AG-569R-S-16-0039_OTT_-_2016_SILVEXAM.docx

Solicitation No. AG-569R-S-16-0039 Silvex Exams for the Ottawa National Forest

PART I—THE SCHEDULE

Section B--Supplies Or Services And Prices/Costs Schedule Of Items

SILVEX EXAMS

OTTAWA NATIONAL FOREST –

GOGEBIC/IRON/ONTONAGON COUNTIES OF MICHIGAN

*Contractor should bid on all items.

Furnish all equipment, labor, transportation, & incidentals necessary to perform the work required in accordance with the terms, conditions, & specifications of this bid & resultant contract. Work areas are shown on the maps.

Iron River Ranger District

Watersmeet Ranger District

Bergland Ranger District

Bergland Ranger District cont’

Total Contract Bid -

ALL WORK MUST BE COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 30, 2017.

SEE SECTION M FOR EVALUATION CRITERIA TO BE ADDRESSED

The Government may issue an order to other than the lowest offeror, waive minor informalities or irregularities in offers received, or elect not to award at all. If necessary, the Government may conduct discussions with any or all offerors. It is in the offeror’s best interest to fully respond to the Experience Questionnaire located as an attachment of this solicitation, since an order may be issued on the basis of information received, without further discussion.

For Technical information and to arrange for a site visit, contact:

Dave Steffensen 906-884-2411 ext. 29 email: dsteffensen@fs.fed.us Ted Frank 906-932-1330 ext. 515 email: tjfrank@fs.fed.us

No award will be made to a Contractor not registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database at www.sam.gov Certifications and Representation must be current and complete in SAM.

Include the following information with your responses to the technical criteria:

EMAIL: ________________________________________

DUNS: ________________________________________

MSA WPA REGISTRATION NUMBER ____________________

Note: It is the Government’s intent to award one contract resulting from this solicitation. Accordingly, offeror’s shall submit pricing for all line items. However, if upon evaluation, it is determined that multiple awards are in the best interest of the Government, multiple awards may be made. It is the Government’s intent to award a fixed priced contract resulting from this solicitation.

Note: Please note an Experience and Capability form has been attached for your use in addressing the evaluation criteria as listed in section M of this solicitation; this form is not mandatory and can be used at your discretion, however the equivalent information must be submitted for evaluation.

Section C -Description/Specifications/Statement Of Work

INTRODUCTION

C.1 SCOPE

Work shall consist of locating, establishing, measuring and recording data for sample plots. The work performed and the data collected shall be in compliance with the terms, specifications, conditions and provisions of this solicitation, and the Common Stand Exam Users Guide, Version 2.12.6March2015, hereafter known as “CSE User Guide”. If the contract specifications differ from the CSE User Guide, the contract shall take precedence.

The Contractor shall furnish all personnel, materials, equipment, tools, supplies, transportation, supervision and incidentals to perform data collection work, except as otherwise provided by the Government.

C.1.1 Background The Ottawa National Forest proposes to contract for technical forestry services to conduct stand examinations using the Common Stand Exam (CSE) protocol. Its purpose is to obtain the site, setting, and tree characteristics required to identify stand conditions and capabilities in providing the Government information with which management determinations for natural resources will be made. Common Stand Exam user guides, field manuals, and software are available from the following website: http://www.fs.fed.us/nrm/fsveg/index.shtml.

C.1.2.1 This Contract Is a Service Contract.

C.1.2.2 Specific stand locations, and supplemental specifications for each project will be provided upon award.

C.1.3 LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

This solicitation is for Common Stand Exams on the Ottawa National Forest. Project work areas can be found on the Project Area Maps in Section J. Compartment maps with stand boundary delineations will be provided with the Request for Quotation. Copies of aerial photos will be provided at the pre-work meeting.

C. 2 DEFINITIONS

The following are definitions that refer to data elements and attributes for collecting Common Stand Exam data.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The on-site contract administrator for the Contracting Officer. The duties and responsibilities of the COR are defined in the letter of designation issued by the Contracting Officer.

CSE (.cse) File. File format containing field data that has been created using Exams CE or Exams PC software. The file extension is .cse.

Ecological Land Type Phase (ELTP). An ecological map unit which is a subdivision of land type associations or groupings of land type phases that are areas of land with a distinct combination or combinations of natural, physical, chemical, and biological properties that cause it to respond in a predictable and relatively uniform manner to the application of given management practices.

Inspection. The actions taken by the Government to determine if contractor’s methods and data meet contract requirements. The methods for inspection and follow-up are described in the Section E.3 Acceptance and Re-work.

Inspection Block. The minimum area for inspection will be one compartment.

Microsites. Microsites are small areas atypical of the stand, such as wind-throw pockets, micro-drainage ways, seeps, well-rotted logs, or excessively rocky areas.

Navigation. Navigation is the process of traveling from one place to another and knowing where you are in relation to your desired course. Navigation is usually done using the compass and pacing method. Other methods must be approved by the COR.

PDR (.pdr) File. Personal Data Record is a file format containing template information that will be collected in the field. The file extension is .pdr. This file will be provided to the contractor by the Forest Service prior to the commencement of work.

Plot Data Form. The Plot Data form is used to collect data at the plot level and is independent of the information collected at the setting level. This data is collected individually for all sample plots in the stand.

Present. “Present” as applied to trees or large shrubs requires at least 10 individuals per acre, well scattered through the stand, not restricted to microsites. “Present” as applied to low shrubs and herbaceous plants requires scattered individuals throughout the stand, usually 5 or more individuals or clumps per 1/10th acre, not occurring on microsites.

Quality Assurance. The actions taken by the Government to assess the results to determine that they meet contract requirements. The methods for quality assurance are described in the Section E.3 Acceptance and Re-work.

Quality Control. Those actions taken by the contractor to control the production of outputs to ensure that they conform to the contract requirements. The methods for inspecting for quality are described in the Contractor’s Quality Control Plan (QCP).

Sample Design Form. The Sample Design Form contains information about how the data was collected, which trees, shrubs and cover are measured, and how the measurements shall be converted to per-acre values.

Setting Form. The Setting Form in used to collect data that uniquely identifies each stand.

Stand. A stand is a community, particularly of trees, possessing sufficient uniformity as regards composition, age, spatial arrangement, or condition, to be distinguishable from adjacent communities, so forming a silvicultural or management entity.

Tree Data Form. The tree data form is used to record individual tree data collected on plots.

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C. 3 CONTRACTOR WORK REQUIREMENTS and STANDARDS

C.3.1 General

C.3.1.1 Qualifications

The Contractor and all of the Contractor’s crew leaders performing work on this contract shall have the following minimum qualifications:

· A degree in Forestry or a minimum of 6 months experience collecting stand exam data.

· Be proficient in the interpretation of aerial photography and associated maps.

· Ability to distinguish between stand types both in the field and on aerial photographs.

· Knowledge in the use of hand held compass, pacing, and map measurements.

· Knowledge in the use of global positioning (GPS) units.

· Ability to accurately identify tree species.

· Knowledge of tree damage and defects

· Knowledge of common forest insect pests and diseases.

The Contractor shall designate crew leaders for each crew. A crew can consist of one or more individuals. The crew leader shall be the individual responsible for ensuring plot measurements are taken in accordance with the accuracy standards.

C.3.1.2 RATE OF PROGRESS

The Contractor shall maintain the rate of progress specified in the Contractor’s Plan of Operation.

C.3.1.3 ACCESS

The project area shall be accessed by State, County, or Forest roads. The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining all necessary permission, through privately owned land, to gain access to stand locations.

The Forest Service assumes no obligation to plow snow or do special maintenance to keep roads open. Stands are accessible by some combination of 2 or 4-wheel-drive vehicles and foot travel. All vehicular use in conjunction with contract work is subject to the Ottawa National Forest Off-Road Vehicle Policy.

In cases where stands are behind closed roads, authorization for limited motorized use may be granted. All requests for motorized travel of closed roads must be submitted in writing to the COR for specific roads and specific periods of time.

C.3.2 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED UNIQUE SERVICES, ITEMS, PROPERTY

C.3.21 TASKS AND CRITICAL SUBTASKS

· Contractor shall submit a plan of operation for approval for completing data collection on each project bid item.

· Contractor shall collect data in accordance with the approved work plan.

· Contractor shall adjust stand boundaries as needed.

· Contractor shall record accurate plot locations with a GPS unit.

· Contractor shall collect data in accordance with the contract, CSE User Guide, R9 Appendices, and CSE R9 Field Guide.

· Contractor may collect the plot data with a portable data recorder using ExamsCE software, or may collect the plot data on paper forms and enter the data into a PC using ExamsPC software.

· Contractor shall provide plot data in an electronic format on a read-only CD, with a paper printout of the electronic data.

C.3.3 PLOT LOCATION AND ESTABLISHMENT

C.3.3.1 LOCATING STANDS TO BE EXAMINED

1. The Government will furnish to the contractor a list of stands by compartment and stand number with maps, showing the boundaries of the stands to be examined.

Initial aerial photo interpretation and stand delineation has been completed by the Government prior to contract work. Preliminary stand delineation from the aerial photographs is generally based on ecological land type phase (ELTP), forest types, size/density, roads, streams, trails, previous stand data, and other factors affecting management.

2. During field examination, stand boundaries may need to be refined by the Contractor based on differences in forest type, size, and density of forest vegetation, stand age, and other factors encountered which would affect management decisions

C.3.3.2 PLOT LOCATION AND NUMBER

The acres and the number of plots for each stand will be provided by the Government. The contractor shall locate plots using the Unbiased Systematic Sample grid method (as described in the Common Stand Exam User Guide, Chapter 2). Sample plots shall be distributed evenly throughout the stand. Plot locations must be approved by the COR prior to collecting data.

When additional stands are broken out of the originally delineated stand by the Contractor, the number of plots will be based on the acreage for each stand and the amount of variability in each stand. New forested stands must be at least 10 acres in size. The additional plots will not vary by more than 10% of the original total number of plots in the contract without prior COR approval.

The following general guideline shall be used to determine the number of sample plots in each new stand:

The variability within a stand shall also be considered when determining the number of plots to place in a stand. A more diverse stand would normally require more plots than an equal size homogeneous stand to obtain the same sampling error. For example, a northern hardwood stand would normally require more plots than a red pine plantation of the same acreage.

The Contractor shall establish travel routes and plot locations on an acetate overlay of the photo(s) for each stand examined. The starting point, the azimuth, and the distance in chains between plots will be shown on the acetate overlay(s) for the stand. Plots will be numbered consecutively within stands in the order examined according to the indicated route of travel. The distance between sample locations should not be less than three chains where possible. No plot center shall be located closer than 1 chain from the stand boundary. Plot center locations shall be adjusted if necessary to avoid obvious non-forested inclusions such as roads, log landings, or vernal ponds. If the plot location falls in a non-forested inclusion, the plot should be moved back 1 chain along the current travel route. If the plot would still be within the inclusion, move the plot one chain 90 degrees clockwise from the current travel route.

Stand Travel Route Establishment

1. The Contractor shall establish a travel route prior to entering a stand for sampling.

2. The Unbiased Systematic Sample method (as described in the CSE User Guide, Chapter 2) will be used to establish the travel routes in the stand. The Government will supply the number of plots in each stand. Plot intervals shall be referenced in chains (1chain = 66 feet). Identify plot locations by number. Maintain a record of the travel routes and plot locations on an acetate overlay.

3. Reference Point: Travel routes will be started from a reference point. The reference point (RP) must be easily identified on the photo and on the ground. The RP to the first plot in the stand shall be marked with two lengths of flagging. Write the compartment number and stand number on one of the pieces of flagging using a waterproof marker.

4. Navigation to the plots shall be done using the compass and pace method, or another method approved by the COR. Plots shall be located on the ground according to the aerial photo location. Acceptable error is +/- 10% of the distance between each plot or an azimuth error of +/- 5 degrees between each plot, and the plot is at least 1 chain within the stand boundary.

C.3.3.3 PLOT CENTER ESTABLISHMENT

Sample plot centers will be identified on the ground using a cut shrub, pin flag, or stake set firmly in the ground. The plot center shall be the point where the stake intersects the ground. Materials the Contractor uses to locate and mark plots shall be durable, which will last through all environmental conditions until inspections are completed. Flagging shall be tied on the stake to mark the plot. Tie another 18-24 inch length of flagging to a tree or branch at eye level near the plot center. Write the stand number and plot number on this flagging using a permanent marker. The Contractor shall provide colored flagging that is acceptable to the Government. The color will be determined at the pre-work meeting.

The Contractor shall record the latitude and longitude coordinates at each plot location with a global positioning system (GPS). The Datum shall be NAD 27. The GPS unit should remain stationary for four minutes, or until a minimum of 180 satellite hits (PLGR) have been acquired.

C.3.4 COMMON STAND EXAM

C.3.4.1 The Contractor shall locate, establish, measure and record data using a variable and fixed radius subplot that shall be taken at each designated sample plot. CSE data shall be collected and recorded in accordance with the CSE Users Guide or the CSE Region 9 Field Guide (CSE Field Guide) unless specifically modified by this contract. The Contractor shall collect data necessary to complete the following forms: Sample Design Form, Setting Form, Plot Form, and Tree Data form.

C.3.4.2 The Contractor shall use appropriate codes in accordance with the CSE User Guide.

C.3.4.3 The Contractor shall limit Insect and Disease identification to those agents, pests and diseases listed in Appendix L: Damage Categories, Agents and Severity Ratings found in the CSE User Guide.

C.3.5 Data Collection

The following tables demonstrate the required fields for each form that is to be collected and recorded. All data shall be taken in accordance with the CSE Field Guide. An “X” in the Exam Level column indicates the required fields for this solicitation.

C.3.5.1 SETTING FORM

The Setting Form shall be used to record stand measurements, stand comments, sample plot locations, as well as design parameters and references.

Field Name Exam Level Quick Plot

Data Source

Contractor

District

C.3.5.2 SAMPLE DESIGN

The Sample Design Form shall be used to record design parameters. The following Sample Design shall be used for all stands. The BAF expansion factor may vary for individual projects or stands.

Form Type

Specific project supplemental specifications will list the BAF expansion factors to use to sample all live and dead trees 5.0 inches DBH and greater for each stand. When the expansion factors are not stated, the Contractor shall select the BAF expansion factors to sample the appropriate number of trees in each stand. The same BAF expansion factor must be used for all plots throughout the stand.

When the Contractor determines the BAF expansion factor, a minimum average of 5.0 trees per plot (5.0 inches DBH and greater) must be obtained on the variable plot for the stand. The allowable BAF factors are 10, 15, and 20. If a BAF of 10 is used, the 5.0 trees per plot average will be waived.

The Contractor shall use a 1/300 acre (6.8 feet radius) fixed plot to sample all live trees 0.1 to 4.99 inches DBH. Seedlings shall not be recorded.

C.3.5.3 PLOT DATA FORM

A Plot Data Form is required for each stand. Once a minimum of 180 satellite hits (PLGR) have been acquired, or the GPS unit has been held over the plot for at least four minutes, the Contractor shall enter the latitude and longitude values in fields 2 and 3 on the Plot Data form.

Contractor

C.3.5.4 TREE DATA FORM

The Tree Data Form shall be used to record tree measurement information. The Contractor shall use the following criteria for selecting trees:

· The Contractor shall use a Basal Area Factor (BAF) prism to tally trees all live and dead conifer and deciduous trees ≥ 5.0” DBH for each stand.

· The Contractor shall install a 1/300 acre fixed subplot to tally all live conifer and deciduous trees 0.1” DBH to 4.99" DBH.

· The Contractor shall begin recording standing tree data at azimuth of 360 degrees (Due North), progressing in a clockwise direction around plot center. Trees will be recorded in the following order:

*For dead trees (snags), give an ocular estimate of the tree height.

For Site Trees, height should be measured to the nearest foot.

Tree Status The following tree class codes shall be used.

Site/Growth Trees A minimum of one-site tree shall be recorded per stand. To facilitate inspection, all Site Trees shall be marked with flagging tied to the tree and labeled with the tree number, plot number, and “S” for site tree. A distance and azimuth from the nearest plot center shall be provided for off-plot site trees

Tree Species Tree species shall be limited to the list included in Appendix H of the CSE User Guide.

Tree Count Trees ≤ 4.9” DBH may be grouped by DBH class, species, and damage category. Trees ≥ 5.0” DBH shall be tallied individually.

DBH

The following size classes shall be used.

The DBH accuracy standard is +/- 10 %. For example, if a tree actually measures 8.0 the acceptable range would be from 7.2 to 8.8. In this case, code 8.0 would be the only correct entry. In another example, if a tree measured 7.5 the acceptable range would be from 6.75 to 8.25. In this case, either a 6 code or an 8 code would be counted as a correct entry.

Log/Snag Decay Use the codes in Chapter 4, 4-98 of the CSE User Guide.

User Field Enter Tree Class in this field. Use the codes in Chapter 4, 4-71 of the CSE User Guide. The first two characters of this field shall be “TC” (Tree Class) followed by one of the Tree Class codes. For example, “TCAC” denotes a tree class of acceptable. Tree Class shall be recorded for each count tree on the variable plot. No Tree Class is required for trees <5.0 inches DBH.

C.3.6 WORK PLAN AND SCHEDULE

The Contractor shall prepare a work plan and schedule that demonstrates that work will be completed within the performance period described in individual orders. The Contractor shall provide a general plan with the technical proposal. A supplementary plan and schedules will be provided after issuance of a task order, but before start of work.

The Contractor shall advise the Contracting Officer or COR of any periods that the Contractor will not be working that is not specified in the accepted Work Plan.

The Contractor may update the work plan when work is in progress and the Contracting Officer may accept the updated work plan.

C.4 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

The following describes the major items in this solicitation with the performance requirements for the work described. See also Appendix J for the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan.

Common Stand Exam Data Collection

If any Form Score > 20%, or if Total Score > 10%, inspection block is unacceptable and returned for rework.

Work Plan and Schedule

C.5 PRE-WORK CONFERENCE

A pre-work conference will be scheduled and completed with the contractor after award and prior to the commencement of work.

Section E - Inspection And Acceptance

E.1 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This solicitation, as well as the resultant 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.acquisition.gov/far/

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

E.2 CONTRACTOR QUALITY CONTROL PLAN

E.2.1 Quality Control Plan

The Contractor shall provide a Quality Control Plan (QCP) with the technical proposal. The Contractor shall supplement the QCP within 10 days of contract award based on items awarded to the Contractor and Government comments.

The general Quality Control Plan must demonstrate how the Contractor will assure quality meets the requirements and specifications of the contract. It shall specify how quality will be monitored to assure the performance standards are met; the supervision of crew and work; and the personnel that will be performing the quality control. Quality control includes the monitoring of quality while work is in progress.

E.3 ACCEPTANCE AND REWORK

E.3.1 ACCEPTANCE

E.3.1.2 The Government will randomly inspect a minimum of 5% of the plots in each inspection block. Acceptance will be determined based on compliance with the contract specifications. Noncompliance will result in non-acceptance of the work. If the Contractor’s work is determined to be unacceptable, the Government may initiate any remedies described in FAR 52.246-4 Inspection of Services.

E.3.1.3 When the Contractor’s inspection results fall below the performance standard of < 10 per cent for Total Score; acceptance and payment will not be made until the deficiency has been corrected.

E.3.1.4 Payment will be made only on completed work item unless otherwise agreed upon by the Contracting Officer.

E.3.1.5 The Government shall initiate a pass-fail check of specified standards and procedures for each inspection block. Inspection blocks deficient in the following specifications are unacceptable on a "pass-fail" basis and the entire inspection block shall be returned to the Contractor for rework. The determination of noncompliance with these items may be made during the office edit or during field inspection.

a. All completed forms and electronic data not submitted to the Forest Service in a timely manner.

b. Forms that are illegible or cannot be reproduced.

c. Inspection blocks submitted with discrepancies between paper forms and electronic data.

d. Electronic data that contains errors or electronic data cannot be read by Government computers.

e. Any stand having less than the prescribed number of sample plots examined.

f. Any stand with plots not evenly distributed throughout the stand.

g. Any sample plot center < 1 chain from the stand boundary and/or any sample plot center falling outside the stand boundary.

h. Any sample plot center which cannot be located because of improper labeling, improper reference point labeling or for any other reason attributable to noncompliance with specifications.

i. GPS coordinates for the plot more than 70 feet of the actual location.

j. Compartment stand delineation must be complete and accurate.

E.3.2 Rework

E.3.2.1 Upon notification to the Contractor of a failed Total Score of >10%, the Contractor shall be required to rework all forms on every plot within the inspection block before beginning work on another inspection block. This will be at no cost to the Government.

E.3.2.2 At the Government’s option, during a rework the Contractor may be required to use a different colored ribbon at each plot center. The COR shall specify the color of the ribbon.

E.3.2.3 The Government will assess the Contractor the actual costs of conducting any additional quality assurance assessments. Items that may be included in the actual damages include but is not limited to: wages of the COR and Government inspector(s), costs of vehicles, meals and lodging. Failure to pass 2 quality assurance assessments on a single inspection block may result in contract default.

E.4 SITE VISIT

Potential contractors for specific projects are urged and expected to inspect the site where services are to be performed and to satisfy themselves regarding all general and local conditions that may affect the costs of contract performance, to the extent that the information is reasonably obtainable. In no event shall failure to inspect the site constitute grounds for a claim after contract award.

Section F - Deliveries Or Performance

Clauses Incorporated by Reference

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.acquisition.gov/far/

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

52.242-15 Stop Work Order (AUG 1989) 52.242-16 Government Delay of Work (APR 1984)

452.211-74 Period of Performance (FEB 1988)

The period of performance of this contract is from award acceptance through September 30, 2017.

(End of Clause)

SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCE

Contract Performance Time and Required Rate of Progress

The Contractor shall maintain progress at a rate that will assure completion within the performance period. The minimum acceptable rate of progress shall occur when 10% of work completed falls within 10% of the time used.

(a) Contract time for silvicultural exam work will be finished by 9/30/2017.

Work Completed after the Performance Period

If the Contractor fails to complete work within the contract time, and is allowed to work beyond that period, the Contractor will be assessed actual damages. Items to be included in the actual damage includes but is not limited to: wages of the COR and Government inspector(s) for quality assurance after the performance period, costs of vehicles, meals, and lodging that are incurred while administering the contract after the performance period.

Section G - Contract Administration

452.215-73 Postaward Conference. (NOV 1996) A post award conference with the successful offeror is required. It will be scheduled within 10 days after the date of contract award. The conference will be held at: Location to be determined after award.

(End of Clause)

GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY

G.1 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES

The Government shall provide the Contractor the following listed materials, supplies, property or services, for use in the performance of this contract, hereinafter referred to as Government-Furnished Property. Contractor will sign an Aerial Photo transfer form. This property shall be used and maintained by the Contractor in accordance with the provisions of the “Government Property” FAR clause, (Reference Clause 52.245-4).

1.5 Aerial Photos

1.7 Field Instructions

CSE User Guide CSE Region 9 Appendices Region 9 CSE Field Guide

Field Instructions handbooks for performing Common Stand Exams.

Available from the following website:

http://www.fs.fed.us/nrm/fsveg/index.shtml

1.8 ExamsPC Software and instructions

ExamsCE Software Data entry software.

Handheld Personal Data Recorder software.

This software is downloadable from the following website:

http://www.fs.fed.us/nrm/fsveg/index.shtml#software

All Government-Furnished items shall be returned to the Government upon completion of the contract. Failure to do so may result in charges for damages or replacement.

Services:

(a) At the Contractors request, the Government shall provide one review on the inspection procedures regarding quality assurance. This quality assurance assessment review shall be performed on one plot.

(b) At the Contractors request, the Government shall accompany the Contractor on one plot to review data collection procedures.

(c) At the Contractors request, the Government shall review the ExamsPC data entry software.

G.2 SUBMISSION OF DATA AND INVOICES

G.2.1 The Contractor shall submit completed payment items within seven (7) days after completion of work.

G.2.2 The unit of measure shall be the plot. Each inspection block shall be a compartment. The initial inspection may be done on less than a compartment if requested.

G.2.3 The Contractor shall submit with each inspection block the following deliverables:

· Contractor shall provide an aerial photo acetate which shows accurate plot locations, travel routes, azimuths, distance between plots, and updated stand delineations. The acetate overlay shall be marked with the aerial photo identification and compartment/area identification.

· Contractor shall provide electronic field data on a read-only CD using either ExamsCE software (PDR), or using ExamsPC software (PC).

· Contractor shall provide a paper printout of all electronic data (see Chapter 5 Step 2 of the CSE Users Guide).

· Contractor shall provide all paper forms used to collect plot data.

G. 3 METHOD OF MEASUREMENT

G.3.1 The Government’s quality assurance will not be initiated until the Contractor submits all data and inspection forms for the inspection block. All linear and area measurements under this contract are measured on a horizontal plane within the established boundaries.

G.3.1.2 If during the office inspection, the COR determines a discrepancy trend is occurring, the COR shall notify the Contractor of the finding.

G.3.1.3 If during the field inspection, the COR notices a discrepancy trend developing, the Government may visit plots not selected in the sample, to review the field(s) in question. These plots will be used to determine if a discrepancy trend does exist. The COR shall notify the Contractor of the findings.

G.3.1.4 If any discrepancy trend continues in any quality assurance assessment(s), the inspection block(s) will be returned for rework.

G.3.2 Re-Measurement

If the COR’s original quality assurance assessment results are unacceptable to the Contractor; the Contractor has the option to request, in writing, a re-measurement. Upon the requested re-measurement the Government will conduct a minimum 2% sample. Requests for re-measurement shall be made within five (5) calendar days after receipt of non-compliance and shall contain documentation to support the probability that an error exists. The contractor may accompany the Contracting Officer’s Representative during the re-measurement.

G.3.2.1 If re-measurement supports a variance of < 5%, there will be no adjustment and the Government’s final results will supersede the original assessment and be used for the basis of acceptance. The Contractor shall pay for the actual cost of re-measurement.

G.3.2.2 If re-measurement results supports a variance of > 5%, acceptance shall be based on the re-measurement results and the Government shall pay for the re-measurement.

G. 4 METHOD OF PAYMENT

G.4.1 Calculation of Acceptable Scores A point deduction is given for each deficient entry or procedure within an inspection block. Acceptable tolerance levels for individual measurements are shown on the Inspection Forms. Any item or measurement indicated by inspection to be outside these tolerance levels shall be assigned a point deduction. Point deductions shall be calculated for each form within the inspection block and then averaged for a Total Score. An inspection block may fail based on a Form Score or the Total Score.

G.4.1.1 Scores for each Inspection Form are determined by the following method. The total point value is calculated by multiplying the point value of a field times the number of lines of data in that field. The number of errors, corresponding to each field, found during the inspections of the inspection block is recorded in Column C-Number of Errors. The Deduction is calculated by multiplying Column C-Number of Errors by Column A-Point Value. The Point Deductions are totaled and divided by the total point value to determine the Total Form Score.

Total Form Score = (Deduct Points ÷ Total Points) X 100 = percent error.

G.4.2.2 The Total Score is calculated by averaging all the Form Scores. Errors in any field that have a Point Value of "unacceptable" will fail and the entire inspection block shall be returned to Contractor for rework.

· All Form Scores < 20% and Total Score < 10% = acceptable.

· Any Form Score ≥ 20% = unacceptable, all forms from entire inspection block, shall be returned for rework. No payment.

· Total Score > 10% = unacceptable, all work from entire inspection block shall be returned for rework. No payment.

G.4.2.3 An inspection block is considered complete when all work has been assessed for quality assurance and accepted for payment.

Section H - Special Contract Requirements

H. 1 KEY PERSONNEL

H.1.1 The Contractor shall assign to this contract the key personnel identified in their technical proposal and that list may include the following:

· CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATIVE

· FOREMAN/WOMAN

H.1.2 The Contractor shall make no substitutions of key personnel without notifying the Contracting Officer within a reasonable timeframe and in advance, and shall submit justification (including proposed substitutions) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on the contract. Proposed substitutes should have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced.

H.1.3 The Contractor shall make no diversion of personnel without the written consent of the Contracting Officer.

H.1.4 The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel.

H.2 PREWORK CONFERENCE

Prior to commencement of work, the Contractor shall attend a meeting to discuss the contract terms, work performance requirements, and safety. Also at this meeting such items as work progress schedule, camping/worksite plan and communications shall be finalized in writing.

H.3 SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

Employment of Eligible Workers

1. Labor standards for contracts involving H-2B workers or migrant and seasonal agricultural workers

0. General This contract is subject to the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA), 29 United States Code (U.S.C) 1801-1872, and to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) regulations implementing MSPA 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 500. MSPA eliminates activities detrimental to migrant and seasonal agricultural workers, requires registration of Farm Labor Contractors, and ensures necessary protection for the workers. Information regarding MSPA can be found at http://www.dol.gov/whd/mspa/index.htm.

If workers are hired under the H-2B program, (8 CFR Section 274A provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) for the admission of nonimmigrants to the U.S. to perform temporary labor or services) a Temporary Employment Certification issued by the Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) in the Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration is required. For further information on the requirements of the H-2B program, visit OFLC’s website at http://www.foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov/ or Wage and Hour’s website at http://www.dol.gov/whd/immigration/H2BFinalRule/index.htm.

Compliance with MSPA and the INA is a material condition of this contract. If the contractor employs any unauthorized worker(s) during the performance of this contract that violates section 274A of the INA, the Government may terminate the contract, in addition to other remedies or penalties prescribed by law.

0. Definitions

1. H-2B worker: as used in this part means a nonimmigrant holding a visa authorizing the individual to legally work in the US to perform temporary labor or services. A worker with an H-2B visa (“H-2B worker”) may also be considered a migrant agricultural worker under MSPA depending on the type and nature of work performed.

1. Migrant Agricultural Worker and Seasonal Agricultural Worker: as used in this part means individuals employed for agricultural (including forestry) work on a seasonal or temporary basis.

1. A worker, moving from one seasonal activity to another, is employed on a seasonal basis even though the worker may continue to be employed during a major portion of the year.

1. An overnight absence from the migrant workers permanent place of residence is required.

1. Members of the contractor's immediate family are not considered migrant or seasonal workers. Immediate family includes:

· Spouse

· Children, stepchildren, or foster children

· Parents, stepparents, or foster parents, or

· Brothers and sisters

1. Farm Labor Contractor (FLC). As used in this part means a person including an individual, partnership, association, joint stock company or a corporation, who, for any money or other valuable consideration, paid or promised to be paid, performs any recruiting, soliciting, hiring, employing, furnishing, or transporting of any migrant or seasonal agricultural worker.

0. Registration Requirements

2. Any contractor providing or hiring H-2B nonimmigrants for work under this contract shall provide a copy of their Temporary Employment Certificate. General information about the H-2B program can be found on Fact Sheet # 78 at http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs78.htm. Contractors can apply for the certificate through the US DOL Employment & Training Administration‘s on line iCERT Visa Portal System at https://icert.doleta.gov/ or by paper application.

2. Any contractor who meets the definition in (2.iii.) above providing or hiring migrant or seasonal workers to perform agricultural or manual forestry work shall first obtain a Federal DOL Farm Labor Contractor Certificate of Registration (http://www.dol.gov/whd/forms/fts_wh530.htm). The contractor shall carry the certificate at all times while engaged in contract performance and shall display it upon request. Any of the contractor's employees who perform any one or more of the activities defined as an FLC in paragraph (2.iii.) must have their own FLC Employee Certificate. General information about MSPA can be found on Fact Sheet #49 at DOL Wage and Hour Divisions webpage http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs49.htm.

0. Certifications The Contractor shall provide applicable H-2B Temporary Employment Certificate or Farm Labor Contractor Certificate as part of their representations, certifications, and acknowledgements. Subcontractor(s) meeting the definitions above shall follow the same requirements as the Prime Contractor. It is the Prime Contractor’s responsibility to ensure the Subcontractor’s information is provided to the Contracting Officer.

0. Worker Protections

4. Worker Information Posters

0. A contractor who uses the H-2B program to meet its temporary employment needs must post and maintain the H-2B poster (WH-1505) in a conspicuous location accessible to workers at the job site.

0. The contractor shall display and maintain the MSPA poster (WH-1376) on the job site in a conspicuous location accessible to workers during the contract performance period.

4. Personal protective equipment

1. 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I, OSHA's General Industry personal protective equipment (PPE) standard contains the general requirements for the provision of personal protective equipment and requires employers to perform a hazard assessment to select appropriate PPE for hazards that are present or likely to be present in the workplace. OSHA requires that many categories of personal protective equipment meet or be equivalent to standards developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

1. Before a worker begins operating equipment, the contractor shall train the workers on the safe operation and use of the equipment.

1. The contractor shall provide the appropriate personal protective equipment for the work required to be performed in the contract, wherever necessary by reason of hazards or processes encountered that may cause injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body. Except for foot protection, all PPE must be provided by the employer at no cost to the employee. Includes:

· Head Protection

· Hearing Protection

· Eye/Face Protection

· Leg Protection

· Foot Protection

· Hand Protection

1. PPE must be sanitary and in reliable condition. Do not use defective or damaged PPE. PPE must be inspected prior to use on each work shift to ensure it is in serviceable condition.

1. A checklist of applicable PPE guidelines typical for the work performed under this contract is provided. This does not relieve the contractor of the responsibility of performing a risk assessment or providing the necessary PPE for their operations.

Reference https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/personalprotectiveequipment/index.html or OSHA 3151-12R 2003 Personnel Protective Equipment Booklet.

· MSPA – Forestry Working Conditions Checklist

· Manual Logging activities: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/logging/manual/logger/personal_equip.html

· General Machine and Vehicles Logging activities: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/logging/mechanical/machines.html

4. Field Sanitation. OSHA established minimum standards for field sanitation in covered agricultural settings. Refer to Fact Sheet # 51 Field Sanitation Standards under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

0. Employment Requirements - Fact Sheets with relevant information may be found at http://www.dol.gov/WHD/fact-sheets-index.htm.

5. Contractors employing workers in forestry related work are required to comply with wage and payroll standards and recordkeeping requirements.