PWS_21JAN2015.pdf

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

MARK TWAIN NATIONAL FOREST

(REV 21 JAN 2015)

B. General Information

SCOPE OF WORK: The contractor shall provide any and all labor, equipment, supplies, services, permits, and licenses necessary to perform stand improvement, site preparation by felling, planting, herbicide/foliar spray, and restoration treatments on the Ava/Cassville/Willow Springs, Doniphan/ Eleven Point, Houston/Rolla/Cedar Creek, Poplar Bluff, Potosi/Fredericktown, and Salem Ranger Districts of the Mark Twain National Forest. The contractor must be registered with the Department of Labor under the Migrant and Seasonal Workers Protection Act. The Contractor shall follow all State and Federal regulations, including OSHA guidelines.

Acreages listed will have been determined by global positioning system (GPS), planimeter, dot grid, or geographic information system (GIS).

LOCATION: The areas are located within the boundaries of the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri.

Specific locations, area data, and maps will be issued with each task order.

BOUNDARIES: Most boundaries have previously been marked by two orange paint slashes on sides of trees or by hanging flagging around each area. Others may have fences, roads, timber age changes, or natural structures which were used as boundaries.

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. The request must be in writing. Payment will be based on the re-measurement of the acreage, except no adjustment shall be made for areas less than 1 acre. The Contractor shall pay for the cost of re-measurement if the re-measurement results in an increase of less than 10 percent. Method of re-measurement to be used will be determined by the Government.

PAYMENT: Payment for performed work will be based on actual work completed by the Contractor and accepted by the Government. Payment will be processed for completed areas only and for a minimum amount of $3,000.00, no more frequently than once a month.

CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATIVE: The contractor shall provide a contract representative for the performance of the work. The name of this person and any alternate(s) who is/are authorized to act for the contractor shall be designated in writing and submitted to the contracting officer within 10 days of contract award. The contractor’s representative and/or alternate(s) shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The contractor’s representative and/or alternate(s) must be able to read, write, speak, understand English, and communicate with crews and the Government. At least one authorized contractor representative shall be on-site at all times during work that is able to read, write, speak, understand English, and communicate with crews and the Government.

PROTECTION OF IMPROVEMENTS: Any improvements damaged by the contractor shall be repaired/restored to the condition that existed prior to the start of work. This shall be accomplished at the contractor’s expense and shall be subject to Government approval.

CONTRACT TIME and Seasonal Restrictions*:

Arriving work crews will give a minimum 3 days’ notice to COR of unit issuing Task Order. Departing work crews will notify COR at a minimum within the proceeding 24 hours.

No Stand Improvement, Site Preparation, Herbicide Application, Restoration, or Storm Damage treatments will be allowed during Missouri Firearm (Rifle) Deer season, which starts the 3rd Saturday in November and runs for 10 days.

After receiving a Task Order, coordination with the COR on a work schedule is critical, as work will commence no later than 10 days of receiving a Notice to Proceed, unless other arrangements are made in advance.

For all felling treatment orders, as well as any associated stump treatments (herbicide) less than 500 acres, contract time shall be 1 day for every 3 acres plus 5 additional days for initial mobilization and 1 additional day for mobilization from one district to another.

For all felling treatment orders, as well as any associated stump treatments (herbicide) greater than 500 acres, contract time shall be 1 day for every 9 acres plus 5 additional days for initial mobilization and 1 additional day for mobilization from one district to another.

Foliar/Girdling (herbicide) treatments – same as above. For planting, contract time shall be 1 day for every 5 acres.

Surveys will be 1 day for every 10 acres.

Herbicide application – All contract work shall be done during the current appropriate application season for the targeted vegetation and within the period of performance identified in individual task orders.

*On orders with seasonal restrictions, due diligence to complete the order in first available unrestricted season is expected as long as the order is presented with the allocated days available in unrestricted season.

Ava/Cassville/Willow Springs – Work may be required during a specific season.

Doniphan/Eleven Point - The majority of the felling operations will be restricted to “leaf-off” (normally November 1 through April 15) season. Some felling may be required during “leaf-on” season.

Houston/Rolla/Cedar Creek – Work may be required during a specific season.

Poplar Bluff - The majority of the felling operations will be restricted to “leaf-off” (normally November 1 through April 15) season. Some felling may be required during “leaf-on” season.

Potosi/Fredericktown - The majority of the felling operations will be restricted to “leaf-off” (normally November 1 through April 15) season. Some felling may be required during “leaf-on” season.

Salem - The majority of the felling operations will be restricted to “leaf-off” (normally November 1 through May 15) season. Some felling may be required during “leaf-on” season.

*Weekends, holidays, weather days, and travel are accounted for in the adjusted total days for each order.

BIOBASED

The Contractor must comply with Section 9002 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (FSRIA), Executive Order (EO) 13423, “Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management,” and the Federal Acquisition Regulation to provide biobased products. The Contractor shall utilize products and materials made from biobased materials (e.g. biobased products) to the maximum extent possible without jeopardizing the intended end use or detracting from the overall quality delivered to the end user.

This requirement excludes the herbicides referenced in section 4.4 of this PWS.

C. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT TREATMENT STANDARDS

RESOURCE PROTECTION, USE AND MAINTENANCE OF IMPROVEMENTS: The Contractor shall use every precaution necessary to prevent damage to public and private property.

1. Protection of Land Survey Monuments: The Contractor shall protect all known survey monuments, witness corners, reference monuments, bearing trees, and boundary line trees against avoidable destruction, obliteration, or damage during the operation.

2. Refuse Disposal: Papers, cans, bottles, or other refuse resulting from the Contractor's operations shall be removed from National Forest lands.

3. Erosion Control: The Contractor shall (1) avoid operating equipment when soil conditions are such that excessive damage will result; (2) construct erosion control structures as needed to control erosion problems caused by the operation; and (3) repair promptly any existing erosion control structures damaged by the operation.

4. Protection of Cultural Resources: Discovery of historic or prehistoric sites, buildings, objects, and properties by either the Government or the Contractor shall promptly be reported to the other party.

5. Protection of Improvements: When the Contractor's operations are adjacent to private property, railway property, utility company property, or other property, work shall not begin until all necessary arrangements to prevent damage have been taken by the Contractor. In the event of damage to private fencing improvements, the improvement must be restored immediately to the condition that existed prior to the start of the work. In the event of interruption to utility services because of accident breakage or as a result of lines being exposed or unsupported, the Contractor shall promptly notify the proper authority and shall cooperate with that authority in the restoration of service.

6. Protection of Reserve Trees and Excluded Trees: Reserve trees and excluded trees shall be protected from damage or destruction in the Contractor's operations. Damage includes any injury to the living crown, bole or roots of reserve trees.

7. Prevention of Oil Spills: The Contractor shall take appropriate prevention measures to insure that any spill of oil or oil based products do not enter any stream or other waters.

8. Landings, Roads, and Skid Trails: Location and clearing limits for all landings, roads, and skid trails shall be agreed upon prior to their construction. The cleared or excavated size of such construction shall not exceed that needed for safe and efficient operations. Any non-system road opened/built by the Contractor must be returned to like or better condition, and closed upon completion of work.

9. Fire Prevention and Control: Warming fires will not be permitted except when leaves are wet or a place cleared of flammable material is used. If conditions warrant, the Government may prohibit fires. All fires must be completely extinguished before leaving.

D. GENERAL TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Felling and Girdling:

• Trees specified for cutting shall be completely cut below the lowest live limb and within 6 inches of the ground.

• Blackjack oak greater than 8 inches Diameter Breast Height (DBH) and all other species greater than 16 inches DBH, not reserved, or other trees designated by the COR, may be double girdled below the lowest live limb. Both girdles are to sever the cambium layer of the tree.

• Trees that are large enough to fall into cleared rights-of-ways, fences or other areas to be kept open and free from slash or other debris may not be left standing girdled.

• Trees to be felled that will damage desirable trees should be girdled.

• Felling shall be done in such a manner as to (1) avoid damage to residual crop trees, (2) avoid concentrated accumulation/build-up of felled material, and (3) lay felled material as flat as possible on the ground.

• No felled trees shall be left hanging or leaning on residual trees and accumulation from felled material shall be kept to a minimum.

Leaning, Hanging and Spring Trees:

• The tops from felled trees shall not be left hanging in standing trees. Cut trees shall be completely felled and not left hanging in or leaning against crop trees, reserve trees, or excluded trees.

• The Contractor must release or cut all "spring trees" present or that he creates. A "spring tree" is a tree of any species or size that is bent over or prohibited from growing a straight pole from the original leader.

Reserve Trees and Exceptions: Do not cut the following:

• Any trees along area boundaries that have blaze marks that may indicate a property line.

• Any tree indicating area boundaries.

• Designated wildlife trees and snags.

• Reserve Trees and trees in Reserve areas.

• Any other tree, species, or size limits designated by the COR as leave trees or excluded trees.

• All dead standing trees (unless hazardous).

Slash Disposal: Slash and other debris resulting from the Contractor's operations shall be removed from the following:

• Stream courses identified on the project maps.

• Lakes.

• Private land.

• The cleared area of telephone lines, power lines, and pipelines.

• Roads identified on the project maps and associated drainage ditches.

• Outside the designated area.

• Roads, Trails, and Firelines designated as “Keep Open” on task order maps.

E. ITEMIZED TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (Reference Schedule of Items).

4.1. STAND IMPROVEMENT

4.1.1. Release – Manual (Pine)

RELEASE SPECIFICATIONS: Excluding exceptions, all pine shall be released from competing or overtopping hardwoods. Excluding exceptions, all stems within a six (6) foot radius of the pine to be released and greater than one-half (1/2) the height of the pine shall be treated as follows.

• All stems shall be completely cut below the lowest live limb and within six (6) inches of the ground.

• The six (6) foot clearing radius will be measured from the stem of the pine being released to the vertical face (drip edge) of the hardwood crowns.

4.1.2. Non-commercial thinning (area thinning)

Select crop trees on the following spacing:

Ava/Cassville/Willow Springs 20x20 feet Doniphan/Eleven Point 15x15 feet Houston/Rolla/Cedar Creek 15x15 feet for pine; 20x20 feet for hardwood Poplar Bluff 15x15 feet for pine; 20x20 feet for hardwood Potosi/Fredericktown 20x20 feet Salem 20x20 feet

Crop trees are selected based on species preference, and on total height compared to the regeneration canopy, largest crown, straightest stem, and absence of disease or other defects.

Identify crop trees to remain and cut all other stems to create appropriate spacing. If a crop tree at the designated spacing is damaged or diseased, it will be cut and replaced by a healthier adjacent crop tree.

The order of species preference may vary depending on the desired species in a particular stand.

However, in most cases the following order of Crop tree preference will apply:

1. Shortleaf pine

2. White oak

3. Black oak

4. Red oak

5. Scarlet oak

6. Post oak

7. Hickory

Multiple–stemmed hardwoods selected as crop trees shall be reduced to the best stem.

Grapevines attached to crop trees will be cut.

Do not cut any tree larger than 9 inches in diameter.

Any crop tree nicked to the cambium layer is unacceptable.

4.1.3. Precommercial Thinning (crop tree release)

Select crop trees on the following spacing:

Ava/Cassville/Willow Springs 20x20 feet Doniphan/Eleven Point 15x15 feet Houston/Rolla/Cedar Creek 15x15 feet for pine; 20x20 feet for oak Poplar Bluff 15x15 feet for pine; 20x20 feet for oak Potosi/Fredericktown 20x20 feet Salem 20x20 feet

Crop trees are selected based on species preference, and on total height compared to the regeneration canopy, largest crown, straightest stem, and absence of disease or other defects.

The order of species preference may vary depending on the desired species in a particular stand.

However, in most cases the following order of Crop tree preference will apply:

3. Post Oak

4. Black oak

5. Red oak

6. Scarlet oak

Select shortleaf pines as crop trees over other species if they are within 2 feet in height of the surrounding canopy height.

Cut all stems that have crowns within 1 ft. of the crown of the crop tree or overtopping the crop tree.

Multiple–stemmed hardwoods selected as crop trees shall be reduced to the best stem.

Grapevines attached to crop trees will be cut.

Do not cut any tree larger than 9 inches in diameter.

Any crop tree nicked to the cambium layer is unacceptable.

4.1.4. Slash Disposal (30 inches)*

In designated Slash Disposal Zones all slash resulting from the Contractor's operations shall be lopped and scattered so as to lie within 30 inches of the ground within a specified distance from a visually sensitive feature, usually a road, trail, or vista.

*This work is treating limited amount of area already felled under a release, non-commercial, or pre-commercial falling treatment.

4.1.5. Slash Disposal (18 inches)*

In designated Slash Disposal Zones areas all slash resulting from the Contractor's operations shall be lopped and scattered so as to lie within 18 inches of the ground within a specified distance from a visually sensitive feature, usually a road, trail, or vista.

* is treating limited amount of area already felled under a release, non-commercial, or pre-commercial falling treatment.

4.2. SITE PREPARATION BY FELLING

4.2.1. Unevenaged Regeneration

1. Large Gaps or Group Openings (openings at least 70 feet in diameter). Cut all stems greater than 1” DBH or greater than 6 feet in height below the lowest live limb and within 6 inches of the ground.

2. Small Gaps. In small gaps created between the large gaps or group openings, cut any small (greater than 1” DBH or less than 8.5”dbh) suppressed trees.

3. Trees damaged from logging. Cut any small (greater than 1” DBH or less than 8.5”dbh) trees damaged by logging. This includes all spring trees, trees with broken crowns or boles, or trees with bark damage through the cambium layer on more than 10% of the circumference of the bole.

4.2.2. Storm Damage Salvage Area Regeneration

These areas of storm damage mimic even-age harvesting operations where most, if not all the over-story trees were damaged and subsequently harvested. Jackpot piles of tops exist throughout the area from the wind event, and accessibility is hindered.

Excluding Reserve trees and Exceptions, and as they are accessible, cut all stems greater than 1” DBH or greater than 6 feet in height below the lowest live limb and within 6 inches of the ground.

4.2.3. Evenaged Regeneration

Excluding Reserve trees and Exceptions*, cut all stems greater than 1” DBH or greater than 6 feet in height below the lowest live limb and within 6 inches of the ground.

*Specific exceptions in this item include remaining trees defined by species.

4.2.4. Evenaged Regeneration – 5-9”DBH class removed prior (from timber sale) or excepted by species

Excluding Reserve trees and Exceptions*, cut all stems greater than 1” DBH or greater than 6 feet in height below the lowest live limb and within 6 inches of the ground.

*Specific exceptions in this item include remaining trees greater than 5” DBH and/or defined by species.

4.2.5. Slash Disposal (30 inches)*

In designated Slash Disposal Zones all slash resulting from the Contractor's operations shall be lopped and scattered so as to lay within 30 inches of the ground within a specified distance from a visually sensitive feature, usually a road, trail, or vista.

*This work is treating limited amount of area already felled under a regeneration falling treatment.

4.2.6. Slash Disposal (18 inches)*

In designated Slash Disposal Zones areas all slash resulting from the Contractor's operations shall be lopped and scattered so as to lay within 18 inches of the ground within a specified distance from a visually sensitive feature, usually a road, trail, or vista.

*This work is treating limited amount of area already felled under a regeneration falling treatment.

4.3. PLANTING

The planting season begins upon availability of seedlings (normally after January 1) and ends on April 15 or whenever seedlings break dormancy, whichever occurs first.

CARE OF SEEDLINGS

All seedlings will be supplied as Government Furnished Property.

COR or their designee will coordinate delivery of trees to planting crews on their arrival at the Task Order issuing unit.

Planting bags shall be a light color, shall not retain water or heat, shall have a minimum depth of 15 inches, and shall be free of defects. Planting bags shall be constructed in such a manner as to allow easy and unrestricted removal of seedlings, one at a time.

Seedlings shall be protected at all times from drying, heating, smothering, freezing, crushing, drowning, abrasion, rapid temperature fluctuations or contact with injurious substances, i.e. gasoline, oil, or diesel fuel.

Seedlings stored in boxes, bags, or bundles shall not be exposed to direct sunlight. In the field, seedlings shall be stored in full shade and covered with a light colored, heat resistant tarp. When a planter returns to bag up with more seedlings, the planter must recover the remaining seedling packages with the heat resistant tarp.

Tree seedlings shall not be removed from shipping containers until needed for preparation for planting.

Tree seedlings shall be planted without further root or top pruning or culling. If pruning or culling appear necessary, or if mold, dry roots, evidence of injury or drying or dying is seen, the condition shall be immediately reported to the COR or Inspector.

FIELD HANDLING

Seedlings may be planted at any time when weather conditions are determined to be satisfactory by the COR. Frozen ground, temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, relative humidity below 30%, wind above 15 M.P.H., soil moisture below 15% are unsatisfactory planting conditions.

Seedlings must be handled, stored and transported in a manner to protect them from sun and wind and to maintain the air temperature of bags/bundles between 32 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Only one bag/bundle of seedlings per crew shall be opened at one time. Bags of seedlings shall be kept sealed prior to planting of the seedlings. Partially used bags will be kept closed to prevent exposure of the seedlings to the air. If any bag is torn, snagged or otherwise opened, the Contractor shall immediately patch or reseal it.

Seedling roots must be kept moist at all times prior to and during planting.

Tree seedlings in planting bags shall have only their tops exposed.

Tree seedlings shall not be removed from planting bags until immediately before planting in a prepare hole.

A hole for planting may be created only after the area has been scalped and the surface debris removed far enough away such that when the planting hole is created no debris can fall into the hole preventing an air tight seal.

Tree seedlings shall not be removed from planting bags until immediately before planting in a prepared hole.

Tree seedlings shall be gently removed, one at a time, to prevent stripping or other injury, and quickly and gently inserted into the planting hole. Planters shall not carry trees in the open between planting spots nor shall they throw seedlings to other planters to plant.

UNSUITABLE PLANTING WEATHER: If a combination of conditions such as hot, windy weather and low soil moisture would result in excessive moisture stress to seedlings during and immediately after planting the COR may suspend planting until conditions improve.

MOISTURE: Roots of trees must be kept moist at all times. Material such as moss, shingle toe, or material in which the seedlings were shipped, will be used to protect roots. Materials used by the Contractor to keep roots moist in planting bags or other containers and to shelter supplies of trees in his custody must be approved by the COR. Do not add water to seedlings with coated roots unless approved by the COR. Properly stored seedlings sometimes look drier than they really are and adding water only washes protective clay or gel from the roots.

STORAGE: Both opened and unopened boxes, bales or bags of trees must be stored in the shade. If needed, the contractor will heel-in and water or refrigerate the seedlings.

EXPOSURE: Planters must remove only one tree at a time from the planting bag when they are ready to plant it, thus allowing a minimum time of root exposure. Under no circumstances will planters be allowed to carry several trees with exposed roots from one planting spot to another. The government does not guarantee the number of trees per bag, box or bundle. Tree number may be exact or an average based on weight or some other method. Seedlings are not to be exposed to drying or other damage by recounting them.

DAMAGED OR UNACCEPTABLE SEEDLINGS: Do not plant seedlings if mold, dryness of roots, or other damage is evident. Contact the COR immediately to obtain replacement seedlings.

PRUNING: The Contractor will not root prune or top prune seedlings. If it appears that either of these treatments is necessary, the contractor shall notify the COR.

LOST OR DAMAGED SEEDLINGS: Any procedures in the care of seedlings, in addition to those above, will be approved by the COR. Any seedlings not properly cared for as described above will be considered lost or damaged Government property.

TREE PLACEMENT

Seedlings shall be planted at the specified spacing provided that, for individual seedlings the average spacing may be varied as much as 50% in any direction to obtain a plantable spot. Spacing control shall be resumed using the original spacing guides and the number of seedlings planted per acre shall not be materially increased or decreased by the method of selecting plantable spots. No seedlings shall be planted closer than 50% of the spacing requirements to another seedling. No seedlings to be omitted.

Plant tree seedlings in a manner to prevent “U” roots, “L” roots, drag roots, or twisted or balled roots.

POSITION OF STEM: Each planted tree must stand erect, near vertical to the horizontal plane, and not exceed 20 degrees from the perpendicular. Some lower needles may be below ground level after planting, but all above ground needles must be free of mud and other material which could weight it down. Any tree not meeting this specification will be considered an unsatisfactorily planted tree.

Do not plant seedlings in frozen ground or during freezing weather unless approved by the COR.

All planting areas in and adjacent to felled tree tops and rocks shall be planted.

Do not plant seedlings within 5 feet of clearing limits of any designated system road, fence, power line or pipeline rights-of-way, or within 10 ft. of existing tree line.

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

Seedlings shall not be planted within 12 inches of large mounds of dirt, rock, holes or stump holes large enough to hamper root growth of seedlings.

FILLING AND FIRMING

Moist mineral soil shall be filled in and firmed around tree seedling roots. Rock and other foreign matter shall be kept out of holes. Soils shall be filled in and firmed progressively so no loose soil or air pockets remain and the tree is as firmly planted as soil conditions will allow.

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

Above ground inspection:

1. Spacing

2. Planting spot selection

3. Planting spot preparation (scalp)

4. Correct planting depth and exposed roots

5. Stem position or damage

6. Firmness of soil

Below ground inspection (items that fail a planting spot):

1. Root configuration and orientation of all of the roots (J-root, L-root, jammed roots, etc.)

2. Altered root length and damage (root pruning or stripping)

3. “Foreign” material in planting hole

4. Loose soil or air pockets

4.3.1 Hardwood tree planting

The goal of this treatment is to establish hardwood seedlings in existing open fields. Hardwood seedlings should be planted on a 12 ft. X 12 ft. spacing (approximately 302 trees per acre).

EQUIPMENT

Some sites are suitable for planting with a roughland tree planter pulled with a farm tractor. Planting with a tree planting auger on a 3 point hitch behind a farm tractor, or a hand held auger are also acceptable. Planting with hand tools such as a dibble bar or hoedad may be unacceptable due to the large size of the root systems on the hardwood trees normally planted. A tree planting auger with a minimum of a 6 inch bit shall be used to make a vertical hole at least 12 inches in depth that is suitable for planting a tree seedling. If the auger binds on a rock or other material and is unable to make a satisfactory hole the auger shall be removed and relocated in the same vicinity. Three unsuccessful attempts to bore a planting hole are necessary before a planting spot is considered unplantable.

Crew members using the auger should insure that the pace of augering holes does not get too far ahead of the planters so as to insure the soil does not dry out.

TREE PLACEMENT

Plant one tree in a trash free hole. The leaves, litter, and duff (organic layer) shall be removed to mineral soil in an 18-inch circle before the auger-planting tool is inserted into the ground. Holes must be cleared by hand to remove all material leaving a clean hole of proper depth.

Plant each tree seedling ½ inch to 1 inch deeper than it grew at the nursery. Using soil from the hole to pack soil (by hand) firmly around the seedlings roots as the hole is refilled insuring there are no air pockets and that lateral roots are pointed down and not broken (do not pack seedlings by using heel).

Organic material should not enter the hole during planting.

Planting tolerances:

4.3.2 Pine tree planting

SPECIFICATIONS FOR TREE PLANTING: Tree planting is illustrated in an attachment to this solicitation.

DEPTH: Each tree must be planted so that the root collar is not above ground level. Shortleaf pine seedlings have better survival if deep planted, so some lower needles may be covered with soil. Even though Shortleaf pine seedlings should be planted slightly deeper than they were in the nursery, “L” and “J” roots must be avoided. The soil level at the stem of each planted tree will be approximately level with the surrounding ground. Measurement will be at level ground line of bare mineral soil or other acceptable surface material where reasonable land clearing cannot expose mineral soil. Any tree not

Area(s) Spacing (ft.) Min. Trees/Acre Max. Trees/Acre

ALL 12 X 12 272 330

planted in the manner described above will be considered and unsatisfactorily planted tree (see attached illustrations).

SPACING:

Trees will be planted on and 10 foot by 10 foot spacing (10x10) resulting in 435 trees per acre--except on the Poplar Bluff district, where trees will be planted on an 11 foot by 11 foot spacing resulting in 360 trees per acre.

A latitude of 25 percent in the distance between trees will be allowed for the planter to utilize the best planting spot, avoiding spots such as animal burrows, rotten wood, stumps, and rocks. Any trees planted within 4 feet of another planted tree or existing pine tree will be considered an unsatisfactory tree. Trees will not be planted within ten (10) feet of any designated system road, fence, power line, pipeline, or existing tree line.

Trees planted too close to another planted or existing live pine tree less than 10 feet tall with a single straight stem will be considered unsatisfactory trees.

CULLING: Grade 3 shortleaf pine seedlings shall be culled rather than planted. A grade 3 seedling is less than three (3) inches in height; roots are less than five (5) inches long, the stem is distinctly less than 1/8th inch diameter at ground level. Absence of winter buds and presence of purple needle color are common in dormant, hardened-off shortleaf pine seedlings and are NOT grounds to cull seedlings.

4.3.3 Supplemental Pine Planting

See pine planting specifications above. Trees will be planted as specified by COR. Spacing could include patches of insufficient regeneration planted at the regular spacing, or wider and variable spacing.

Spacing will average 150 trees per acre.

4.4. HERBICIDE APPLICATIONS*

Contractor is responsible for obtaining all appropriate herbicide, as well as labor, equipment, supplies, storage, permits, licenses and certifications required for completion of Herbicide Application under this contract. Contractor shall follow all manufacturer’s label directions and industry standards for application of herbicides. Blue dye shall be added to the herbicide mix to facilitate appropriate application and inspection.

*See Table 5.4 -5.5 for included herbicides and associated application method.

VEGETATION THAT WILL NOT BE TREATED

Trees along property boundary marked with red paint, signs, tags, blazes or other survey information.

Trees within Watershed Protection Zones (WPZ’s) or Riparian Management Zones (RMZ’s), or within designated distances of other protected features such as springs, seeps, sinkholes, fens, etc. as specified by the COR.

Applications of herbicide will be directed so no damage will be done to non-target vegetation.

The following items include applications in the tables listed below. Applications to include site preparation, pine release in pine-hardwood stands for growth enhancement of shortleaf pine, or post-harvest control of hardwoods.

Table 4.4 - 4.5 Application methods used to apply herbicides registered for forest site preparation in the southern United States.1

Herbicide Common Name

Trade Name

Application Methods

Dicamba Vanquish Aerial and ground broadcast

Glyphosate Accord SP Aerial and ground broadcast, handgun-spot spray

Hexazinone Pronone 5G Aerial and ground broadcast, individual stem

Imazapyr Arsenal Aerial and ground broadcast, backpack (individual stem)

Metsulfuron Escort Aerial and ground broadcast, backpack

Triclopyr (amine) Garlon 3A Aerial and ground broadcast, tree injection, frill, stump treatment

Triclopyr (ester) Garlon 4 Ground and aerial broadcast, basal bark and dormant stem spray

Triclopyr (ester) + Picloram

Access Basal bark treatment

Application methods used to apply herbicides registered for pine release in the southern United States.

Common Name Trade Name

Application Method1

Glyphosate Accord Aerial and ground broadcast, backpack, and directed foliar spray.

Hexazinone Pronone 25G

Aerial and ground broadcast, individual stem

Hexazinone Pronone 10G

Aerial and ground broadcast, individual stem

Imazapyr Arsenal Aerial and ground broadcast, directed sprays (backpack sprayers).

Metsulfuron Escort Aerial and ground broadcast, backpack

Triclopy r ( i )

Garlon 3A

Directed sprays (backpack sprayers).

Triclopyr (ester) Garlon 4 Basal bark treatments (backpack sprayers).

1Application methods represent those listed on product labels. Generally, other methods can be legally used unless specified otherwise on the label.

4.4.1. Broadcast herbicide foliar spray (mechanical)

Treat areas as recommended for by target species (oak, maple, blackgum, hickory, elm, sumac, sassafras, locust, etc.) at rates and mixture according to label. Slopes may range up to 20%. Task order will specify herbicide and rates.

4.4.2. Strip herbicide foliar spray (mechanical or backpack)

Treat areas as recommended for by target species (oak, maple, blackgum, hickory, elm, sumac, sassafras, locust, etc.) at rates and mixture according to label. Treatment intensity will vary from 5’ to 10’ strips 25-50’ apart. Slopes may range up to 20%. Task order will specify herbicide and rates.

4.4.3. Spot herbicide foliar spray (backpack)

Treat individual stems as recommended for by target species (oak, maple, blackgum, hickory, elm, etc.)

at rates and mixture according to label. Treatment intensity will vary from 500 to 1000 stems per acre on slopes up to 50%. Task order will specify herbicide and rates.

4.4.4. Basal Bark herbicide treatment (thin-line/backpack)

This method is generally used on stems less than 6” DBH.

Target vegetation will be sprayed a minimum of 12 inches up and around the entire base of each stem using low pressure sprayers, but not to the point of runoff.

Specific herbicide and target species to be treated will be identified on the task order and by the COR at the work location.

Treat individual stems as recommended for by target species (oak, maple, blackgum, hickory, elm, etc.)

at rates and mixture according to label.

Treatment intensity will vary from 500 to 1000 stems per acre on slopes up to 50%.

Trees and Areas NOT Be Treated Trees along property boundaries marked with red paint, signs, tags, blazes or other survey information.

Markers such as painted trees or flagging that are used to mark unit boundaries or exclusions and the trees contained within the exclusions.

Any non-target species designated by the COR.

4.4.5. Hack and Squirt (herbicide injection)

This method is generally used on stems greater than 5’ tall, but no greater than 9” DBH.

Target vegetation will have at a minimum two injection cuts placed on the stem.

Cuts shall be horizontal and form a pocket that will hold up to 1 milliliter of herbicide.

Herbicide application can be done with a metered injector or other methods such as hatchet or machete and squirt bottle or low pressure backpack sprayer.

Specific herbicide and target species be treated will be identified on the task order and by the COR at the work location.

Treat individual stems as recommended for by target species (oak, maple, blackgum, hickory, elm, etc.)

at rates and mixture according to label.

Treatment intensity will vary from 500 to 1000 stems per acre on slopes up to 50%.

Trees and Areas NOT Be Treated Trees along property boundaries marked with red paint, signs, tags, blazes or other survey information.

Markers such as painted trees or flagging that are used to mark unit boundaries or exclusions and the trees contained within the exclusions.

Any non-target species designated by the COR.

4.5. RESTORATION TREATMENTS

4.5.1. Glade restoration

Excluding exceptions, all hardwood stems 1 inch through 8.9 inches, and all cedar greater than 2 feet in height shall be completely cut below the lowest live limb and within 6 inches of the ground.

4.5.2. Glade restoration with Herbicide Treatment

Excluding exceptions, all hardwood stems 1 inch through 8.9 inches, and all cedar greater than 2 feet in height shall be completely cut below the lowest live limb and within 6 inches of the ground. In addition, stumps of all hardwood stems cut shall be treated with appropriate herbicide (see 5.4.5 for application standards). Herbicide shall be applied in a strip at least one inch wide around the entire cut surface perimeter (outside edge) of the stump so as cover 100% of the cambium layer, but not in excess.

Stumps shall be treated with herbicide immediately after cutting (within 20 minutes). See section 5.4.

for general specifications of herbicide use. Task order will specify herbicide and rates.

4.5.3. Midstory Control

Excluding exceptions, all stems 1 inch through 8.9 inches DBH shall be completely cut below the lowest live limb and within 6 inches of the ground.

Trees not to be treated: Do not cut Redbud, Dogwood, or Serviceberry within a 100 foot wide strip along State Highways, County roads, or Forest Service System Roads.

4.5.4. Midstory Control with Herbicide Treatment

Excluding exceptions, all stems 1 inch through 8.9 inches shall be completely cut below the lowest live limb and within 6 inches of the ground. In addition, stumps of all hardwood stems cut shall be treated with herbicide (see 5.4.5 for application standards). Herbicide shall be applied in a strip at least one inch wide around the entire cut surface perimeter (outside edge) of the stump so as cover 100% of the cambium layer, but not in excess. Stumps shall be treated with herbicide immediately after cutting (within 20 minutes). Task order will specify herbicide and rates.

Trees not to be Treated: Do not cut Redbud, Dogwood, or Serviceberry within a 100 foot wide strip along State Highways, County roads, or Forest Service System Roads.

4.5.5. Hardwood Non-commercial Thinning

Excluding leave trees, reserve trees, and exceptions, cut all hardwood and pine stems 5 inches through 9 inches DBH. Trees greater than 9 inches DBH may be double girdled.

Trees greater than 20 inches DBH are leave trees by definition regardless of species.

Select leave trees on variable spacing by prescribed Basal Area (BA) and average DBH of stand.

Ranges will be 50 BA down to 30 BA, with corresponding spacing ranging from 20 by 20, to 30 by 30 foot spacing. Leave trees shall be located within 8 feet of the plot center. If an acceptable leave tree is not present return to plot center and proceed to next plot.

Select leave trees based on species preference. The order of species preference may vary depending on the desired species in a particular stand. However, in most cases the following order of preference will apply:

3. Post oak

4. Black oak

5. Red oak

6. Scarlet oak

If two or more stems are of the same species, select leave tree based on crown development, height, straightness of stem, and absence of disease or other defect.

4.5.6. Slash Disposal (30 inches)*

In designated Slash Disposal Zones all slash resulting from the Contractor's operations shall be lopped and scattered so as to lay within 30 inches of the ground within a specified distance from a visually sensitive feature, usually a road, trail, or vista.

* This work is treating limited amount of area already felled under a release, non-commercial, or pre-commercial falling treatment.

4.5.7. Slash Disposal (18 inches)*

In designated Slash Disposal Zones all slash resulting from the Contractor's operations shall be lopped and scattered so as to lay within 18 inches of the ground within a specified distance from a visually sensitive feature, usually a road, trail, or vista.

* This work is treating limited amount of area already felled under a release, non-commercial, or pre-commercial falling treatment..

4.5.8. Slash Disposal (Hand Piling)

In designated Slash Disposal Zones all slash resulting from the Contractor's operations shall be moved to designated pile locations within the treatment area, away from residual trees.

4.5.9. Slash Disposal (Dispersal)

In designated Slash Disposal Zones all slash resulting from the Contractor's operations shall be moved to woodland areas adjacent to the treatment area and dispersed away from existing trees, keeping piling minimized.

4.6. SURVEYS

4.6.1. 1st year Stocking Surveys

A. Plot Location: Fixed area plots will be randomly selected at designated intervals along a traverse line spaced so as to cover the regeneration area. The starting point on the first and successive grid lines will be selected randomly. Minimum distance between plots is one chain (66 feet). Plot locations shall be noted on the maps.

B. Plot Establishment, Starting Point and Number of Plots: The contractor will designate a starting point with a ribbon. Each plot will be marked with a ribbon tied on a bush or sprout so that it is 4 foot off the ground. The number of plots required for each area is as follows:

<10 acres………...1 plot/ac >10 acres………...1 plot every 2 ac

C. Plot Size: The plot size will be 1/735 acre (4.34 foot radius).

D. Recording of Data: Data for each area will be recorded on Government furnished forms. See attached Sample Tally Sheet. All tree sprouts and/or seedlings within the plot will be recorded in the appropriate spaces by the dot tally method. The stem of the tree at the ground line is the basis of being in or out of the plot. Average height of the trees will be recorded for each plot. If a plot has no sprout or seedling, it is to be noted on the Tally Sheet as a non-stocked plot. All sprouts growing from one stump will be counted as one sprout.

E. Evaluation, Totals and Percents: This part of the form will be done by the Forest Service.

F. Inspection of Work: Inspections will be conducted by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or designated inspector and survey forms will be sent to the COR. This data will be used for random inspections.

G. Compliance Inspection: The COR will, by formal field review, determine if the specified progress and methods of work described in A-D above are being carried out. Failure to comply with specified work standards may be cause for termination of the Contractor's right to proceed.

H. Rework of Unacceptable Work: The Government reserves the right to require rework of unacceptable blocks at no additional cost to the Government. Upon notification by the COR that an area is unacceptable, the Contractor may be required to complete and submit rework before beginning work on another area. The Government will specify rework requirements for each unacceptable area. The Government may re-inspect areas of data that have been reworked to determine compliance.

If reworked and re-inspected areas fail during the first re-inspection, additional rework may be required prior to beginning any new work, and is at the discretion of the COR. Failure to pass re-inspection will result in delayed processing of payment, or may result in contract default.

4.6.2. 3rd year Stocking Surveys

Identical to 4.6.1

4.6.3. 1st year Survival Surveys

4.6.4. 3rd year Survival Surveys

4.7. RESERVED

4.8 Biobased.

4.8.1 All supplies and material shall be of a type and quality that conform to applicable federal specifications and standards and, to the extent feasible and reasonable, include the exclusive use of biobased products. All Supplies, materials, and equipment to be used in the performance of work described herein are subject to the approval of the COR.

The contractor shall:

Submit to the COR a list indicating the name of the manufacturer, the brand name, and the intended use of each of the materials, proposed for use in the performance of its work. Within 15 days of contract award, the Contractor shall submit to the COR a list giving the name of the manufacturer , the brand name, and Material Safety Data Sheets with the intended use of each of the materials the Contractor proposes to use in the performance of the work.

Biobased products that are designated for preferred procurement under USDA’s BioPreferred program must meet the required minimum biobased content as stated in the USDA Final Rule available at www.biopreferred.gov. The Contractor should provide data for their biobased products such as biobased content. In addition to the biobased products designated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the BioPreferred Program, the Contractor is encouraged to use other biobased products.

Utilize products and material made from biobased materials (e.g. biobased 2-Cycle Engine Oils, biobased chain and cable lubricants, biobased agricultural spray adjuvants) to the maximum extent possible without jeopardizing the intended end use or detracting from the overall quality delivered to the end user. Contractors may propose more than one product within a product category and/or propose a product or products addressing more than one product category. To see what biobased materials are acceptable utilize Department of Agriculture (USDA) Designated Biobased Products List (DBPL) www.biopreferred.gov.

A product list with its attributes for the proposed sustainable product brands must be summarized. Once this list of products has been approved by the Contracting Officer, the Contractor is responsible for using only those approved products. If for some reason the product is found later to be ineffective, or the Contractor would otherwise like to propose an alternative product, either the Contractor or Contracting Officer may propose for consideration an “equal” product. The Contracting Officer is the final decision-maker for such substitutions and must approve each in writing.

The Contractor must implement a comprehensive Affirmative Procurement Program for the purchasing of biobased, products and products made with recovered materials to the maximum extent possible.

The contractor shall provide data on the quantity and dollar values of biobased products and recycled content products used in this contract. The data will be submitted to the COR monthly.

The contractor shall not use any materials, chemicals, or compounds which the COR determines would be unsuitable for the intended purpose or harmful to the surfaces to which applied.

http://www.biopreferred.gov/ http://www.biopreferred.gov/

4.9 Quality Assurance. The government will periodically evaluate the contractor’s performance in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (Reference Attachment).

5.1 Performance Requirements Summary.

5.1.1 Performance Standards. The following standards are set forth in this contract.

The Contractor service requirements are summarized into performance objectives that relate directly to essential items. The performance threshold briefly describes the minimum acceptable levels of service required for each requirement. These thresholds are critical to successful task completion. Government surveillance of contractor performance is not limited to the performance objectives as outlined in this PRS. The Government reserves the right to conduct compliance surveillance of any contractual requirement of this acquisition.

Performance Requirements Summary (PRS)

TASK/SERVICE PERFORMANCE

OBJECTIVE

PERFORMANCE

STANDARD

ACCEPTABLE

QUALITY LEVEL

SURVEILLANCE

METHOD

Temporal Management

Diligent and responsive work progress.

Time management will incorporate work progress that is reasonable related to time allocations.

Standards listed in Section B; Contract Time, are in compliance 100% of the time.

Contacts with COR to coordinate work schedules.

Vegetation Management

Resource protection, use, and maintenance of improvements standards are adhered to on all work item areas.

Treatment operations will employ precautions necessary to prevent damage to public and private property.

Standards listed in section C, items 1-9, are in compliance 100% of the time.

Random routine visual inspection of work either actively in progress or as reported complete.

Felling Operations and General Specifications

Safe and efficient felling operations.

Felling operations are completed at the required stump height or below, do not damage property, reserve or crop trees, or create slash or spring tree problems.

Standards listed in section D for Felling and Girdling, Leaning Hanging and Spring Trees, Reserve Trees and Exceptions, and Slash Disposal items are in compliance 90% of the time.

Random routine visual inspection of work either actively in progress or as reported complete.

4.1. STAND

IMPROVEMENT

Services are safely completed in a timely, thorough, and professional manner.

General and itemized technical specification requirements met with few minor and no significant problems, mistakes, or omissions encountered.

Performance standards are completely met on a minimum of 90% of the inspected area.

Encountered problems are minor and resolved quickly to a satisfactory manner.

Random routine visual inspection of work either actively in progress or as reported complete. A minimum of 25% of each sub-unit will be inspected.

4.1.1. Release -

Manual

Pine are released from competition

Competing hardwood within 6 feet and greater than ½ the height of the pine being released are completely cut below the lowest live limb and within 6 inches of the ground.

There will be no missed trees, incompletely cut trees, or high stump trees within the described treatment specifications on a minimum of 90% of the inspected areas.

Random routine visual inspection as described for all Stand Improvement areas.

PERFORMANCE

STANDARD

ACCEPTABLE

QUALITY LEVEL

SURVEILLANCE

METHOD

4.1.2. Non-

commercial Thinning (area thinning)

Crop trees are selected and released from root competition.

Crop tree selection meets…