruising Guidelines will be provided to Contractor for each Timber Sale at task order award. These Guidelines will provide specific direction on where the timber is located and how it is to be designated and scaled. All divisions of a Timber Sale are designated as Payment Units (tree measurement sales) or Subdivisions (weight scale sales).

Marker Certification:

Contractors are required to obtain a Qualified Cruiser Certification through the Forest Service by passing a written examination and field test PRIOR TO AND IN ORDER TO

COMPETE FOR CONTRACT AWARD OF TIMBER SALE PREPARATION TASKS AND

SUBTASKS.

National Forests in Mississippi page 10

This certification will remain valid for a period of one year and annual recertification is required in order to continue performing services under this contract. Contact Bob Smiley at (601)965- 1643, to obtain information about the qualified cruiser certification and recertification.

Tree Marking/Tracer Paint

The Government will furnish the necessary tree marking paint, also referred to as tracer paint, required to complete the project. Paint accountability is considered a very serious aspect of successful completion of contract requirements and will be handled according to the methods outlined in the, National Forests in MS Tracer Paint Accountability Plan.

The procedures outlined in the National Forest in MS Tracer Paint Accountability Plan will be reviewed during the prework conference for the individual task order. All Government tree marking paint cans, full or empty, not in immediate use by the contractor, are required to be in locked storage. Tree marking paint remains property of the United States. Any unused quantities will be returned to the Government upon completion of the individual task order. All used paint cans shall be returned to the Government with the residual paint in the cans dried.

Final payment invoices will not be processed until all paint is accounted for as described within this document and completed “National Forests in MS Contractor Tree Marking Paint Log” (ATTACHMENT # 1) forms for the entire task order are provided to the COR.

Potential Protected Areas:

The Forest Service may identify protected areas such as Red-cockaded Woodpecker nest trees, gopher tortoise burrows, sensitive plants, or archaeological or historical sites in the sale area or individual units. Should the contractor discover potential protected areas not designated by the Forest Service within the sale area or individual unit, notify the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) immediately and before proceeding so that proper preservation or safety measures can be taken if necessary.

Measurement: Within specified sample group/stratum combinations, a sample tree shall be measured on a specific sample interval indicated in the Cruise Plan. Specifications for measurement requirements by product are listed below:

NF in MS Tree Merchantability Specifications

1. Softwood Sawtimber. Must have a minimum DBH of 11.0 inches and a minimum merchantable length of 12’. Sawtimber will require two height measurements:

-- A. Merchantability (height #1) -- B. Point-on-stem (height #2)

A. Merchantable height

(1) A minimum top diameter outside bark (DOB) of 7.8.0 inches (7.5 inches inside bark);

OR

National Forests in Mississippi page 11

(2) The point on the upper stem at which excessive taper occurs. “Excessive taper” is a subjective term and refers to a drastic change in the characteristics of the upper stem of the tree. The two primary features generally associated with excessive taper are stem defect and the presence of limiting whorls:

(a) Stem defect. For example, mechanical damage or disease (fusiform rust) which has penetrated well past the bark and into the wood.

(b) A limiting whorl. A limiting whorl is branches, at least one inch in diameter, radiating from three faces (i.e., more than two faces) and situated within a 12-inch vertical span, where diameter sum equals the outside stem diameter at that point on the stem.

The term “branch” shall mean live or dead branches, with or without bark, protruding from the main stem sufficiently solid enough to estimate the branch diameter.

(c) NOTE: If a usable 8-foot section or longer occurs above either (a) or (b), take the merchantable height to the top of this section. A usable section is one not having the characteristics of (a) or (b) and not limited by diameter.

B. Point-on-Stem is sometimes called reference height:

(1) A minimum diameter of 8.0 inches DOB, which should be reasonably straight and sound.

It is acceptable to have height #1 and height #2 equal.

2. Small Roundwood – Softwood. Must have a minimum DBH of 5.0 inches and a minimum merchantable length of 12 feet.

A. The upper limit of merchantability is defined as:

(1) 4.0 inches DOB, OR

(2) That point at which stem deformity prevents utilization. If at least a 5-foot section occurs above this point, take the merchantable height to the top of this section. A usable section is one that is reasonably straight and sound and whose small end diameter equals or exceeds 4.0 inches outside bark.

(3) As directed in the cruise plan, pulpwood products can be measured to total tree height.

3. Hardwood Sawtimber. Must have a minimum DBH of 12.0 inches (14.0 inches in Delta NF) and a minimum merchantable length of 12 feet. Sawtimber will require two height measurements:

-- A. Merchantability (height #1) -- B. Point-on-stem (height #2)

A. Merchantable height

National Forests in Mississippi page 12

(1) A minimum top diameter outside bark of 9.0 inches (12.0 inches DOB for Delta

NF)

OR

(2) The point at which the tree breaks into forks containing no merchantable sawlog product

OR

(3) A limiting whorl. A limiting whorl is one or more live limbs occurring within a vertical span of 12-inches, the sum of whose diameters equals the stem outside stem diameter at that point

OR

(4) A stem deformity.

NOTE: If a usable 8-foot section or longer occurs above either (3) or (4), take the merchantable height to the top of this section. A usable section is one not having the characteristics of (3) or (4) and not limited by diameter.

B. Point-on-stem is sometimes called reference height

(1) A minimum top diameter of 9.0 inches DOB (12.0 inches DOB for Delta NF), which should be reasonably straight and sound.

4. Small Roundwood – Hardwood. Must have a minimum DBH of 5.0 inches and a minimum merchantable length of 12 feet.

A. The upper limit of merchantability is defined as:

(1) 4.0 inches DOB, OR

(2) That point at which stem deformity prevents utilization. If at least a 5-foot section occurs above this point, take the merchantable height to the top of this section. A usable section is one that is reasonably straight and sound and whose small end diameter equals or exceeds 4.0 inches outside bark.

(3) As directed in the cruise plan, pulpwood products can be measured to total tree height.

5. Forked Trees: The proper method of measuring forked trees will be covered as part of the certification of qualified cruisers. When the fork is below DBH, count and measure as two separate trees. When the fork is above DBH, measure as one tree and measure the longest utilizable fork.

6. Stump Height. Measure reference height from the high-ground side of the tree to the specified height(s). The volume equations have a standard stump height built in.

For sale prep and tree measurement, see the Exhibit #1 below:

Exhibit #1 Minimum Tree Specifications

National Forests in Mississippi page 13

Species Product DBH Merchant. Length/Top SYP Pine Sawtimber 11.0 12' to 7.0" DOB 30% Sound Mix Hdwd Hardwood Saw 12.0 12' to 9.0" DOB 30% Sound Delta NF Hardwood Saw 14.0 12’ to 11.0” DOB 50 % Sound SWD Pine Roundw'd 5.0 10' to 4.0" DOB N/A Hdwd Hwd Roundw'd 5.0 10' to 4.0" DOB N/A

Tally trees identified by the data recorder shall be measured and recorded both in the data recorder and on a piece of flagging tied to the tally tree. Measurements recorded on the tail of the flagging shall consist of:

Tree Number in the data recorder

DBH

Height(s) – Sawtimber will have a merchantable height and a reference height Species Product Marker Initials

NF in MS SPECIES CODES

110 Shortleaf Pine 611 Misc Hardwood 111 Slash Pine 800 Oak (Mixed) 121 Longleaf Pine 400 Hickory 131 Loblolly Pine 812 So. Red Oak 300 Soft Hardwoods 500 Hard Hardwoods

833 Red Oak (Delta NF) 822 Overcup Oak (Delta NF) 540 Ash (Delta NF)

5.3.1 SALE UNIT LAYOUT

Each unit shall be flagged on the outer boundary of the fully stocked stand. Embedded areas, inclusions, stream courses and other protection areas, as identified or defined in the cruise plan, shall be flagged out of the unit.

5.3.1.1 BOUNDARY FLAGGING

Using Forest Service provided maps and aerial photos; the Contractor will determine the edge of the units identified on the map based on change in stocking, size, age or species. This boundary will be flagged with orange flagging visible from flag to flag. Any extraneous flagging shall not be left in the woods, but shall be removed when it can be seen from the boundary line.

National Forests in Mississippi page 14

5.3.1.2 ACREAGE DETERMINATION (GPS)

Using Forest Service provided maps, aerial photos, and a GPS unit, the Contractor will determine the acreage of previously flagged sale units. Contractor may use their own GPS unit or a Government-furnished GPS unit to traverse the boundary by walking the flagged line. All acreage determination shall be conducted with GPS units capable of +/- 3 meter accuracy and capable of interface with NF in MS GIS systems. Data is to be collected in 3-D mode only, with a minimum PDOP of 6 and horizon set at 15 degrees. Data must be provided the Forest Service COR in uncorrected .ssf files. Enough points should be collected to adequately interpret the acres within the unit and have an accurate representation of the unit. If satellite reception is poor, wait until at least 4 satellites are visible and receiving before continuing to traverse. Use the “area” feature of the Trimble program for determining acreage.

Return GPS units at least twice weekly or as otherwise agreed for downloading by USFS personnel. A lost or damaged Government-furnished GPS unit will incur a penalty charge of $5,000, and may be deducted from any payments due the contractor.

5.3.1.3 BOUNDARY DESIGNATION (PAINT)

Using Forest Service supplied orange paint, mark the previously flagged sale unit boundary.

Unless specified otherwise in the specific cruise plan, unit boundary line trees are to be marked at eye level with three (3) orange diagonal slash marks and a spot at ground level on the stump, with eye marks facing into the interior of the payment unit. Only Forest Service tracer paint may be used to mark boundaries. Paint will be issued to the Contractor by the COR on a weekly basis (see the National Forests in MS Tracer Paint Accountability Plan and National Forest in MS Contractor Tree Marking Paint Log for information on use and accountability of Forest Service tracer paint). Boundary lines are not required along obviously visible Payment Unit edges, such as roads, utility rights-of-way, or railroad tracks. All other edges of Payment Units will require a marked boundary line.

All boundary trees shall meet leave tree criteria if available, and be inter-visible. In no case shall the distance between marked trees exceed 100 feet. Boundary trees shall be selected such that they remain as close as possible to the alignment indicated by the flagging and as follows:

a. If the flagging that designates the location of the boundary is on a tree that meets leave tree criteria, the contractor shall designate that same tree as a boundary tree, unless flagged trees are in excess of those required to meet the 100 foot/inter-visible specification.

b. If the flagging designating the location of the boundary is tied to something other than a tree meeting leave tree criteria, contractor shall attempt to designate as a boundary tree, the tree nearest the flagging that does meet leave tree criteria, and which is “on-line” between two adjacent flags.

c. If no trees meeting leave tree criteria exist in the general vicinity of the flagging, the next choice for a boundary tree shall be a larger diameter hardwood, followed by a sub-merchantable

National Forests in Mississippi page 15 small diameter conifer. These trees shall also be selected based on having a flag attached or being on-line between two adjacent flags.

d. If no tree is available on-line between two adjacent flags, the tree nearest that alignment and meeting inter-visibility requirements shall be selected.

e. In no case shall a boundary be marked on a portable object such as a fallen limb or a small rock.

f. Do not paint trees that do not belong to the U.S. Forest Service. Do not paint landline trees (USFS landline trees are marked with red paint).

5.3.2 TIMBER CRUISING

Using Forest Service supplied maps with grid lines and plot locations, a cruise of the sale units will be conducted to determine timber volume for sale. Acreages have been previously determined. Generally, BA/acre will be the determining factor when cruising, but trees/acre may also be used. Trees to be retained shall be the largest trees in the group, regardless of form or quality, all other trees being designated for removal.

5.3.2.1 VARIABLE PLOT CRUISE

Using a 10 factor prism, (a 20 factor prism may be used in pulpwood stands), relascope, or other equivalent optical instrument to determine BA, place one plot per acre in each Payment Unit.

Desired leave BA/acre may vary from sale to sale, and will be determined prior to cruising by USFS sales personnel. Variable plot cruise plots per acre are subject to stand variability. The requirement is at least one plot per acre but could be less in some cases.

All plot and tree information shall be legibly recorded on USFS supplied tally sheets.

Contractor shall determine the number of both Cut and Leave trees on each plot, using a pre-determined leave BA/acre as a guide. Using USFS general cruising instructions and detailed prescriptions specific to each sale, Contractor shall also measure specific trees in a systematic sequence of plot selection that prohibits biasing the selection. Upon completion of each sale unit, Contractor shall deliver the completed tally sheets and other unit-specific records to the Government before moving to the next unit. Upon receipt and acceptance, the cruise data shall become the sole property of the Government.

Data to be collected on measured plots includes species, DBH, merchantable height and a reference height. Minimum specifications for all USFS, NF in MS timber are found in the NF in MS Merchantability Specifications.

Two white ribbons shall be hung at the start of each cruise line, containing the Line number and the direction of cruise. Plots shall be monumented using pin flags or engineering stakes placed at the exact plot center, with the plot number, cruiser initials, and total tree count written on it.

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A white or contrasting color ribbon shall be hung over the pin flag as close as possible to the plot center and containing the Line and Plot number. Sample trees shall be measured on a specific interval designated in the Cruise Plan.

At least one cut pulpwood, one leave pulpwood, one cut sawtimber and one leave sawtimber shall be measured at the designated interval when situated in the plot. Measured trees shall be marked with a white tally ribbon. The following information shall be legibly recorded on the ribbon of each measured tree:

(1) DBH to nearest .1 inch

(2) Merchantable height (Height #1)

(3) Reference height to 7” DOB top (Height #2 – Sawtimber only)

(4) Percent of defect (sawtimber only)

(5) Product (pulpwood or sawtimber)

(6) Cut or Leave tree

(7) Cruiser Identification

All cruising shall be inspected by a certified District Checker to determine accuracy. All instruments used by the Contractor shall be inspected for calibration periodically.

A draft copy of the sale area map shall be maintained with shading of progress – these maps shall be kept in a pre-sale folder. A contractor’s daily diary recording the Payment Unit, crew names, number of plots located, number of hours spent on the project including travel time, and field observations, such as location of old woods roads, log landings, or wet boggy areas, shall be kept daily and filed in the pre-sale folder.

The pre-sale folder shall be kept neat and orderly at all times.

5.3.2.2 FIXED PLOT CRUISE

Using a fixed plot radius of 37’2.8”, place at least one plot per acre in each Payment Unit.

Desired leave trees/acre may vary from sale to sale, and will be determined prior to cruising by USFS sales personnel.

All plot and tree information shall be legibly recorded on USFS supplied tally sheets.

Contractor shall determine the number of both Cut and Leave trees on each plot, using a pre-determined number of leave trees/acre as a guide.

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Using USFS general cruising instructions and detailed prescriptions specific to each sale, Contractor shall also measure specific trees in a systematic sequence of plot selection that prohibits biasing the selection.

Upon completion of each sale unit, Contractor shall deliver the completed tally sheets and other unit-specific records to the Government before moving to the next unit. Upon receipt and acceptance, the cruise data shall become the sole property of the Government.

Data to be collected on measured plots includes species, DBH, merchantable height and a reference height. Minimum specifications for all USFS NF in MS timber are found in the NF in MS Merchantability Specifications.

Two white ribbons shall be hung at the start of each cruise line, containing the Line number and the direction of cruise. Plots shall be monumented using pin flags or engineering stakes placed at the exact plot center, with the Plot number, cruiser initials, and total tree count written on it. A white or contrasting color ribbon shall be hung over the pin flag as close as possible to the plot center and containing the Line and Plot number. Sample trees shall be measured on a specific interval designated in the Cruise Plan. At least one cut pulpwood, one leave pulpwood, one cut sawtimber and one leave sawtimber shall be measured at the designated interval when situated in the plot. Measured trees shall be marked with a white tally ribbon. The following information shall be legibly recorded on the ribbon of each measured tree:

(1) DBH to nearest .1 inch

(2) Merchantable height (Height #1)

(3) Reference height to 7” DOB top (Height #2 – Sawtimber only)

(4) Percent of defect (sawtimber only)

(5) Product (pulpwood or sawtimber)

(6) Cut or Leave tree

(7) Cruiser Identification

All cruising shall be inspected by a certified District Checker to determine accuracy. All instruments used by the Contractor shall be inspected for calibration periodically.

A draft copy of the sale area map shall be maintained with shading of progress – these maps shall be kept in a pre-sale folder. A daily diary recording the Payment Unit, crew names, number of plots located, number of hours spent on the project including travel time, and field observations, such as location of old woods roads, log landings, or wet boggy areas, shall be kept daily and filed in the pre-sale folder.

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5.3.3 TIMBER MARKING

Designation of timber to be removed or left will be done using Forest Service Tracer Paint;

NON-FOREST SERVICE PAINT MAY NOT BE USED. Paint will be issued to the Contractor by the COR on a weekly basis (see the National Forest in MS Tracer Paint Accountability Plan and National Forest in MS Contractor Tree Marking Paint Log for information on use and accountability of Forest Service tracer paint).

A detailed Cruise Plan provided by the USFS will designate the silvicultural system being implemented, and which trees are to be cut or left. Specific species to be favored may also be identified. The type of designation shall also be indicated in the Cruise Plan:

Cut Tree Marking (CTM): Trees to be removed are to be designated with yellow, blue, or green Forest Service marking paint with eye level marks and butt marks. In most cases the color of paint for each included Payment Unit will be indicated in the cruise plan.

Leave Tree Marking (LTM): Trees to be left uncut are to be designated with orange Forest Service marking paint at or above eye level and at ground level.

Marks at eye level shall be visible above brush and shall all face uphill in the same direction;

sufficient paint will be used to make the mark visible for a distance of at least 50 feet.

Stump marks shall be at ground level on the downhill side of the tree on the bottom 6” of the stump. Accumulations of pine straw shall be kicked out of the way prior to application of the paint, and the paint shall cover both the base of the tree and the ground immediately joining the stump. A single mark will identify pulpwood trees; two butt marks will identify sawtimber trees.

Sufficient paint will be used to ensure visibility after the tree is cut and should be at least three inches in diameter.

In the event that inappropriate trees are marked, or unacceptable work is corrected, the contractor must obliterate the paint marks with black paint supplied by the government.

Trees shall be counted within each stratum by calling the stratum number to a tally person as they are marked and entering the tree into a Forest Service supplied data recorder using the FS Cruiser program.

The data recorder will randomly select a tree to be tallied, at which time the marker shall be notified and shall measure the tree that was last called. Measurements shall consist of DBH to the nearest 1/10 inch, height(s) to the nearest foot, and defect in percent for sawtimber. (See the NF in MS Merchantability Specifications.) Procedure and tables for determining defect will be covered in the Qualified Cruiser process noted in the Marker Certification section of this contract.

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To protect the collected data in the event of a power failure or other problem with the data recorder, sample tree and tree count data will be recorded by payment unit on the provided R8- FS-2400-41 form (ATTACHMENT # 2).

This should be done a minimum of twice daily, once at noon and again at the end of the work day. Specifics will be outlined in the task order.

A draft copy of the sale area map shall be maintained with shading of progress – these maps shall be kept in a pre-sale folder. A contractor’s daily diary recording the Payment Unit, crew names, amount and color of paint used, number of hours spent on the project including travel time, and field observations, such as location of old woods roads, log landings, or wet boggy areas, shall be kept daily and filed in the pre-sale folder.

5.3.3.1 Cut Tree Marking – SAWTIMBER THINNING, CLEARCUT, CLEARCUT WITH

RESERVES

Trees to be cut shall be designated with paint by CTM. Mark merchantable trees within the Payment Unit boundary, but outside of any streamside protection zone, except the desired leave trees described in the cruise plan. All desired leave species designated in the cruise plan shall remain unmarked. Other special reserve trees such as red cockaded woodpecker cavity trees may be identified in the Cruise Plan to be left. Selective marking may be required within the streamside protection zone in the Cruise Plan. These trees must also be designated with paint by

CTM.

Streamside zone boundaries within the Payment Unit shall be designated with pink Forest Service tracer paint. The boundary shall be identified with three diagonal slashes facing into the Payment Unit.

5.3.3.2 Cut Tree Marking – SAWTIMBER THINNING, CLEARCUT, CLEARCUT WITH

RESERVES

Trees to be cut shall be designated with paint by CTM. In order to obtain the desired leave BA/acre, select and mark trees to be removed based on description in the individual Cruise Plan for the Payment Unit. All desired leave species designated in the cruise plan shall remain unmarked. Other special reserve trees such as red cockaded woodpecker cavity trees may be identified in the Cruise Plan to be left. Selective marking may be required within the streamside protection zone in the Cruise Plan. These trees must also be designated with paint by CTM.

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5.3.3.3 Leave Tree Marking – THINNING or CLEARCUT WITH RESERVES

Leave trees will be marked with orange paint by LTM so that the desired BA/acre and spacing of pine would result after harvesting all unmarked trees. Select well-formed trees, in the dominant or co-dominant crown classes for leave trees.

Leave trees will be spaced evenly throughout the unit to achieve the desired residual BA/Acre.

Order of preference for leave trees is as follows:

• The individual cruise plan will specify the order of preference for species and the desired leave tree spacing.

• Trees in the dominant or codominant crown classes. Tall, well-formed, intermediate trees will be favored over limby or diseased trees, even if the diseased tree is much larger in DBH. Otherwise, intermediate and suppressed trees will be left unmarked so they will be cut.

• Trees free of disease such as fusiform rust cankers on the main stem of the tree.

• Trees having a full crown, not broken by wind, ice, or snow.

• Single-stemmed trees are preferred, but a forked tree may be marked if it is the best tree available.

• Straight, well-pruned trees are preferred if available. For example, a straight, well-pruned pine that is 14” DBH and codominant would be preferred over an 18” DBH dominant tree with many residual branch stubs.

• In some stands, it will be common to have more good quality trees available than what is needed to make the leave basal area. In that case, preference will be given to spacing, i.e.

leaving (marking) trees that are more uniformly spaced.

5.3.3.4 PAINT REFRESH MARKING

Refresh marking of previously marked timber where paint has faded will be done using Forest Service Tracer Paint; NON-FOREST SERVICE PAINT MAY NOT BE USED. Paint will be issued to the Contractor by the COR on a weekly basis (see the National Forest in MS Tracer Paint Accountability Plan and National Forest in MS Contractor Tree Marking Paint Log for information on use and accountability of Forest Service tracer paint).

A description of areas to be refreshed will be provided by the USFS noting the colors to be used for refreshing.

Cut Tree Marking (CTM): Trees to be refreshed are to be designated with yellow, blue, or green Forest Service marking paint with eye level marks and

National Forests in Mississippi page 21 butt marks. In most cases the color of paint for each included Payment Unit will be indicated in the task order.

Leave Tree Marking (LTM): Trees to be left uncut are to be designated with orange Forest Service marking paint at or above eye level and at ground level.

Marks at eye level shall be visible above brush and shall all face uphill in the same direction;

sufficient paint will be used to make the mark visible for a distance of at least 50 feet.

Stump marks shall be at ground level on the downhill side of the tree on the bottom 6” of the stump. Accumulations of pine straw shall be kicked out of the way prior to application of the paint, and the paint shall cover both the base of the tree and the ground immediately joining the stump. A single mark will identify pulpwood trees; two butt marks will identify sawtimber trees.

Sufficient paint will be used to ensure visibility after the tree is cut and should be at least three inches in diameter. Paint marks will be placed in proximity to the old faded paint mark such that both the old mark and refreshed mark are visible.

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A. TIMBER SALE PREPARATION QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE

PLAN

This Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) has been developed to evaluate contractor actions while implementing the timber sale preparation performance work statement. It is designed to provide an effective surveillance method of monitoring contractor performance for each listed objective on the Service Delivery Summary (SDS) in the contract.

The QASP provides a systematic method to evaluate the services the contractor is required to furnish.

This QASP is based on the premise the government desires to maintain a quality standard in layout and cruising timber, and that a service contract to provide the service is the best means of achieving that objective.

The contractor, and not the government, is responsible for management and quality control actions to meet the terms of the contract. The role of the government is quality assurance to ensure contract standards are achieved.

In this contract the quality control program is the driver for product quality. The contractor is required to develop a comprehensive program of inspections and monitoring actions. The first major step to ensuring a “self-correcting” contract is to ensure that the quality control program approved at the beginning of the contract provides the measures needed to lead the contractor to success.

Once the quality control program is approved, careful application of the process and standards presented in the remainder of this document will ensure a robust quality assurance program.

A.1 INSPECTION FOR ADHERENCE TO UNIT REQUIREMENTS

The Government will inspect the following areas for compliance with unit requirements:

(1) Boundary Flagging

Spot inspections of flagged boundaries shall be made periodically to determine if the appropriate amount of flagging is hung at designated intervals sufficient to enable an uninterrupted walk around the unit.

(2) Acreage Determination

Contractors may use their own GPS unit or a Government-furnished GPS unit to perform work under this contract. All acreage determination shall be conducted with GPS units capable of +/- 3 meter accuracy and capable of interface with NF in MS GIS systems.

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Contractor shall be required to meet the requirements of FSH 2409.12 Section 50, which can be found athttp://www.fs.fed.us/cgi-bin/Directives/get_dirs/fsh?2409.12 for GPS traverse standards. These standards shall include:

(i) Position fixes shall be collected by the remote GPS receiver under the following conditions:

a. Position dilution of precision (PDOP) no greater than 6.

b. Minimum satellite elevation angle of 15°.

c. Minimum signal level of 6, or the manufacturer’s recommended level for good signal quality.

d. 3-D manual mode.

(ii) Use of a reference/base station of a third order (or better) NAD 83 datum position.

(iii) Position fixes collected while moving around the perimeter at a time interval that accurately defines the perimeter of the traverse. In general, use a 5-second interval for a walk file; however, if moving more rapidly, use a 1-second interval.

Loss of position fixes (signal) is acceptable for a short duration while moving in a straight line; however, position fixes must be received while moving through all turning points in order to portray the true representation of the traverse.

(iv) Show position fixes lying one after another, in a relative sequential pattern, defining the perimeter of the traverse in a computer display or plot of the file. Allow only slight irregularities (jumping from side to side) of position fixes; if some of these are outliers and do not represent the traverse, delete them from the file. The person who collects the data should review the computer display or large-scale plot of the data for the following:

a. Consistency of data collection; look for a smooth string of fixes.

b. Large spacing between points. Large spacing indicates loss of signal and the possibility of missing position fixes at critical turning points that define the traverse.

c. Polygon shape. The polygon should resemble the traverse walked in the field.

(v) Calculate area using NAD 83 datum when the data collected meet the established standards outlined in the preceding paragraphs.

(vi) Re-collect the data if the established standards are not met. Data for a portion of a traverse, such as in the case of a large traverse, may be collected at different dates and times as long as collection occurs while moving in the same direction as the original traverse.

(vii) Keep the following information as part of the final record:

a. The uncorrected .ssf data file or the real-time WAAS data file

b. A plot of the traverse at 1:24,000 scale in the current NAD 27 datum (the agency’s primary base series maps are displayed in the NAD 27 datum).

http://www.fs.fed.us/cgi-bin/Directives/get_dirs/fsh?2409.12

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c. The date and name of the person who collected the data.

d. The name of the reference/base station used for the differential corrections.

e. The method (software) used for area calculation.

(3) Unit Boundary Designation

No discrepancies in paint count; all paint cans used by the Contractor are returned to the COR. (See National Forests in MS Tracer Paint Accountability Plan)

Periodic spot inspections shall be made by Government inspectors to ensure that unit boundary designation conforms to established standards:

(i) All marks must face into the sale unit

(ii) All marks must be intervisible and the entire boundary must contain no holes or gaps in marks. Boundaries may be unmarked if natural or manmade features are so conspicuous that they can be identified from the sale area map alone and if doing so would not cause mistakes to be made when the trees are cut.

(iii) All stump marks must be placed no more than 6” above the ground and ALSO on the ground itself…