AG-447U-S-16-0025.pdf

SEE ADDENDUMIS CHECKED

CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

FACILITYCODE

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

OFFEROR

7A86

HOT SPRINGS AR 71901

100 RESERVE STREET

OUACHITA NATIONAL FOREST

CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

X

115310

SIZE STANDARD:

100.00 % FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED OR7A86

RFPIFB

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

RFQ

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NAICS:

SMALL BUSINESS

04/11/2016 1500 CT

03/09/2016

(501) 321-5324JAY TOBIN

(No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

FOR SOLICITATION 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIMEb. TELEPHONE NUMBER a. NAME

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

AG-447U-S-16-0025

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE OF

1 74 OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

15. DELIVER TO

HOT SPRINGS AR 71901

100 RESERVE STREET

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$7.50

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

ISSUE DATE

DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

11.

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

OUACHITA NATIONAL FOREST

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

OUACHITA NATIONAL FOREST

VEGETATIVE MANAGEMENT/WILDLIFE PROTECTION SERVICES

Per the Schedule of Items and Performance Work Statement

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY CLAUSE

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

X

XX

DATED

JAY G. TOBIN

. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5),

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER

ARE

ARE

31c. DATE SIGNED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

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

30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL

SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

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

OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT:

REF.

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED

40. PAID BY39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER

37. CHECK NUMBER

FINALPARTIAL

36. PAYMENT

FINALPARTIAL

35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

34. VOUCHER NUMBER33. SHIP NUMBER

COMPLETE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41c. DATE41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER

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

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012) BACK

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information

(Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202)720-2600

(voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington,DC 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272

(voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

74 2 of

AG-447U-S-16-0025

Ouachita National Forest

Vegetative Management/Wildlife Protection Services

VEGETATIVE MANAGEMENT/WILDLIFE PROTECTION SERVICES

Caddo-Womble Ranger District; Jessieville-Winona-Fourche Ranger District; Mena-Oden Ranger District;

Oklahoma Ranger District; Poteau Ranger District and Cold Springs Ranger District.

OVERVIEW

This solicitation will result in Performance Based, Indefinite Delivery - Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Multiple Award Task Order Contracts (MATOC) as best meets the needs of the Government as determined by the awarding Contracting Officer. These contracts will have a base period, which runs through December 31, 2016 and four option years, which if exercised could extend contract performance through December 31, 2020. There is no guarantee that any options will be exercised by the Government.

Individual task orders will normally be competed among all MATOC awardees. However, the Government reserves the right to limit competition in order to meet minimum contract obligations or as may otherwise be determined to be in its best interests (such as an emergency situation).

These contracts will provide two broad categories of commercial services: (1) mechanically intenstive operations normally accomplished with heavy equipment such as ripping, scarification, mulching, firelines, pond construction and miscellaneous dozer operations; and (2) labor intensive operations such as planting, thinning, pesticide application, release, midstory reduction and specialized felling.

Some construction intensive task orders may require payment bonds (over $35K) and performance bonds (over $150K). These task orders will be issued on an SF1442 instead of an SF1449 and may include additional construction specific clauses.

The Government reserves the right to adjust the quantity ordered on any task order based on the availability of funds.

Offerors may quote on any or all items for one or multiple Ranger Districts. Offerors may also limit the total amount of work they might accept by addressing any such limitations in their Technical Proposal. When quoting on multiple items, offerors shall identify the priority of those items and the maximum amount of work that may be undertaken.

AUTHORIZED ORDERING ACTIVITIES: Task orders may only be issued by warranted contracting officers or purchasing agents on behalf of the Ouachita National Forest.

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

OUACHITA NATIONAL FOREST

TASK/SUB-TASK UNIT

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5.0 Mobilization (Basic Cost) LS

5.1 Tree Planting

5.1.1 Pine Bareroot (Ripped) Acre

5.1.2 Pine Bareroot (Unripped) Acre

5.1.3 Pine Bareroot (Replant) Tree

5.1.4 Pine Containerized (Ripped) Acre

5.1.5 Pine Containerized (Unripped) Acre

5.1.6 Pine Containerized (Replant) Tree

5.2 Pesticide Applications

5.2.1 Foliar Spray

5.2.1.1 Site Preparation Acre

5.2.1.2 Release Acre

5.2.1.3 Midstory Reduction Acre

5.2.1.4 NNIS Eradication Acre

5.2.1.5 Trail Maintenance Mile

5.2.2 Cut Surface Treatment

5.2.2.1 Site Preparation Cut Surface Only Acre

5.2.2.1.1 Cut Surface/Foliar Spray Acre

5.2.2.2 Release Cut Surface Only Acre

5.2.2.2.1 Cut Surface/Foliar Spray Acre

5.2.2.3 Midstory Reduction Cut Surface Only Acre

5.2.2.3.1 Cut Surface/Foliar Spray Acre

5.2.2.4 NNIS Eradication Cut Surface Only Acre

5.2.2.4.1 Cut Surface/Foliar Spray Acre

5.2.2.5 Trail Maintenance Cut Surface Only Mile

5.2.2.5.1 Cut Surface/Foliar Spray Mile

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5.2.3 Hack-and-Squirt

5.2.3.1 Site Preparation Acre

5.2.3.1.1 Hack-and-Squirt/Foliar Spray Acre

5.2.3.2 Release Acre

5.2.3.2.1 Hack-and-Squirt/Foliar Spray Acre

5.2.3.3 Midstory Reduction Acre

5.2.3.3.1 Hack-and-Squirt/Foliar Spray Acre

5.2.3.4 NNIS Eradication Acre

5.2.3.4.1 Hack-and-Squirt/Foliar Spray Acre

5.3 Manual Treatments

5.3.1 Site Preparation

5.3.1.1 Manual felling < 1,600 stems per acre Acre

5.3.1.1.1 Manual felling < 1,600 stems/ girdling Acre

5.3.1.2 Manual felling > 1,600 stems per acre Acre

5.3.1.2.1 Manual felling > 1,600 stems/ girdling Acre

5.3.2 Release

5.3.2.1 Less than 1,600 stems per acre Acre

5.3.2.2 More than 1,600 stems per acre Acre

5.3.3 Midstory Reduction

5.3.3.1 Light--Less than 500 stems per acre Acre

5.3.3.2 Medium—500 - 1,000 stems per acre Acre

5.3.3.3 Heavy--More than 1,000 stems per acre Acre

5.3.4 Overstory Development Acre

5.3.4.1 Less than 1,600 stems per acre Acre

5.3.4.2 More than 1,600 stems per acre Acre

5.3.5 Precommercial Thinning

5.3.5.1 Less than 1,600 stems per acre Acre

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5.3.5.2 More than 1,600 stems per acre Acre

5.3.6 Specialized Felling

5.3.6.1 Directional (Less than 9.6” DBH) Acre

5.3.6.2 Directional (Greater than 9.6” DBH) Acre

5.3.6.3 Snag felling Each

5.3.7 Girdling Acre

5.3.8 Trail Maintenance Cutting and Clearing Mile

5.4 Mechanical (Track and Wheel)

5.4.1 Shear Operations

5.4.1.1 Heavy Acre

5.4.1.2 Medium Acre

5.4.2 Single Drum Chopper

5.4.2.1 Heavy Acre

5.4.2.2 Medium Acre

5.4.3 Mulching Acre

5.4.4 Ripping

5.4.4.1 Heavy Acre

5.4.4.2 Medium Acre

5.4.4.3 Light Acre

5.4.5 Scarification Acre

5.4.6 Firelines

5.4.6.1 Heavy (construction) Mile

5.4.6.2 Heavy (maintenance) Mile

5.4.6.3 Medium (construction) Mile

5.4.6.4 Medium (maintenance) Mile

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5.4.6.5 Light (construction) Mile

5.4.6.6 Light (maintenance) Mile

5.4.7 Wildlife Openings

5.4.7.1 Heavy (construction) Acre

5.4.7.2 Medium (construction) Acre

5.4.7.3 Light (construction) Acre

5.4.7.4 Brush hogging (maintenance) Acre

5.4.7.5 Disk/Lime/Fertilize/Seed Acre

5.4.8 Pond Construction

5.4.8.1 Heavy Acre

5.4.8.2 Medium Acre

5.4.8.3 Light Acre

5.4.9 Earth Mound/Roadblock Removal & Restoration Each

5.4.10 Dozer Operations for Widely Scattered

and Difficult to Estimate Projects (e.g. Group-selection site preparation)

5.4.10.1 Class T3 60 to 69 Horsepower Hour

5.4.10.2 Class T4 70 to 104 Horsepower Hour

5.4.10.3 Class T5 105 to 124 Horsepower Hour

5.4.10.4 Class T6 125 to 139 Horsepower Hour

5.4.10.5 Class T7 140 to 169 Horsepower Hour

5.4.10.6 Class T8 170 to 194 Horsepower Hour

5.4.10.7 Class T9 195 to 249 Horsepower Hour

5.4.10.8 Class T10 250 to 299 Horsepower Hour

5.4.10.9 Class T11 300 to 369 Horsepower Hour

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5.4.11 Mechanical Invasive Species Eradication

5.4.11.1 Roadside spraying (both sides) Mile

5.4.11.2 Landscape Acre

5.4.12 Dump Truck Rental (10 CY) Hour

Complete the following estimated inflation factors for out-year price projections:

Year 2: _____% Year 3: _____% Year 4: _____% Year 5: _____%

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

SECTION I - GENERAL DESCRIPTION

SCOPE OF CONTRACT

The purpose of the proposed contract is to provide an array of vegetation management/wildlife protection services to the Ouachita National Forest as detailed in the Schedule of Items and this Performance Work Statement.

PROJECT LOCATION

a) The project is located on Ranger Districts of the Ouachita NF, with headquarters in Hot Springs, AR.

b) Specific locations, unit data, and maps will be supplied with each task order. Most boundaries have been previously marked by hanging flags on trees or by orange paint slashes on sides of trees, spaced approximately 20 to 100 feet apart, around each area. Others may have fences, roads, timber age changes, or natural structures which have been used as boundaries.

c) Acreages listed on each task order will have been determined by closed traverse, planimeter, or global positioning system (GPS). For purposes of this contract, quantities listed on each task order are considered actual acreage and not an estimate.

PROJECT ACCESS

a) The project area shall be accessed by Forest Service Roads. The Forest Service assumes no obligation to perform any special maintenance in order to keep roads open. Stands are accessible by some combination of 2- or 4-wheel drive vehicle and foot travel.

b) The National Forest’s Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for the individual Ranger Districts (available upon award) provides open road information. The Contractor will be issued a Forest Service key in order to access those roads that are seasonally closed by gates. Forest Service roads that are permanently closed by earthen berms or some other obstruction will have to be accessed by foot or, if available, UTV.

c) Contractors are subject to the same rules as Forest Service personnel regarding the use of off-road vehicles and must use only utility task vehicles (UTV) or side by sides. These vehicles differ from all-terrain vehicles (ATV) in that UTV payloads run from 800 to 1,350 pounds above the operator/passenger’s weight.

UTV also have roll-over protection and seat belts unlike ATV.

SALVAGE RIGHTS

No salvage rights exist under this contract.

RE-MEASUREMENT

The Contractor may at any time after issuance of a task order request re-measurement of an area in writing.

Payment will be based on the re-measured acreage, except no adjustment shall be made for less than 1 acre.

The Contractor shall pay for the cost of re-measurement if the resultant increase is less than 10 percent. Method of re-measurement will be determined by the Government.

PAYMENT

Payment for performed work will be based on actual acres completed by the Contractor and accepted by the Government.

CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATIVE

The contractor shall provide a contract representative for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate(s) who shall act for the contractor when the contractor is absent shall be designated in writing to the contracting officer. The contractor representative or alternate shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The contractor representative and alternate(s) must be able to read, write, speak, understand English, and communicate with his crews.

PROTECTION OF IMPROVEMENTS

Any improvements damaged by the contractor’s work shall be repaired to the condition that existed prior to the start of work at the contractor’s expense.

SECTION II - DEFINITIONS

2.1 STANDARD DEFINITIONS

TERMS MEANING

Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) The maximum allowable deviation from perfect performance that may occur before the Government will invoke payment deduction. An AQL does not allow a contractor knowingly to offer defective service, but limits reduced payment to circumstances in which defective performance results in a measurable reduction in the value of services rendered.

Defective Service A unit of service which contains one or more defects, or nonconformance with specified requirements.

Performance Requirements Summary (PRS)

Identifies the key service outputs of the contract that will be evaluated by the Government to assure contract performance standards are met by the contractor.

Quality Assurance Those actions taken by the Government to assure services meet the requirements of the Performance Work Statement (PWS)

Contracting Officer (CO) A person with the authority to enter into, and administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

A Government person appointed by the contracting officer to help the contracting officer with contract administration and surveillance.

Government Inspector A Government person responsible for surveillance of contractor performance.

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)

An organized written document used for quality assurance surveillance that contains specific methods the Government will use to perform surveillance of the contractor.

Quality Control Those actions taken by a contractor to control the performance of services so that they meet the requirements of the PWS.

Random Sampling A sampling method in which each service output in a unit has an equal chance of being selected.

Calendar Days Every day shown on the calendar, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays included.

2.2 TECHNICAL DEFINTIONS

DBH (Diameter breast height) Diameter of the trunk of a tree measured 4-1/2 feet above the ground level on the uphill side of the tree.

Leave Trees Trees which are not to be cut under this contract.

Crop Trees Trees which are not cut based on their growth characteristics that will make future sawtimber trees.

Cut Trees Trees which are to be cut under this contract.

Slash Any vegetation that was cut by the contractor.

Lopping and Scattering Cutting limbs from the trunks of the cut trees and moving and rearranging of slash concentrations to achieve slash depth required in the contract.

Bole The trunk or stem of a tree Live Crown Ratio Percent of live crown in relation to the total height of the tree Manual Felling Method of treatment application that severs the stem from the stump.

Reforestation The act of renewing tree cover by establishing young trees naturally or artificially.

Shelterwood Reforestation Method of treatment that creates an open under-story within an over-storied landscape through reduction of mid-story stems.

Release A treatment designed to free young trees from undesirable, usually overtopping, competing vegetation.

Precommercial thinning Method of treatment where tree stems are completely severed from the stump in order to improve tree spacing.

Noncommercial thinning Method of treatment where tree stems are completely severed from the stump in order to improve tree spacing and control competition.

Foliar spray Method of treatment application where herbicide is applied to foliage of vegetation.

Hack and Squirt Method of treatment application that applies herbicide through cuts in the stem, (bole) of the tree.

Cut Surface Treatment Method of treatment where tree stems or vines are completely severed from the stump and followed with an application of herbicide.

Broadcast herbicide Application of herbicide over an entire area.

Spot herbicide Application of herbicide on target plants.

Strip herbicide Application of herbicide in rows.

Glade restoration Cutting undesirable vegetation to create open glades.

Hardwood Understory controls Cutting hardwood stems in the understory.

Ripped Site Preparation Mechanical treatment with a blade penetrating soil to a depth of approximately 18 inches for the planting of seedlings.

Unripped Site Preparation Planting sites that have not been subsoiled.

Drum Chopping A method of site preparation that crushes vegetation using a roller drum pulled behind a dozer.

Nonnative Invasive Species Noxious weeds Overstory Development Release and retention of selected hard mast producers Midstory Vegetation layer between the canopy and herbaceous layer Girdling Hand treatment that removes the cambium layer located beneath the bark of a tree bole.

Competing Plants Any plant that is ½ or greater the height of the crop trees.

Hardwood Stump Sprout Vegetation growth of a hardwood species originating from a cut stump.

Fireline Construction The construction of handline or machine line to contain a fire. Fireline construction is the removal of all combustible vegetation leaving only bare mineral soil.

Scarification Treatment that exposes bare mineral soil.

SECTION III - GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, MATERIALS, SERVICES

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; surfactant; and water.

SECTION IV - CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS/SERVICES

The contractor shall furnish all equipment, supplies, and labor required to perform this Performance Work Statement. Contractor shall provide proof of State license(s) for herbicide handling and application.

SECTION V - CRITICAL TASKS AND SUBTASKS

The contractor shall perform the following tasks and subtasks:

5.1 Tree Planting

5.1.1 Mobilization

5.1.2 Inspection and Testing

The contractor shall perform inspections and testing of completed work in accordance with the Government approved Contractor Quality Control Plan.

5.1.3 Demobilization and Cleanup

5.1.4 Documentation

The contractor shall provide the following documentation:

5.1.4.1 Work Plan and Schedule

The Contractor shall provide a plan of work to show their ability to complete the project on time.

5.1.4.2 Quality Control Plan and Schedule

The contractor shall explain how they intend to monitor work quality and complete all tasks in a timely manner.

5.1.4.3 Contractor Inspection Records

The Contractor shall provide a written record of inspection as specified in the Quality Control Plan.

5.1.4.4 Safety Plan

5.2 Pesticide Applications

5.2.1 Mobilization

5.2.2 Mix, Calibrate, and Spray

Contractor shall mix, calibrate equipment, and spray according to label directions and Forest Service Policy.

5.2.3 Application

Contractor shall continuously monitor application rate and adequate coverage of target species.

5.2.4 Inspection and Testing

The contractor shall perform inspections and testing of completed work in accordance with the Government approved Contractor Quality Control Plan.

5.2.5 Demobilization and Cleanup

5.2.6 Documentation

The contractor shall provide the following documentation:

5.2.6.1 Work Plan and Schedule

The Contractor shall provide a plan of work to show their ability to complete the project on time.

5.2.6.2 Quality Control Plan and Schedule

The contractor shall explain how they intend to monitor work quality and complete all tasks in a timely manner.

5.2.6.3 Contractor Inspection Records

The Contractor shall provide a written record of inspection as specified in the Quality Control Plan.

5.2.6.4 Pesticide Application Records

5.2.6.5 Safety Plan

5.2.6.5.1Spill Abatement Plan

5.3 Manual Treatments

5.3.1 Mobilization

5.3.2 Inspection and Testing

The contractor shall perform inspections and testing of completed work in accordance with the Government approved Contractor Quality Control Plan.

5.3.3 Demobilization and Cleanup

5.3.4 Documentation

The contractor shall provide the following documentation:

5.3.4.1 Work Plan and Schedule

The Contractor shall provide a plan of work to show their ability to complete the project on time.

5.3.4.2 Quality Control Plan and Schedule

The contractor shall explain how they intend to monitor work quality and complete all tasks in a timely manner.

5.3.4.3 Contractor Inspection Records

The Contractor shall provide a written record of inspection as specified in the Quality Control Plan.

5.3.4.4 Safety Plan

5.4 Mechanical Treatments

5.4.1 Mobilization

5.4.2 Inspection and Testing

The contractor shall perform inspections and testing of completed work in accordance with the Government approved Contractor Quality Control Plan.

5.4.3 Demobilization and Cleanup

5.4.4Documentation The contractor shall provide the following documentation:

5.4.4.1 Work Plan and Schedule

The Contractor shall provide a plan of work to show their ability to complete the project on time.

5.4.4.2 Quality Control Plan and Schedule

The contractor shall explain how they intend to monitor work quality and complete all tasks in a timely manner.

5.4.4.3 Contractor Inspection Records

The Contractor shall provide a written record of inspection as specified in the Quality Control Plan.

5.4.4.4 Safety Plan

SECTION VI - GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS/INDUSTRY STANDARDS/STATE

STANDARDS.GOVERNMENT STANDARDS/TECHNICAL EXHIBITS

NUMBER/DATE TITLE AGENCY

Revision 14 Dated 5/28/02

Wage Determination Number 1979-1136 State: Arkansas

Area: Arkansas Statewide Copy attached

U.S. Department of Labor

Employment Standards

Administration Wage and Hour

Division

September 2005 Revised Land Management Plan

Available at the following website:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/ouachita/planning/index.shtml

Ouachita National Forest

June 2011 Government’s Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan Ouachita National Forest http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/ouachita/planning/index.shtml

SECTION VII – QUALITY/PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

FOR SITE PREPARATION, REFORESTATION, THINNING AND RELEASE

Task/Critical Subtasks

Quality/Performance Standards

Acceptable Quality Level

(100% or other)

Means of Measurement

Negative Incentives

Positive Incentives

5.1 Tree

Planting

5.3 Manual

Treatments

5.4 Mechanical Treatments

Ouachita NF Standard Specifications for Schedule of Items

Revised Land and

Resource Management Plan, USDA Forest

Service, Ouachita NF National Forest Sept

2005.

100%

Verify contract records and reports;

periodically witness contractor inspection;

conduct independent Government inspections

Rework at no cost to Government;

Repair or replace at no cost to Government except with a price reduction for nonconforming work noncompliant contractor;

Inspection system with contractor responsible for 100% of Government inspection costs for all tasks and subtasks

Satisfactory or better performance rating.

5.2 Pesticide

Applications

Pesticide Manufactures Label

Ouachita Standard Specifications for Schedule of Items

Revised Land and

Resource Management Plan, USDA Forest Service, Ouachita

National Forest Sept 2005.

100%

Verify contract records and reports;

periodically witness contractor inspection;

conduct independent Government inspections

Rework at no cost to Government;

Repair or replace at no cost to Government except with a price reduction for nonconforming work noncompliant contractor;

Inspection system with contractor responsible for 100% of Government inspection costs for all tasks and subtasks

Satisfactory or better performance rating.

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT TREATMENT STANDARDS

Current Policy and Standard Practices for H2B Workers and Working Conditions

Migrant and seasonal Workers Protection Act: Provides requirements for housing, transportation, and working conditions for migrant and seasonal workers. The Department of Labor is responsible for enforcement.

Service Contract Act: Provides for minimum wages and other benefits under federal service contracts. The Department of Labor is responsible for enforcement.

Office of Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Responsible for setting health and safety requirements in the multitude of industries. OSHA is responsible for enforcement.

Legal status of workers in the U.S.: The Department of Homeland Security--Immigration and Naturalization Service is responsible of reinforcing the legal status of workers in the U.S.

TREE PLANTING - TASK NUMBER 5.1

(a) Timing of Implementation

Planting operations may begin when sufficient soil moisture is available. Annual seasonal rains normally begin in November providing sufficient soil moisture. Planting may occur anytime between mid-October to mid-March.

(b) Seedlings

The contractor shall plant all trees ordered and delivered to the planting site within twenty-four hours of delivery unless otherwise approved by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR). When the COR determines that conditions are unsuitable for planting, the contractor shall return all unplanted trees to the delivery point with no penalty for delay in planting the delivered trees.

If conditions are outside the following range of preferred weather conditions, then the contractor shall take additional precautionary measures as directed by the COR in the protection, care, and handling of seedlings during transport and while on the planting site:

Air temperature: 33-75 degrees F Relative humidity: 30- 50 percent Wind speed: = or <15 miles per hour

(c) Spacing

Tree spacing may change with each planting site. Maps that are provided showing the location of planting sites shall include specific spacing for that site. Trees may be planted on the following spacing.

Spacing # Trees/Acre Spacing # Trees/Acre 6 X 8 = 908 9 X 9 = 538 7 X 8 = 778 9 X 10 = 484

6 X 10 = 726 8 X 12 = 454 8 X 8 = 681 10 X 10 = 436

7 X 10 = 622 9 X 12 = 403 6 X 12 = 605 11 X 11 = 360 8 X 10 = 544 12 X 12 = 302

(d) Planting Standards for Bareroot and Containerized Seedlings

Seedlings shall be carried in seedling bag or other suitable container allowing the seedlings to be kept moist and protected.

Seedlings shall not be carried in the tree planter’s hand with the root or soil medium exposed but rather the seedlings shall be removed from the seedling bag one at a time as each seedling is planted.

One pine seedling shall be planted in a trash-free hole.

Trash such as leaves, litter, duff, etc. will be removed in a one-foot square area surrounding the planting hole.

Do not plant seedlings in frozen ground, during freezing weather, or other unsatisfactory conditions as determined by the COR.

Soil moisture should be present at least six inches deep.

All planting areas in and adjacent to obstacles such as windrows, tree tops, and/or rocks shall be planted.

Do not plant within clearing limits of any designated system road or powerline right-of-way or within fifteen feet of fence or existing tree line.

Do not plant in standing water.

Seedlings shall not be planted within twelve inches of large mounds of dirt or stump holes large enough to hamper root growth of seedling.

(e) Disposal of Seedling Boxes/Bags and Other Debris

It will be the contractors’ responsibility to dispose of seedling bags/boxes, binding straps and contractor generated debris and litter from National Forest lands.

(f) Resource Protection

Improvements such as fences, gates, property boundaries, corner monuments, and trees that are marked or identified with paint, signs, tags, and/or blazes shall be protected by the contractor.

The contractor will notify the COR immediately of any damaged structures and repair damages that have resulted from the contractor’s operations.

BARE-ROOT SEEDLINGS

5.1.1 - Ripped Site Prep

5.1.2 - Unripped Site Prep

5.1.3 - Replant

Pine seedlings will be planted following the procedures shown in the attached exhibits, “How to Plant Forest Tree Seedlings” and “Trees Planted in an Unsatisfactory Manner.” Preferred hand planting tools will be dibble bars, mattocks, hoedads, etc. The penetrating portion of the blade will not be less than ten inches long and two and three-fourths inches wide. Lean of planted seedling shall not exceed forty-five percent.

Soil should be firmly packed around each planted seedling, and the planting hole should be closed at the bottom as well as at the top. Seedlings must be planted so as to withstand being pulled by the terminal group of needles.

The ideal pine seedling should be a balanced, sturdy stemmed, medium-sized seedling measuring between seven and thirteen inches in height with a well developed, fibrous root system.

Minimum Quality Measure Stem Length 5 inches Root Collar Diameter 1/8 inch Root Length 5 inches Lateral Roots Abundant Winter buds Present

Cull seedlings that do not meet the minimum criteria listed in the table above as well as seedlings with forked tops, having evidence of fusiform rust, or other noted undesirable traits will not be planted.

Seedling roots have been root-pruned in the nursery. Taproots should range from five to ten inches in length with abundant lateral roots. Roots should not be pruned in the field. However, if the nursery fails to prune seedling-root systems sufficiently for proper planting, as determined by the COR, then root-pruning in the field will be permitted.

When seedlings are being separated, do not beat seedlings against objects to loosen the roots.

Do not shake off or remove moisture retentive root coatings.

Lateral roots are the primary source of water and nutrient uptake. Protect and keep them intact.

Shortleaf pine seedlings should be planted with the S-shape in the stem showing even with or above the ground line.

Seedlings should be planted in a manner to prevent “J-rooting,” “L-rooting,” twisted, or balled roots.

To avoid possible root damage, do not use planting tools to maneuver roots of seedling into the planting hole.

Proper planting procedure for bare-root seedlings

Planting holes should be constructed according to the attached pictures.

After a proper planting slit is made, insert the seedling until the taproot reaches the bottom of the planting slit. Then raise the seedling to the proper planting depth. After the seedling is raised to the proper planting depth, and it is in a vertical position without leaning; close the planting slit at the bottom and top.

Then pack the soil around the planting hole.

Proper planting can be determined for pines by grasping four of the terminal needles and pulling. If the seedling moves up when the four needles are pulled, then the seedling is improperly packed. If the seedling remains still when the four needles are released, then packing is suitable.

Standards for replanting bareroot seedlings are the same as for 5.1.1 and 5.1.2 except for spacing between seedlings.

The COR will designate spacing of bareroot seedlings based on the distance between surviving planted stocking and acceptable natural stocking.

Exhibit 1. How to Plant Forest Tree Seedlings

Exhibit 2. Trees Planted in an Unsatisfactory Manner

CONTAINERIZED SEEDLINGS

5.1.4 -- Ripped Site Prep

5.1.5 -- Unripped Site Prep

5.1.6 -- Replant

The soil medium within which the containerized seedling was grown in the nursery, called a seedling plug, will remain intact with the root system. The seedling plugs shall be kept moist but not water soaked to ensure a healthy seedling.

The seedling plugs should be placed no deeper than one-half inch below the ground line.

The native soil around the seedling plug should be firmed up. However, be careful not to step on the seedling.

Seedlings must be planted so as to withstand being pulled by the terminal group of needles.

Containerized seedlings will be planted using a tool that will prepare a planting hole the same shape and size as the seedling plug.

The ideal pine seedling should be a balanced, sturdy-stemmed, medium-sized seedling measuring seven to thirteen inches in height and having a well developed, fibrous root system contained within the seedling plug.

Do not shake off or remove soil that is contained within the seedling plug.

Minimum Quality Measure Stem Length 5 inches Root Collar Diameter 1/8 inch Plug Length 3.5 inches Lateral Roots Abundant Winter buds Present

Cull seedlings that do not meet the minimum criteria listed in the table above as well as seedlings with forked tops, having evidence of fusiform rust, or other noted undesirable traits will not be planted.

Standards for replanting containerized seedlings are the same as for 5.1.4 and 5.1.5 except for spacing between seedlings. The COR will designate spacing of containerized seedlings based on the distance between surviving planted stocking and acceptable natural stocking.

PESTICIDE APPLICATIONS - TASK NUMBER 5.2

Foliar spray treatments shall be implemented during the leaf-on period of the year. Normally, leaf-on starts about the middle of April and ends at the first frost in October.

Cut-surface and hack-and-squirt methods of herbicide application may be completed throughout the year except during freezing temperatures or heavy spring sap flow. These methods are normally scheduled from April through October.

Some invasive species such as Chinese privet may be chemically treated in the winter.

Herbicide application shall be within 20 minutes of felling the tree.

(b) Herbicide Standards Common to All Methods of Application

The contractor shall apply herbicides in accordance with the label directions.

The specific herbicide that will be used within a treatment area shall be determined by the Forest Service and provided to the contractor for application.

Herbicides will not be applied within the immediate vicinity of individual or clumps of existing Ozark chinquapin stems.

Do not broadcast herbicides within one-hundred feet of private property unless otherwise advised by the COR.

Whenever possible, use individual-stem treatments, directed foliar treatments, and crop-tree release rather than broadcast applications. Herbicides will not be applied within 100 feet of perennial drains or within 30 feet of intermittent drains.

(c) Resource Protection

Treatment applications shall not be applied within Streamside Management Zones that are comprised of a minimum one hundred feet either side of a perennial stream and thirty feet either side of a defined stream.

Improvements such as fences, gates, property boundaries, corner monuments, and trees that are marked or identified with paint, signs, tags, and/or blazes shall be protected by the contractor.

Treated vegetation will be removed from all rights-of-way unless otherwise directed by the COR.

Protect residual seed trees from fire through the removal of slash that lies within three feet of the tree bole or unless specified by the COR.

Trees that are located adjacent to roads, fire lines, fences, private property, rights-of-way, or other structures and are designated for treatment shall be severed and felled so as not to damage, lean on, clog, or otherwise obstruct existing structures or facilities.

The contractor will notify the COR immediately of any damaged structures and repair damages that have resulted from the contractor’s operations.

All treated vegetation shall be lopped and scattered to lie within two foot of the ground for approximately one hundred feet either side of a highway or trail that has been designated as having a scenic integrity objective of moderate, high or very high unless otherwise directed by the COR.

Lead off and wing ditch structures that have been constructed for system roads shall be protected.

(d) Vegetation Targeted For Treatment

Treat all pine and hardwood stems not designated for retention that are located within the clearing limits of permanent wildlife openings. Retain existing large hardwoods stems up to thirty square feet of basal area per acre.

Treat all trees that are deformed, stunted, broken, bent over, and/or otherwise damaged.

Areas that are designated for the manual felling method of treatment shall have the cut trees completely severed from the stump as close to the ground as is practical but not higher than six inches from ground level on the uphill side of the tree unless otherwise specified by the COR. The severed stems shall not lean against or hang in leave crop trees but rather they shall lie within two feet of the ground. This may require the cut trees to be bucked up into shorter segments.

Areas that are designated for a girdling method of treatment may complete the operation using any mechanical or manual hand tool so long as the tool girdles a stem to the following standard:

Girdling will form a closed circle around the stem being treated, no higher than three feet above the ground. Girdles shall go through the bark and penetrate into the cambium and solid wood a minimum of one half inch deep. That section of bark, cambium layer, and wood shall be removed completely encircling the stem forming a two-inch wide by one-half inch deep girdle into the solid wood portion of the treated stem.

If an inadequate number of snags exist within a treatment area, then girdle two twelve-inch or larger trees per acre.

Smaller trees may be girdled to serve as snags when there are no existing larger stems.

(e) Vegetation Not Targeted for Treatment

Leave crop trees that are characterized as being the best-formed stems within the dominant or co-dominant crown classes that are spaced about ten feet apart consisting of approximately 436 stems per acre.

Painted or flagged boundary trees that mark unit boundaries, streamside zones, or exclusions, and the vegetation that is contained within the exclusions.

Wildlife den trees that are recognized as having at least one hole in the trunk of a tree.

Existing snags and trees that are marked for retention.

Retain pine stems that are undamaged and are five inches or greater diameter at breast height (DBH) except when those pine stems are contained within an area designated for a site-preparation treatment.

Maintain, when available, two mature trees or two clumps of vine harborages per acre consisting of healthy non-competing vegetation of the following species: dogwood, mulberry, plum, redbud, serviceberry, black cherry, hawthorn, persimmon, grape and muscadine vines.

Areas designated for site preparation, release, and/or precommercial thinning method of treatment will list an acceptable percentage of residual hardwood stems on the project map. The desired ratio of hardwoods will vary among treatment areas. However, the objective is to retain between ten and thirty percent of the total residual in hardwood species. One suggested approach to achieve the objective is retaining approximately five to ten square feet of basal area per acre in large, healthy hardwood trees along with some developing hardwood regeneration.

5.2.1 Foliar Spray

5.2.1.1 Site Preparation

5.2.1.2 Release

5.2.1.3 Midstory Reduction

5.2.1.4 Non-native Invasive Species Eradication

5.2.1.5 Trail Maintenance

Apply herbicide to the foliage of competing vegetation. The leaves must be at least three-quarter full and the treated stems six feet or less in height.

Foliar application of herbicides should be made only when there is little or no hazard from spray drift as directed by the label. For trail maintenance, existing grasses, weeds, and brush that are three-feet tall should be at a distance of three feet from centerline of the trail.

A waiting period of 10 to 15 days after contractor work completion will be required before the COR completes the Government’s inspection and acceptance of work to allow for brown-up.

5.2.2 Cut-Surface Only and Cut-Surface/Foliar Spray Treatments

5.2.2.1 Site Preparation Cut-Surface Only

5.2.2.1.1 Site Preparation Cut-Surface/Foliar Spray

5.2.2.2 Release Cut-Surface Only

5.2.2.2.1 Release Cut-Surface/Foliar Spray

5.2.2.3 Midstory Reduction Cut Surface Only

5.2.2.3.1 Midstory Reduction Cut-Surface/Foliar Spray

5.2.2.4 NNIS Eradication Cut-Surface Only

5.2.2.4.1 NNIS Eradication Cut-Surface/Foliar Spray

5.2.2.5 Trail Maintenance Cut-Surface Only

5.2.2.5.1 Trail Maintenance Cut-Surface/Foliar Spray

Clarification of Cut-Surface/Foliar Spray Treatments:

Foliar spray target vegetation should be less than 6 feet tall.

Target vegetation 6 feet or taller will receive cut surface treatment.

The timing of NNIS Eradication in 5.2.2.4.1 (cut-surface/foliar spray) will be determined by the COR depending upon the species to be controlled.

In addition to the treatments listed under “5.3.8--Trail Maintenance: Cutting and Clearing,” the following herbicide work will be accomplished: 5.2.2.5 Trail Maintenance Cut-Surface Only

• Existing vegetation measuring three inches DBH and less shall be cut as close to ground level as possible and stump-treated with herbicide. The clearing limit for this treatment is four feet on either side of the trail centerline.

• 5.2.2.5.1 will include work listed under 5.2.2.5 and require existing grasses, weeds, and brush measuring less than three feet tall to be foliar sprayed. The clearing limit for foliar treatment is three feet on either side of the trail centerline.

Midstory reduction pesticide cut-surface treatments shall follow guidelines designated under “5.3.3 Midstory Reduction,” but chemically treat stumps, also.

All stumps will be no higher than 6 inches above ground level on the uphill side unless otherwise directed by the COR or Inspector.

5.2.3 Hack-and-Squirt Only and Hack-and-Squirt/Foliar Spray Treatments

5.2.3.1 Site Preparation Hack-and-Squirt Only

5.2.3.1.1 Site Preparation Hack-and-Squirt/Foliar Spray

5.2.3.2 Release Hack-and-Squirt Only

5.2.3.2.1 Release Hack-and-Squirt/Foliar Spray

5.2.3.3 Midstory Hack-and-Squirt Only

5.2.3.3.1 Midstory Hack-and-Squirt/Foliar Spray

5.2.3.4 NNIS Eradication Hack-and-Squirt Only

5.2.3.4.1 NNIS Eradication Hack-and-Squirt/Foliar Spray

5.2.3.4 Trail Maintenance Hack-and-Squirt Only

5.2.3.4.1 Trail Maintenance Hack-and-Squirt/Foliar Spray

Stems that are too small for an herbicide treatment using a hack-and-squirt method of application shall be severed, and herbicide will be applied according to label directions for the cut-surface method of application.

The order of work and timing of NNIS Eradication treatments will be determined by the COR.

Midstory hack-and-squirt treatments shall follow guidelines listed under “5.3.3 Midstory Reduction” for “Timing of Operations,” “Vegetation Targeted for Treatment,” and “Vegetation Not Targeted for Treatment.”

MANUAL TREATMENTS - TASK NUMBER 5.3

(a) Resource Protection

Treatment applications shall not be applied within Streamside Management Zones that are comprised of a minimum one hundred feet either side of a perennial stream and thirty feet either side of a defined stream.

Improvements such as fences, gates, property boundaries, corner monuments, and trees that are marked or identified with paint, signs, tags, and/or blazes shall be protected by the contractor.

Trees that are located adjacent to roads, fire lines, fences, private property, right-of-ways, or other structures and are designated for treatment shall be severed and felled so as not to damage, lean on, clog or otherwise obstruct existing structures or facilities.

The contractor will notify the COR immediately of any damaged structures and repair damages that have resulted from the contractor’s operations.

Treated vegetation will be removed from all right-of-ways unless otherwise directed by the COR.

Protect residual leave crop trees from fire through the removal of slash that lies within three feet of the bole or by a distance specified by the COR.

All treated vegetation shall be lopped and scattered to lie within two foot of the ground for approximately one hundred feet either side of a highway or trail that has been designated as having a scenic integrity objective of moderate, high or very high unless otherwise directed by the COR.

Where needed, stream crossings shall be designated by the COR.

Lead off and wing ditch structures that have been constructed for system roads shall be protected.

(b) Vegetation Targeted For Treatment

Treat all pine and hardwood stems not designated for retention that are located within the clearing limits of permanent wildlife openings. Retain existing large hardwoods stems up to thirty square feet of basal area per acre.

Treat all trees that are deformed, stunted, broken, bent over and/or otherwise damaged.

Areas that are designated for the manual felling method of treatment shall have the cut trees completely severed from the stump as close to the ground as is practical but not higher than six inches from ground level on the uphill side of the tree unless otherwise specified by the COR. The severed stems shall not lean against or hang in leave crop trees but rather they shall lie within two feet of the ground. This may require the cut trees to be bucked up into shorter segments.

Areas that are designated for a girdling method of treatment may complete the operation using any mechanical or

Girdling will form a closed circle around the stem being treated, no higher than three feet above the minimum of one half inch deep. That section of bark, cambium layer, and wood shall be removed

If an inadequate number of snags exist within a treatment area then girdle two twelve inch or larger trees per acre.

(c) Vegetation Not Targeted for Treatment

Leave crop trees that are characterized as being the best-formed stems within the dominant or co-dominant crown classes that are spaced about ten feet apart consisting of approximately 436 stems per acre.

Painted or flagged boundary trees that mark unit boundaries, streamside zones, or exclusions and the vegetation that is contained within the exclusions.

Wildlife den trees that are recognized as having at least one hole in the trunk of a tree.

Existing snags and trees that are marked for retention.

Retain pine stems that are undamaged and are five inches or greater diameter at breast height except when those pine stems are contained within an area designated for a site prep treatment.

Maintain, when available, two mature trees or two clumps of vine harborages per acre consisting of healthy non-competing vegetation of the following species; dogwood, mulberry, plum, redbud, serviceberry, black cherry, hawthorn, persimmon, grape and muscadine vines.

Areas designated for herbicide application, release and/or precommercial thinning method of treatment will list an acceptable percentage of residual hardwood stems on the project map. The desired ratio of hardwoods will vary among treatment areas. However, the objective is to retain between ten and thirty percent of the total residual in hardwood species. One suggested approach to achieve the objective is retaining approximately five to ten square feet of basal area per acre in large, healthy, hardwood trees along with some developing hardwood regeneration.

5.3.1 Site Preparation

5.3.1.1 Manual felling--Less than 1,600 stems per acre

5.3.1.1.1 Manual felling –Less than 1,600 stems with manual girdling

5.3.1.2 Manual felling--More than 1,600 stems per acre

5.3.1.2.1 Manual felling –More than 1,600 stems with manual girdling

(a) Timing of Implementation

Site preparation treatments are scheduled during the drier portions of the year which normally occur between the months of June and October. This treatment manually fells all stems not designated as leave trees. Review contract sections for resource protection, vegetation targeted, and vegetation not targeted for treatment.

(b) Vegetation Targeted For Treatment

All stumps will be no higher than 6 inches above ground level on the uphill side unless otherwise directed by the

5.3.2 Release

5.3.2.1 Less than 1,600 stems per acre

5.3.2.2 More than 1,600 stems per acre

Release treatments may be implemented during anytime of the year. Normally, the treatments are scheduled for completion from April through October.

(b) Release Standards

Pine is the primary crop tree to be released on the Ouachita National Forest. Treat all competing vegetation that is at least one-half the height of the…