Amendment___A003_to_Vegetation_Management_Notice.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

1 7

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE 4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

A003 November 6, 2012

6. ISSUED BY CODE 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6) CODE

USDA Forest Service Region 8, Acquisition Zone West 100 W. Capitol Street, Suite 1141 Jackson, MS 39269

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State, and ZIP Code) (X) 9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

AG-447U-S-12-0063

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

August 15, 2012

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

CODE FACILITY CODE

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers is extended, is not extended.

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning 1 copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

(X) A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN

THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return ___ copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.

Amendment 3 (see continuation sheets)

The above referenced solicitation is hereby amended as indicated. Date required for the submission or receipt of proposals is not changed.

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remain unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print) 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

ANDREW J. THOMPSON, Contracting Officer 15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 16C. DATE SIGNED

Nov 6, 2012 (Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

SN 7540-01-152-8070

Previous edition unusable

30-105 STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 10-83)

Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

A pre-proposal meeting was held on October 30, 2012 at the Mississippi Interagency Coordination Center Pearl, MS.

The Forest Service was represented by:

Karen G. Ray, CO, AZW, Jackson, Mississippi Andrew J. Thompson, CS, Jackson, Mississippi Alvin Wells, TMA, Homochitto Ranger District, Meadville, Mississippi Thomas Sullivan, Homochitto Ranger District, Meadville, Mississippi George Beard, Homochitto Ranger District, Meadville, Mississippi Bill Oswalt, Holly Springs Ranger District, Oxford, Mississippi Shelton Whittington, Delta Ranger District, Rolling Fork, Mississippi Ron Fisher, Delta Ranger District, Rolling Fork, Mississippi

The following contractors attended:

Daniel Vowell, UFL Inc., P.O. Box 1074, Ackerman, Mississippi 39735 Carlos Oseguera, Red Leaf Forestry Inc., 110 Longlinks Circle, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71913 Miguel Oseguera, Two Pines Forestry Inc., 380 Shady Heights Road, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71901 Daniel Barreto, Barreto Forestry Contracting Inc., P.O. Box 639, Gloster, Mississippi 39638 Tony Hernandez, Forestree Network, 308 Chestnut Street, Roanoke, Alabama 36274 Carolyn Hernandez, Forestree Network, 308 Chestnut Street, Roanoke, Alabama 36274 Jamie Bradshaw, Bradshaw Tree, Inc., 1011 Azalea Drive, Indianola, MS 38751 Carl Potter, Potter Forestry Service, 11092 Chula Road, Plainview, AR 72857

The contractors were informed that an amendment to the solicitation would be sent out and that the amendment would include any corrections and/or changes to the solicitation, in addition to answers to questions asked concerning the solicitation. The following information was reviewed with the contractors at the site showing, covering the PBSC Vegetation Management Solicitation.

Summary of Discussion

The purpose of this meeting was to engage potential offerors in a dialogue to ensure a better understanding of Forest Service requirements and industry capabilities and to ensure a level playing field for all competitors through consistent information sharing.

This is the first forestwide multiyear contract for vegetation management services that the National Forests in Mississippi have ever advertised. In the past, contracts have been awarded separately by each district. However, in keeping with the other forests in the Acquisition Zone West, this solicitation is being advertised forestwide.

Performance Based – Various details of performance based service contracts (PBSC) were discussed. The contractor performs quality control; the Government does quality assurance. Prior to PBSC, the Government included precise specifications for our service contracts. Now, we describe the “end results” rather than the “how”.

The Forest Service encouraged potential offerors to submit questions and comments at this session or by email to ajthompson@fs.fed.us not later than November 9, 2012. The contractors were advised that responses to all questions will be posted within five (5) business days by amendment at the FedBizOpps www.fbo.gov .

Contract Line Item (CLIN) Structure:

The Forest Service intends to make multiple awards as a result of the solicitation, but only one offeror per line item.

Contractors may submit offers on one line item, all line items, or any combination thereof.

Each District in which you have interest in performing work is selected under each task or subtask.

Basis for Award:

Award is based on BEST value. Award will be made to those offeror (s) whose proposals are technically acceptable and whose technical/cost relationship presents the best value to the government.

Best value - means the expected outcome of an acquisition that, in the Government’s estimation, provides the greatest overall benefit in response to the requirement.

All offers must include a technical proposal and business proposal. Offers that do not include a technical proposal will not be considered for award.

mailto:ajthompson@fs.fed.us http://www.fbo.gov/

The process of evaluation was explained during the meeting. Contractors were informed that, even though they might have submitted a lower price on a given line item, they may not have offered the best value to the Government for that item. Therefore, it is critical that the technical proposals address each of the areas listed in the evaluation factors.

Page 12, CONTRACT TIME AND CONTRACT PERIOD

The period of performance will be a base year from the date of award to September 30, 2013 plus and 4 one year option periods.

The amount of time allowed to commence and complete the work shall be stated in each task order.

Page 25, CONTRACTOR REGISTRATIONS

Contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) to receive an award. The Central Contractor Registration (CCR) Database has merged with SAM. Migration included CCR and Online Representations and Certifications.

Contractors must log into www.sam.gov to create an account and follow instructions in migrating accounts into one record. Assistance can be obtained by logging into www.fsd.gov . There is no charge for registration into SAM. DO NOT use “SAMS” (www.sams.gov) – this site requires a $599 fee to register.

Page 29, EMPLOYMENT OF ELIBIBLE WORKERS

Compliance with Section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324a) is a material condition of the contract. If the contractor employs unauthorized workers during contract performance in violation of section 274A, the Government may terminate the contract, in addition to other remedies or penalties prescribed by law.

Page 30, MIGRANT AND SEASONAL AGRICULTURAL WORKERS

This contract will be subject to the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Workers Protection Act and implementing Department of Labor regulations. The purpose of act is to eliminate activities that are detrimental to migrant and seasonal agricultural workers, to require registration of farm labor contractors, and to ensure necessary protections for the workers.

This act applies to manual forestry work that includes tree planting, release, pre-commercial thinning and site preparation.

Any contractor who provides or hires migrant or seasonal workers to perform agricultural or manual forestry work shall first obtain a Certificate of Registration from the Department of Labor or an authorized State agency

Page 32, FOREST SERVICE SAFETY

A safety plan will be required as part of the technical proposal submission. All workers shall be trained in the safe operation and use of equipment that the worker may use before the worker begins using such equipment.

Personal protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities must be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition

In any area where the worker is exposed to the potential for flying or falling objects, the contractor shall provide a hard hat, at no cost to the employee, and the contractor shall assure that the employee wears the hard hat.

Page 34, INSURANCE COVERAGE

Contractor will be required to present evidence to show, as a minimum, the amounts of insurance coverage indicated below:

Workers Compensation and Employer's Liability: Minimum $100,000.

http://www.fsd.gov/ http://www.sams.gov/

General Liability:

Bodily Injury Liability coverage of at least $500,000 per occurrence.

Property Damage Liability in the amount of $100,000 per occurrence.

Page 89, INSTRUCTIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND NOTICES OFFERORS

This is a 100% set aside for small business concerns. If certifications in SAM and ORCA under NAICS Code 11530 are not indicated - then statements meeting SBA Size Standard and Affiliation should be submitted in accordance with

FAR 52.219-1.

Evaluation Factors: Evaluation will be Best Value considering the following factors:

Descending Order of Importance

a. Past Performance

b. Technical Approach

• Method – How you plan to accomplish the work

• Equipment – Size, type , capabilities and year

• Capacity – Time and Quality

• Quality Control Plan – How will you monitor and correct work

• Resource Protection – soil, water and vegetation

• Safety Plan

c. Technical Experience of Firm and Key Personnel

d. Utilization of Local Workforce

Technical proposals will be evaluated to determine the ability of the contractor to meet the requirements of the Government

It is important that the Contracting Officer has your correct email and mailing address with fax number if available.

Offerors shall submit their proposal(s) in the following format and the quantities specified by November 16, 2012, 4:00 PM Local Time:

a. 2 copies of the business/cost proposal

a. Completed and Signed SF-1449

b. Priced Schedule of Items (page 3 to page 11) (Filling of all blanks not required)

c. Contractor’s Financial Information Sheet (page 109)

d. Proof of Insurance

e. Offeror Representations and Certifications (page 95 to include all updates)

f. Representation of Delinquent Tax Liability (page 94)

Must acknowledge and submit copies of all amendments

b. 2 copies of the technical proposal

a. Technical Proposal

b. Applicable licenses, certifications or registrations necessary to complete the work for which you submit an offer

CHANGES OR CORRECTIONS TO SOLICITATION/COMMENTS

Correction to pages 3 through page 11, Revised Schedule of items, AG-447U-S-12-0063 (attached)

Please remove pages 3 through 11 schedule of items and replace with the Revised Schedule of Items.

The following contract line items are added for the Delta Ranger District

5.2.1.1.2 Non Native Invasive Species Eradications; and Openings/Fields (<1 acre)

5.2.1.1.3 Non Native Invasive Species Eradications and Openings/Fields (>1 acre)

5.2.1.1.7 Road ROW Maintenance 1 mile

5.3.2.1 Midstory (Chainsaw)

5.4.9.1. Dozer Class T3, T4 & T5 (60-69 HP, 70-104 hp; 105-124 hp)

5.4.9.4. Excavator/Front-end Loader/Backhoe Combinations 1 hour

Page 39 Section III – Government Furnished Property, Material, Services is changed to read: References to water is deleted.

The Government will furnish the following: Project area maps (1:24000) scale for each area; vicinity maps that show the general location of the areas on each unit; tree seedlings for planting; herbicide; dye; and surfactant.

Map for each Ranger District is added as attachments;

Page 39 Section IV – Contractor Furnished Items/, Services is changed to read: Reference to water is added

The contractor shall furnish all the equipment, supplies, water and labor required to perform this Performance Work Statement. The contractor shall also provide proof that the work meets the standards. Contractor shall provide proof of State license for herbicide handling and application.

Page 62 5.3.4.1/5.3.4.2 Cut and Leave Chainsaw is change by adding the following to the end of paragraph. “Additional direction will be provided by Forest Service personnel for felled trees outside boundary.

Page 79 5.4.9.4 Rubber Tired Skidder is change or added:

Herbicide Application Machine (i.e. skidder or equivalent) should have a water tank capacity that is 300 gallons or larger.

Contractor will have enough water tanks available for transporting water for a day’s work and any needed equipment to load water to the spraying equipment. Contractor will provide any additional support equipment needed for transporting spraying equipment from site to site, equipment operator and assistant and any other equipment or personnel needed to successfully complete the application.

All equipment used in performing work shall be of proper type and sufficient size and be in such mechanical condition as to enable the Contractor to perform the work in accordance with the specifications. Equipment will be subject to approval by the Forest Service prior to the award of the contract.

In addition the herbicide application machine must be equipped with a working blade, a heavy-duty protective cage and a fully charged fire extinguisher rated for flammable liquids. Fire extinguisher will be mounted inside protective cage.

At the Forest Service request, the Contractor will perform calibration checks to insure the equipment is applying the herbicide at the proper rates.

The equipment must be capable of applying the herbicide mix at a range of 10 to 40 gallons per acre. It should also be capable of spray pressures in the range of 10 TO 100 PSI. The spray pattern will be uniform across the coverage area.

The sprayer nozzles when mounted for spraying should be at least 8 feet high. If vegetation is taller the nozzles may be moved to 10 or 12 feet in height.

In the event of equipment breakdown extending beyond three days, substitute equipment meeting the approval of the COR shall be provided by the Contractor. The COR may order the removal and replacement of any unsatisfactory equipment.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

GENERAL

Q. What Districts Supply Chemicals?

A. Contractor furnished chemicals will be for Tombigbee Ranger District only. 5.2.2 for Holly Springs Ranger District will be dropped.

Q. What delivery for pine seedlings can we use? Normal trailer or Insulated trailer?

A. Contractors will have to furnish seedling storage for the Tombigbee Ranger District Only. Holly Springs will provide a seedling cooler.

Q. Will the Delta Ranger District have Midstory (Chainsaw)?

A. Line Item 5.3.2.1 Midstory (Chainsaw) will be added for the Delta Ranger District.

Q. What type of site prep will there be for tree planting?

A. Chickasawhay Ranger District – Site prep will be raked with dozer.

De Soto Ranger District – Site prep will vary from site to site, some will be shear & pile, while some will be just raked only, some will be chopped, some will have no site prep as the utilization will be good requiring no prep.

Basically will be site by site on the De Soto.

Holly Springs and Tombigbee Ranger Districts – Site prep on the Holly Springs and Tombigbee could be spot gun, foliar spray with backpack, foliar spray with skidder or thinline.

Homochitto Ranger District – The Homochitto uses 3 different chemical treatments on their pine and natural regen sites. Use of foliar spray with Triclopyr 4E or Glyphosate (Round-Up) and Imazpyr (Arsenal, saw down, inject and stump spray with Triclopyr 3A. Treatments are done in June. Areas are then burned before planting. This doesn’t always happen due to tight burning parameter during this time of the year with the Forest Service. Most areas will be clean enough to plant and contractors should have no problems planting.

Q. What are the pre-commercial thinning tracts look like?

A. Chickasawhay Ranger District – If any PCT is done, it will be the cutting down of loblolly pines (approximately 150 targeted stems per acre) in 3-5 year old longleaf pine plantations.

Holly Springs and Tombigbee Ranger Districts - Typically do not do PCT on either district. However this could change in the future.

Homochitto Ranger District - Pre-commercial thinning sites on the Homochitto will have from 1000 to 4000 stems per acre. Most will be 3-4 year old longleaf or natural regen plantations seeded in with loblolly seedlings.

Q. Can we see some tracts on districts if possible before due date.

A. This can be made possible. Please call point of contact well in advance of show me trip so that sites and people can be available for show. POC by district is below:

Bienville Ranger District – Chris Locke: (601) 469-3811 Chickasawhay Ranger District – Jay McClain: (601) 428-0594

Delta Ranger District – Shelton Whittington: ((662)-873-6256 De Soto Ranger District – Jimmy Mordica: (601) 528-6160 Holly Springs and Tombigbee Ranger Districts: (662) 236-6550 Homochitto Ranger District – Alvin Wells (601) 660-6323 or Bo Sullivan (601) 660-6328

THIS AMENDMENT SHALL BE ATTACHED TO AND BECOME A PART OF

THE SOLICITATION. FAILURE TO ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF THIS

AMENDMENT MAY RENDER YOUR OFFER NON-RESPONSIVE.