AG-8173-S-13-0013_Tree_Stand_Exam_IDIQ.pdf

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD 1.THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED ORDER RATING PAGE OF

UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700) 1 51 PAGES

2. CONTRACT NUMBER 3. SOLICITATION NUMBER 4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION 5. DATE ISSUED 6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE

AG-8173-S-13-0013

SEALED BID (IFB)

4/03/2013

NUMBER

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

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

USDA FOREST SERVICE - APACHE-SITGREAVES NF 30 S. CHIRICAHUA DR, SPRINGERVILLE, AZ 85938 (PO Box 640)

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

SOLICITATION

9. Sealed offers in original and 1 copies for furnishing the supplies or services in the Schedule will be received at the place specified in Item 8, or if handcarried, in the depository located in Same as box 7 until 1600 local time MAY 14, 2013

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

10. FOR INFORMATION

CALL:

A. NAME

B. TELEPHONE NO. (NO COLLECT CALLS)Area Code/Number/Extension

C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

CONTRACTING OFFICER WARREN ABBOTT 928-333-6344 wabbott@fs.fed.us

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

(X) SEC. DESCRIPTION PAGE(S) (X) SEC. DESCRIPTION PAGE(S)

PART I - THE SCHEDULE PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

X A SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM X I CONTRACT CLAUSES

X B SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACH.

X C DESCRIPTION/SPECS./WORK STATEMENT X J LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

X D PACKAGING AND MARKING PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

X E

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

X

K REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND

X F DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

X G CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA X L INSTRS., CONDS., AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

X SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS X M EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

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

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

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT 10 CALENDAR DAYS 20 CALENDAR DAYS 30 CALENDAR DAYS CALENDAR DAYS (See Section I, Clause No. 52-232-8) % % % %

14. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS AMENDMENT NO. DATE AMENDMENT NO. DATE

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

15A.

NAME AND

ADDRESS

OF OFFEROR

CODE FACILITY 16. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN

OFFER (Type or Print)

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

15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS

17. SIGNATURE

18. OFFER DATE

IS DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE - ENTER

SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

AWARD (To be completed by Government)

19. ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS NUMBERED 20. AMOUNT 21. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN

ITEM

10 U.S.C. 2304 (c) ( ) 41 U.S.C. 253(c) ( ) (4 copies unless otherwise specified)

24. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 7) CODE 25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print) 27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 28. AWARD DATE

(Signature of Contracting Officer) IMPORTANT - Award will be made on this Form, or on Standard Form 26, or by other authorized official written notice.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION STANDARD FORM 33 (REV.9-97)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.214(c)

SERVICE RFP AG-8173-S-13-0013

2013 IDIQ TREE STAND EXAM SERVICES

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CHECKLIST OF MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

TO RESPOND TO THIS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

_____Request For Proposals (RFP) Return Package (Be sure to include Business Proposal (Prices) separate from

Technical Proposal (Past Performance and Technical Capability) in the same package submitted as an offer to this RFP.

_____Register or maintain yearly registration in System for Award Management (SAM) www.sam.gov

_____Provide your DUNS number____________________

_____MSWPA Number ________________ (Migrant Seasonal Worker Protection Act Number, if applicable to work being performed)

_____RFP Return Package should be mailed at least 5 (five) full business days before the Closing Deadline (Note:

Couriers and USPS do not consider the area for the mail to address as an overnight destination, it usually takes two or three days to receive any package sent by Overnight Courier or USPS).

MANDATORY CERTIFICATION:

AGAR 452.209 – 70 Representation by Corporations Regarding an Unpaid Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction, Alternate 1 (Feb 2012)

(a.) Awards made under this solicitation are subject to the provisions contained in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 (P.L. No. 112-74), Division E, Sections 433 and 434 regarding corporate felony convictions and corporate federal tax delinquencies. To comply with these provisions, all offerors must complete paragraph (1) of this representation, and all corporate offerors also must complete paragraphs (2) and (3) of this representation.

(b) The Offeror represents that –

(1) The Offeror is [ ], is not [ ] (check one) an entity that has filed articles of incorporation in one of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, or the various territories of the United States including American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Midway Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands. (Note that this includes both for-profit and non-profit organizations.)

If the Offeror checked “is” above, the Offeror must complete paragraphs (2) and (3) of the representation. If Offeror checked “is not” above, Offeror may leave the remainder of the representation blank.

(2) (i) The Offeror has [ ], has not [ ] (check one) been convicted of a felony criminal violation under Federal or State law in the 24 months preceding the date of offer.

(ii) Offeror has [ ], has not [ ] (check one) had any officer or agent of Offeror convicted of a felony criminal violation for actions taken on behalf of Offeror under Federal law in the 24 months preceding the date of offer.

(3) The Offeror does [ ], does not [ ] (check one) have any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability.

http://www.sam.gov/

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AGAR 452.209-71ASSURANCE REGARDING FELONY CONVICTION OR TAX DELINQUENT STATUS FOR CORPORATE APPLICANTS Alternate 1 (Feb 2012)

(a) This award is subject to the provisions contained in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 (P.L. No. 112-74), Division E, Sections 433 and 434 regarding corporate felony convictions and corporate federal tax delinquencies. Accordingly, by accepting this award the contractor acknowledges that it –

(1) does not have a tax delinquency, meaning that it is not subject to any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability, and

(2) has not been convicted (or had an officer or agent acting on its behalf convicted) of a felony criminal violation under any Federal law within 24 months preceding the award, unless a suspending and debarring official of the United States Department of Agriculture has considered suspension or debarment of the awardee, or such officer or agent, based on these convictions and/or tax delinquencies and determined that suspension or debarment is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government.

(b) If the awardee fails to comply with these provisions, the Forest Service may terminate this contract for default and may recover any funds the awardee has received in violation of sections 433 or 434.

VENDOR COMPANY NAME:___________________________________________________

AUTHORIZED TO SIGN (NAME):________________________________________________

SIGNATURE:______________________________________ DATE:__________________

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PART I—THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B--SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

Item No.

Item/Description Unit

Quantity

Unit Price

B.1.1

Silvicultural Stand Exam Data Collection Services – Intensive and Extensive, Contractor-determined plot size

Plot Each $ ________

B.1.2

Silvicultural Stand Exam Data Collection Services – Intensive and Extensive, Government-determined plot size

Plot Each $ ________

B.1.3 Silvicultural Stand Exam Data Collection Services – Quick Plot

Plot Each $ ________

B.1.4

Brown’s Transect Data Collection Services - To be collected and submitted as separate file from tree exam file

Plot Each $ ________

Item No.

Added Difficulty Description

Unit

Est Qty

Price Adjustment

B.2.1

Work performed on slopes in excess of 45%.

Per plot on Task Order Stand List

IDIQ

Extra %

B.2.2

Work which requires walking a distance of over 2.0 miles to reach the stand (Wilderness, Primitive Area, Roadless Area, other).

Per plot on Task Order Stand List

IDIQ

Extra %

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SECTION C--DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

SECTION C1 - GENERAL

Introduction

The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests has a requirement to collect stand examination data for the Alpine, Black Mesa, Clifton, Lakeside, and Springerville Ranger Districts. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, transportation, supervision, supplies (except those designated as Government-furnished), incidentals, and perform all work necessary to conduct stand examinations in compliance with terms, specifications, conditions, and provisions of this solicitation. The purpose of this contract is to secure stand examine data collection services for the Government in a manner outlined in Chapter 4 of the Common Stand Exam User Guide and Region specific Appendices www.fs.fed.us/emc/nris/products/fsveg/index.shtml unless specifically modified by the contents of this contract.

The Government anticipates award of an Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Firm Fixed-Price multiple-award contract based on best value. Government reserves the right to make a single award after reviewing responses to this Request For Proposals. Delivery Task Orders will be awarded against the master IDIQ to obligate funding. Each Task Order objectives will have work locations by district and any other related specifications or needs.

The contractor shall, considering given resource objectives for the Task Orders, develop a plan of operation and organize and direct all of the equipment and personnel needed to fully accomplish the work.

This contract is determined on a per plot basis. Bids shall be determined on a per plot basis for each Task Order. It is the prospective bidder’s responsibility to determine the amount of work necessary to meet objectives within the contract time specified in accordance with the contract specifications, within the boundaries of the project area. It is highly recommended that prospective offerors visit the site to determine the amount of work necessary to complete the project as required by the contract specifications. The anticipated 2013 Task Orders are estimated at approximately 5,000 to 10,000 plots total on the Black Mesa, Lakeside, Springerville, Alpine, and Clifton Ranger Districts, in any combination of these locations.

C1.1 Scope of Work

The Contractor shall furnish all supervision, expertise, labor, equipment, transportation, supplies (except those designated as Government furnished), quality control, and incidentals to perform all work necessary for successful data collection. All aspects of the work of the contract shall be performed in an organized, professional, and systematic manner to assure services shall be performed over the entire unit.

The Contractor and all Contractor’s personnel are required to be proficient with understanding and implementing the current USFS Common Stand Exam (CSE) data collection design, codes, recording methods, and software, as documented at the website:

www.fs.fed.us/emc/nris/products/fsveg/index.shtml .

C.1.2. Location and Description. Plot locations will be identified through specific Task Orders and are within the Alpine, Black Mesa, Clifton, Lakeside, and Springerville Ranger Districts of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Lands.

C.1.3.1 Detailed Unit Information. Task Orders will contain detailed unit information. Topography generally ranges from flat to approximately 45 percent slope, with a portion greater than 45 percent.

Elevation ranges from 5,000 feet to 10,500 feet. Contractor and workers shall use proper safety precautions regarding safety hazards attributed to dead standing trees and other site hazards throughout the data collection areas.

http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/nris/products/fsveg/index.shtml%20%20%20unless%20specifically%20modified%20by%20the%20contents%20of%20this%20contract.

http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/nris/products/fsveg/index.shtml%20%20%20unless%20specifically%20modified%20by%20the%20contents%20of%20this%20contract.

http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/nris/products/fsveg/index.shtml%20.

http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/nris/products/fsveg/index.shtml%20.

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Unit Description Table

Item

Description

Unit of Measure

*Task

Remarks

B.1.1 Intensive or Extensive

Survey Plot CSE Data Collection

Live, dead and down data collection for all plots, size determined by the Contractor

B.1.2 Intensive or Extensive

Survey Plot CSE Data Collection

Live, dead and down data collection for all plots, size determined by the Government

B.1.3 Quick Survey Plot CSE Data Collection

Live, dead and down data collection for all plots

B.1.4 Brown’s Transect Data

Collection Plot CSE Data Collection

Dead Down - Brown’s

Protocol

C.1.3.2 Accessibility

The project area is within the Forest and District boundaries as described above, and shown in Exhibits 7 and 8. Roads and accessibility will be described in each Task Order and shown on task order maps. The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining all necessary permission to gain access to sample locations. If the Contractor cannot obtain permission to access a sample location, the Contractor must notify the Government in writing.

Accessibility may be determined from maps, which will be furnished by the Forest Service. Contractor shall be responsible for adhering to the USDA Forest Service travel management plan, including yearlong or seasonal closures to motor vehicles, unless authorization is obtained. Maps and digital orthoquads may indicate that a road goes to the stand; however, vehicle access may be difficult or restricted. Stand locations may necessitate that Contractor walk to the stand or acquire some other means of travel.

The Contracting Officer (CO) or Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) may restrict use of any road when such use of the road will damage resources.

C.1.3.2.2. Transport within unit. General project areas may be reached by using Forest roads, State and County roads as shown on vicinity and projects maps. Most roads are accessible between the months of April through October, though four-wheel drive, high clearance vehicles may be necessary on some roads. The Government assumes no responsibility to maintain roads in passable condition. Many interior logging roads have been closed i.e., heavily water barred, washed out, or covered with down wood debris and dead trees. Some roads may be closed with posted closure signs, and others closed with locked gates, for which ranger district free-access permits and keys are available as government-furnished property, as needed.

The Contractor may transport crews and equipment from the access point or portions of the project area at the Contractor’s discretion consistent with any restrictions on motorized or other vehicle type specified with COR approval. Some plots may be located within designated wilderness, primitive or inventoried roadless areas where motorized or mechanized transport is prohibited. These plots will be identified in the task order.

In cases where exam areas are behind locked gates, the Contractor shall close and lock gates after entering or exiting each gate and will be subject to all other restrictions of administrative use. The Contractor is permitted to drive from the locked gate to the unit access point with only the minimum number of vehicles necessary for efficient transport of the crew.

Example: If the contractor uses and/or opens a closed road, the contractor shall be required to repair water bars and reseed vegetation (grass and forbs) to original condition. If re-vegetation becomes necessary, the seed mix shall be

P a g e | 7 determined by the Forest Service, but seed shall be provided by the contractor. Reseeding shall be to Forest Service Standards. If down woody debris is moved, it will be replaced to original condition.

ATV’s i.e.: 3-wheelers or 4-wheelers may be used off Forest System (primarily numbered roads) roads to deliver gas or oil, etc. During contract performance the Contracting Officer (CO) may exclude certain areas from ATV travel. The CO may restrict use of any road when such use of road will damage resources. A travel access permit may be required to use closed roads or to travel cross country using ATV’s.

C.1.3.2.3. Air Transport Air Operations are not allowed under this contract.

C1.4. Contractor Representative

The contractor shall provide a contract representative who is readily available to the project area for the performance of work. The name of this person and an alternate(s) who shall act for the contractor when the contractor is absent shall be designated in writing to the contracting officer. The contractor representative or alternate shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. All communications from the contractor’s representative and alternates(s) for this contract shall be in the English language.

SECTION C2 – DEFINITIONS

C2.1 Standard Definitions

C2.1.2 Acceptable Service. A job performed to the standard and within the acceptable quality level. The Contractor must do the specific job, and meet the standard, and meet the acceptable quality level before one can say that performance is acceptable for payment.

C2.1.3 Acceptable Quality Level (AQL). The maximum allowable deviation from perfect performance that may occur before the Government will invoke payment deduction. An AQL does not allow a contractor knowingly to offer defective service, but limits reduced payment to circumstances in which defective performance results in a measurable reduction in the value of services rendered.

C2.1.4 Best Value. Government method used to evaluate offers submitted in response to solicitation. See Section M for definition of best value for this solicitation.

C2.1.5 Contracting Officer (CO). A Government employee with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings. The term includes certain authorized representatives of the Contracting Officer acting within the limits of their authority as delegated by the Contracting Officer.

C2.1.6 Calendar Days. Every day shown on the calendar, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays included.

C2.1.7 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The Contracting Officer will delegate the administration of the on the ground work to qualified government employee. The duties and responsibilities of a COR are defined in the letter of designation by the CO.

C2.1.8 Defective Service. A unit of service that contains one or more defects, or nonconformance with specified requirements.

C2.1.9 Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR). The Federal Regulations that govern Forest Service acquisitions of property and services, also supplemented by the FSAR (Forest Service Acquisition Regulations).

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C2.1.10 Government. Title used to represent the United States Federal Government and its designated employees acting within their delegated contract authority. Throughout this contract the titles United States, USDA- Forest Service, Forest Service, and USFS may be used interchangeably as synonymous with Government.

C2.1.11 Government Inspector. The COR may designate in writing a government employee to assist with surveillance and minor administrative duties of the contract.

C2.1.12 Performance Based Service Contract (PBSC). A service contract that (1) Describes requirements in terms of results required rather than the methods of performance of the work; (2) Use measurable performance standards (i.e., terms of quality, timeliness, quantity, etc.) and quality assurance surveillance plans; (3) Specifies procedures for reductions of fee or for reductions to the price of a fixed-price contract when services are not performed or do not meet contract requirements; (4) May include performance incentives where appropriate.

C2.1.13 Performance Requirements Summary (PRS). Identifies the key service outputs of the contract that will be evaluated by the Government to assure contract performance standards are met by the contractor.

C2.1.14 Performance Work Statement (PWS). A statement of work to be performed which identifies the specific work to be performed.

C2.1.15 Period of Performance (also Performance Period or Contract Time).

The number of calendar days allowed in the contract for completion of the contract work.

C2.1.16 Quality Assurance. Those actions taken by the Government to assure services meet the requirements of the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

C2.1.17 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). An organized written document used for quality assurance surveillance. The document contains specific methods the Government will use to perform surveillance of the contractor.

C2.1.18 Quality Control. Those actions taken by a contractor to control the performance of services so that they meet the requirements of the PWS. The methods for inspecting for quality control are described in the Contractor’s Quality Control Plan (QCP).

C2.1.19 Random Sampling. A sampling method in which each service output in a unit has an equal chance of being selected.

C2.1.20 Standard. An acknowledged measure of comparison.

C2.2 Technical Definitions Specific to This Contract

C2.2.1 Access point. The point identified for access to the project area.

C2.2.2 Basal Area Factor (BAF). Sampling factor used in the Variable Radius plot method to determine plot size and number of trees sampled. Measured from plot center with some sort of angle-gauge measuring device, like a wedge-glass prism or Relaskop. A smaller BAF will sample large-diameter trees farther from the plot center than a greater BAF will.

C2.2.3 Common Stand Exam (CSE). Silviculture and fuels inventory program used by the USFS for sampling and recording live, dead, and down trees and woody material. This program is directly tied to the Field Sampled Vegetation (FSVEg) database which stores the data collected with CSE.

C2.2.4 Damage. Defect or deformity of a tree resulting from agents such as wind, snow, animals, insects, or equipment, and evidenced by dead or broken tops or trunks, crooks, deep scars or damage to the bark.

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C2.2.5 Dead Tree (Snag). Any tree of any species which is completely dead, and is at least 12 inches DBH/DRC, and at least 8 feet tall. Dead trees not touching the ground except at the base (ie. wedged in other trees or leaning within 75 degrees from vertical) will be recorded as dead trees (snags)

C2.2.6 Down Log. Any tree of any species which is dead, and is at least 12 inches diameter at mid-point length, and at least 8 feet long. A recently wind-thrown tree may still have green or faded-green needles, but shall be recorded as a down log. Dead trees touching the ground at more than the base will be recorded as down logs or log portions. Dead trees not touching the ground except at the base (ie. wedged in other trees or leaning within 75 degrees from vertical) will be recorded as snags.

C.2.2.7 Fixed Radius Plot. Sampling method in which a circular plot size is set using a pre-determined radius length that correlates to some portion of an acre. Example: A 1/20-acre plot is measured within a 26.3 foot radius. This method enables direct calculation of trees per acre as a stocking level measure, which is then converted by CSE to basal area stocking measure.

C2.2.8 Flagging Color Designations. The colors of flagging to be used by the Forest Service and the Contractor will be determined prior to operations.

C2.2.9 Global Positioning System (GPS). Electronic navigation and mapping technology that uses multiple-satellite location information sent to a portable ground receiver unit. GPS is the standard abbreviation used throughout this contract.

C2.2.10 Project Area. A number of geographically grouped units within the analysis area to form a single Task Order.

C2.2.11 Project Information. A document included with the task order with specific information about the project area, including treatment acres and road use limitations.

C2.2.12 Stump. The only remains of a tree still visible in the ground, with no obvious log on-site to match it. The missing tree could have been removed from the site either by cutting, logging, or by fire. If a log or log portion is still on-site appearing to belong to the stump within a tree plot, then the log is recorded and the stump shall be ignored to avoid double-counting. To be recorded as samples on a tree plot, all stumps must be a minimum 12.0 inches diameter and less than 8 feet tall. Any base of a tree over 12 inches diameter and still standing at least 8 feet tall shall be recorded as a snag (dead tree).

C2.2.13 Unit Information. A document included in the Task Order and shown on the project map that describes the treatment and activities that will occur in the unit.

C.2.2.14 Variable Radius Plot. Sampling method in which trees are determined for sampling using a BAF angle gage device as a factor of their relative diameters in proximity to the plot center. This method permits direct calculation of the basal area tree stocking level at the plot.

Refer to Common Stand Exam User’s Guide, Appendix M - Glossary for other definitions found at www.fs.fed.us/emc/nris/products/fsveg/index.shtml

SECTION C3 – GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, MATERIALS, SERVICES

Government-furnished property shall be receipted for by the contractor when delivered on Form AD-107. The property and services that will be provided by the Government are as follows:

http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/nris/products/fsveg/index.shtml

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Use of Premises permits may be required for contractor’s camp if it exceeds local occupation time limit. All maps, keys, and other unused Government-furnished items shall be returned to the Government upon completion of the job or upon request of the Contracting Officer. Government-furnished property shall be receipted for by the contractor when delivered on form AD-107.

Replacement cost for any lost, damaged, or unused Government property that is not returned, shall be deducted from the Contractor’s final payment.

Item # Item Description Where, When, How

3.1 General Vicinity Map Project Location Map identified. Provided in Task Orders

3.2 Compartment and Access

Map.

Compartment Map-Access map with road locations.

Provided at post award conference

3.3 Region 3 Common Stand

Exam Field Guide & appendices (Not a substitute for the CSE User Guide & Appendices)

Two copies of the USDA Forest Service’s Common Stand Exam Field Guide and appendices. These contain Regional and Forest-specific codes.

Provided post award conference and Available from the internet website www.fs.fed.us/emc/nris/products/fsveg/in dex.shtml

3.4 Topographic maps. One set of topographic maps covering the areas to be sampled with compartment numbers, stand numbers, and sample plot numbers.

Provided at post award conference.

3.5 Habitat Type Book

for identifying Potential Vegetation types

Two copies of the publication Provided at post award conference.

3.6 Photo Series Quantifying

Forest Residues in the Southwestern Region

Two copies of the publication Provided at post award conference.

3.7 Forest Visitor’s Map or

transportation map

Two copies of Visitor’s map.

Provided at post award conference.

3.8 Use of Premises permit Permit to occupy the national forest in excess of time limits imposed in standard orders.

Provided when needed.

Section H

3.9 Common Stand Exam

Inspection Forms

Section J

3.10 Wage Determination Sheet Section J

3.11 Portable Data Recorder

Software for CSE

Downloadable software

Available from the internet website www.fs.fed.us/emc/nris/products/fsveg/in dex.shtml

3.12 PC-based data entry

software (MS Windows 2000 or XP operating system required.)

Downloadable software

Available from the internet website www.fs.fed.us/emc/nris/products/fsveg/in dex.shtml

3.13 Task Order specific file

names

USFS electronic file naming conventions to be used

Provided at post award conference

3.14 GPS technical

specifications.

GPS datum and waypoints to locate plot centers.

Topographic Map with datum and way points to locate plot centers. Provided at post award conference.

3.15 Access to closed forest

roads, if needed

Key to USFS gates, and/or temporary free-use access permits issued by the Ranger District

Provided by COR at post award conference, or issued as needed during performance period.

http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/nris/products/fsveg/index.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/nris/products/fsveg/index.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/nris/products/fsveg/index.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/nris/products/fsveg/index.shtml

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SECTION C4 – CONTRACTOR WORK REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS

The contractor shall furnish everything required to perform this PWS.

Common Stand Exam User’s Guide and Appendices found at the following website www.fs.fed.us/emc/nris/products/fsveg/index.shtml. Task Orders may revise the version as the documentation requirements or software updates occur.

C.4.1. Boundaries. Boundaries for the individual compartments and stands are not flagged or marked on the ground, unless otherwise designated in the Task Order.

C.4.2. Fire Tool box. The contractor shall provide a fire toolbox as described in Section H if required. This is dependent upon timing of data collection.

C.4.3. Resource Protection. The Contractor shall exercise extreme care to prevent damage to existing facilities, developments and resources in all aspects of the contract work.

C.4.4. ADDITIONAL FIRE PRECAUTIONS AND CONTROL - Fire Plan Requirements. See Section H.

C.4.5. Camping – See also Section H.

C.4.5.1 The Contractor shall be aware of and abide by the rules of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests applicable to forest visitors.

C.4.5.2 If the Contractor elects to camp, a signed permit from the District Ranger shall be obtained by the Contractor prior to occupation of an area. Site location will be discussed at post award meeting. The following guidelines will be followed while camping. Final payment shall be withheld until the authorized camping area has been cleaned up to the requirements of the Camping Permit.

If the Contractor does not obtain a camping permit but requires his/her employees to obtain the camping permit, the Contractor remains responsible for campsite clean up and his/her employees conduct while camping on National Forest land.

C.4.5.3. Contractor Information: The Contractor shall abide by the OSHA’s Field Sanitation Standard Fact Sheet No.

OSHA 92-25, which applies to agricultural establishments hiring 11 or more workers for hand labor.

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=FACT_SHEETS&p_id=137

SECTION C5.0—PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT TASKS AND CRITICAL SUBTASKS

The following tasks are to be performed to the quality performance requirements shown on the Performance Requirements Summary table in Section C7.

C.5.1. Plot Location

C.5.1.1 Plot Location Determination. The Contractor shall use a geographic position system (GPS) to locate the plots on the ground with datum and waypoint information provided by the government.

C.5.1.2.Sample plots. Sample plot locations with sample plot numbers to be measured within each stand have been predetermined on topographical maps and are listed in the Survey Stand list (Section J) with Compartment, Stand and number of plots for each stand. The Sample Plots with Sample Plot Numbers have been pre-assigned for each plot in each stand.

C.5.1.3. Locating Plot Center. The Contractor shall locate the sample plot on the ground. Sample plots shall be located using waypoint navigation with a GPS unit. Plots shall be located on the ground according to the sample plot numbers predetermined on a topographic map. Acceptable error is +/- 30 feet of the true plot location. Recurring http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=FACT_SHEETS&p_id=137

P a g e | 12 errors in location of sample plots greater than the acceptable error shall make the stand survey unsatisfactory and relocation of sample plots and re-measurement shall be required. Upon arrival at the specified sample plot location, the Contractor shall check the topographic map to see if he is at the correct sample plot location and adjust as necessary. Installing plots in the wrong stand shall result in rejection of data. Installing plot centers in obviously biased locations that result in plots not representative of the surrounding stand conditions will either be rejected, or a different plot sampling size will be required across the stand to capture stand-representative data.

C.5.1.4. Non-functioning GPS. If on a particular day the GPS is unable to acquire satellites to execute the traverse from waypoint data or the GPS is unusable for any other reason the contractor may elect to use traditional methods (hand compass and pacing) of plot location. Hand compass adjusted to a magnetic declination as agreed with the Government for each year. In any event the contractor will travel to the sample plot locations to be measured within each stand that have been predetermined on topographical maps. Traverse to plot center shall be marked on trees with flagging visible from flagging to flagging. Plot locations are located on a systematic grid pre-determined by the Government and are located at an azimuth of 360, 270, 180 and 90 degrees.

C.5.1.5. Plot Center Identification/Flagging. The Contractor shall identify sample plot centers with a marker that can be a wire flag, wooden stake, native material, nail, or other marker as agreed upon at the pre-work conference. Upon inspection, the center point of the marker where it intersects the ground shall be used as plot center. Sample plot center markers shall be firmly driven into the ground.

If the marker is not a wire flag, flagging ribbon shall be tied to the marker, so that it is visible above the plot center.

The location, stand, and plot number, shall be written legibly on the flagging or wire flag using a waterproof marker.

For example: "005001-0014”. Plot pins and markers may be provided to the contractor for certain data collection points for relocation purposes.

C.5.2. Survey Technique Sample plots shall be located using waypoint navigation with a GPS unit. Plots shall be located on the ground according to the sample plot numbers predetermined on a topographic map. Acceptable error is +/- 30 feet of the true plot location. Recurring errors in location of sample plots greater than the acceptable error shall make the stand survey unsatisfactory and relocation of sample plots and re-measurement shall be required..

C.5.3. Recording Requirements The data fields to be collected and recorded are enumerated in Data Collection Requirements below.

Data shall be recorded electronically using one or more of the following:

Government provided Exams PDR program. System requirements, installation, and operation can be found at http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/nris/products/fsveg/

Government provided ExamsPC program. The ExamsPC data entry program runs on computers with the Windows 2000 or XP operating systems. This may require data to be recorded on paper forms in the field and then entered into the ExamsPC program at a later time. System requirements, installation, and operation can be found at http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/nris/products/fsveg/

The contractor is responsible for providing the computer hardware necessary for running the software programs (see Government Furnished Property).

C.5.4. Qualifications The success of this field inventory is dependent primarily on the Contractor's professionalism and expertise. It is necessary that the Contractor's staff meet certain standards. A crew can consist of one or more individuals.

Minimum technical qualifications are specifically defined as follows:

Each crew must have a crew leader with undergraduate courses in forest mensuration, tree identification, plant identification, silviculture, and ecology and three months prior experience collecting data for Forest inventory or vegetation classification.

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Each crew leader must also have the additional following minimum qualifications:

a. Proficient in the interpretation of topographic maps.

b. Ability to distinguish between stand types, both in the field and on topographic maps.

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

d. Knowledge of rating tree defects and parasitic plants.

e. Knowledge of common forest insect pests and diseases.

f. Proficient in the use of forest measurement equipment.

g. Ability to identify all tree species (both live and dead) encountered on plots.

h. Familiarity with using dichotomous keys and Region 3 key plant species for Potential Vegetation classification.

Specific technical experience may be substituted for a given educational requirement.

The Contractor shall designate crew leaders for each crew. The crew leader shall be the individual responsible for ensuring plot measurements are taken in accordance with the accuracy standards.

The Contractor, by signing an offer, agrees to use only personnel meeting these qualifications for performance of the work specified herein. The Government reserves the right to make determinations of employees' qualifications and any employee who does not meet the above described qualifications may be requested to leave the worksite with the contractor responsible for the re-collection and resubmitting any data supplied by that employee.

C.5.5. Data Collection Requirements

This section describes the data collection forms and the fields on each form to be completed.

Detailed information and lists of valid codes for each of the following data forms are found in the Common Stand Exam (CSE) User Guide and Appendices (see Government Furnished Property). If the following contract specifications differ from the provided Common Stand Exam User Guide and Appendices listed below, the following contract specifications shall have precedent.

All data provided by the government or contractor shall be entered electronically by the contractor.

C.5.5.1. Setting Form (CSE)

Setting (Stand) Data. A setting is the stand in which the exam is being done. The following data must be collected for each setting. Detailed information and lists of valid codes are found in the Common Stand Exam User’s Guide and appendices found at http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/nris/products/fsveg/. The Stand Sketch Maps and Traverse Notes will be used to record reference point description, traverse information and a general stand sketch if GPS is unavailable and a compass is used.

The contractor shall be responsible for collecting and filling out the Setting Form for all data items (Section J) that are set to “YES” in the Required column below:

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CSE Setting Form Contract Requirements

Field Description

Required

Data Source

Comments

Project Name YES Site List See example in Section J – Survey Site List.

Region YES Site List See example in Section J – Survey Site List.

Proclaimed Forest YES Site List See example in Section J – Survey Site List.

District YES Site List See example in Section J – Survey Site List.

Location/Watershed Alias YES Site List See example in Section J – Survey Site List.

Stand YES Site List See example in Section J – Survey Site List.

Owner YES Government See Section J – Sample Forms

State YES Government See Section J – Sample Forms

County YES Government See Section J – Survey Site List

Admin Forest YES Government See Section J – Sample Forms

Admin Region YES Government See Section J – Sample Forms

Date YES Contractor

Photo ID NO Not Collected

Exam Level YES Government See Section J – Survey Stand List

Exam Purpose YES Government See Section J – Survey Stand List

Stratum NO Not collected

Existing Veg Ref YES Government See Section J – Sample Forms

Existing Vegetation YES Government or Contractor

See Section J – Sample Forms

Potential Veg Ref YES Government See Section J – Sample Forms

Potential Vegetation YES Contractor

Structure YES Contractor

Capable Grow Area YES Contractor

Fuel Model YES Contractor

Elevation YES Contractor

Aspect YES Contractor

Slope YES Contractor

Slope Position YES Contractor

Acres YES Site List See Section J – Survey Stand List

Radial Growth Interval YES Government Interval of 10 years will be used

Radial Growth Interval 2 NO Not collected

Height Growth Interval YES Government Interval of 5 feet will be used

Fuel Photo Reference* YES Contractor Fuel photo book = *CSE Code 12, provided by Government

Precision Protocol YES Government

Examiner YES Contractor

Remarks N/A Contractor Optional

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Damage Category YES Contractor

Damage Agent YES Contractor

Damage Severity YES Contractor

Species of Management Interest NO

User Code N/A Not collected

Sketch Map YES Contractor If GPS is not available and a compass is used

Traverse Notes YES Contractor If GPS is not available and a compass is used

*Only Fuels Photo Reference Code 12 will be used, as Government-provided equipment:

Photo Series for Quantifying Forest Residues in the Southwestern Region.

USDA Forest Service Southwest Region. Albuquerque, NM. Author & Date Unknown. 227 p.

All Setting Form fields, whether required by this contract or not, are included on the setting form provided in the Section J. Fields not specifically required by this contract are to be skipped on the form.

C.5.5.2. Sample Design Form (CSE)

The contractor shall be responsible for collecting and filling out the Sample Design Form for all data items that are set to “YES” in the Required table column below. The contractor shall use the Sample Design form in Section J as the template for all plots.

A.) Live Trees 5.0 Inches DBH/DRC and Larger (Large tree plot) In ALL task orders the Government will specify the sampling method to be used for live trees 5.0 inches DBH/DRC and greater (ie. either Variable Radius plot or Fixed Radius plot). SOME task orders may also provide on the sample design form the Government-determined plot size, or sampling factor, to be used in each stand.

If the task order requires Contractor-determined plot size, then then the Contractor must select the plot size radius or BAF sampling factor that will consistently produce an average minimum of 8 live sample trees 5.0 inches and larger per plot. The same plot size or sampling factor must be used consistently at every plot throughout the stand, which may require stand reconnaissance to determine required plot size or BAF before completing the first plot.

1.) Variable Radius Plots (large tree) When the Variable Radius plot method is specified, with Contractor-determined plot size, the Contractor shall determine which basal area sampling factor (BAF) to use for live trees 5.0 inches DBH/DRC or greater. BAF shall be chosen to sample an average minimum of 8 large live trees per plot. To determine correct sampling factor, an average minimum of 8 trees per plot must be obtained in the stand. Stands having less than the average minimum are not acceptable and must be re-sampled with a different BAF to meet the average minimum.

Variable radius plot size allowable factors are: 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 BAF. If a BAF of 5 is used, the plot average will be waived. The same BAF must be used consistently at all plots throughout the stand.

2.) Fixed Radius Plots (large tree) When the Fixed Radius plot method is specified, with Contractor-determined plot size, the Contractor shall determine which Fixed Plot size to use for live trees 5.0 inches DBH/DRC or greater. Plots shall be designed to sample an average minimum of 8 large live trees per plot. To determine the plot size, an average minimum of 8 trees per plot must be obtained in the stand. Stands having less than the average minimum are not acceptable and must be re-sampled with a larger radius to meet the average minimum.

Fixed plot size allowable factors are 1/5, 1/10, 1/20, and 1/30 acre plots. If a fixed plot size of 1/5 acre is used, the plot average will be waived. The same fixed plot size must be used consistently throughout the stand.

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B.) Live Trees 4.9 Inches DBH/DRC and Smaller (Small tree plot) In ALL task orders, the Fixed Radius plot method will always be used to sample live trees less than 5.0 inches

DBH/DRC.

The Contractor shall determine which Fixed Plot size to use for live trees less than 5.0 inches DBH/DRC. To determine the fixed plot size to use, an average minimum of 8 trees per plot must be obtained consistently in the stand. The same fixed plot sizes must be used throughout the stand. Fixed plot size allowable factors are 1/20, 1/50 and 1/100 acre plots. If a fixed plot size of 1/20 acre is used, the plot average will be waived. The same fixed plot sizes must be used consistently at all plots throughout the stand.

C.) Standing Dead Trees (Snag plot) In ALL task orders a one acre fixed plot size shall be used to record standing dead trees > 12 inches DBH and 15 feet in height for DBH species, and > 10 inches DRC and 12 feet in height for DRC species. Where a 1 acre plot size results in a minimum average greater than 6 samples per plot, it will be permissible to reduce the plot size to one-half (1/2) acre.

The same fixed plot sizes must be used consistently at all plots throughout the stand. The fixed plot radius may differ from ½ acre or 1acre in recently or severely burned stands to collect 6 minimum samples per plot, upon COR written prior-approval.

D.) Logs or Sections of Logs (Log Plot) In all task orders, a one (1) acre fixed plot size shall be used to record down woody material (logs or sections of logs) meeting or exceeding the minimum dimensions of 12.0 inches diameter and 8 feet in length. If a portion of a log meets these minimum dimensions, it will be recorded as a log. If a log appears to have met these dimensions prior to decay, record the log. Diameter for the pieces will be measured at the mid-point of log length. Where a 1 acre plot size results in a minimum average greater than 6 samples per plot, it will be permissible to reduce the plot size to one-half (1/2) acre. The same fixed plot sizes must be used consistently at all plots throughout the stand. The fixed plot radius may differ from ½ acre or 1acre in recently or severely burned stands to collect 6 minimum samples per plot, upon COR written prior-approval.

E.) Tree Stumps (Stump plot) In all task orders, a 1/5 acre fixed plot will be used to record stumps > 12.0 inches diameter and larger. Smaller stumps will not be recorded. Also see Technical Definitions section C2.2.

Plots for items A, B, and C, above shall all be sampled using the same plot center. If items D and/or E are also specified in a task order, they too shall be sampled using the same plot center as that used for items A, B, and C at each plot location. If a Brown’s Transect for collecting downed woody material data is also specified, it shall originate from the same plot center as used for all the above. However, the Brown’s Transect data MUST be recorded and submitted as a totally separate CSE file from the CSE Tree file.

Fixed Plot Sizes and Radii *:

Fixed Plot Size Fixed Plot Radius in Feet

1/100 acre 11.8

1/50 acre 16.7

1/30 acre 21.5

1/20 acre 26.3

1/10 acre 37.2

1/5 acre 52.7

1/2 acre 83.3

1 acre 117.8

*Source: CSE User Guide Appendix I : Fixed Radius Plot

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CSE Sample Design Form Contract Requirements

All sample design fields, whether required by this contract or not, are included on the design form provided in the

C.5.5.3. Plot Form (CSE)

The following items are required to be recorded at each plot on the Plot form. Detailed information and lists of valid codes for each data item are found in the Common Stand Exam Users Guide and Appendices (see Government Furnished Property). The contractor shall be responsible for collecting and filling out the Plot Data Form for all data items that are set to “YES” in the Required column below.

Amend Common Stand Exam User Guide, Chapter 4, Plot Data with the following:

CSE Plot Form Contract Requirements

Region YES Government

Proclaimed Forest YES Site List See Section J – Survey Stand List

District YES Site List See Section J – Survey Stand List

Location YES Site List See Section J – Survey Stand List

Stand Number YES Site List See Section J – Survey Stand List

Plot Number YES Contractor

Latitude YES Government

Longitude YES Government

Capable Grow Area YES Contractor

Aspect NO Not collected

Slope NO Not collected

Slope Position NO Not collected

Slope Horz Shape NO Not collected

Slope Vert Shape NO Not collected

Elevation NO Not collected

Existing Vegetation NO Not collected

Proclaimed Forest YES Site List See Section J – Survey Stand List

District YES Site List See Section J – Survey Stand List

Location YES Site List See Section J – Survey Stand List

Stand Num YES Site List See Section J – Survey Stand List

Sample Selection Method YES Government See Section J – Survey Stand List

Sample Expansion Factor (BAF or fixed plot acreage to be used)

YES Contractor or Government

See Section J –…