AG-8173-S-14-0023_Reforestation_LKSD_RD.pdf

SERVICE RFQ P a g e | 1 SOL NO: AG-8173-S-14-0023

PROJECT NAME: REFORESTATION LAKESIDE RD RODEO-CHEDISKI BURN AREA

APACHE-SITGREAVES NATIONAL FORESTS

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION SOLICITATION – DO NOT RETURN THIS VERSION PAGE OF PAGES

(THIS IS NOT AN ORDER) THIS RFQ IS IS NOT A SMALL BUSINESS SET- ASIDE 1 56

1. REQUEST NO. 2. DATE ISSUED 3. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NO. 4. CERT. FOR NAT.DEF. RATING

AG-8173-S-14-0023 7/11/2014 69329

AND/OR DMS REG. 1

5a. ISSUED BY 6. DELIVER BY (Date)

USDA FOREST SERVICE, APACHE-SITGREAVES NFs, PO BOX 640

30 S. CHIRICAHUA DR, SPRINGERVILLE, AZ 85938-0640

5b. FOR INFORMATION CALL (NO COLLECT CALLS) 7. DELIVERY FOB DESTINATION NAME TELEPHONE NUMBER OTHER (See Schedule)

AREA CODE NUMBER 9. DESTINATION

Apache Sitgreaves National Forest

WARREN ABBOTT 928 333-6344 a. NAME OF CONSIGNEE

8. TO:

a. NAME b. COMPANY b. STREET ADDRESS 30 South Chiricahua Drive

c. STREET ADDRESS c. CITY Springerville

d. CITY e. STATE f. ZIP CODE d. STATE e. ZIP CODE

AZ 85938

10. PLEASE FURNISH QUOTATIONS TO THE ISSUING

OFFICE IN BLOCK 5A ON OR BEFORE CLOSE OF

BUSINESS

IMPORTANT: This is a request for information, and quotations furnished are not offers. If you are unable to quote, please so indicate on this form and return it to the address in BLOCK 5a. This request does not commit the Government to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of the

JULY 28, 2014, 4:00 PM

LOCAL TIME

submission of this quotation or to contract for supplies or services. Supplies are of domestic origin unless otherwise indicated by quoter. Any representations and/or certifications attached to this Request for Quotations must be completed by the quoter.

11. SCHEDULE (Include applicable Federal, State and local taxes)

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f)

SEE ATTACHED SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

a. 10 CALENDAR DAYS (%) b. 20 CALENDAR DAYS (%) c. 30 CALENDAR DAYS (%) d. CALENDAR DAYS

NUMBER PERCENTAGE

NOTE: Additional provisions and representations are are not attached.

13. NAME AND ADDRESS OF QUOTER 14. SIGNATURE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO 15. DATE OF

a. NAME OF QUOTER SIGN QUOTATION QUOTATION

b. STREET ADDRESS 16. SIGNER

a. NAME (Type or print) b. TELEPHONE

c. COUNTY AREA CODE

d. CITY e. STATE f. ZIP CODE c. TITLE (Type or Print) NUMBER

NSN 7540-01-152-8084

Previous edition not usable

18-121 STANDARD FORM 18 (Rev. 6-95) Prescribed by GSA-FAR (48 CFR) 53.215-1(a)

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APACHE-SITGREAVES NATIONAL FORESTS

CHECKLIST OF MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

TO RESPOND TO THIS REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS (RFQ)

_____ Request For Quotations (RFQ) Return Package (Be sure to include Schedule of Items; Past

Performance and Technical Capability as requested)…See Section M.

_____ Provide business email to facilitate communications______________________________

_____ Provide your DUNS number________________________(must match SAM record)

_____ Register or maintain yearly registration in System for Award Management

RFQ may be sent by email: wabbott@fs.fed.us (Submittal requirements remain the same)

NOTE: ALL VENDOR INFORMATION SUBMITTED ON THIS PAGE SHALL REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL AND USED ONLY AS NEEDED BY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER AND OTHER FEDERAL REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE

AWARDED CONTRACT.

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.

mailto:wabbott@fs.fed.us

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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.

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PART I—THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B--SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

Item No.

Description Method of Measure

Estimated Units*

Unit Price Extended Amount

B1.1

ALL costs required for Tree Planting at 16x16 foot Spacing with 20x20 inch Site Preparation (scalping)

Acre

257 $ $

B2.1

ALL costs required for Tree Shelter Placement at 16x16 foot Spacing.

(Easy install type shelters)

257 $ $

* Units are estimated and will be adjusted at time of award, based on best value pricing, to the level of funding available for this project.

NOTES:

PRIOR TO AWARD – NO SITE VISIT HAS BEEN SCHEDULED. Offeror’s may contact Joseph Hamrick at (928) 368-2139, for additional information on the sites selected for planting. LAST Day to contact Joseph Hamrick: July 22, 2014 c.o.b.

All acreages will be measured using a GPS (Geographical Positioning System) and are determined on a horizontal plane within plus or minus five (5) percent.

VENDOR COMPANY NAME:___________________________________________________

AUTHORIZED TO SIGN (NAME):________________________________________________

SIGNATURE:______________________________________ DATE:__________________

NOTE: ALL VENDOR INFORMATION SUBMITTED ON THIS PAGE SHALL REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL AND USED ONLY AS NEEDED BY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER AND OTHER FEDERAL REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE

AWARDED CONTRACT.

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SECTION C--DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

INTRODUCTION

The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests has a requirement for Reforestation (Tree Planting) for the Lakeside Ranger District to restore and reforest lands burned after wildfire or in openings created by timber related activities, or other deforestation events such as wind-throw or pest epidemic. The purpose of this contract is to secure tree planting services in a manner that insures tree survival and growth. Tree survival and growth is dependent on the initial health of the tree seedlings, the manner in which trees are handled and planted, environmental conditions such as soil moisture and weather, and animal damage to the seedlings. The services secured with this contract will focus on the need to provide appropriate tree handling and planting techniques during a period of time when environmental conditions are most favorable to insure tree survival. The Government anticipates award of a contract based on best value. Government reserves the right to make a single award after reviewing responses to this Request for Quotation (RFQ).

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

This contract is determined on a per acre basis for each unit No extra payment or deduction of payment will be made for acreage variation within 5% plus or minus of the measured acres. It is the offeror’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 offeror’s visit the site to determine the amount of work necessary to complete the project as required by the contract specifications.

STATEMENT OF WORK

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

The awarded contractor shall be required to be registered with the Department of Labor under the Migrant and Seasonal Workers Protection Act.

There may be project areas located within boundaries of a recent wildfire. There may be snags and burned trees present in the planting units that create a potential for blow down trees or falling woody debris that increases during windy conditions.

This contract is a Performance Based Service Contract for which the statement of work consists of completing the tasks/subtasks in section C7 Performance Requirements Summary (PRS).

LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

The Apache Sitgreaves National Forests (ASNF) is located in east-central Arizona approximately 220 miles northeast of Phoenix, Arizona. The survey project area is located within the Lakeside Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. The boundaries for treated areas may be marked with paint, flagging, roads, or available on a GPS unit checked out to the Contractor. All treated areas will be designated on project area maps. Some units may be identified using a GPS unit which would be checked out to the Contractor for small blocks difficult to identify on the ground. Specific treatment requirements and restrictions will be listed in Project/Unit Information for this contract.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

DETAILED UNIT INFORMATION

This contract contains detailed unit information. Topography ranges from flat to approximately 25 percent slope. Elevation ranges from 6,500 feet to 7,000 feet.

Contractor and contractor employees shall use proper safety precautions regarding safety hazards attributed to dead standing trees and other site hazards throughout the planting area.

Type of tree seedlings to be planted are containerized ponderosa pine (roots are approximately eight inches long with a root area of approximately 20 cubic inches). The seedlings will be provided in metal baskets with approximately 11 envelopes (4 trees per envelope). The typical basket of seedlings will have approximately 44containerized seedlings per basket. All empty baskets and envelopes must be returned to the Forest Service at location(s) to be determined or a cost of $ 8.00 per basket of empty envelopes will be assessed and charged to the contractor.

The soil composition is primarily sandstone. Rock cobble is present in widely varying amounts throughout the project area.

In many locations, clay is present in varying amounts. In certain locations, the presence of large amounts of rock cobble may significantly affect the ability to plant. Other locations will have varying amounts of plantability depending on the amount of rock cobble or small bedrock outcrops, competing vegetation, or other factors present.

The initial planned planting period will late summer or fall of 2014.

Unit Description Table

Item Spacing Desired

Trees per

*Task Remarks

B1.1 16x16 170 Scalp ground to 20x20 inches Plant tree seedlings as specified

B2.1 16X16 NA Place tree shelters on planted trees only if required in the task order

(Approximately 90-160 shelters per/acre)

See Section J, Exhibit 8 for types of Tree Shelters that may be used and their installation.

ACCESSIBILITY

The project area is within the Forest and District boundaries as described above. Roads and accessibility will be described and shown on maps provided with this contract. The Contractor may clear any subsequent fallen trees that block roads needed to access units.

TREE TRANSPORT WITHIN UNIT

The contractor may use system roads, terminal roads, and logging roads that run through the project area for access.

However, many interior logging roads have been closed i.e., heavily water barred, washed out, or covered with down wood debris and dead trees. Any damage to the water bars and other material moved in the closure resulting from contractor’s use will be repaired to original condition by the contractor.

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 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.

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s) i.e. 3-wheelers and 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. Air operations are not allowed under this contract.

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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 contactor representative or alternate(s) shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. All communications between the Government and the Contractor shall be in the English language which shall include writing and reading in English.

DEFINITIONS

Standard Definitions

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

2. 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.

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

4. 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.

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

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

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

8. 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).

9. 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.

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

11. 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.

12. 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.

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

14. Period of Performance (also Performance Period or Contract Time) - The number of calendar days allowed in the contract for completion of the contract work.

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

16. 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.

17. 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).

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

19. Standard - An acknowledged measure of comparison.

TECHNICAL DEFINITIONS

1. Acceptable established tree - An existing conifer of seedling size that is of good form, color, free of damage, has 50% or greater crown ratio, and is the species and size specified in the Contract.

2. Access point - The point identified for access to planting areas.

3. Animal Damage Control (ADC) - Methods for protecting the seedlings from animal damage, particularly big game, which may include vexar tubing or flexible netting.

4. Bole - The trunk or stem of a tree.

5. Tree Shelter - Materials not found on the planting site used to shelter the tree.

6. Clean Water and Buckets - Water and buckets used for tree dipping that are free of contaminants that could injure the trees. Water is initially suitable for human consumption.

7. Clearing - The removal of surface debris around the planting hole to avoid debris from falling into the hole.

Debris includes duff, litter, rotten or charred wood, moss, loose rock, ashes, snow, and surface frost.

8. Container plug - Seedling grown in a receptacle containing soil and nutrients. When the container seedlings are extracted from the receptacle, the soil stays intact around the roots. The soil and roots together are referred to as the container plug; the soil is the container media.

9. Controlled Area - Areas delineated by flagging for the purpose of protecting sensitive plants, animals, or heritage resources. The areas will be marked on the ground, however, they are not located on the project map, other than the unit they occur in.

10. 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 on more than ¼ of the circumference of the tree.

11. Dead and Down Trees - (Dead and/or down) Dead standing (or leaning) trees and/or dead trees that have fallen or been chained to the ground.

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12. Dead Trees - Trees with no live needles or limbs.

13. Delivery Point - The district cooler at Pinedale will be the point for delivery of trees and other supplies. If there are multiple points for delivery of various items, it will be noted.

14. Drip line - The line extending vertically from the exterior edge of a tree’s live crown to the ground.

15. Elevation - The elevation recorded in feet above sea level for the majority of the site.

16. Ephemeral drainage - A drainage which forms the lowest spot of the surrounding ground. It forms obvious channel continuity along its length and joins with more obvious channels downstream. It shows evidence of having run water on previous occasions, i.e., litter and vegetation has moved, or there is a lack of litter in the channel.

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

18. Foreign Material (in planting hole) - Large rocks, sticks, litter or similar material not part of the surrounding soil substrate that is in the planting hole after the tree is planted.

19. Ground Line of Tree before Planting - The original ground line of the tree before planting is the soil surface level in the nursery beds or in the container receptacle. It is between the cotyledon scar and the root collar.

20. Inbox Temperature - The temperature near the center of the box of trees measured with a probe thermometer or similar instrument. This is the temperature of the seedlings while in the shipping boxes.

21. Lateral Roots - The horizontal roots extending from the main vertical (tap) root.

22. Microsite - A plantable spot favorable to seedling survival and growth. Examples of favorable microsites are stumps, down logs, large slash, snags, and standing cull trees that provide protection from sun, wind, animals, and other damaging agents.

23. Moist Soil (in the planting hole) - The soil in the planting hole is considered “moist” if it is similar in moisture to the undisturbed soil next to the planting hole at similar depth.

24. Plantable Spot - An area where a tree can be planted in accordance with all specifications in the contract. In the R-3 Planting Inspection method, a plantable spot is also any area where the Contractor has planted a tree.

25. R-3 Planting Inspection - The standard planting inspection procedure as described in Forest Service Handbook.

Includes the description of planting violations that result in unsatisfactorily planted trees, plot sizes, calculations for determining planting quality based on trees planted, and similar information. Refer to Section J, Exhibit 007 for copy of inspection form and reference tables.

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

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

28. Residual Tree - Live trees remaining in the unit after the harvest or fire activity.

29. Root Length - The root length measured from the original ground line to the end of the main vertical or tap root.

30. Satisfactorily Planted Tree - A tree that is planted in accordance with FSH 2409.17, 2.64 and 2.67. Refer to Section J, Exhibit 4 for diagrams of satisfactorily planted trees. A satisfactorily planted tree is considered an acceptable tree.

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31. Scalping - The removal of live vegetation including roots to reduce competition from existing vegetation and to expose mineral soil. The diameter of the scalp and the minimum depth of the scalp is specified section C5.3.2.

32. Shade and Protection - Natural and artificial materials that protect the tree from the sun’s heat and wind, and act as an obstacle protecting the tree from animals. Artificial materials or tree shelters as shown in Section J, Exhibit 8 may be required under some task orders. The type of shade and/or protection material and effort required by the planter to shade or protect the tree varies depending on the site conditions of each unit. The contract incorporates these methods, which are specified in the Task Order.

Stationary material only. A tree planted next to stationary material when it is available. When stationary material is not available, the tree is not planted.

Stationary material first, then plant in open. A tree planted next to stationary material when it is available. When stationary material is not available, a tree may be planted in the open.

Stationary material first, then transportable shade. A tree planted next to stationary material when it is available. When stationary material does not exist in the spacing allowance, shade is transported to the seedlings. Suitable transportable shade meets the definition for Transportable Shade. When neither stationary nor transportable material exists, the tree is not planted.

Stationary material first, transportable shade second, plant in open last. A tree planted next to stationary material when it is available. If stationary material does not exist in the spacing allowance, shade is transported to the tree. Suitable transportable shade meets the definition for transportable shade. When neither stationary nor transportable material exists, the tree may be planted in the open.

Stationary material or transportable shade (planter discretion). A tree is planted next to either stationary material or transportable shade at the planter’s discretion. Suitable transportable shade meets the definition for Transportable Shade. When neither stationary nor transportable material is available, the tree is not planted.

Stationary material or transportable shade (planter discretion), then plant in the open. A tree planted next to either stationary material or transportable shade at the planter’s discretion. Suitable transportable shade meets the definition for transportable shade. When neither stationary nor transportable material is available, the tree may be planted in the open.

No shade. A tree that is planted based on spacing and there is no requirement to select the planting spot based on shade or protection.

33. Stationary Material - Natural material used to shade or protect the tree that is not moveable by the planter. This includes items such as stumps, logs, dead brush, rocks, or terrain features used to provide the required protection for a tree. Stationary material generally offers the most protection for seedlings from sun and animal trampling.

34. Snag - Any standing or leaning dead tree taller than 6 feet.

35. Stream Course - The area along a stream with riparian vegetation and other riparian characteristics.

36. Top Height - The length from the original ground line to the top of the terminal leader; does not include needles extending above the leader.

37. Transportable Shade - Natural material such as wood debris that can be moved to the planting spot to shade the tree from the sun.

38. Trees in Possession of the Contractor - The time after trees have been issued to the Contractor. During this time, the Contractor is responsible for all aspects of tree care and accountable for tree quantities.

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39. Unit Information - A document included in the Contract and shown on the project map that describes the treatment and activities that will occur in the unit.

40. Unplantable Spot - An area where a tree cannot be planted satisfactorily and no tree has been planted. An allowance is given in the standard R-3 Planting Inspection for unplantable spots within the plot.

41. Unsatisfactory Planted Tree - A planted tree which fails to meet one or more of the specifications of a satisfactorily planted tree. Refer to definitions for planting violations described by R-3 Planting Inspection.

Refer to Section J, Exhibit 4 for examples of unsatisfactory planted trees.

42. Wasted Material - Material provided to the Contractor to conduct a task such as installing tree shelters that are lost, dropped, or damaged by the Contractor, or which are installed on trees not in accordance with the requirements of the contract.

43. Wasted Tree - A tree which is lost, damaged, destroyed or handled contrary to the standards for care of trees.

Planted trees that exceed the maximum number of trees in the R-3 Planting Inspection plot procedure are also considered wasted trees.

CONTRACTOR WORK REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS

Road Access and Landings.

The Contractor may use system roads and service roads that run through the project areas for access with motorized vehicles such as cars, trucks, or other mechanized equipment to perform work during normal operating seasons. However, some of the interior roads have been closed, i.e., heavily water barred, ripped or brush placed on roadway. The Contractor will restore pre-existing water bars and road closure efforts resulting from Contractor’s use.

All cultural and historic sites will be protected. Most sites will be protected by complete avoidance by mechanized equipment. No tree planting (auger hole drilling) will occur within protected sites. Designated site boundaries will be identified and flagged by the Forest Service prior to operations.

Equipment operations for tree planting, is subject to “dry or frozen conditions” (See section J, Exhibit 006, Apache- Sitgreaves Rutting Guidelines).

The Contracting Officer will approve the use, and conditions of use, of any road not shown on the project or unit map. Any new temporary road is required to be approved by the Contracting Officer prior to construction.

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

Tree Orders - The Contractor shall order trees at least 24 hours in advance of desired delivery. This time period is necessary to allow the Government time to prepare trees for planting and for acclimatization if needed.

Planting Time - The Contractor shall plant all trees ordered and delivered to the planting unit by close of business on the day of delivery, unless otherwise approved by the COR. Trees shall not be returned to the Government for cooler storage unless approved by the COR. When the COR determines that conditions are unsuitable for planting, the Contractor shall return all unplanted trees to the delivery point with no penalty for delay in planting the delivered trees.

Return Government Equipment - The Contractor shall return unused Government supplies, unplanted trees, all packaging materials, and wrapping materials to the delivery point at the end of each planting day.

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TREE HANDLING AND CARE

1. The Contractor shall be responsible for the care of trees from the delivery point and throughout the time that the trees are in possession of the Contractor to assure they are not damaged or exposed to damaging conditions consistent with FSH 2409.17, 2.53 parts 4 through 7. Trees not properly cared for may be considered wasted trees.

2. Contractor shall not alter the trees (includes no root or top pruning).

3. Contractor shall take precautions to keep roots moist and undamaged during the planting operation.

4. The Contractor shall be aware of environmental hazards which affect tree survival; he/she shall alter crew work schedules and tree handling practices to allow planting whenever possible. Environmental Hazards are described in FSH 2409.17, 2.53, part 8 and 2.82 part 1c. (2).

TREE PLANTING

1. Satisfactorily Planted Tree - Trees shall be planted satisfactorily both above and below ground as defined in FSH 2409.17, 2.64 and 2.67. Trees shall be planted in moist soil, free of foreign debris, and in a hole deep enough to accommodate the fully extended tree roots and shall meet all requirements of the contract. The planting hole shall be consistent with the description in FSH 2409.17, 2.63.

2. Clearing and Scalping - Each planting spot shall be free of surface debris and competing vegetation consistent with FSH 2409.17, 2.62 parts 1 and 2. The minimum clearing distance is 20 inches (diameter) and depth is 3 inches.

3. Shade - Trees shall be planted in the best microsite available to mitigate problems associated with hot dry aspects, consistent with FSH 2409.17, 2.61. Each tree shall be as close to the shade material as possible.

4. Spacing - Trees shall be planted in the average spacing specified in this contract. For individual trees, the spacing may be varied as much as 25 percent in any direction to attain the best plantable spot. The number of trees planted shall not be materially changed by the method of selecting planting spots.

5. Acceptable Established Trees and Other Planted Trees - A tree shall not be planted in a manner that directly competes with an acceptable established tree (see definition in C.2) or another planted tree. Do not plant a tree closer than half the specified average spacing distance to an acceptable established tree or other planted tree.

6. Residual Trees - Trees shall not be planted within the immediate influence of established larger trees in the unit.

No trees shall be planted closer than twenty feet from the dripline of healthy live ponderosa pine trees (30% live full crown or greater and less than 14 inches DBH).

7. No trees shall be planted within previously designated aspen regeneration patches.

8. Trees not Meeting Specifications - The Contractor is not obligated to plant trees that do not meet the specifications in C.3.5 and they shall be returned to the Government. Except as noted below, if trees not meeting specifications are planted, they shall be planted satisfactorily.

9. Shelter Installation /or Removal – as required by this Contract

10. Shelters shall be installed concurrent with planting to protect trees from the afternoon sun and wind.

Installation shall be consistent with the directions in Section J, Exhibit 008.

11. Shelters shall be installed so as not to damage the tree including skinning the bark, breaking the leader, damaging the roots, or excessive bud stripping.

12. The Contractor shall install shelters by the end of each day of planting.

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SUBMITTALS

1. Quality Control Plan - The Contractor shall maintain a Quality Control Plan as described in Section E. The Contractor shall inspect the work in accordance with the accepted Quality Control Plan.

2. Progress Schedule - The Contracting Officer may request progress schedule showing the order in which the contractor will perform the work and the dates on which the contractor contemplates starting and completing each task.

3. Safety Plan - The Contractor shall consider and address crew safety and provide a Safety Plan consistent with FAR

52.236.13 Accident Prevention Alt. I, recognizing that work items may be in areas of snags and fire burned trees.

4. Immigration and Naturalization Service Form I-9 and Payrolls - A copy of Immigration and Naturalization Service Form I-9 and payrolls for all employees will be required before any payments for work done on the contract will be made. Fourteen days will be allowed for the I-9 Forms and payrolls will be required weekly or biweekly. The payrolls will contain the elements required by the Migrant and Seasonal Workers Protection Act. All employees of the contractor may be asked to present identification to a Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer at various times during the course of the contract. Failure to provide the above mentioned documents will result in delay of payment and/or suspension of the work of the contract.

GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS/INDUSTRY STANDARDS/STATE STANDARDS/GOVERNMENT STANADARDS/TECHNICAL

EXHIBITS

Mandatory Standard. The following sections from the Forest Service Handbook, R3-Supplement 2409.17-2002-1 (effective 4/29/2002), Chapter 2 – Reforestation, are mandatory for execution of this contract.

Sections: 2.53, 2.61, 2.62 parts 1 and 2, 2.63, 2.66, 2.67, and 2.82 parts 1.c (2) and 2.

The handbook is available at: http://www.fs.fed.us/im/directives/field/r3/fsh/2409.17/

Non-Mandatory Standard. The following references do not supersede direction given in C.5.1 or requirements set forth in this contract, but provide background and supporting information that may be useful to a prospective offeror.

The Forest Service Handbook, R3-Supplement 2409.17-2002-1 (effective 4/29/2002), Chapter 2 – Reforestation exclusive of the sections listed in C.6.1. The handbook is available at the website specified in C.6.1.

Tree handling and planting procedures that are acceptable are like those generally accepted for planting seedlings in forested conditions. There are a number of references describing the care and planting procedures. One reference is Reforestation Practices in Southwestern Oregon and Northern California (eds. Stephen D. Hobbs, Steven D. Tesch, Peyton W. Owston, Ronald E. Steward, John C. Tappeiner II, Gail E. Wells), Oregon State University Corvallis, Oregon. Specifically refer to Chapter 14, Seedling Handling and Planting by Robin Rose, pp. 330, 334-343.

http://www.fs.fed.us/im/directives/field/r3/fsh/2409.17/

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PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY (PRS)

TASK / SUBTASK PERFORMANCE STANDARD ACCEPTABLE

QUALITY LEVEL

MONITORING

METHOD

DISINCENTIVE FOR NOT MEETING

STANDARDS

Orders and Delivery

Tree Orders

Planting Time

Return Government Equipment

-Contractor shall order trees at least 24 hours in advance of desired delivery.

-Contractor shall plant all trees ordered and delivered to planting unit by close of business on the day of delivery unless approved by COR

-Trees shall not be returned to the Government for storage unless approved by COR

-Contractor shall return unused Government supplies, unplanted trees if approved, all packaging materials, and wrapping materials to the delivery point at the end of each planting day

90 % level of acceptable performance must be maintained for all performance standards.

Review contractor’s records of inspection system & sampling results, and perform periodic onsite inspections. (Refer to Section E.

Must pass Government inspection of tree planting with 90% or greater.

Failure to meet tree planting specifications within five days may result in termination of right to proceed.

Tree Planting must pass performance standards based on QASP standards.

Non-attainment may result in with holding of payment.

Rework at contractor’s expense.

Poor performance rating. Refer to Section M.1 for explanation.

Tree Handling and Care

-Contractor shall be responsible for the care of trees from the delivery point and throughout the time that trees are in the Contractor’s possession to assure they are not damaged or exposed to damaging conditions consistent with FSH 2409.17, 2.54 parts 4 through 7.

Trees not properly cared for may be considered wasted trees.

-Contractor shall not alter the tree seedlings (includes no root or top pruning.

-Contractor shall take precautions to keep roots moist during the planting operation

-Contractor shall be aware of environmental hazards which affect tree survivalContractor shall alter crew work schedules and tree handling practices to allow planting whenever possible.

90 % level of acceptable performance must be maintained for all performance standards.

COR and inspector will monitor operations and conduct random samples.

Must pass Government inspection of tree handling and care with 90% or greater.

Non-attainment may result in withholding of payment.

Poor performance rating. Refer to Section M.1 for explanation.

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MONITORING

METHOD

DISINCENTIVE FOR NOT MEETING

Tree Planting

Satisfactorily Planted Tree

Clearing and Scalping

Shade

Spacing

Acceptable Established Trees and Other Planted Trees

Residual Trees

-Trees shall be planted satisfactorily both above and below ground as defined in FSH 2409.17, 2.66 and 2.67.

Trees shall be planted in moist soil, free of foreign debris, a drilled hole deep enough to accommodate the fully extended tree roots and shall meet all requirements of the contract. The planting hole shall be consistent with the description in FSH 2409.17, 2.63.

-Each planting spot shall be free of surface debris and competing vegetation consistent with FSH 2409.17,

2.62 parts 1 and 2.Minimum clearing distance is 20 inches (diameter) and depth is 3 inches.

-Trees shall be planted in the best microsite available to mitigate problems associated with hot, dry aspects, consistent with FSH 2409.17, 2.61. Each tree shall be as close to the shade material as possible

-Trees shall be planted in the average spacing specified in this contract. For individual trees, the spacing may be varied as much as 25 percent in any direction to attain the best planting spot. The number of trees planted shall not be materially changed by the method of selecting planting spots.

-A tree shall not be planted in a manner that directly competes with an acceptable established tree (See Technical Deifinition (1)) or another planted tree.

Do not plant a tree closer than half the specified average spacing distance to an acceptable established tree or other planted tree.

- Trees shall not be planted within the immediate influence of established larger trees in the unit. No trees shall be planted closer than twenty feet from the dripline of healthy live ponderosa pine trees (30% live full crown or greater and less than 14 inches DBH).

90 % level of acceptable performance must be maintained for all performance standards.

COR or inspector will conduct periodic inspections consisting of plots consistent with R-3 Planting Inspection

(FSH 2409.17, 2.82,

part 2).

Must pass government inspection of tree planting with 90% or greater for full payment.

If Contractor does not meet 90% planting quality or greater, reduced payment shall be made in accordance with Section G.

Contractor’s planting quality will be reflected in the performance evaluation as either a positive or negative incentive.

Refer to Section M.1 for explanation.

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MONITORING

METHOD

DISINCENTIVE FOR NOT MEETING

Trees not Meeting Specifications

-No trees shall be planted within previously designated aspen regeneration patches.

-The Contractor is not obligated to plant trees that do not meet the specifications in Section C and they shall be returned to the Government.

-If trees not meeting specifications are planted, they shall be planted satisfactorily.

Submittals

Quality Control Plan

(QCP)

Work Plan

Progress Schedule

-All submittals are received within 10 days after contract award.

-The Contractor shall prepare a Quality Control Plan as described in Section E. The Contractor shall inspect the work in accordance with the accepted Quality Control Plan

-Contractor shall prepare a work plan and schedule that demonstrates that work will be completed within the performance period described in Section F. The Contractor shall provide a general plan with the technical proposal. A supplementary plan shall be provided after contract award, but not less than 72 hours before start work.

-Contractor shall update the workplan as work is in progressto account for changes and the updated work plan may be accepted by the Contracting Officer

-Contractor shall prepare a practical schedule showing the order in which the contractor will perform the work and the dates on which the contractor contemplates starting and completing each task.

-Contractor shall consider and address crew safety and

100% compliance Submittal review Will not issue Notice to Proceed until acceptable submittals are received.

Payment deduction of 5% if quality control inspections are not performed in accordance with QCP.

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MONITORING

METHOD

DISINCENTIVE FOR NOT MEETING

Safety Plan

Communications

Immigration and Naturalization Service Form I-9 and Payrolls provide a Safety Plan consistent with FAR 52.236.13 Accident Prevention, Alt I recognizing that work items are in areas of snags and fire burned trees.

-The Contractor shall keep the Contracting Officer advised as to where the Contractor can be reached prior to start of Contract Time. Further the Contractor shall maintain contact with the Contracting Officer during periods of work suspension to reduce any delay in resuming planting and to determine the best suitable time and conditions to resume planting.

- A copy of Immigration and Naturalization Service Form I-9 and payrolls for all employees will be required before any payments for work done on the contract will be made. Fourteen days will be allowed for the I-9 Forms and payrolls will be required weekly or biweekly.

The payrolls will contain the elements required by the Migrant and Seasonal Workers Protection Act. All employees of the contractor may be asked to present identification to a Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer at various times during the course of the contract. Failure to provide the above mentioned documents will result in delay of payment and/or suspension of the work of the contract.

C6 Standards

C6.1 Mandatory Standard

C6.2 Non-mandatory Standard

Forest Service Handbook, R3- Supplement 2409.17- 2002-1(effective 4/29/02), Chapter 2 – Reforestation http://www.fs.fed.us/im/directives/field/r3/fsh/2409.17 section 2.01 to 2.5 and www.fs.fed.us/im/directives/field/r3/fsh/2409.17 section 2.6 to 2.9 http://www.fs.fed.us/im/directives/field/r3/fsh/2409.17 http://www.fs.fed.us/im/directives/field/r3/fsh/2409.17

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SECTION D--PACKAGING AND MARKING

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

SECTION E--INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

FAR 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

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

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

FAR 52.246-1 CONTRACTOR INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS (APR 1984)

FAR 52.246-4 INSPECTION OF SERVICES--FIXED-PRICE (AUG 1996)

CONTRACTOR QUALITY CONTROL PLAN

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 and an unbiased sample of thinning and other work to determine actual quality percentage.

GOVERNMENT INSPECTION / QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN

The objective of this plan is to provide a quality surveillance plan for tree planting performed on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. This plan provides a basis for the Contracting Officers Representative to evaluate the quality of the Contractor’s performance. The oversight provided for in the contract and in this plan will help ensure that quality levels reach the required levels of performance.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

1. Quality Level: By monitoring the Contractor, the COR will determine whether the performance levels set forth in the contract have been attained. Quality standards for all tasks are specified in the PWS in Section C7.

2. On-Site Inspections: The COR will evaluate the current levels of performance, according to the standards set…