AG-4756-S-09-0018.doc

SERVICE RFP

AG-4756-S-09-0018

Cherokee National Forest

Vegetation Management Services

FORMCHECKBOX

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

8. ADDRESS OFFER TO (If other than Item 7)

Cherokee National Forest Supervisor’s Office 2800 North Ocoee Street, Cleveland, TN 37312 same

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations “offer” and “offeror” mean “bid” and “bidder”.

SOLICITATION

(Hour)

(Date)

CAUTION – LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See Section L, Provision No. 52.214-7 or 52.215-1. All offers are subject to all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

NOTE: Item 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the provisions at 52.214-16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period.

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted by the offeror) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item, delivered at the designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

(See Section I, Clause No. 52-232-8)

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amend-ments to the SOLICITATION for offerors and related documents numbered and dated):

15A.

NAME AND ADDRESS

OF OFFEROR

CODE

FACILITY

OFFER (Type or Print)

15B. TELEPHONE NO. (Include area code and extension)

18. OFFER DATE

IS DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE – ENTER

FORMCHECKBOX

SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

AWARD (To be completed by Government)

H.� AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

FORMCHECKBOX

10 U.S.C. 2304 I (

FORMCHECKBOX

41 U.S.C. 253I (

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

IMPORTANT – Award will be made on this Form, or on Standard Form 26, or by other authorized official written notice.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

STANDARD FORM 33 (REV.9-97)

Prescribed by GSA – FAR (48 CFR) 53.214I

PART I—THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B–SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

BASE PRICES FOR ALL LOCATIONS FY 2009

Estimated Task/Subtask/Description

Unit Quantity

Unit Price

5.1. Manual Tree Planting

5.1.1 Bareroot pine, 100 trees per acre

Acre

5.1.2 Bareroot pine, 200 trees per acre

Acre

5.1.3 Containerized pine, 100 trees per acre

Acre

5.1.4 Containerized pine, 200 trees per acre

Acre 100

5.1.5 Bareroot hardwood, 25 trees per acre

Acre

5.1.6 Bareroot hardwood, 50 trees per acre

Acre

SUBTOTAL, ITEM 5.1.1 – 5.1 6: ______________

5.2 Site Preparation for Natural or Artificial Regeneration

5.2.1 Manual slashdown by chainsaw

Acre

5.2.2 Herbicide application by Hack ‘n’ Squirt

Acre

5.2.3 Herbicide application streamline basal bark

Acre

5.2.4 Herbicide application on cut stem surface

Acre

SUBTOTAL, ITEM 5.2.1 – 5.2.4: _______________

5.3 Midstory Control

5.3.1 Manual slashdown by chainsaw

Acre

5.3.2 Herbicide application Hack ‘n’ Squirt

Acre with less than 50% rhododendron

5.3.3 Herbicide application Hack ‘n’ Squirt

Acre with more than 50% rhododendron

SUBTOTAL, ITEM 5.3.1 – 5.3.3: _______________

5.4 Crop Tree Release

5.4.1 Manual slashdown by chainsaw

Acre

5.4.2 Herbicide application

Acre

SUBTOTAL, ITEM 5.4.1 – 5.4.2: ________________

5.5 Non-Native Invasive Species Control

5.5.1 Foliar Application of herbicides using

Acre power equipment

5.5.2 Foliar or basal bark application using

Acre low volume, low pressure backpack sprayer

SUBTOTAL, ITEM 5.5.1 – 5.5.2: __________________

5.6 Southern Pine Beetle Suppression

5.6.1 Cut and leave (manual or machine felling)

Acre

SUBTOTAL, ITEM 5.6.1: __________________

GRAND TOTAL, ITEMS 5.1 – 5.6: __________________

Exercise of Option Periods will be at the unilateral discretion of the Government, with each subsequent Option being exercised with a 2.75% upward adjustment applied to each base unit price, which will be cumulative in nature.

NOTE: This procurement is 100% HUBZone Set-Aside. Award will be made to a HUBZone Certified Business only. HUBZone certification is obtained from the Small Business Administration.

A copy of a current Migrant/Seasonal Workers Certificate of Registration from the Department of Labor or an authorized State agency is required. (See pg. 27, FSAR 4G52.222-702, Labor Standards for Contracts Involving Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Workers (DEC 1999)).

A copy of Contractor’s current Pesticide Applicator’s License is required.

SECTION C—DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS / STATEMENT OF WORK

BACKGROUND

The Cherokee National Forest is divided into two distinct geographical locations, encompassing three counties in the Southern area, and seven counties in the Northern area, bordering the Smoky Mountains National Park on each side. Each of the two locations contains two administrative units, or Ranger Districts, that conduct contract activities independently.

Topography and working conditions are represented herein as being reasonably similar on all districts.

SCOPE OF WORK

This is a requirements contract in which all estimated total quantities are shown on the Schedule of Items. These estimates are not a representation that the estimated quantities will be required or ordered or that conditions affecting requirements will be stable or normal. These estimates were obtained from records of previous requirements and consumption, current work plans, projected need, or by other means, and are based on the most current information available Exercise of Option Periods will be at the unilateral discretion of the Government, with each subsequent Option being exercised with a 2.75% upward adjustment applied to each base unit price, which will be cumulative in nature.

This Contract is for Vegetative Management activities which will be conducted within the administrative boundaries of the Cherokee NF, East Tennessee. As such, the contractor shall provide all labor, transportation, equipment, supplies, services, permits and licenses and other incidentals necessary to perform Tree Planting, Herbicide Application, Release, Pre-Commercial Thinning, Site Preparation, Mid-Story Reduction, and specialized felling.

For unknown future needs not identified or described in the schedule, negotiation by the Contracting Officer will commence to establish base unit pricing, technical aspects of activity performance, quality standards, and performance measures.

Delivery Order Placement / Negotiation:

Delivery orders will be issued as Government needs arise. Each order will contain a specification written in Performance Based Format necessary to accomplish the desired activity, and vicinity and site maps. Performance period and effective date of Notice to Proceed will be negotiated.

Contractor may accept the established base unit pricing or may, at his sole election, request to enter into negotiations for a change in unit price if evidence furnished to the Government reasonably establishes a basis for a need of adjustment.

Government-Furnished Property:

See the Government-Furnished Property (Section G) for items/supplies offered or furnished by the Government.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

5.1 TREE PLANTING

5.1.1 Plant 100 Bare-Root Pine per Acre

Plant 112 Bare-Root Pine Seedlings per acre on spacing of 20’ by 20’ to achieve a minimum of 95 properly planted trees per acre and a maximum of 112 properly planted trees per acre.

5.1.2 Plant 200 Bare-Root Pine per Acre

Plant 200-Bare-Root Pine Seedlings per acre on spacing of 15’ by 15’ to achieve a minimum of 190 properly planted trees per acre and maximum of 210 trees per acre.

Timing of Operations

Planting operations may be implemented when sufficient soil moisture is available. Annual seasonal rains normally began in December providing sufficient soil moisture. About ninety percent of the planting is scheduled between January 1st and March 15th. The remaining ten percent may be completed in the fall after the first rains and before Christmas.

Seedlings

Seedlings will be furnished in sealed bags or bales. Contractor shall be responsible for loading and transporting seedlings from the storage site to the planting site. Seedlings will be considered delivered to the Contractor when the Contractor loads seedlings on his vehicle for transporting to planting sites.

Seedlings may only be picked up during the specified hours and days except by prior arrangement with the COR. Not more than one day’s supply of seedlings can be picked up on any one day, except a two day supply may be picked up on Friday or the day preceding a Federal holiday.

The Forest Service will coordinate with the contractor to have sufficient fresh seedlings on hand to meet the agreed upon starting date, estimated crew size, and expected rate of progress. Seedlings are perishable and have limited viability during storage. Once lifted at the nursery, packed and placed in refrigerated storage, survival of seedlings begins to decline. Seedlings stored beyond 21 days are unacceptable planting stock.

The contractor will be responsible for the cost of expired seedlings when seedlings have been ordered and stored based on the contractor’s schedule but have not been planted before their expiration date due to circumstances within the contractor’s control.

The contractor shall plant all trees picked up from refrigerated storage within twenty four hours of accepting delivery unless otherwise approved by the COR. When the COR determines that conditions are unsuitable for planting, the contractor shall return all unplanted trees to the refrigerated storage location 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 planting site:

Air temperature:

33-75 degrees F

Relative humidity:

30- 50 percent

Wind speed:

no more than 15 miles per hour

Spacing

Tree spacing may change with the species being planted and the objective being met on each planting site. Maps provided with each delivery order and showing the location of planting sites shall specify the spacing for that site.

Planting Standards for Bare Root and Containerized Seedlings

Keep seedling bags in the shade in the open air. The Contractor will provide, as a minimum, a light colored, heat reflective tarpaulin to cover tree seedlings during transport and field storage.Do not store within an enclosed vehicle where passive solar heating can occur.

Do not crush, stand or sit on seedling bags.

Do not build a warming fire within 100 feet of area where seedlings are stored or handled.

Keep seedling bags sealed prior to planting.

Open only one bag at a time. The entire crew will get seedlings out of this bag until the seedlings are used up before opening the next bag.

Quickly remove only enough seedlings to fill planting bags to be carried by the planters. Seedlings should not be exposed to the elements for more than two minutes. Do not separate, untangle, or count out an advance quantity of seedlings except as necessary to grade for unplantable seedlings.

Do not allow planters to carry an excessive amount of seedlings. Planting bags should not be filled to the point where “packing” occurs. Do not carry more than a one hour supply of seedlings in the planting bag.

Tightly close partially used bag as soon as seedlings are removed. Contractor shall provide a clamp or cord to keep bag closed.

Immediately repair any torn, snagged, ripped or punctured bag.

Keep seedling roots moist at all times prior to and during planting. Planters will not be allowed to carry any seedlings in their hands between planting locations. Remove a seedling from the planting bag ONLY when a hole for the seedling has been made.

Contractor shall provide planting bags. The bags shall be of light color, shall not retain water or heat, shall have a minimum depth of 15 inches, shall be free of defects or contaminates, and shall be constructed to allow easy and unrestricted extraction of tree seedlings, one at a time. Seedlings shall be carried in seedling bag or other suitable container allowing the seedlings to be kept moist and protected.

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

Trash such as leaves, litter, duff etc. will be removed in the 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 shall be present to a depth of at least six inches.

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

Do not plant within clearing limits of any designated system road or power line 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.

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”.

Hand planting tools will be a dibble bar, mattock, hoedad, etc. The penetrating portion of the blade will not be less than ten (10”) inches long and four (4”) inches wide.

Lean of planted seedling shall not exceed thirty (30) degrees.

Soil shall be firmly packed around each planted seedling and the planting hole shall be closed at the bottom as well as at the top. Debris in the planting hole such as leaves, bark, wood or stones is unacceptable. Seedlings must be planted with roots in soil firmly enough to not move when the seedling is pulled by the terminal group of needles.

The ideal pine seedling is a balanced, sturdy stemmed, medium-sized seedling seven to thirteen inches in height with a well developed, fibrous root system.

TABLE B

Minimum Quality Measure

Seedlings will not be culled in the field without agreement with the COR. Criteria shown in Table B above will be used as guidelines to culling, if necessary. In addition, 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. Roots will not be pruned in the field without agreement with the COR.

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 shall be planted with the S-shape in stem (‘basal crook’, if present) showing even with or just above the mineral soil ground line, allowing – as needed – for settling of planting hole fill.

Seedlings shall be unacceptable if; (1) the root system has a “U”, “J”, or “L” configuration within the planting slit, (2) the planting hole is closed at the top but open at the bottom resulting in an ‘air pocket’, (3) the roots are twisted or balled together, or (4) the roots have been pruned to below minimum acceptable lengths.

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

Following is an example of the proper planting procedure for bare root seedlings:

Planting holes shall 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 then the top and pack the soil around the planting hole. Proper planting can be determined for pines by grasping four of the terminal needles. If the seedling moves up when the four needles are pulled, the seedling is improperly packed. If the seedling remains still and the four needles release, packing is suitable.

5.1.3 Plant 100 containerized pine seedlings per acre

Plant 112 containerized pine seedlings per acre on a spacing of 20’ by 20’ to achieve a minimum of 95 properly planted trees per acre and a maximum of 112 properly planted trees per acre.

5.1.4 Plant 200 containerized pine seedlings per acre

Plant 200 containerized pine seedlings per acre on a spacing of 15’X 15’ to achieve a minimum of 190 properly planted trees per acre and a maximum of 210 trees per acre.

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 contractor shall furnish planting tools appropriate to the plug length being planted.

The seedling plugs shall be placed no deeper than one-half inch below the ground line and the top of the plug will be covered with soil at the planting site to prevent the wicking of moisture from the very porous nursery planting medium. Organic materials such as leaves, duff, bark, or chips will not be used as a substitute for mineral soil to cover the plug.

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 up 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 (diameter and depth) of the seedling plug.

The ideal pine seedling should be a balanced, sturdy stemmed, medium-sized seedling seven to thirteen inches in height with 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.

TABLE C

Minimum Quality Measure

Seedlings will not be culled in the field without agreement with the COR. Criteria shown in Table C above will be used as guidelines to culling, if necessary. In addition, seedlings with forked tops, having evidence of fusiform rust, or other noted undesirable traits will not be planted.

Correct planting, step by step, is as follows:

STEP 1

At the proper spacing within the row, pick a location and scalp a suitable planting spot to mineral soil.

STEP 2

Insert the entire usable tip of the planting tool (6 inches) straight down into the soil at the center of the planting spot.

STEP 3

Place the containerized seedling in the hole so that the root collar is located at ground level but not more than ½ inches below the scalped ground level.

STEP 4

After inserting and compressing the tree seedling, fill depression with ½ inch of soil to cover the growing medium at the top of the root plug. This will prevent the root mass from “wicking” or drying out. This step is essential for satisfactory planting. Be careful not to step on the seedling with a foot during this operation.

5.1.5 Plant 25 Hardwood Seedlings per acre

Plant 25 bare-root hardwood seedlings per acre to achieve a minimum of 24 properly planted trees per acre and a maximum of 26 properly planted trees per acre.

5.1.6 Plant 50 Hardwood Seedlings per acre

Plant 50 bare-root hardwood seedlings per acre to achieve a minimum of 47 properly planted trees per acre and a maximum of 53 properly planted trees per acre.

Planting equipment will be a shovel, gasoline-powered auger, tractor-mounted auger, or other digging equipment that will excavate a planting hole equivalent to a 6” diameter auger.

The planting hole shall be at least as deep as the length of the seedling taproot or – if of a species without a taproot – of a sufficient depth to avoid bending roots sideways or upward.

Seedlings shall be planted upright. Seedlings with a lean of more than 15 degrees off of vertical are unacceptable.

Seedlings shall be planted at a depth that leaves the root collar just at the top of the planting hole fill surface and the planting hole shall be filled to the same level as the original ground surface.

Soil shall be firmly packed around each planted seedling by alternately filling a layer and packing it then adding more soil until all excavated soil has been replaced in the planting hole.

The ideal hardwood seedling is a balanced, sturdy stemmed, medium-sized seedling thirty-six to forty-eight inches in height with a well developed, fibrous root system with numerous first order lateral (FOLR) roots.

TABLE D

Minimum Quality Measure

If culling of seedlings is necessary, it will be done by Forest Service personnel unless the COR agrees to the contractor culling seedlings in advance of it being done. Criteria listed in Table D above are the guidelines for deciding whether or not a seedling is acceptable as planting stock.

Seedling roots have been root pruned in the nursery. Roots will not be pruned in the field without agreement with the COR.

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.

Seedlings shall not be planted so as to result in “U”, “J”, or “L” root configurations or in twisted or balled root systems. Tangled root systems shall be gently shaken out or straightened by hand until roots are free.

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

Following is an example of the proper planting procedure for bare root seedlings:

After a proper planting hole 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, partially fill the planting hole and pack the soil around the seedling then add more fill, pack and continue until the planting hole is re-filled to the original ground surface.

5.2 SITE PREPAARATION FOR NATURAL OR ARTIFICIAL REGENERATION

5.2.1 Manual Slashdown by Chainsaw

Completely sever all live stems of woody vegetation that are 1.0 inches or greater in basal diameter and less than 7.0 inches in diameter at breast height (dbh). Include trees (oak, poplar, pine, and others) and shrubs (rhododendron, laurel, and grapevine). Leave stump heights as low as possible and not more than 4 inches on the uphill side of stump. Any trees with 1/3 of less of original crown that were damaged from logging operations will also be slashed down.

No restriction on time of year to perform this task.

5.2.2 Herbicide Application by Hack’n’Squirt

Treat all red maple, striped maple, black locust, sourwood, sassafras, birch, rhododendron, yellow poplar, mountain laurel, wahoo and black gum less than 7.0 inches in diameter at breast height and 1 inch or larger basal diameter. Grapevines larger than 1 inch basal diameter shall be treated with the exception of five grapevines per acre and grape arbors. Individual vines to be left will be on low quality trees. No treatment may be performed from February 15 to May 1.

Use cutting tool such as hand axe to make horizontal cuts in bark to the cambium layer of wood and apply herbicide using a calibrated hand applicator as follows:

1. Cuts will be made so they encircle the tree stem with no more than two inches between the cuts (hacks).

2. Make cuts horizontal to ground.

3. Cuts will pierce the bark and penetrate into the wood.

4. Cuts will form a pocket to hold the chemicals.

5. Herbicide applicators will be metered to release one milliliter of chemical mixture into each cut. If using spray bottles apply material until it fills the cut.

6. Cuts will be within five feet of the ground and will be at the same level on an individual tree.

7. Chemical will be thoroughly agitated before filling the applicator.

8. Trees will not be treated when air temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or less, or during or within one hour before heavy rainfall. Heavy rainfall would be sufficient to dilute or wash out herbicide with cuts.

9. Herbicide is furnished by USFS as government furnished property.

10. See section on Herbicide Standards Common to all methods of application on page 17.

5.2.3 Herbicide Application Streamline basal bark

Treat multiple stump sprouts (not single stem sprouts) from red maple, striped maple, magnolia, yellow poplar, black gum, birch, sourwood, locust, sassafras and other species as directed in the Delivery Order as follows:

1. Treat stems up to 4 inch basal diameter using streamline method. Supervisor and crew must be able to identify tree species during dormant season (leaf-off).

2. No oak, hickory, cherry, ash, basswood, beech, sugar maple will be treated.

3. Application equipment will consist of low volume, low pressure backpack sprayer with “spray systems” Gunjet using a .001 tip (.002 in cold weather).

4. All stems designated for treatment shall be sprayed on one side at a point between 12 inches and 24 inches above the ground line to form a treated zone that is at least 6 inches in height. Treat both sides of stems that are 3 to 4 inches in basal diameter.

5. Treat either dormant or growing season; however, dormant season is preferred to ensure material reaches target stem and is not intercepted by leaves, grasses, or other vegetation.

6. Herbicide is furnished by USFS as government furnished property.

7. See section on Herbicide Standards common to all methods of application on page 17.

5.2.4 Herbicide Application on cut stem surface

Treat designated stems by cutting and at or near ground line and immediately applying herbicide as directed in delivery order to the fresh cut stump as follows:

1. The outer one inch of the cut surface of the stump will be sprayed until wet around the entire circumference of the stump.

2. Stump spray will be done as soon as possible after the tree is cut, but no longer than 20 minutes afterward.

3. The herbicide solution will be thoroughly agitated before filling the squirt bottle or sprayer.

4. Trees to be stump sprayed will not be cut during rainfall, and all trees already cut when rainfall begins will be immediately stump sprayed.

5. Trees will not be cut and stump sprayed when the air temperature is 32 degrees or less.

6. See section on Herbicide Standards common to all methods of application on page 17.

5.3 MIDSTORY CONTROL

5.3.1 Manual slashdown by chainsaw

Treat trees designated in delivery order by slashing down at or near ground level. Tree diameters at breast height will range from 4 inches to 8 inches.

5.3.2 Herbicide Application Hack’n’Squirt with less than 50% occupied by rhododendron

Treat trees that are from 4 inches to 8 inches in diameter at breast height with herbicide application using the hack’n’squirt method. Treat all red maple, striped maple, black locust, sourwood, sassafras, birch, rhododendron, yellow poplar, mountain laurel, wahoo and black gum less than 7 inches in diameter at breast height and 1 inch in basal diameter (measured at 6’ above ground line). Grapevines greater than 1 inch basal diameter shall be hacked and squirted with the exception of five grapevines per acre and grape arbors. Individual vines to be left will be left in low quality trees. No treatment may be performed from February 15 to May 1. No oak, hickory, cherry, ash, basswood, beech, sugar maple will be treated.

Use cutting tool such as hand axe to make horizontal cuts in bark to the cambium layer of wood and apply herbicide using a calibrated hand applicator as follows:

1. Cuts will be made so they encircle the tree stem with no more than two inches between cuts.

2. Cuts will be horizontal to ground.

3. Cuts will pierce the bark and penetrate into the wood.

4. Cuts will form a pocket to hold the chemicals.

5. Herbicide applicators will be metered to release one milliliter of chemical into each cut. If using spray bottles this will be enough material so it just begins to flow from cut mark.

6. Chemical will be thoroughly agitated before filling the applicator.

7. Trees will not be treated when the air temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or less, or during or within one hour before heavy rainfall. Heavy rainfall sis that which might dilute or wash out herbicide within cuts.

8. Herbicide is furnished by USFS as government furnished property.

9. See section on Herbicide Standards Common to all methods of application on page 17.

5.3.3 Herbicide Application Hack’n’Squirt with more than 50% occupied by rhododendron

Treatments as described in 5.3.2 above except sites are more than 50% occupied by rhododendron.

5.4 CROP TREE RELEASE

5.4.1 Manual Slashdown by chainsaw

Select and release 100 crop trees per acre (20’X 20’ approximate spacing). These stands are generally from 10 to 20 years old. Crop tree species will be designated in Delivery Order and will be released by:

1. Slashdown of all stems competing with the upper ½ of crown of selected crop trees within a 6 foot radius from the edge of the crop tree.

2. Cut all competing grapevines that are in or could climb into selected crop tree.

3. Cut stems as close to ground line as possible, but no higher than 12 inches above ground level on uphill side.

4. If selected crop tree originates from a common stump, cut competing sprouts flush with stump.

5. All treated stems may remain leaning against untreated stems.

5.4.2 Herbicide Application Hack’n’Squirt

Select and release 100 crop trees per acre (20’X20’ approximate spacing) by treating competing vegetation. Competing vegetation is the same as described in 5.4.1 above for manual treatment. These stands are generally from 10 to 20 years old.

Use cutting tool such as hand axe to make horizontal cuts in bark to the cambium layer of wood and apply herbicide using a calibrated hand applicator as follows:

1. Cuts will be made so they encircle the tree stem with no more than two inches between cuts.

2. Cuts will be horizontal to ground.

3. Cuts will pierce the bark and penetrate into the wood.

4. Cuts will form a pocket to hold the chemicals.

5. Herbicide applicators will be metered to release one milliliter of chemical into each cut. If using spray bottles, this will be enough material so it just begins to flow from cut mark.

6. Chemical will be thoroughly agitated before filling the applicator.

7. Trees will not be treated when the air temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or less, or during or within one hour before heavy rainfall. Heavy rainfall is considered that which might dilute or wash out herbicide within cuts.

8. Herbicide is furnished by USFS as government furnished property.

9. See section on Herbicide Standards Common to all methods of application on page 17.

5.5 NON-NATIVE INVASIVE SPECIES CONTROL

5.5.1 Foliar Spray Using Power Equipment

Treat kudzu, multiflora rose, autumn olive, privet, fescue and other non-native species as directed in delivery order by applying foliar spray to leaf surfaces.

1. Areas will be accessible by vehicles but may require up to 300 feet of hose to be laid from road to treat entire site.

2. All foliage of target species will be sprayed to the point of run off.

3. When spraying kudzu all vines that cannot be reached by spray will be severed and the cut stem surface treated with spray.

4. See section on Herbicide Standards Common to all methods of application on page 17.

5.5.2 Foliar or Basal Bark Spray Using Low Volume, Low Pressure Backpack Sprayer

Treat kudzu, multiflora rose, autumn olive, privet, fescue and other non-native species as directed in delivery order by applying foliar spray to leaf surfaces.

1. Area is not accessible by vehicle due to distance from road (up to 1 mile from road), topography, or barriers that may prevent vehicle access.

2. Foliage spray will be applied to the point of run off, if performing basal bark application treat following direction under 5.2.3.

3. When spraying kudzu all vines that cannot be reached by spray will be severed and the cut stem surface treated with spray.

4. See section on Herbicide Standards Common to all methods of application on page 17.

5.6 SOUTHERN PINE BEETLE SUPPRESSION

Cut and Leave

For Southern Pine Beetle suppression all pine trees within designated buffer zone around active infestation are felled with their tops toward the center of the infested “spot”. No pine trees will be felled outside the buffer or infested spot into standing, healthy, uninfested live green trees. Dead pine will not be cut unless needed for safety reasons. Hardwood stems will not be cut unless part of negotiated site preparation for regeneration of the infested area.

Herbicide Standards Common to All Methods of Application

Timing of Application Foliar spray treatments shall be implemented during the leaf-on period of the year when the leaves of target vegetation are at least three-quarters expanded. Normally, bud-break starts about the middle of April on the south Cherokee and the first of May on the north Cherokee. Full leaf expansion of most species has occurred by about May 1. Foliage has hardened off and is not taking up water by the first frost, usually in October.

Cut surface, injection, and hack and squirt, herbicide application may be completed throughout the year except during freezing temperatures. These methods are normally scheduled from April through October.

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

Weather is monitored and the project suspended if temperature, humidity, or wind becomes unfavorable for correct application as shown in the Table below.

Ground

Mechanical

The specific herbicide that will be used within a treatment area and its application rate shall be determined by the Forest Service.

Liquid herbicide formulations will include a compatible dye when directed by the delivery order.

Dye will be furnished by the Forest Service as government furnished property.

No soil-active herbicide is applied within 30 feet of the drip line o non-target vegetation except at the direction of the COR.

No herbicide is ground-applied within 100 horizontal feet of lakes, wetlands, or perennial or intermittent springs and streams except at the direction of the COR.

No herbicide is broadcast within 100 feet of private land or within 300 feet of a private residence except as directed by the COR.

Application equipment, empty herbicide containers, clothes worn during treatment, and skin are not cleaned in open water or wells. Mixing and cleaning water must come from a public water supply and be transported in separate labeled containers.

Herbicide mixing, loading, or cleaning areas in the field are not located in sensitive areas as identified on the individual treatment area maps, or within 200 feet of private land, open water or wells.

Pesticide mixing, loading, or cleaning areas in the field are located at least 50 feet from ephemeral streams.

Contractor may be required to furnish and mix herbicides requested for a particular task order. The price per acre will be adjusted based on cost of herbicide required and labor rate priced in the schedule for application only.

Foliar Spray

Apply herbicide solution only to the foliage of the target vegetation.

Leafs must be expanded to at least three-quarters full leaf-out.

Treated stems will be no more than six feet tall.

Do not apply foliar spray in the rain, when rain appears imminent, or when foliage is still wet from recent rain.

When spraying kudzu, all vines that cannot be reached by spray mist will be severed (cut) and the cut surface of the stem treated immediately.

Stump spray will be done as soon as possible after the tree is cut, but no longer than 20 minutes afterward.

The herbicide solution will be thoroughly agitated before filling the squirt bottle or sprayer.

Trees to be stump sprayed will not be cut during rainfall, and all trees already cut when rainfall begins will be immediately stump sprayed.

Trees will not be cut and stump sprayed when the air temperature is 32 degrees or less.

Basal Bark Streamline

Best results for this treatment are obtained during leaf off with maximum efficiency from approximately 6 weeks prior to hardwood leaf expansion in the spring until approximately 2 months after leaf expansion is completed.

HERBICIDE USE, STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION

A. PERMITS AND RESPONSIBLITIES FOR THE WORK

The contractor shall, without additional expense to the government, be responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses, certifications and permits, and adhering to municipal laws, codes, and regulations in connection with the use of pesticides under this contract. The contractor shall also be responsible for posting herbicide use warning signs around the area. Signs will be provided by the government.

All herbicide application on National Forest land must be supervised by an individual holding a current, valid Pesticide Applicator’s License.

B. TRAINING

Contractor will instruct each applicator in the safe use of the herbicide(s) to be applied so as to protect themselves and the environment. The suggested areas to be covered are safe handling and proper application, transportation, storage, and disposal of the containers as shown herein. Techniques of eye wash and personal hygiene should also be part of the training. A safety video and briefing will be required by the contractor and employees prior to initiation of work as part of the Worker Protection Standard.

C. TRANSORTATION OF HERBICIDES

Contractor is legally responsible for the safe transportation of herbicides.

Contractor shall follow travel routes designated by the COR when transporting herbicides from the public road system to the treatment sites. Transport vehicle shall be parked inside the treatment site or in an area designated by the COR.

Transportation of herbicides used on this contract shall be in accordance with label instructions and the general approved and accepted procedures for safe transportation of herbicides. The following precautions should be taken by the contractor to prevent spills, accidents, injury or theft:

1. Transport herbicides in the cargo compartment of a truck or other vehicle away from the passenger compartment.

2. No personnel should ride in the back of the vehicle with the herbicide.

3. All herbicide containers should be tied down or otherwise constrained to prevent breakage or spillage.

4. Pesticides should not be transported in the same compartment with food or clothing.

5. If any herbicide is spilled in or from the vehicle it should be cleaned up at once.

6. Unlocked herbicides should not be left unattended.

D. HANDLING AND APPLICATION OF HERBICIDES

Personnel handling herbicides should wear protective clothing and/or equipment as recommended by the herbicide manufacturer. Herbicide shall not be applied or equipment cleaned outside of areas designated by COR.

Following these simple rules will help make the use of the herbicide safer for everyone:

1. Read the safety information on the label. Labels will be provided by the COR.

2. Wear the proper protective clothing.

3. Keep first aid equipment and supply of clean water readily available, including soap and eye wash equipment meeting OSHA regulations.

4. Do not work alone.

5. Keep the container below eye level when pouring to avoid splashing or spilling any herbicide on the face or into the eyes.

6. If herbicides are spilled, stop immediately, wash out eyes of contaminated and remove contaminated clothing. Wash the skin thoroughly with soap and water. Speed is essential. Once clean, put on clean protective clothing and equipment and clean up the spill. See a physician as appropriate.

7. Keep measuring cups and other equipment clean and properly stored when not in use.

8. Wash hands carefully before relieving yourself, eating, or smoking.

E. HERBICIDE SPILLS

Contractor shall be responsible for all costs of damages, clean up, and decontamination should a herbicide spill occur.

If a spill occurs, every effort will be made to keep it from contaminating water and other off-site areas. The spill shall be cleaned up as quickly as possible. Appropriate Federal, State and local officials will be notified. Herbicide spills shall be handled in accordance with the standard procedures for spill clean up (40 CFR 117). COR shall be notified immediately of any herbicide spill or accident. The COR will provide a copy of the Spill Plan.

F. STORING HERBICIDES

Herbicides used on this contract will not be stored or left overnight except at storage facilities approved by the COR or designated inspector. Unused herbicides will be returned to the storage facility as designated by the COR at the end of each workday.

G. DISPOSAL OF HERBICIDE CONTAINERS

All empty containers shall be returned to the storage facility at the Forest Service Work Center for disposal by the Forest Service. No empty containers will be left at the worksite.

See Exhibit 4 for additional requirements for handling of herbicides, including spill kit contents.

SECTION D–PACKAGING AND MARKING

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

SECTION E–INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

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

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): www.arnet.gov/far/

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

52.246-4 Inspection of Services–Fixed-Price (AUG 1996)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(2) Terminate the contract for default.

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

Each work site shall be inspected by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) as the work progresses. The Government through its surveillance plan will inspect, test and accept or reject work through the following provisions. All contract areas will be sampled on a grid system. Sampling will consist of 1/50th acre plots to determine an acceptability level of 90% or higher. Any work found not to comply in any material respect will be reworked at no additional cost to the government and will be subjected to the full operation of clause 52.246-4.

Individual orders will be issued in Performance Based Service Contract format.

MEASUREMENT

The number of acres shown on a delivery order will be measured by horizontal measurement and, for the purpose of this contract, is considered actual and not an estimate. The area will be determined in the field with the use of GPS receiver. A traverse will be run completely around each area and plotted with a computer.

PAYMENT

The acreage as determined above will be paid for at the contract unit price for the total number of acres satisfactorily completed and accepted.

SECTION F–DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998) This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): www.arnet.gov/far/

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

52.242-15 Stop Work Order (AUG 1989) Government Delay of Work (APR 1984)

AGAR 452.211-75 Effective Period of Contract (FEB 1988) The effective period of this contract is from date of award through twelve calendar months from date of contract award.

SECTION G–CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

AGAR 452.215-73 Post Award Conference (NOV 1996) A post award conference with the successful offeror is required. It will be scheduled within 15 days after the date of contract award. The conference will be held at location to be determined.

GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY

The Government will provide the following item(s) of Government property to the Contractor for use in the performance of this contract. This property shall be used and maintained by the Contractor in accordance with the provisions of the “Government Property” FAR clause contained elsewhere in the contract.

Item 1: Tree seedlings will be furnished by the Forest Service to Contractor in sealed bags or bundles. Contractor shall be responsible for loading and transporting seedlings from the storage sites located at District Work Centers to the planting areas; and for sorting, separating and untangling necessary for planting of seedlings.

For the purpose of FAR 52.245-1, Government Furnished Property, seedlings will be considered delivered to the Contractor upon Contractor’s loading on his vehicle for transportation to planting sites. Seedlings must be picked up daily between the hours of 7:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. Not more than a one-day-supply of seedlings will be picked up on any one day, with the exception being a two-days-supply may be picked up on Friday. Any change in the above times for pick-up must be approved by the COR.

Item 2: Emergency Spill Kit

Item 3: The following herbicides will be furnished by the Government:

BRAND NAME

HERBICIDE NAME

Transline

Clopyralid

Arsenal

Imazapyr

Garlon 3A

Triclopyr amine

Carlon 4

Triclopyr ester

Accord or Forester Select Glyphosate

Cide-Kick

Spray Adjuvant for herbicides

JLB Oil

Spray Adjuvant for herbicides

Dyes

Mixed with Herbicide to show areas treated

SECTION H–SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

AGAR 452.237-74 Key Personnel (FEB 1988)

(a) The Contractor shall assign to this contract the following key personnel: On-Site Crew Foreman.

(b) During the first ninety (90) days of performance, the Contractor shall make no substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death, or termination of employment. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer within 15 calendar days after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information required by paragraph (c) below.